Chapter 1: A Missed Connection

Some opportunities are fleeting, presenting themselves only once and demanding immediate decisions that can have lasting impacts. I faced one such moment when I was just twenty-three.

After leaving an unhealthy relationship in Gloucester, Massachusetts, I embarked on a journey across the country to California in search of a fresh start. Full of independence and a hint of recklessness, I sought to understand my life’s purpose. Did I even have one?

Shortly after my arrival in Palo Alto, I found a job as a file clerk in the payroll department at Varian. Driven by insecurity, I accepted this mundane position, convinced I wasn't capable of anything more challenging.

As I settled into my role, I became proficient at filing documents, which caught the attention of one of the payroll clerks, Clara Jobs. One day, she approached my desk with a cigarette in hand and a smile on her face.

“Hey Barbara, do you have a boyfriend? My son Steve is always in the garage, and I think you two would really hit it off. You’re the same age!”

In that moment, I froze, my heart pounding. Who was this Steve, and why was he always in the garage? The thought of meeting him and possibly falling in love filled me with dread. What if it ended in heartbreak?

Clara took a puff of her cigarette and exhaled slowly. “He just got back from India, trying to find himself and his ex-girlfriend, oh my God.”

As she awaited my response, panic set in. I couldn’t do this; it felt too risky. So, I lied.

“Sorry Clara, I actually have a boyfriend.”

She sighed, disappointment evident. “That’s too bad. He would have really liked you.”

A wave of relief washed over me as she returned to her desk. No risk taken, no potential heartbreak. It felt perfect at that moment.

Years later, I would come to remember the name Steve Jobs. A visionary who pursued his passions and crafted products that transformed the world. In hindsight, I regretted my choice—not for his fame, but for the inspiration I might have lost. I had shut the door on an opportunity to meet someone who could have profoundly influenced my life, all because of my self-doubt. I had envisioned failure, creating a future based on fear, instead of considering the possibilities.

Photo by Daoudi Aissa on Unsplash

Perhaps it was for the best that I focused on finding my own way. Yet, a hint of regret occasionally surfaces—not for missing a chance to meet a future millionaire, but for not connecting with someone strong, original, and driven.

Now, I recognize how debilitating self-doubt can prompt hasty decisions. Even though this episode occurred years ago, it remains a pivotal moment in my life—a moment where I chose the safer path over the riskier one.

Photo by Lidia Nikole on Unsplash

How often do we find ourselves in similar situations, imagining the worst without any justification? How many times do we choose the easier route out of fear of failure?

Over the years, I've come to understand that failure is merely a concept born in our minds. Fear of failure can imprison us, stopping us from seizing opportunities that could be immensely rewarding.

Though I may never have that moment with Clara again, the lesson it imparted remains invaluable. Our choices shape our futures and can vanish in an instant, never to return.

Do not allow fear to overshadow hope, nor let self-doubt paralyze your decisions. Seize the moment and use every opportunity to clear your mind. Embrace risk and rise above your fears—you might just unlock something extraordinary.

Chapter 2: Lessons from Steve Jobs

In this video, Steve Jobs speaks candidly about the role of failure in his life and how it shaped his success. He emphasizes that setbacks can lead to greater achievements if one learns from them.

Here, Steve Jobs discusses the importance of passion in work. He believes that loving what you do is the key to producing great results and achieving fulfillment in life.