“Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. I’m convinced that the only thing that kept me going was that I loved what I did. You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. 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. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don’t settle.” ~ Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, commencement address at Stanford, June 2005
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Sunday Thought For The Day
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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Lance, the best two-word advice sentence ever: “Don’t settle”
Stephen — Rat Race Trap´s last blog post..Blow the Lid Off Yourself by Thinking Big
Soooooo meeeeee.…Lance!!!! Just like what I need it.
suddenly slimmer´s last blog post..Glad I Decided Went To The Gym
Lance,
I agree with Stephen that “Don’t settle” is the line I remember most from this great quote. I also like what Steve Jobs said about knowing when you’ve found work that you love, and when you’ve found a person you love. You just know. This phrase ‘you just know’ used to drive me up the wall, and now I’m finally old enough to understand, I accept that certain things you just know.
Daphne´s last blog post..Emptiness
Good Morning Lance! Well I’m a believer of this quote! This is a lesson just recently learned in our house. Too many of us get stuck in a job that we don’t love. We think that we have to stay. We’re too afraid to leave. I worked in the insurance industry for almost 20 years and pretty much hated it! I grew up doing insurance. I didn’t think I could learn anything else. The good thing about all those years spent doing something I didn’t love, I will be teaching my son to find his passion, not his job! Follow his heart and do what he loves. Quality of life is so much better when you love what you’re doing and you’re doing what you love!
Thanks for the reminder!!!
Have a great Sunday!
Natalia Burleson´s last blog post..A great meetup and working out.
Lance,
I loved this quote. I really liked the line, “keep looking” and “don’t settle.” These aren’t always easy to do, however. I think it’s in our nature (or maybe my generation) to settle down, perhaps too soon.
I didn’t find the work I love until recently and I had to let go of a lot of old beliefs about what “work” should be to get here. I was fascinated by Steve Jobs comparison of work and relationships. For me, this fits. About the same time I found the work I love, I also found the right person for me. And I did know:~)
Sara´s last blog post..In Switzerland: Extreme Sports
Fabulous
Jeanne´s last blog post..Nature is Divine
Hi Lance,
This is so true. I remember watching this online BEFORE I had healed and kind of thinking “good in theory… wonder if that will ever be me.…” Now it is and I cannot be happier. I feel we are meant to do what we love. Sometimes you might have to “think outside the box” a bit to find out how to monetize your passions but it is well worth it.
Thanks Lance. Just yesterday I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with what I do as I still struggle with my “wanting to help even more” but this brought me back to the right place. I am very grateful for all I have done and continue to do and am back focusing on the pure joy I get from my work, what I DO accomplish and the people I do help.
Always a pleasure Lance and I knew just where to come today to get back on the right track… seems like you always hvae the perfect quote waiting for me.
Love, Jenny
Jenny Mannion´s last blog post..Rising Star — A Guest Post of a Healing Modality Brought to you By Sarah Root
Absolutely NEVER settle! Love this post, Lance… I am reminded of “If you don’t choose the best, it’s because, somewhere within you, you don’t feel you deserve it. Everyone deserves the best.” Thanks Lance,
Regards,
Darren
Darren Sproat´s last blog post..What To Know About Backlinking
Hi Lance,
There is so much in that speech — I keep both a text copy and a video copy on my computer at work.
It’s for those days when I need a little bit extra, to keep pushing ahead with my escape plans, or to keep me sane in the mouth of insanity.
(I swear, if you looked up dysfunctional workplace in the dictionary, my company would be listed there…)
Don’t settle.
Brett Legree´s last blog post..turning point.
I have come to a point where I believe what I’m hoping to do is really an expression of my soul. It is not so much of “seeking” the perfect job. It is more about coming into remembrance of who I am. When my external expression is in congruence with who I am internally, I “produce” my best work. The greatest relationship I can ever have is the one in reconnection with my Divine Self.
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..The 1st Age of a Business Enthusiasm
Don’t settle! That is so right Lance. Because I didn’t settle, my life is much better than it has EVER been. I am working for myself doing MEANINGFUL work. I am also with a great man, now for 25 years. Has the relationship been great for 25 years? NO! But because I didn’t settle and we are committed to each other, we worked hard on us and I worked hard on me. So if anyone reads this and is ready to throw in the towel, HAVE FAITH but also work hard on YOURSELF! When you make changes in yourself the other person will change in response.
Hi Lance — This is an inspiring one. Just when you think it might be time to give up and give in, this quote reminds you to keep looking for what it is you want…and that you will find it.
Amanda Linehan´s last blog post..Happiness vs. Joy
Great quote! I’ve read it before and every time I do I find it so inspiring. Thanks for posting it!
Positively Present´s last blog post..things to make (other than money)
Oh I just love that Steve Jobs (and all of his marvelous brainchildren!). Thanks for posting this!
Megan “JoyGirl” Bord´s last blog post..On Dealing With Fear
“You’ve got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers.”
So true in what we do and whom we love–great message Lance. Thank You.
Yira´s last blog post..Memorial Day — a day to remember
Lance I feel so personally conncected to your quote today! I have exactly one more month to go before I leave my up to know career and job and move on to my bigger passions and things that I LOVE to do…write, speak, teach and all freely, based on my own intuitive calling, not based on someone else’s rules, ideas, or values. It feels so great I can taste it!
Thank you — I know all the words in the Universe, that come through all these different outlets continue to be my guiding system, so I never doubt that I am moving along the right path (the right path for me)
Evita´s last blog post..I CAN DO IT! Toronto 2009 Conference — Day 3
Hi, courteous posts there
through’s exchange for the interesting advice
I think “Don’t Settle” is the BEST advice anyone could ever give.
Another fabulous Sunday post Lance!!
PS..I’m not sure if you ever noticed, but I have your site linked on my blog.
Tabitha´s last blog post..Shedding Much More Than Weight
This is a great quote Lance, and echoes a conversation I’ve been having with alot of people lately, as well as a conversation I’m having with myself
I finish up in my job on Wednesday to do some exploring of my own, so I’m really loving this right now!
Hilda´s last blog post..Let go and let God
Hi Lance: Not only did Steve Job’s next project after being unceremoniously kicked out from Apple turn out to be a huge successs–Pixar–, but he later had a triumphant return to Apple. Incidentally, at Pixar he joined John Lasseter who had been terminated from Disney, and now Pixar and Disney have joined. These are the types of stories that everyone should keep in mind for when life hits you over the head with a brick
Marelisa´s last blog post..54 Tips For Writers, From Writers
Sometimes we have to do both for a short time. We have to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. But that does not mean that we have to stay in that place forever. Keep looking even as you are doing what needs to be done at the time. Great post. Have a great day.
Dan and Deanna “Marketing Unscrambled”
Lance,
Thank you for posting this today ~ it truly spoke to me!
have been wanting to branch out more into the creative
world as part of my career intertwined with my photography.
It’s so much different than my career as a Pediatric Respiratory~Flight Therapist!
I’d like to find a way to do them both.
*happy sigh*
Thank you again for the joy and inspiration that you gift us,
Bella
Steve Jobs put the purpose of my website into a perfect paragraph. I’ve seen his Standford speech and it’s wonderful.
We have an obligation to ourselves and the people around us to find the work that makes our soul sing. It’s the best way to feel satisfied with life.
Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s last blog post..A Work Happy Now Interview on Let It Flow
Lance,
I love this! Thank you!
Debbie´s last blog post..
Hi Lance, this is one of my favorite quotes.
I believe we could be successful if we are enthusiastic and love our job.
Thank you.
Arswino´s last blog post..14 Facts of Life You Must Know
Hi Lance ..thanks for this post, which everyone’s obviously enjoyed & brought home some points. I just think it’s great that technology has allowed alternatives in life and we can garner information, guidance, see others progress and succeed in their passion .. and we can help each other in all kinds of ways — including the interaction of our blogs.
Don’t settle, keep faith, just do .. go for your passion ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hilary´s last blog post..Chelsea, Perfume and Prince Charles?
Hi Lance,
With love of any kind, I feel we have to“kiss” a few toads along the way. Whether it’s with jobs we try or love interests, that which worth having is worth waiting for. I wholeheartedly agree — don’t settle.
Thank you for this great reminder Lance. Too often we settle and then wonder why we’re not happy.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..What If…
No settling here. I’ve found my passion, and I’m not letting anything stop me.….….….….….….….:)
Thanks for the great reminder, Lance.
LisaNewton´s last blog post..10 Reasons to Use Mass Transit
This speech shares uplifting reasons for motivation. When famous people talk candidly about mortality, resistance and surrender, other people begin to see more relevance of the same themes in their own lives. Each person is as aware and resiliant as that person chooses to be. Wake-up calls come in many forms and formless states.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..Who thinks organs speak?
Lance, Like Evelyn Lim, I have found my soul’s work! And you, Lance, do you love what you do?
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..“Sugar Lady” Video
Thank you so much.
Julie Y.´s last blog post..Backyard Observation
Excellent, Lance!
Another one of note is Bill Gates who didn’t do what he did *to make money nor revolutionize the millenium*…he simply did it with and for passion…and look what happened? :~)
Henie´s last blog post..Memorial Day
Don’t settle says it best.
J.D.´s last blog post..Top 10 Lessons Learned in Interpersonal Skills
Hey Lance,
I wished I’d seen this quote about 15 years ago. It may have prevented me from working for Coca-Cola selling a hideous product that didn’t fit my values or from working for the government selling I don’t really know what because I spent so much time trying to get stuff approved from all the power hungry bureaucrats! Mind you, at the age I was, I probably wouldn’t have taken any notice anyway. Ahh, the ignorance of youth.
The part that resonated the most was; 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. Totally agree with that. Thanks Lance!
Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog post..Monday Funny — Economic Models
@Stephen — “Don’t settle” — that is excellent advice!
@Suddenly Slimmer — Hi Alia. Awesome, and keep at it, my friend! There is so much out there for you, and you have so much to give this world.
@Daphne — Hi Daphne. That idea of just knowing — sometimes it’s hard to listen to that voice inside when it speaks to us. And yet, when we do, so often it is right on.
@Natalia — Hi Natalia. Very cool! Getting stuck, just because we’re afraid of what’s out beyond our comfort zone — it’s easy to be in this place. Yet, when we step out, even if everything doesn’t go as expected, is still a pretty awesome place. Especially if we are truly listening to our hearts. What you’re teaching your son is a lesson that is a wonderful gift you’re giving him, one that will keep on helping him throughout his entire life!
@Sara — Hi Sara. You bring up such an important point, and one that can be overlooked in this quote, I think. The idea that it can be in our nature to settle down. It sure can be, as we get older, and more comfortable in doing what we’ve always done. Maybe it’s the “right” thing for us, but then again, maybe not. We should NEVER settle — whether we’re 10 years old or 90 years old. I love this point you’re bringin up, Sara. And how awesome for you, that you’ve found both the right person and the right work — a great place to be!
@Jeanne — thank you!
@Jenny Mannion — Hi Jenny. I’m going to give a plug for the video here, as well — it’s powerful to watch, if you haven’t. Youtube has it, and it might seem long — but it’s worth every minute of it. To your point about monetizing your passions — this is an excellent point Jenny. Just because we love to do something, doesn’t just mean that money will flow into us. However, maybe all it takes is rethinking how this has been done in the past — and who know where this may lead you. And yes, we can only do so much. So, I’m glad you are seeing the joy in what you are accomplishing. Which is really so much, and your gifts are reaching people all over the world! My life is better because our paths have crossed, and your comments here always inspire me to further digging. As do your wonderfully presented posts on your site! Thank you, my friend…
@Darren — Hi Darren. These are such important words to hear, aren’t they. Just as you’re reminding us all here today — yes we all do deserve the best! Thanks much Darren!
@Brett — Hi Brett. Like I mentioned to Jenny up above, yes — the video really is such an inspiring piece as well! Well worth a listen! These are definitely words to help remind us that we never have to settle — no matter what. Keep working the escape plans… Don’t settle…
@Evelyn — Hi Evelyn. Connecting with our “divine selves”, or with our innermost soul — what a great place to get to. And Evelyn, you do express your soul, and I believe you’re right where you should be. But the truth is, it’s not what I think that matters, it’s what you believe in your heart.
@Laurie — Hi Laurie. I know just how connected you are with the work you are doing now, and what a great place for you to be at. And thank you for sharing both this, and about your marriage. No relationship is perfect or without bumps. And this is a great look at “don’t settle” — don’t settle for a marriage that is struggling, look for ways to improve it — and that means that we ourselves might have to change. Thank you, Laurie, for sharing this…
@Amanda — Hi Amanda. That’s right, don’t give up — on your life, your dreams, your wants that come from deep within. They are worth it. Each of us are worth it. YOU are worth it.
@Positively Present — Hi Dani. This is such an inspiring quote, reminding us to really go after what we love. And Steve Jobs is such a living example of this!
@Megan — Hi Megan. Steve Jobs has really lived out this quote, hasn’t he! What a shining example of what IS possible!
@Yira — Hi Yira. It really is a great message of hope — in that it is all possible for each of us!
@Evita — Hi Evita. What an exciting time in your life, and I’m so happy for you and for these steps you’re taking! I can really feel your excitement here, and it’s contagious!! Continue on, my friend, and I’m excited to see where this all leads for you!
@Effide — Thanks for stopping by.
@Tabitha — Hi Tabitha. Isn’t that great advice — “don’t settle”! And thanks much for linking up to my blog — I really appreciate it!
@Hilda — How exciting — the new phases and directions your life will be taking! And this really is a great conversation to have with yourself — to really let this idea of “not settling” sink in. I wish you well in all the future endeavors life holds for you!
@Marelisa — Hi Mare! These are awesome stories, aren’t they. That even when things seem bad — there can be much good that comes from it all! Thanks much for sharing about John Lasseter, another who didn’t settle!
@Dan and Deanna — You’re right, sometimes we may have to settle. The thing is to remember that we’re not fully settling if we keep our dreams and inner-most wants alive in some way in our lives. And that’s the important take away here — is that even when it feels like we have to settle for something less than what we want, we can still work in ways to “not settle”… Thanks much!
@Bella — Hi Bella. Thank you for sharing this. It speaks to me, what you’re saying. And it says that maybe there’s a way to pull what are seemingly unrelated fields togehter — and into something great! I’m loving this thought Bella, thanks again for sharing this! And I wish you the best in finding a way to express all of your passions!
@Karl — Hi Karl. The speech that this quote is an excerpt of is powerfully inspiring, and something everyone should that the time to watch — it is so worth it. Keep on doing what speaks deeply to you Karl, I feel that in what you have to say.
@Debbie — Thank you!
@Arswino — Hi Arswino. This is a great one, isn’t it! Loving our job — just think if we were all at this spot in our lives, how moving this could be for our world! A great place to get to!
@Hilary — Hi Hilary. What a great point! Technology is something that has enabled us to connect in ways never before imaginable. And I get so much from all the comments people leave here, and share their own wisdom and life stories. This is what really makes these quotes come to life — is the real life stories that fit to them so well. Thanks again for this reminder!
@Barbara — Hi Barbara. Yes, there will be a few “toads” along the way, especially if we are indeed going after our real soul purposes. There is definitely something to be said for happiness and how that relates to us going after what we truly desire.
@LisaNewton — Hi Lisa. I love your attitude — keep at it Lisa!!
@Liara — Hi Liara. Wake-up calls, yes, it can certainly come from something like this — from a speech from a well-known person. Especially when they share some of the trials of their own life — and we all can see that there is no such thing as a perfect life — and that life is really what we make it to be. Thanks much Liara.
@Jannie — Awesome, Jannie!! What a great place to be, isn’t it! Have I found what I love to do? Yes, I have! It’s been a journey for me, and one that hasn’t always been perfect or pretty. And am I fully there today? No, I’m not fully where I want to be. I do know, though, at this moment — what it is that matters deeply to me. And that’s not a place I’ve always been at. This is a good place to be. And the important thing for me to remember is to “not settle”, even when I think I’m “there”. For me, the journey will always continue…
@Julie Y. — Hi Julie. Thanks for stopping by today.
@Henie — Hi Henie. Thanks! Bill Gates is another shining example of what following your passion can lead to. No matter what you think of either Apple or Microsoft, both of these companies were founded on passion — and that led to both of them becoming what they are today.
@J.D. — “Don’t settle” says so much, for all of us!
@Sami — Hey Sami. I wonder if this would have had much effect on me coming out of college many years ago? I hope it has for those who experienced this in person — what a moment to be a part of. I understand about the age thing — it’s taken me many years to get to where I am today, where speeches/quotes like this have a real impact. Believing in what we’re doing — that is pretty powerful isn’t it, Sami! If we truly believe in what we’re doing, we can do so much!
Love this quote on so many levels!!
Ricardo Bueno´s last blog post..Send Videos to Twitter with TwitVid
Never settle! Finding what we love and doing that is what makes life worth living.
Sagan´s last blog post..Fit Travels
@Ricardo — Hi Ricardo! This really is a great quote — so much to it!
@Sagan — Hi Sagan! Powerful words, those two — “don’t settle”.
Maybe life hits us over the head with a brick to wake us up! I spent the last 13 years figuring out what the hell I want, specifically from a job. And finally, after a long process, I really think I’m there. Now the journey begins to create it.
Never settle…settling creates resentment and lack of inspiration, at least that is my experience.
Stacey Shipman´s last blog post..Like to do vs. Want to do
Stacey — I think it’s an ever-evolving process, even when we get “there”. Once we’re “there”, to that spot that feels right, there’s still tweaking we’ll do (or at least we should be open to). Part of that whole “never settle” thought. There is something, though, about knowing when you’ve reached that spot that feels right. Very cool, Stacey, where you’ve taken yourself to. That’s you really taking this to heart — the journey you’re on. I’m looking forward to see where it all leads you!
Hi Lance. Those are some very wise words from a very wise man. You have to keep at it til you find what you love. That can be very challenging and even discouraging along the way, but well worth all efforts. Too many people do settle indeed. I find that really sad.
Great choice again Lance!
Jennifer´s last blog post..Who Do You Want to Be?
Hi Lance,
I put this quote on my blog sometime ago too. That entire graduation speech is full of inspiration. It is amazing to me how so many of us are not living our passion. It was not until I started blogging did I realize the extent of the struggle that so many people have regarding finding their passion.
I have come to believe that in school we are taught to focus on making a living as opposed to living. We have come to believe that it is normal to be at a job you hate because those who do what they love seem so rare. I am hoping that with time more and more people will realize that it is not normal to have a job that you hate. Maybe that is a bit idealistic or naïve but I think with the way the world is at the moment, there has to be a shift of some kind.
Nadia — Happy Lotus´s last blog post..My Perfection Myth
@Jennifer — Hi Jennifer. Great point — even when it’s challenging or discouraging, it’s still so worth it if this is something that has deep meaning for us. Have I ever settled? Yes. And it is sad. Today,though, I choose not to settle — to live life fully — and listen to my heart. And this is a great place to have reached! I know you’re “not settling” either Jennifer, and I’m excited to see where it all takes you!
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. I love the whole speech by Steve Jobs! It has taken me some time to get to that point, to where I am comfortable “not settling” and really going after my passion. And that pretty exciting! I begin life out of college going after something I liked (not loved), but also after the money. And it’s not fulfilling. Money alone doesn’t buy happiness. And I don’t think this is idealistic. Having a job you love — for everyone — what a wonderful place to get to!
Hi my friend!!! Love this quote, Lance. I completely believe this and strive to live it every day. I think we too often ignore the cries of our souls in favor of being practical, not rocking the boat, fear of taking risks, not wanting to try ANYTHING unless we are 100% sure it’s what we want. And yet that last one is a catch 22 because if we don’t try things we will most likely NEVER know what we want. Like I recently wrote on another site. Be Bold, Be Brave, Be True.…Dare to Life, REALLY life. It’s what you are here for.
You are always so inspiring and uplifting it is a joy to visit you and be visited by you. You are one of those people who stay with me even as I move through Life. There are certain souls who we connect with that are so vivacious and energetic that they just become a part of our own energy. I think all people experience this to some extent and I know that we are ALL capable of it. I tend to feel things on the soul level more than any other level, and since I am so wide open it is good for me to interact with positive people. Thank you for being one of those amazing people. Such a joy. Hugs, Robin
PS I loved your amazingly heartfelt comment on my last post. SOOOOO earnest and sincere. Thank you, Lance. SO much.
Robin Easton´s last blog post..Keeper of the Circle
Hi Robin,
I think you’re right on the money with this thought. Too often, we don’t listen to what our souls are saying. And where does that get us? Waiting for the next Friday, dreading Monday, and generally just going through the motions. And the catch 22 — it’s so true isn’t it Robin — that we don’t try because we don’t know — and because we don’t try we never know if we might not like it. You help me to see beyond this so clearly — thank you so much for this.
And know, too — Robin — that you hold a very special place with me. I deeply feel that connection also. You always take me to deeper levels of my own thinking — and your words always come alive in my soul. Robin, thank you deeply for this very heart-felt comment, and for all the writing you share. You are such a gift to our world…and to me.
I shall never settle again.
Cricket´s last blog post..A Ride on Big Bertha…The Unexpected Journey
Eee, heart-shaped sparklers! Now I want some for a ritual. One time a friend brought a batch that changed colors and spit out little balls like tiny Roman candles. Those were *such* fun!
Elizabeth Barrette´s last blog post..Weekend Meet-n-Greet 6−6−09