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By Marcel Schwantes

This one approach to life never let the icon down.

In the realm of life’s uncertainties and ever-changing paths, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, once shared a profound insight that is worth re-exploring today.

Jobs said we can’t predict how things will work out in the future; we can only understand how things fit together when we look back on our past. So, he suggested, we should trust that all our experiences will somehow lead us to good things in the end. Here’s Jobs’s original quote:

You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.

With this astute observation, Jobs brought us back to a fundamental truth about the unpredictability of our journey. As we navigate the twists and turns of life, we often find ourselves unsure of how to navigate the moment, challenged by ambiguity, and compelled to make decisions with no clear roadmap ahead. However, in these moments of doubt, Jobs calls us to place our trust in something greater than ourselves.

Here are some useful lessons you can take away from the tech mogul’s profound insight:

Trust your intuition (or higher power)

Sometimes our instincts lead us down paths we never knew existed, bringing us to the most unexpected yet rewarding destinations. This trust in the unseen forces of life, Jobs suggests, can lead us to a remarkable revelation — that the events of our past can form our purpose and fulfilment in the future.

Hindsight leads to better choices

Jobs emphasizes the importance of looking backward to understand how events and decisions are interconnected. By reflecting on our past experiences, we gain insights into the consequences of our actions, allowing us to make better choices in the future.

Embrace failure as a part of success

Jobs’ quote also conveys the significance of embracing failure as an integral part of success. Many times, the dots we connect are not the successes alone, but also the lessons we learn from our failures. Every setback provides an opportunity to grow and refine our approach.

Be open to the small things

Every decision, every experience, no matter how small, creates ripples that extend throughout our lives. Jobs reminds us that these seemingly insignificant dots can lead to life-altering moments and opportunities that shape our journey.

Find your why

By trusting in something, Jobs encourages us to find our why–our purpose and meaning in our lives. Whether it’s through following our passions, helping others, or pursuing a higher calling, believing in something beyond ourselves gives life a sense of direction.

Overcome fear and doubt

Often, fear and doubt can hold us back from taking risks and exploring new paths. Jobs’ advice encourages us to let go of these inhibitions, to have faith in ourselves, and to step into the unknown with confidence.

Learn resilience

Life may not always unfold as we expect, but having faith that things will work out instills resilience within us. Trusting the dots, even in difficult times, empowers us to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

In conclusion, Steve Jobs’ insight about connecting the dots by looking backward serves as a guiding light for living a purposeful and fulfilling life. In the end, embracing trust in the face of uncertainty will play an active role in your own extraordinary life journey, leaving an indelible mark on your pursuit of success and happiness.

Feature Image Credit: Getty Images

By Marcel Schwantes

Sourced from Inc.

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