Connecting the dots...

October 5, 2011


Today, was just another day.. when the anticipated, became a sad reality.  Mr. Steve Jobs,  a founder, visionary, inspirer, dreamer, and true technologist of our time....died at the young age of 56.  


Although this was something we all knew would be his fate sooner than later given his medical condition,  when the news hit today, my heart sunk.  


Not because of the revolutionary products he created over 3 decades, not because nearly every cool computer device I personally own is associated with Apple (especially my latest Toy, the IPAD), not because my dad and mom built a successful business around Apple in the early 80's, not because of his eccentric and tyrannical ways that spiked my curiosity about his personality and leadership, not because I grew up with Apple 2's and Macs (especially with the games), not because nearly half of the most enjoyable conversations I have had with closer friends are associated with my love for Apple and my hate for Microsoft and the "evil empire"...


My heart sunk for one reason and one reason only.  


Selfishly speaking, I feel that I have lost a mentor I never met.  Someone who inspired me to dream, create, and follow my heart by "connecting the dots."


During his famous Stanford Commencement Speech, he said,


"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."


Listening to those lines today, I question those thoughts myself.  Specifically, I question if I am doing what I want to do, day in and day out.  And although I feel slightly uneasy at wanting to face the reality of this answer, I honestly find it difficult to answer with an affirmative YES.  


Hmm... Makes me wonder.


To end this blog, I really thought about what it is that captures us all when thinking about Steve Jobs.  The reason it is such a sad day in the world, is not because its the end of an amazing Inventor/ Entrepreneur/ Marketer/ Technologist... of our time...That is truly sad, but I don't think that's what captures the essence of the loss.


I feel the loss felt is much deeper, its more about a respect for a man that actually did connect the dots and follow his heart, until the very end-- a rare quality.


And it's these words below, also said during his speech, that I will carry with me, as I continue to strive for my own self soul searching, and connecting of my own dots...

"No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."

Thanks You Mr. Jobs and congratulations to achieving your dreams... R.I.P.

Full Stanford Commencement Speech by Steve