Steve Jobs on Failure

Summary

In this inspiring transcript, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking action and asking for help to achieve one's goals. They recount a personal story of reaching out to Bill Hewlett at the age of 12, which led to a job and invaluable experience at Hewlett-Packard. The speaker encourages others to not be afraid of failure and to actively seek opportunities, as most people are willing to help if asked, and this proactive approach is what often distinguishes doers from dreamers.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The speaker emphasizes the importance of asking for help, stating that most people never get the experiences they desire because they don't ask.
• 📞 The speaker shares a personal anecdote about calling Bill Hewlett at the age of 12, demonstrating the power of reaching out to others.
• 🔧 Bill Hewlett provided the speaker with spare parts and a job, highlighting the willingness of people to help when asked.
• 🛠️ The speaker's experience at Hewlett-Packard was transformative, allowing him to work in the very place that built the frequency counters he was interested in.
• 🌟 The speaker encourages proactive behavior, suggesting that those who take action are often the ones who achieve rather than just dream.
• 🤝 The speaker expresses a desire to pay back the kindness received by being responsive to those who ask him for help.
• 📲 The speaker notes that most people are hesitant to make the call or ask for help, which is a barrier between dreaming and doing.
• 🚀 The speaker suggests that taking action involves a willingness to fail, as fear of failure can prevent progress.
• 💡 The message underscores the idea that success often comes to those who are not afraid to take risks and face potential failure.
• 🌈 The speaker's story serves as an inspiration, illustrating that with courage and initiative, one can turn dreams into reality.

Q & A

What did the speaker find to be true about most people?

The speaker found that most people don't get experiences because they never ask for help.

How did the speaker approach seeking help?

The speaker proactively called people and asked for help, even when he was just 12 years old.

Who did the speaker call when he was 12 years old?

The speaker called Bill Hewlett, the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard.

What did the speaker want to build at the age of 12?

The speaker wanted to build a frequency counter.

How did Bill Hewlett respond to the speaker's request for spare parts?

Bill Hewlett laughed and gave the speaker the spare parts to build the frequency counter.

What job did Bill Hewlett offer the speaker at Hewlett-Packard?

Bill Hewlett offered the speaker a job on the assembly line putting nuts and bolts together on frequency counters.

What lesson does the speaker emphasize about asking for help?

The speaker emphasizes that people are generally willing to help if you ask, and that most people never ask, which is what separates doers from dreamers.

Why does the speaker believe people should be willing to fail?

The speaker believes that being willing to fail is essential for taking action and achieving success, as fear of failure can prevent progress.

What advice does the speaker give to people who want to achieve something?

The speaker advises people to act, be willing to fail, and not be afraid to take risks, such as making phone calls or starting a company.

How does the speaker describe his experience working at Hewlett-Packard?

The speaker describes his experience as being 'in heaven', indicating it was a very positive and fulfilling experience for him.

What does the speaker suggest is the key difference between successful people and those who only dream?

The speaker suggests that the key difference is that successful people take action and are willing to ask for help and face potential failure.