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.” It made an impression on me, and 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.
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. 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.
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. 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.
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Steve Jobs. It’s been posted and it’ll be posted a million times more, but once in a while someone comes along, changes everything, and tells us how he did it. We should listen. (via hammerito) |
![thedailywhat:
RIP: Steve Jobs, co-founder and former-CEO of Apple Inc., passed away today at the age of 56.
Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004. His failing health forced him to resign his role as Apple’s CEO earlier this year, as he felt he could “no longer meet my duties and expectations.”
“Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being,” Apple said in a statement. “Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”
Apple is asking anyone who wishes to share their thoughts, memories, and condolences to email rememberingsteve@apple.com.
October 14th was recently designated Steve Jobs Day by Apple fans.
[apple.]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsmad86Tcq1qzpwi0o1_500.jpg)
RIP: Steve Jobs, co-founder and former-CEO of Apple Inc., passed away today at the age of 56.
Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004. His failing health forced him to resign his role as Apple’s CEO earlier this year, as he felt he could “no longer meet my duties and expectations.”
“Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being,” Apple said in a statement. “Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”
Apple is asking anyone who wishes to share their thoughts, memories, and condolences to email rememberingsteve@apple.com.
October 14th was recently designated Steve Jobs Day by Apple fans.
[apple.]
THE LOST Family members grieved at the National September 11 Memorial in New York City. (Photo: Todd Heisler / The New York Times)
Former First Lady Laura Bush, former president George W. Bush, First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama observe one of the pools at the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City on Sunday. (Pool photo: Timothy A. Clary / AFP-Getty via the New York Times)
