One philosophy I apply to everything in my life is, “don't try to recreate the wheel.” So I'm always looking for people who have accomplished things I'd like to do, and to figure out how they did it.
It's pretty simple, right?
And when it comes to inspirational people, Steve Jobs is in a class all his own. He was the consummate innovator, and there is so much we can all learn from him.
So let's look at some of the brilliant insights he had throughout his life.
Here are 7 profound quotes that we should all learn from:
1. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Every day, most people let hesitation and uncertainty stop them from acting on an idea.
You certainly won't get it right all the time, but if you do nothing and allow your ideas to become regrets… you will always get it wrong.
2. “I'm convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”
Be early. Stay late. Make the extra phone call. Send the extra email. Do the extra research. Help a customer unload or unpack a shipment.
Don't wait to be asked — offer. Don't just tell employees what to do — show them what to do, and work beside them.
3. “My model for business is The Beatles. They were four guys who kept each other's kind of negative tendencies in check. They balanced each other, and the total was greater than the sum of the parts. That's how I see business: Great things in business are never done by one person, they're done by a team of people.”
If the people around you make you unhappy, it's not their fault.
It's your fault.
Exceptional employees want to work for exceptional bosses. Be the best you can be, and work to surround yourself with people who are even better.
4. “My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It's really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.”
Average people allow time to impose its will on them; exceptional people impose their will on their time.
5. “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.”
Embrace every failure. Own it, learn from it, and take full responsibility for making sure that next time, things will turn out differently.
6. “I didn't return to Apple to make a fortune. I've been very lucky in my life and already have one. When I was 25, my net worth was $100 million or so. I decided then that I wasn't going to let it ruin my life. There's no way you could ever spend it all, and I don't view wealth as something that validates my intelligence.”
Money is important. Money does a lot of things. But after a certain point, money doesn't make people happier.
That's because “things” only provide momentary bursts of happiness. To be happier, don't chase as many things. Chase experiences.
Someday you won't remember what you had…but you'll never forget what you did.
7. “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 one day, you will wake up feeling incredibly fulfilled — because you're doing great work, work you've grown to love.
You can read more at Inc.
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