Aspirational Achiever Gifts

"So I'm quietly minding my own business and suddenly my parents barge in and thrust greatness upon me!"

"Where would you see yourself in five years' time?"

"I have a recurring nightmare that I've taken a test, and the professor won't give me an 'A'."

What else is there to wish for?

'I can't believe I didn't get that promotion. So many people have passed me by I feel like a road sign on the highway to success.'

"Today we are going to find out if you can that leap."

Caged Businessman

"One day, I'll be the first woman!"

"You know, there's a corporate elevator."

"I really love school. There's only one problem. I think not having a college degree is holding me back."

"Listen here pup, it's time you realized it's a "dog eat dog" world."

Learn to play the violin in one weekend - 'This isn't working! It's Saturday evening already and I've only got as far as holding it properly...'

'I was speeding right along toward my goal of moving up from middle management, when a cost-cutting measure overtook me!'

A push in the right direction: 50c.

Do you mind if my mother joins our little business dinner ? You know what it's like, I don't want people from the office to think I'm sleeping my way to the top.

'Oh no...I'm living the dream.'

"Trying to get new business is killing me..."

'We can't find a pond small enough where you'd be a big fish.'

One day, he hoped to hit the big time.

"I know by outward standard I'm successful, but a voice inside my head keeps saying, 'Where's your private plane?"

"You can achieve anything if you put you mind to it."

'But Marvin, you can't be a college graduate for a living!'

"Sorry, but if we hire someone like you, you'll quit in six months and start a rival company!"

"And, of course, if I were to get the job and start feeling comfortable here I'd no longer need the security blanket."

'Your performance review is next Tuesday. You're allowed to bring a guitar and up to three backup singers.'

"Oh no, I never replied to Theresa's email! And tomorrow I must call Steve.... What does Yara think of me?"

'Please give me the strength to ask for a raise without my voice breaking into an annoying falsetto and my brow all sweaty.'

"...and would you like to enroll her in pre-pre-pre-med or pre-pre-law?"

"She's always been a quick learner."

'It's true that a college degree might render you overqualified for your present position, but it's a chance I'd take.'

'Do I have to spell it out for you?'

"You can make your life any way you want it. Don't let your thoughts limit your future. It is possible to achieve your dreams!"

How to get ahead and how to get further ahead.