Steven Jobs was born February 24, 1955, in San Francisco, California, and was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs. He grew up with one sister, Patty. Paul Jobs was a machinist and fixed cars as a hobby. Jobs remembers his father as being very skilled at working with his hands.
Jobs was always focused on building a perfect product and attempting to do what others thought could never be done. He was one of the greatest visionaries and pioneers of the 21st century.
Lesson 1: Never Stop Innovating
Apple is at the forefront of innovation when it comes to the personal technology market. Jobs was always trying to come up with something new that he could add to give Apple the edge over everyone else.
“But innovation comes from people meeting up in the hallways or calling each other at 10:30 at night with a new idea, or because they realized something that shoots holes in how we’ve been thinking about a problem.” – Steve Jobs
Lesson 2: Do only what you truly love
While addressing the students and faculty members of Stanford University, Steve Jobs said The only thing which kept him going while facing challenges and obstacles was the fact that he was doing what he loved. He also said to find what you love both in your professional and personal life.
Steve Jobs was worth 100 million dollars when he was 25 years old, but he didn’t do it for the money. He did it because he wanted to change the world, he was an innovator.
Lesson 3: Customers cannot tell you what they need
Jobs had tremendous resources to pursue that philosophy, which you and I might not have. But the best ideas come from those who identify problems that need solving–before anyone else has done anything about it.
A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.” Steve Jobs
Lesson 4: Design for yourself
I know it’s cliche, but this is so true, you are the captain of your own ship; don’t let anyone else take the wheel. Design life for yourself, you won’t receive a second opportunity to do so, so you either do it now, or you regret it on later in life.
Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” – Steve Jobs
Lesson 5: Learn to say “No”
Jobs was as proud of what Apple chose not to do as he was of what Apple did. When he returned in Apple in 1997, he took a company with 350 products and reduced them to 10 products in a two-year period. Why? So he could put the “A-Team” on each product. What are you saying “NO” to?