Last week I was listening to a podcast from 2018 with Tim Cook. The podcast* covered an event that took place in Chicago that highlighted Apple educational initiatives. In the Q&A, Tim was asked about what question he would ask his high school self. The question did toss Tim for a loop, but Tim is very thoughtful and bounce back fast.
Tim’s answer hit me like a bolt of lightning. His answer was simple, but complex. He said we should all ask ourselves “what is your purpose”? And he had an answer to that question for both himself and all of us….to serve humanity.
So, let’s all stop and think.
Q: What is your purpose?
A: To serve humanity.
Wow, yes, always simpler is better. Typical Apple thinking. And Tim went on to challenge all of those in the audience (and I guess, those that listened and re-listened to the podcast) to determine in serving humanity, how should I server? What are your gifts and passions to ensure that we all are making the world a better place?
COVID will pass, life will probably have a “new” normal, but let’s not waste this time, have more personal reflection and seek out how we can use our common purpose… to serve humanity, for the great good^.
* https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/best-of-tim-cook/id1011668648?i=1000486456330
^Some “skills” that I refined in the past 5 months are: compassion, empathy, flexibility and resilience. And my purpose is helping others by connecting them with others that can help them (I’ve always done that) and to double down on my non-profits work. I also say “thank you” 10,000 times more than before.
swanie227 