“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.”
- February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011
- American
- Entrepreneur, businessman, industrial designer
- He brought to the world revolutionary products that combined technology and design at a high level, such as the personal computer Macintosh, iPhone, and iPad, and also revolutionized the music industry with the iPod, iTunes, and iTunes Store.
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Quote
“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.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs describes how he has consistently used the idea of mortality as a guide to evaluate the direction of his life and his work. By asking himself each morning if he would be satisfied with how he spends his day if it were his last, Jobs ensured that his actions were aligned with his true passions and values. This practice helped him stay focused on what mattered most and avoid wasting time on tasks or activities that didn’t contribute to his sense of purpose. If he found himself repeatedly answering “No,” it served as a sign that something needed to change, prompting him to reassess and realign his priorities.
This mindset reflects Jobs’ core philosophy that life is precious and should be lived with intention, focusing on meaningful work and personal fulfillment. It also ties into his belief that innovation and creativity flourish when you are truly passionate about what you do. Jobs didn’t want to just go through the motions—he wanted to ensure that each day was spent pursuing his vision and making a real impact on the world.
Today, this quote serves as a powerful reminder to live authentically and make decisions based on what is truly important. In both personal and professional life, it encourages us to reflect regularly on our goals and priorities, ensuring that we are not simply drifting but actively shaping our lives in a way that brings us joy and meaning.
