Steve Jobs died. As will we all.
Other than sharing the inevitability of death, you may have many thoughts how Jobs was different than you.
Perhaps the most important difference is that, as he told it, “When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: ‘If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.’”
That got his attention, and led him to develop a daily practice.
Jobs continued, “…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.”*
See possibility, make it happen
Jobs was a rare person of both vision and execution.
Not manifestation; execution.
He made the effort. He took the risks. He gave form to inspiration. He made things real.
In this ad copy Jobs wrote, he invited us to join him:
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify, or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
How you can be like Steve Jobs
Of course we can’t all be Steve Jobs. The point is: we don’t have to be. We can change the world being who we are.
Jobs said, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
It’s not enough to have vision; we have to execute. And practice is the first step toward execution.
Jobs had his practice, his self-inquiry in the mirror each morning.
We have a transformational practice in the palms of our hands. A practice that changes the world by changing each one of us, changing us into people who value who we are and the opportunity we have as individuals to change the world.
Transformation is difficult. Practice, not so much. Consistent practice brings transformation. Consistent contemplated practice brings it faster.
I’m crazy enough to know that we can change the world. Will you be crazy too?
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¿Estás bastante loco para cambiar al mundo?, the Spanish translation of this post, is available at ReikiCentral en Espanol.
Click here to view the Apple ad that the copy came from.
*Click here to read the Stanford University commencement address quoted above.
Reiki practice has allowed me to see the process of death in a much different light. Presently, my mother is dying from brain cancer. Admittedly, when I first began my Reiki practice I felt that it would help to ‘cure’ my mother. I didn’t want her to die. Now, I realize that Reiki treatment does what it needs to do, period. I no longer grasp at its possibilities but rather I simply lay my hands on my mother and know that what needs to unfold will. Knowing this has helped me to perceive my mother’s death in a light of acceptance where I can fall back into the chaos rather than fight it. Honestly, accepting what is brings more happiness.
Linette, I’m so happy to read your comment. Big hug!
Hi Pamela,
Thanks for this post, it is a wonderful reminder of how important it is for us to be true to ourselves and never settle for less. My Reiki practice is now not just a daily practice, it is part of my life and who I am, thanks to you! 🙂
Love,
L
Good job, Karen. See you there.
Very well said!
My 9 year old daughter and I are going down to add to the shrine outside the Apple store at 59th and Fifth. We bedazzled an old charger with our thank-you note.
My devices are fatherless today!