Skip to content

Change Quote by Steve Jobs

“For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” quote by Steve Jobs
Download Open image
“For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.”

Steve Jobs

About This Quote

Source Speech: Stanford Commencement Address, 2005

He urges daily self‑assessment of purpose, using the thought of mortality to gauge whether one's actions align with true desires.

In simple terms: Ask yourself daily if your actions match your deepest goals.

Key Takeaway

If not, change immediately.

Themes

purpose self‑reflection mortality action change

Mood

reflective motivational serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • personal habits
  • health choices
  • relationships
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

existentialism mindfulness values

Questions to Reflect On

  • What would you change if you knew today was your last?
  • How does this question affect your long‑term planning?
A Different Perspective

It can be hard to confront uncomfortable truths about one's life direction.

4.4 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Steve Jobs

Explore all 696 Steve Jobs quotes

More Change quotes

Browse all 31,414 Change quotes