Everyone remembers Steve Jobs, a few Steve Woznick, but hardly anyone remembers that Apple had a third founder.
Apple was founded in 1976 by three entrepreneurs: one was a man with a rather sharp business sense named Steve Jobs, the other was a gifted technical man named Steve Woznick, and the third was appended to Apple because the first two were seamstresses at the time. And they needed a responsible adult who understood some business.
Jobs hired Wayne to Apple right at the beginning, but like any startup, Apple also got into trouble early on. They pledged to provide 100 computers to a store, and delivered them late. Since Apple had taken a loan to manufacture the computers and Wayne feared the money would not come, he decided to retire.
Wayne redeemed his remaining ten percent for $1,500 and his flirtation with Apple ended two weeks after it started. How much was that 10% worth at the end of 2018? Glad you asked - about $ 100 billion. Had things been different, Wayne could be rated as one of the 5 richest people in the world today.
Apple was built using the startup system, with people who believed that the way people live could be changed. They took part in the revolution that caused everyone to buy a personal computer at home, and years later, put a smartphone in their pocket. Apple has left computing giants that were 50 to 100 years old for dust, and competitors who haven't moved at its pace have crumbled. In a world where competition in business is challenging, businesses must move quickly and creatively. Like startups.
Charles Darwin took long walks around London. Kurt Vonnegut made listening to jazz a daily priority. Fiona Apple disappeared for 6 years after the release of her third album.
I ask because I can often be found agonising over the "more". If only I posted on Instagram more, I'll think in the bath. I'd have more followers if I pitched to more publications. I need to post 2 more times a week, minimum. I could go on...
Between you and me, I've got frustrated with myself for browsing Facebook or watching too much TV more times than I can remember.
And I'm not alone. So many of us are terrified of taking a break, creatively speaking. We won't let a moment pass without listening to a podcast, consuming an article or sharing something.
The cognitive load is real, y'all.
But like Vitamin D, sleep and good food, it's not only ok to take a break, it's essential.
Living a successful life is also about knowing when not to work. For your best output, you need to focus on your input, too.
The world won't end if you disappear from the internet for a week or so. Your creativity won't suddenly stop. Your time is now, but your time was also then and it will be again.
Many of us confuse being "busy" with being constructive. But you can only do your best work by taking breaks.
And science backs it up, too. The brain requires substantial downtime to do its most innovative thinking. The ideas you have while driving or in the shower aren't coincidental. They're a result of you taking a step back, whether you're aware of it or not.
Let yourself take a wonderful and indulgent break. Several breaks. Hell, get downright bored.
Wallow in it. Don't be afraid of it. Push it as far as you can.
When you leave your laptop behind, something always happens. A new idea or a fresh perspective appears.
Take proper breaks, often. Completely clear your mind. Your next best idea depends on it.
By taking this 10-min test I can set myself up for success
