I usually try not to duplicate content, especially as most social media streams are filled with some tribute to Steve Jobs or quote by Steve Jobs. However, the impact he has had on this society as an innovator, visionary, and leader is phenomenal. And to be honest, I never read any of the books written about Steve or his leadership. And another disclosure, is that I mostly shyed away from Apple products up until last year. I wasn’t against Apple, but against the cultish culture of many Apple enthusiasts. For years, I was on the PC side of Apple vs PC. But I’ve digressed. This post isn’t really about Steve, as it is about me. (I know, how selfish of me)

Yes, this post is about me. My fears, doubts, insecurities, and identity. For the 2 other readers of this blog post, you may know its been 1 month since I’ve cut the umbilical cord, and have been “freestyling” as an entrepreneur. Interesting enough, people are actually asking about my journey and keeping updated with the journey. So almost on a daily basis, I’m giving updated statuses on Picture.ly. For more honesty, this is particularly psychologically challenging for me. Why? (you’ve asked?) Because everyday I’ll telling people that Yes, I quit my (stable, high-income) job, and Yes, I left my beautiful Pacific Heights apt, to rent a small room and live with 3 others in a cheaper neighborhood, only for a website that appears to only have pictures on it at the moment. So, they all give me the relentless “oooh”, or  “that’s interesting”. Sometimes, they may even squeeze out an unsure “congratulations.” But my neurosis only allows me to see them laughing at me and calling me foolish. I mean it does sound quite foolish and delusional, if you think about it.

So, in a way, I battle with my own insecurities and pride everyday. Some days they overcome me, like on Tuesday, when I was telling people that I may go back to work soon. And some days I’m winning, like today, after renewed encouragement, which may come in the form of Steve Jobs’ 2005 commencement speech. Today, Steve is talking to me when he says

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 somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

And suddenly, I remember the reason why I became an entrepreneur. I remember the pact that I made with myself that goes “even if this business or the next one fails, I’m still a success, because I would’ve learned from my mistakes. And my heart will have the experience that it seeks.” And to me that’s worth more than sitting at a desk another 10 years, having another person determine the experience or skill set for me.

Steve also tells me of the time when he got fired from the company that he founded. (Ha! If there’s anything that will mess with your pride, I’m sure this would be it) But the follow-on to his story is that success did come from it. Which reminds me that this will be a journey with some valleys, but to stay focused and believe in the vision.

So in conclusion to my selfish blog post about me, I would like to say….

Thank you, Steve.