RSSTo lose an idol
Oct 09
With the recent death of Steve Jobs, I’ve taken a large amount of time to reflect on my own values and views, and how I started on the path I’m currently on.
Academically, when I first arrived at Ryerson, my plan was to be a marketer! Heck, I didn’t know what a marketer did, besides market. Of course, my view of marketing was a tad bit skewed at the time. You see, I had always pictured myself standing at the head of a board room, discussing an idea for a new product line or brainstorming ideas on how to target a new demographic. One thing was different though: I wanted to be the innovator. When I thought about it, I made the decision that I would much rather be the innovator and the creator of something amazing.
This isn’t because I want my name to be known throughout the world.
This isn’t because I want to be rich.
This is so that I can spread a positive impact throughout the world. On that note, looking back even further, the reason I went into business was because I wanted to positively impact people at a larger scale. I considered social work, but the reason I decided against it in the end was because I felt that I wouldn’t be helping enough people at once. When I think, I think big. I know that there is always a place to start, but I always envision the end goal.
So, back to the story.
I joined SIFE Ryerson, which greatly changed the way I viewed business. I could actually make a business with capitalist profits while pushing socialist values. With that, and a fair amount of smaller things that opened my mind slowly, I changed my major from Marketing to Entrepreneurship. It was a big change, but I knew that it was necessary if I wanted to achieve my end goal.
Beyond that, I decided to minor in Business Communications. Why? Well it all ties back to my idol. Steve’s keynotes were simply outstanding, in the sense that he spoke with passion. He communicated his love and passion with the world in a way that was relaxed, yet captivating. I strive to do that with my products and I strive to be an amazing presenter in my lifetime. That’s why I chose Business Communications.
And a few weeks later, he passed away.
The night that I found out that he passed away was not an easy one to sleep through. I want to say that I cried on the first night, but I didn’t…I cried on the second. I realize now, more than ever, that his way of living and his passion really got to me. The way he communicated himself and the way he carried himself made a huge impact on me. For me to cry over the death of someone I’ve never met, is a feat in itself. But when you share your passion with the world and express it as such, it’s hard not to feel an emotional attachment to that person.
I watched his Stanford Speech a while back, but viewing it again right now seems much more relevant. There’s one specific thing that he said that really reached my heart and, once again, set me off on a path to live freely and making a lasting impact in the world.
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.
No matter what most people do, it completely disappears after they die. Something that you’ll reflect upon as you’re dying is either your satisfaction having done the things you’d wanted, or your regrets for not doing them.
And this, my friends, is the beginning of something new. May you rest in peace, Steve.