2020 Inspiration

Like most people, I try to reflect and regroup each year.

I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that 2019 was a year of hyperbole that introduced a lot of distraction.

I chose to revisit inspirational stories from Steve Jobs at the start of 2020 to attempt to build up an immunity to distraction in 2020 so I can be focused and productive.

Remember, You’ll be Dead Soon

Steve Jobs said that he asked himself “If today was the last day of my life, am I doing what I want?” He said if he answered “No” too many days in a row, that it was time for a change.

Hard Work Requires Passion

You can’t persist through the ups and downs without passion.

Don’t Sell Crap

Steve said that Nike is an amazing company with great marketing. He also said “Nike makes some amazing things […] but they still sell some crap.” Don’t sell crap.

The Best People Don’t Need to Be Managed

They need to be talented and resourceful

Their passions should be inline with your organizations goals

The Best Managers are the Best Contributors

If you find you have a great contributor at your company, they can end up being one of your best managers. They know what needs to be done… they can’t sit aside because they care too much. They are also better at communicating meaningful accomplishments as well as holes or shortcomings.

Don’t Do it For the Money

Money is just a tool. Use money like you would any other tool.

Be Proud of Your Products

They should be awesome and affordable… don’t offer stripped down products .

Bend Reality… Talk About your Visions as if They Have Already Happened.

Steve used his “reality distortion field” to help people understand what was possible, even if it didn’t exist yet.

If you have a clear vision for the future, don’t waffle. Stay focused and help others get on board.

Build Around Customers

Address the market, but stay focussed. Customer experience is paramount. Work backwards from the customer experience.

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

Steve never graduated from a college, but talked at a Stanford graduation.

Steve’s biological parents wanted Steve to go to parents who had graduated..

He went to a dad who didn’t graduate high school and a mom who didn’t graduate college. Your current situation doesn’t dictate your future. “Stay hungry and stay foolish.”

Death Clears Away the OLD for the NEW

Steve said he used the inevitability of death as a tool

Time is limited, don’t live someone else’s life

Don’t let other’s opinions drown out your voice.

Compare Current Status of Problems

Steve was famous for clearly explaining the current state of things and showing just how remarkable their products were in reference to solving current problems and making the user experience better.

It’s hard to argue with this diagram. It shows how the right goals can leave your competitors in the dust.

Most Importantly, Change the Universe

Steve in an interview said “Once you discover one simple fact …and that is everything around you that call “life” was created by people no smarter than you”.

You can change it or influence it. You can push in and watch things pop out.

Shake off the notion that you just live in “life”. Once you learn this… truly learn this… you’ll never be the same again.

If you haven’t find what you love… keep looking. Don’t settle.

Happy 2020!