Steve Jobs Said What Separates Successful People From Everyone Else Comes Down to 2 Words
The Apple founder was convinced that success requires something fundamentally human in all of us.
This post is part of my Thought Leadership series: long-form articles aimed at teaching you how to build great work cultures where people and businesses flourish.
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Steve Jobs, the iconic co-founder of Apple, was known for his visionary ideas and relentless drive. In 1995, interviewer Daniel Morrow asked him this question: What are the factors for success for young people today? If you’re playing the role of elder statesman, what pitfalls should they avoid?
Jobs’s response encapsulates a core principle that is often overlooked in the pursuit of success:
I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the nonsuccessful ones is pure perseverance.
His quote brings the conversation back to something fundamentally human: the sheer will to keep going. That’s what we mean by pure perseverance.
Success rooted in two words
Ever met someone with such unwavering commitment to a cause that you found their tenacity inspiring? Maybe that’s you. If so, you share something in common with Steve Jobs.
Despite facing difficulties, obstacles, and discouragement while battling cancer, Jobs understood that pure perseverance is inherently tied to having a clear purpose and calling. This perseverance is what kept him going until the end. Perseverance cannot happen without its partner in crime: passion. Jobs said:
If you’ve got a family and you’re in the early days of a company, I can’t imagine how one could do it. I’m sure it’s been done, but it’s rough. It’s pretty much an 18-hour-a-day job, seven days a week for a while. Unless you have a lot of passion about this, you’re not going to survive. You’re going to give it up.
To Jobs’s point, you can’t try to build a business without passion. It is the engine that puts perseverance into overdrive to think up big ideas, solve big problems, and make the world a better place. Yes, passion is half the battle.
Perseverance also isn’t just about hard work or, as your parents used to say, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps; it’s about resilience. It’s the ability to adapt, to pivot when necessary, and to keep moving forward even when the path is unclear or full of obstacles. Many entrepreneurs succeeded because they refused to quit. Steve Jobs himself faced numerous setbacks throughout his career, including being ousted from Apple, the company he co-founded. But he didn’t let that stop him. Instead, he used it as fuel to drive him forward, eventually returning to Apple and leading it to unprecedented success.
Putting pure perseverance into action
The ability to endure setbacks, push through challenges, and maintain focus on the big goal ultimately differentiates successful people from unsuccessful ones. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
1. Embrace failure as part of the journey: Failure is not the end; it’s a step on the path to success. Learn from it, adapt, and keep moving forward.
2. Develop a resilient mindset: Expect challenges and be prepared to face them head-on. Cultivate a mindset that views obstacles as opportunities to grow and improve.
3. Stay passionate: Find what you’re passionate about and let that passion fuel your perseverance. When you’re doing something you love, the journey becomes more bearable, and the rewards are that much sweeter.
4. Surround yourself with support: Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and a support system that can help you stay motivated and resilient.
5. Focus on the long-term vision: Keep your eyes on the big picture. The road may be rough, but staying focused on your ultimate goal will help you navigate the ups and downs.
Take Jobs’s advice to heart. Never lose sight of your vision. It’s not an easy journey, but it can lead to incredible rewards if you’re willing to stay the course.
When a workplace is inclusive, everyone benefits. Supportive, positive environments where individuals are empowered to grow and contribute increase team productivity — making the workplace better for all.
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