The title of this post was inspired by Steve Jobs. When I’m looking for inspiration, I like to check out difference sources and found this video on Youtube that really made me think.
It’s always interesting to read the biography of people like Steve Jobs, who overcame so much and has made such a difference in people’s lives.
I remember oh-so-long-ago working on obtaining my Geography/GIS degree in university which required hours and hours in front of a Mac (this was the Mac Classic). That was my first real introduction to computers. It’s hard to believe how much 0f my life energy I’ve spent in front of a computer.
It interesting to find out that perhaps we owe the aesthetics of the Mac’s typography to Steve taking a calligraphy class during his college days.
Here’s an excerpt of his Commencement Speech at Stanford which I think is pretty thought-provoking:
When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
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. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.
Don’t settle. Keep looking.
No one wants to die. At yet, no one escapes it.
Death is life’s change agent.
Right now, the change is you. Your time is limited so don’t live it living someone else’s life.
Enjoy the video (if you can’t see the embedded video, use this link):
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4. Do You Need To Let Go and Forgive?
5. Are You Being Your True Authentic Self?
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Spending time around old folks has helped me get a lot of perspective on this. None of these folks imagined that they’d reach this stage of their life so soon and all wish they’d spent more time just enjoying the simple pleasures of life while they still had their health.
Jean Sarauer´s last blog ..How to Find Blog Post Inspiration
Hi Jean,
I know! The older I get, the more time seems to be zooming by. I’m in good health (knock on wood), but it’s scary to think of what could happen in a heartbeat. You just never know, which is why it’s so important to have perspective on your life.
WOW Karen.
That quote you got out of it and shared (thanks, saved my having to type it out) really had an impact on me.
I have printed it out already and it is on my wall.
It just works.
THANKS!
Alex@nichesitemarketing´s last blog ..Article Marketing Part 3 The Unique Article Wizard Review
So glad that it made an impression on you, Alex. I thought that it was a really appropriate reminder.
Thanks for stopping by,
Karen
Thanks for this post, Karen. The timing on me seeing this video was perfect as I just got laid off last week. I have spent the last 4 1/2 years living someone else’s dream while knowing I could be and do so much more.
I have needed that push and am convinced this lay off was the kick in the pants. Now I don’t have to worry about losing my job while trying to get started on my own.
While I noticed some bitterness in Steve Job’s address, the message is clear. And perhaps foolish “a lack of good sense or judgment,” needs a new definition, because if being foolish is the means to getting to our goals, perhaps we have been told we lack good sense or judgment by those who fear to follow their dreams and therefore must belittle our efforts to follow ours.
So, i agree with your title of fearing you have something to lose is a trap. Thank you, I will avoid that trap!
Hania Whitfield´s last blog ..Are you underachieving
Welcome Hania,
Sorry to hear about the news about being laid off, but it sounds as if you’re handling it well.
That’s a very interesting perspective about changing the definition of foolish. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Karen
Thats a good one, Karen. I believe the only lasting legacy anyone can leave (when we die) is ‘the conversation’ that they leave behind. That is my opinion. That is what drives me to continue to create and express myself.
rob white´s last blog ..BE-ing passionate is EXPRESS-ing with passion
Hi Rob,
Creating and expressing yourself through your site is definitely one way to continue with having conversations (and touching) so many people in so many different situations and countries. That’s an excellent way to think about it.
Thanks,
Karen
Seems like such a simple thing to do but it’s not, is it? I think I”ve seen that video before, but it might be time to do it again.
Moon Hussain´s last blog ..Fun Friday Round-Up- I’ve Eaten Too Many Fish Tacos
I know that it’s from 2005, but the message is universal and it bears repeating, especially when you are looking for inspiration. I agree that it’s not a simple thing to do.
Thanks for stopping by, Moon
Hi Karen,
The quote is really something to think about seriously. We have to do what we feel right in our hearts. Thanks for sharing
Dia´s last blog ..How to make people respect and honor you
So glad that you enjoyed the message and the video, Dia.
Hi Karen,
It sure is a trap, isn’t it? And a self-made one at that. We hold back, we think twice, we reserve our expression of our true emotions because we have grown so skilled at protecting ourselves. We don’t wnat to get hurt. We don’t want to be disappointed. We don’t want people to laugh at us. But really, these things will pass. We will pass. It would be a shame to pass without ever letting ourselves fully come alive.
Be well,
Belinda
Welcome Belinda,
“these things will pass. We will pass. It would be a shame to pass without ever letting ourselves fully come alive.” I couldn’t have said it better myself! That’s excactly right, and yet we fool ourselves in thinking that we will be here forever and that every decision had to be life-long. It doesn’t have to be that way – we don’t have to fear getting hurt or disappointed or laughed at. What does that mean, anyways? Everyone has experienced those emotions before and they haven’t died from the consequences of being disappoitned, hurt, or laughed at.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts,
Karen
Hi Karen,
I love this video and I forget to go to Youtube and watch inspiring people. I need to do that more often! Thanks for the inspiration.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Mind Adventures- Rob White
Hi Tess,
I know that it’s not a frequent source for me, either. But, sometimes you’re just in the mood to watch an inspiring video once in a while. It can get tiring reading all the time.
Glad that you enjoyed the video.
Thanks,
Karen
Hi Karen
Wow I really enjoyed the video – very powerful. “Stay hungry, stay foolish” I like that.
I think the message of live your own life not someone else’s is key. I sounds so obvious but often we do it without realizing. Thank you for a great resource.
Marion Anderson´s last blog ..How to Forgive – What you need to know about forgiveness
You’re welcome, Marion. I’m glad that you enjoyed the video and I agree that “Stay hungry, Stay foolish” certainly worked for Steve Jobs!
We can learn a lot from his wisdom and experiences.
I haven’t had a chance to watch the video yet, but I love the part you quoted. In fact, I read it to my husband who is a Steve Jobs fan and is entering a transition phase of his life. He doesn’t want to keep doing what he’s doing, but he hasn’t quite figured out what he really wants. Right now he’s exploring which is exciting.
The interesting thing to me is that your body has the same physical reaction to fear or exhilaration, it’s your brain that interprets these sensations and decides which one it is.
Jennifer Barry´s last blog ..Stranger in His Own Land- Part 4
Hi Jennifer,
It does sound exciting for your husband to explore what he really wants to do with his life energy. He supported you while you were going through the same phase and now it’s your turn to support him. You guys are really lucky to have each other.
That’s a fanastic point that you bring up with our body not recognizing the difference between fear and excitement. It’s our interpretation to those feelings that determines our actions. Thanks for adding that.
Karen
That’s true, he has been very supportive of my explorations in the past. I do feel grateful for having him.
Jennifer Barry´s last blog ..Retirement Pitfalls
Excellent post Karen. At least your first computer was a Mac! Mine was a Commodore 64…oh those were the days!
Matthew Needham´s last blog ..Wednesday Wisdom- Including 5 Ways to Squeeze Free Money Out of Your Business
Yes, fond memories indeed. The size of the monitor was probably one of the reasons why I needed stronger prescription glasses
Karen,
Thanks for sharing the video and wisdom both. Like jean and others as I am getting older, I might be getting bit wiser as this makes so perfect sense to me now.
Don’t settle for less, we all are going to go someday, why not make a best of it. Sure sums it up nicely.
Preeti @ Heart and Mind´s last blog ..Web Design- Overwhelm and Good Reads
I agree, Preeti. The older I get, the more I realize just how much time I have left. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but generally speaking I’m at the half-way point. Scary to consider, but also very motivating, too.
Lovely stuff Karen. To me we are all born with a clock ticking above our heads so we might as well use the time left to enjoy, embrace, love and have gratitude for our life. If we don’t who will?
John Sherry´s last blog ..The Simplest And Most Powerful Post You Will Ever Read
No, one will, John. Sad, but true. It’s all up to us.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Brilliant post Karen! I really resonate with that sentiment; in the face of death how trivial are our other fears.
Steve Jobs is one of the great icons of the IT and modern business world.
I also think it comments on the significance of the moment. We live in an illusion that we have all the time in the world. That our choices are not hugely significant because opportunities are endless.
It is only in the face of our mortality and the limitations of our lives, that we can appreciate the significance and sacredness of our lives and our choices.
Stephen´s last blog ..The Story of Truth
Welcome Stephen,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and adding to the discussion. I agree that we should be appreciating our significance and sacredness of our live and choices.