We all know that jobs are on the minds of American citizens
as well as the world. But this blog will be about Steve Jobs and some of his
inspirational thoughts that I found so telling in relationship to how we live
our lives.

I listened to an interview that Steve gave with Brian Williams in 2006 on the eve of the opening of the flagship Apple Store in Manhattan. One answer caught my attention and I immediately related his words to our industry. Brian’s question was  pretty standard and broad when he asked; “How do you view yourself and your achievements?” Steve said in his response that…”when I think of the most valuable things in life I think of family, and then when we (referring to his work at Apple) finish doing something that we’re really proud of and then we want to get onto the next thing.” Of course those “things” amoung many were the i-pod, the i-pad and we must not forget the mouse that has become an extension of our right or left hands!

Steve continued saying…”I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good then you should go do something else wonderful and not dwell on it for too long, just figure out what’s next?” What’s next? Those two words can be very powerful. How often do we finish a project and just sit back and admire the view without a thought of what’s next? Nothing wrong with feeling proud with our accomplishments and successes and even patting ourselves on the back once in a while but I agree with Mr. Jobs when he finished his interview with…”our focal length is, you know, always forward.”

Steve Jobs and Apple have left us with tools that have become part of our lives. He was very  passionate about his work which outside of his private life was his life. His tools, his words and his life inspired many people. I read some notes that were left at the Apple Stores and one said in very few words what I have been saying in this blog using many words.