One week of classes left in this term and I have a billion chapters of Business Law to read, 2 papers to write for Applied Digital Convergence (ADC) and a final project and presentation for Project Management - aggghh! Its always this way towards the end of the term where I get cranky about the sheer volume of work and wonder how its all gonna get done.
And then I heard the news that Steve Jobs died today... and it all got put into perspective. The first thing I thought of, of course, is his contribution to the world via digital technology - how he put the power of technology into the hands of the consumer and has radically changed how we communicate and express ourselves. In ADC Jobs and Apple are hot topics in examining the notion of "disruptive technologies" - and as digital media MBA's we are being trained in how to nurture and spot "the next big thing" in business.
But in re-watching Jobs' 2005 Stanford University commencement address - I'm struck by an even greater legacy than mere technology - that of a philosophy and perspective that allowed his creativity and visions to change the world.
As I prepare for the last week of this term in grad school, I am struck by the profound impact that this man, who didn't finish his undergrad, has had on the world. Maybe I'm just feeling wistful - but it seems like everything I really need to know he says in his speech - and the opportunities from grad school are just the icing on the cake.
My favorite lines from his address:
You can't connect the dots looking forward,
you can only connect them looking backward.
Believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart even when it leads you off the well worn path and that will make all the difference.
Keep looking, don't settle.
Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.
You are already naked, there is no reason not to follow your heart.
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 other's opinions drown out your own inner voice.
And most important, have the courage to follow your own heart and intuition - they somehow already know what you truly want to become.
Stay hungry. Stay foolish.
Well said Bev. I too have been recently faced with a personal hurdle that has changed the volume for various focuses in my day. But clarity is something that we can all appreciate.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rob! Well, we made it through the 1st year, and then that Law final... personal hurdles and all! Let me know when you want to hit the water in our kayaks - that helps put things in perspective too :-) Good luck in the next term!
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