Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why we think Sting is a Type 3
Work ethic in pursuit of success. Sting has spoken about his obsession with becoming famous and his intense work ethic, which was consistent over a four decade career. In an interview with The Guardian, Sting mentioned how he and his band rehearsed for 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, for months on end in preparation for their first album. As a result of this dedication and ambition, Sting went on to receive 17 Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and multiple honorary degrees.
Persistence. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he mentioned that he would write at least one song every day, regardless of his state of mind or whether he felt inspired. Even when he had writer's block, he still made an effort to write, which showcases his intense drive and determination.
Commitment to being the best. In an interview with The New York Times, he mentioned that he likes to "control every aspect of the performance," which speaks to his level of attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
Memoir and focus on legacy. Sting's 2003 memoir Broken Music allows readers to see his life from his perspective, understand his journey to stardom, and consequently recognize his importance in the music world and culture at large. In the memoir, he shows how his early life, relationships, challenges, and experiences converged, influencing him both as a person and an artist. It is a vivid depiction of his striving to derive a sense of identity, purpose, and ultimately, substantial success from 'broken' beginnings.
Pursuits outside of music. Sting has explored careers outside of music that have always kept him in the public eye, including acting in films, television, and theater. He appeared in films such as Dune (1984), The Bride (1985), and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998).
Go big or go home. In a 2019 interview with Variety, Sting was asked about the possibility of a reunion tour with The Police. He responded by saying, "The last time I toured with them, we grossed $360 million in one year. That’s not bad for a bunch of old dudes.... If I’m going to do that, it has to be significantly more. If we do it, the numbers have to be ridiculous."
Sting quotes that show he is a Type 3
"Success always necessitates a degree of ruthlessness. Given the choice of friendship or success, I'd probably choose success."
"I think you have to be obsessive to achieve anything great."
"I want to be famous everywhere."
"I've learned that I have to pace myself. I can't work all the time, although I did for a while."
"I'm essentially a jobbing musician. If I'm on stage, and it's my gig, I feel very comfortable. But I feel just as comfortable playing on someone else's stage."
"I'm not selling a product. I'm selling an idea. I'm selling a view of the world."
"I don't believe that rock music should be over-intellectualized, but I do think there's a place for reflection" (This quote is indicative of his 4 Wing).