“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.”

—  Steve Jobs

2005-09, Address at Stanford University (2005)
Context: When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, 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.

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update March 9, 2022. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "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 …" by Steve Jobs?
Steve Jobs photo
Steve Jobs 150
American entrepreneur and co-founder of Apple Inc. 1955–2011

Related quotes

Mitch Albom photo
Mitch Albom photo

“When I get asked the question, "When did you know you wanted to be a priest?," many times I say "This morning." Every day you have to wake up and say, “God, what are you calling me to do today?” The layers of lived experience is what brings us to an appreciation for what we’re called to do in that moment.”

Louis Tylka (1970) American Catholic bishop (born 1970)

Bishop Tylka shares hopes for ordination, explains motto in Catholic Post interview https://thecatholicpost.com/2020/07/16/bishop-tylka-shares-hopes-for-ordination-explains-motto-in-catholic-post-interview/ (16 July 2020)

Salma Hayek photo

“Every day, I define myself. I know who I am today. I don't promise you anything for tomorrow”

Salma Hayek (1966) Mexican-American actress and producer

we can have an interview and that's completely different!
And you know what else? I am grateful to the bombshell because if it hadn't gotten me where it had gotten me, I wouldn't be where I am today. But this bombshell thing; it's old now. It served me. And I got out of it in time to keep from serving it. I used to think, I can't wait until 35, when people think I'm too old to be a bombshell. Maybe I'll get the good parts. But it wouldn't have happened that way. … Just because your boobs are saggy doesn't mean you get great roles. You're disposable.
O interview (2003)

Matka Tereza photo

“I do not know anything about Charles Keating's work or his business or the matters you are dealing with. I only know he has been kind and generous to God's poor, and always ready to help whenever there was a need… Whenever someone asks me to speak to a judge, I always tell them to pray, to look into [their] heart, and to do what Jesus would do in that circumstance. And this is what I am asking of you, your Honor.”

Matka Tereza (1910–1997) Roman Catholic saint of Albanian origin

Letter to Judge Lance Ito, requesting clemency for Charles Keating (January 18 1992), as quoted by Christopher Hitchens in The Missionary Position http://books.google.com/books?id=PTgJIjK67rEC&pg=PA11&dq=%22I+think+it+is+very+beautiful+for+the+poor+to+accept+their+lot%22, (Verso, 1995), page 67
1990s

“For a thousand years I have been asking myself, "what will I do now?" And still I need not answer.”

Antonio Porchia (1885–1968) Italian Argentinian poet

Desde hace mil años me pregunto: ¿qué haré ahora? Y aún no necesito responderme.
Voces (1943)

Miles Davis photo
Mumia Abu-Jamal photo
Salvador Dalí photo

“Every morning upon awakening, I experience a supreme pleasure: that of being Salvador Dalí, and I ask myself, wonderstruck, what prodigious thing will he do today, this Salvador Dalí.”

Salvador Dalí (1904–1989) Spanish artist

quote of 1953; as cited in Smithsonian magazine.
Variants:
Every morning when I wake up, I experience an exquisite joy — the joy of being Salvador Dalí — and I ask myself in rapture: What wonderful things is this Salvador Dalí going to accomplish today?
Every morning when I awake, the greatest of joys is mine: that of being Salvador Dalí.
Quotes of Salvador Dali, 1951 - 1960

James Joyce photo

Related topics