Jobs on Staying Fresh

 

“It’s wonderful to have a
beginner’s mind.”

– Steve Jobs (1955–2011)

Co-founder of Apple

Sales inspiration…

To me, it was strange how sad I felt about Jobs passing away Wednesday. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that at that level for someone I didn’t know personally.

I’m sure many of you had the same experience. That’s some great work.

For those who’ve not seen or read it, here’s his 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University (the transcript and the video). I find it inspiring even after reading it more than 5 times over the years (if you like it, remember to pass it along to any kids you know).

For Steve Jobs through the years, Wired has this piece. I also enjoyed the little 3-minute video tribute on the right-hand side of the page.

Freud on The Struggles

 

“One day in retrospect the years
of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”

– Sigmund Freud (1856–1939)

Austrian psychiatrist

Remember… We are The Economy. (That includes you.)

Recovery depends on the work we do today… regardless of difficulty, regardless of political belief, regardless of what the media says. It’s our work (your work) that will get us there.

The US Navy SEALS have a creed they live by in their work. A few of our favorite lines are…

  • The lives of my teammates and the success of the mission depend on me… (individual accountability)
  • If knocked down, I will get back up, every time.
  • In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. (purpose)
  • By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

What if we all had a Trident for our work – something that says we truly accept the responsibility for our chosen profession – and we did it?

Fox on Setting the Tone

 

“I love getting up in the morning. I clap my hands and say, ‘This is gonna be a great day.’”

–the late Dicky Fox

sports agent in the film Jerry Maguire (1996)

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. (from the U.S. Department of Labor)

It was the Industrial Revolution (in the late 1800s) with its 12-hour 7-day schedules that inspired a need for better protection of workers (and by workers, we’re talking about physical tough stuff that makes you and I feel lucky type of workers).

The first Labor Day parade (10,000 marching workers) was in New York City in 1882. It took 12 years before Congress made it a holiday. History.com has Canada’s labor celebrations as the spark for that first U.S. Labor Day parade.