Steve Jobs was someone I looked up to. It wasn’t idol worship; I admired his vision, his drive, and how he pushed the technology envelope. Jobs’ legacy is more than just the Mac, iPod, iPhone, or iPad. He will be remembered as a man who did it his way (note: Steve Wozniak must get credit as well). Jobs could be cantankerous, but also generous.
My colleague, Nathan Burgess (aka @PRCog), wrote a great blog last night, which I suggest you read. Cog does a great job of capturing Jobs’ impact.
I’m not like Steve Jobs in any way, shape, or form. But this line from his commencement speech at Stamford University in 2005 has always struck me:
Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.
Since I lost my job, I’ve read this daily. It provides great inspiration to me. I suggest you read the whole transcript, and also watch the YouTube video, which is below, of Jobs’ commencement speech.
Thank you, Steve… I am one of a million that will miss you.
One Guy's Journey 