Back when I was in college all things “geeky” were my focus. I was studying for two degrees: computer science and human resource management.
Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple Computer, NeXt, and Pixar Animation Studios) wasn't somebody that I studied in class, but he was someone I admired and studied outside of class then and now. I am very sad to have learned that he passed away.
He was a unique individual. Uncommon. But you have to be uncommon to be successful. You have to do what it takes that others are not willing to do.
Today, I share a video of one of my favorite talks of his and a few quotes from that speech. I connect with the message he shares and often find myself using similar thought processes when I choose to work on (or not work on) activities. I thought these words might help you with priority setting too.
This speech was delivered at Stanford University at Commencement in 2005.
You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because, believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart; even when it leads you off the well-worn path.
Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith.
Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. . . have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.
“You Can't Connect The Dots Looking Forward. You Can Only Connect Them Looking Backwards”
When I was in college, I had teachers and advisers telling me that I would never be able to combine those two degrees. They were just too different. It was a waste of my time.
Then again, when I decided to leave my corporate job (great pay and benefits) I was told I was nuts to start out on my own.
I wish I would have had Steve Job's quote both of those times.
I'm happy to say that I use what I gained from both of those degrees every day in my work with clients and I have never looked back on leaving that job. I love what I do and the people I work with. How cool is that?!
The statement above is so true to me. You have experiences in your life and often you don't know how those experiences are going to help you down the road. Yet, they almost always do.
Maybe your reading of this post today will ignite something for you as it did me the first time I heard his speech.
Rest in Peace Steve Jobs 1955- 2011
Until we talk again,
Live Fully — Love Openly — Laugh Often — Leverage Your Brilliance — Connect Authentically — Get Your Message Out — Serve with Impact — Prosper Everyday
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