Steve Jobs's career wisdom

 Many of the tributes to Steve Jobs (1955 – 2011) make reference to an address he delivered at Stanford University on June 12, 2005.

 Two segments from that speech provide important career wisdom.

Don’t settle

‘Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t’ settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.’

Follow your heart

‘Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And, most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.’

An internet search will take you to Steve Jobs’s speech, both written and video.   

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• Enticing job applicants to make a difference
• Ask for powers to equal your task

Dr Ann Villiers, learning guide, professional speaker and author, is Australia's only Mental Nutritionist® specialising in mind and language practices that help people build flexible thinking, confident speaking and quality connections with people. Visit www.mentalnutrition.com to learn more about Mental Nutrition. Visit www.selectioncriteria.com.au for free resources unlocking the mysteries of public service jobs.