Don't Settle, Don't Lose Faith: Steve Jobs

Below is an excerpt from the Commencement address delivered by Steve Jobs on June 12, 2005 at Stanford University. Jobs is the co-founder of Apple Computer (current CEO) and former CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, until it was acquired by Disney.

Steve Jobs is an ambitious visionary who lives relentlessly to find meaning and impact the world in significant ways. Jobs never graduated from college and his passion consistently led him to new discoveries and business ventures. In spite of many difficulties and major roadblocks in life, he did not lose sight to follow his true passion. He did not settle until he found what he loved the most. Many of us today, surrender our dreams and passions and simply become satisfied with life, career, relationships, etc.  In a world filled with increasing career options and opportunities to serve others, we should take Jobs advise seriously, and “don’t settle.” But keep looking until we fall in love with a career, a spouse, a community, a cause, and/or a hobbie.

“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.”

What do you love the most?
Are you doing what you love?
Have you settled for good rather than great?

Any comments, thoughts? Please share in the comment section below. Thanks!

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Read Jobs’ full address.