Leaving Your Mark

“I want to put a ding in the universe.”

– Steve Jobs

(1955-2011)  Inventor/Businessman

One of the many things I liked about Steve Jobs, was that he knew how to live.  One of the reasons he knew how to live was that he knew he was going to die.  Jobs suffered from cancer for a long time and he was well aware that in the end, he would lose the battle.  That only made him more determined to win at life.  He knew what he wanted and worked at it till his last breath.  He did leave him "ding" in the universe.

                How many people do you know (yes, I want you to count them) who have stopped living long before they time came to leave this world?  It is heart breaking to see people, young and old, who have given up on their dreams and resigned themselves to lives on emptiness and mediocrity.  We all have so much to live for and to contribute to this world. 

                "For the past 33 years," Steve Jobs said, "I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."  How would you answer this question?  If today was your last day, are you doing what you want to do?  The next question is, why not?

                Let me be frank with you, the only reasons for "why not" are excuses; and excuses will get you nowhere.  "But it is not that easy to do what you want in life" some would say.  No, it is not easy - that is the point.  You have to make it happen, you have to work hard, be committed and never quite.  You have to keep at it till you have made your "dig" in this universe.

                People like Steve Jobs should be reminders that there is a reason for living every moment we have.  You do not know when it will be taken away, but you can know that when the time comes, you will have left your mark and the world will not be the same because you fulfilled your dream.

               

                You matter!  You matter to the world and to yourself.  Remember to be your best, love God, have good manners, achieve the unknown and change your world.

John Patrick Hickey is an author, speaker, Life Coach and proud Scouter. To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey