“Remembering that you are going to die, is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart” – Steve Jobs

When we think of the term celebrity, we usually direct our focus to a hollywood movie star, singer or athlete. Somebody that we admire and often wonder what it takes to be in their shoes. But as Wikipedia states; A celebrity (sometimes referred to as a celeb in popular culture) is a person who has holds a high degree of recognition in a society of culture. Generally speaking, a celebrity is someone who receives media attention and in certain circumstances displays an extroverted personality. Not once did it mention movie star, singer or athlete. To me, a celebrity is that exact thing. Someone who has done something on a large enough scale that we devote an interest in.

Sure we have our ’15-minute’ celebrities. Is Paris Hilton even a thing anymore? But with all these posts, I want to show how these celebrities got over the 15-minutes of fame plateau and continue to have success today.

Today’s celebrity: Steve Jobs

Steven Paul Jobs, born February 24, 1955, is most notably known as being the CEO of Apple Inc, but few know about his other major accomplishments. He founded the company NeXT, acquired the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm Ltd which was later transformed into Pixar Animation Studios, and sits on the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company. (You can click on the links to find out more information about the companies listed). Did I also mention that he’s a college dropout? Yes, it’s true. Steve Jobs does not have a post secondary education but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t value the importance of education. He has probably attended more classes than the majority of college graduates. (video will show)

So why pick Steve Jobs. I always knew a bit about him. I mean, he’s one of the technology Gods for us nerds. As I write this article on my Mac, I realize that my iPod is also within arms reach and my MacBook is just around the corner. (Sorry, haven’t converted to the iPhone yet). Is he just a face for the company? or has he actually worked hard to get there? It wasn’t until I viewed the video below did I see a different side of Steve Jobs.

Take the time to watch this. His life is a story of inspiration.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

I would have to agree 100% with Steve Jobs, that a flaw in our education system today is making students take classes that they have no interest or desire to be a part of. I truly believe it’s these classes that assist in the dropout rate. How many of us continue to do things we have absolute no interest in doing? Steve did it the right way. He wasn’t concerned with getting a piece of paper to tell him he was smart enough to last 4 years at a school. He wanted to take the classes that he was interested in and would motivate him to keep going. How many people out there have that prestigious piece of paper from your College or University and doing nothing with it. {as my hand goes in the air}. I too have a piece of paper on my wall from a college where I studied Architecture. It looks cool I guess, but I think it was some of the courses that I took that pushed me away. I loved to design, but didn’t understand what writing an essay on World War II had anything to do with designing a home. DISCLAIMER: Before I continue I just want to say that I do see the importance of education. Good teachers have a soft spot in my heart. I just wish the curriculum would change their ways and stop with the useless classes. {end rant}

“sometimes life’s gonna hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith” – Steve Jobs

Imagine getting fired from a company you started. It still doesn’t make much sense to me. But rather than hit rock bottom, Steve shows us never to give up. It’s the love of your work that should keep you going. Steve Jobs has a net worth of 8.3 billion but I believe that if his net worth was 8.3 thousand, he would still be just as happy because he was doing what he loved. As Winston Chruchill said: “Never, ever, ever, ever, give up”.

It’s no surprise why Steve Jobs is as successful as he is. Not even a serious illness was enough to take him down. It’s people like this that I absolutely admire. My life has been filled with ups and downs and stories like this show me that it will all be worth it. Thank you Steve, thank you.

Next Weeks Inspirational Celebrity: Jessica Cox

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life and the only way to be truly satisfied, is to do what you believe is great work and the only way to do great work is to love what you do” – Steve Jobs