Steve Jobs has been heavy on my mind lately. Last week I went to watch the new Steve Jobs movie, and what struck me the most was his unapologetic way of being. It made me wonder how often we mute our own genius, in favor of making a situation more comfortable for other people. It made me wonder whether that was “right” or “wrong”. It made me wonder – what’s really important in this life? Is it the creations we leave behind? The mark we leave on the world? The people’s lives we touch while we’re here. This man’s life sparks so many questions for me.
And then there’s this beautiful commencement speech that Jobs made in 2005. One of my all-time-favorite YouTube videos.
My favorite part is when he talks about only being able to connect the dots when looking backwards, and how at the time certain things made no sense, but he just trusted that they would work out. That’s pretty much how I go through life.
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Answer as many or as few questions as you like:
- Had you ever seen this commencement speech before?
- Have you seen the new Steve Jobs movie? What did you think?
- What was *your* favorite part of his 2005 commencement speech?
I love love love love his commencement speech. I watched when I was graduating highschool and he spoke to my inner being, who knew that we are all here to unapologetically be ourselves and do work that is not only our calling, but of deep service to the world. I haven’t watched the movie, but I will be watching! My favorite line from his speech is: Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. I choose to break away from what my parents wanted for me, what is culturally accepted and walk my own path. It was the most courageous decision I have ever made, but it has allowed me define who I want to show up as and be in this world. Thanks for the reminder, Alex! xx
This is one of my favorite speeches of all time. Incredibly motivational, even made me tear up the first few times I listened.
My favorite part is story #3: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want tot do what I’m about to do today? Whenever the answer has been no for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” So powerful. I’ve been there when the answer was no too many times. So I changed my life and happier now because of it.
But I also love “You can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust they’ll connect in your future.”
Thank you so much for sharing this video Alex xoxo
I had never watched it before and it had such an impact. It made me laugh and it made tear up when he spoke about his scare with cancer, especially since within the past few years cancer has unfortunately affected my loved ones. I’m so desperately craving the strength and guts to go after my dreams and watching you accomplish that in your life is a great encouragement. Have a wonderful week 🙂