Reading Reflection

Reading Reflection #2

            For my second reading I read Walter Isaacson’s novel ‘Steve Jobs’. I chose this novel due to the fact that the Apple industry is a powerhouse to this day although the creator has passed. I personally have numerous Apple products and happen to love them despite the flaws android users say they obtain. Each product is modern and timeless and as the years go by apple products become more wanted by people around the world.

            The general theme of the novel encompasses the life of Jobs and the steps he had to take to create Apple. Whom he had to befriend, what he had to do and the people he had to betray to be the best of the best (even if it meant being fired by his own company at one point in his own career). Job’s persona was also described eloquently in this novel focusing on the perfectionistic mentality he had for not only himself but the products he would once create and the people he would soon hire.

            I believe the attitude of Jobs was what stood out to me in terms of what connects to this ENT course. Time and time again we are told with our pitches that the way we hold ourselves and the way we present our product can make or break if someone invests and/or purchases our product. Jobs perfectionism was at times misunderstood for confrontation, intensity and rudeness. While this may have been the case at times, Jobs madness came from wanting the absolute best for his company. Which I believe is understandable when you are about to share your world changing knowledge with the world. In this course, and in the life of an entrepreneur, your attitude will dictate everything. Your attitude portrays how much you believe in yourself, your employees and your product.

            The exercise I would incorporate into the course would be revolving around the act of meditation. Steve Jobs claimed his extreme focus and aesthetic came from his spirituality. Although you don’t have to believe in the act of meditation, it is very relaxing, and can at times render your focus on one thing. Once you clear your mind and zone in on one thought (aka your product/business), enlightenment is the claim of many; which I would say improves details in your product from big too small.

            My surprise was finding out about Jobs upbringing, his trials and tribulations, and him still becoming such a successful individual. This shows that what you go through and where you come from does not dictate the amount of success you can have. You are the judge of your own destiny.