Steve Jobs had a unique approach to success that goes beyond talent and hard work—find out what it was.
Many of us hesitate to take that "one" crucial step, holding us back because of fear or uncertainty. However, for the industry giant Steve Jobs, one simple trait turned out to be the greatest move of his life—a trait that many of us often overlook. It wasn't just his brilliance or work ethic that led to his success; it was something else entirely. In a world where self-reliance is often celebrated, Jobs discovered that embracing this one habit opened doors to opportunities that would shape his future forever. Jobs believed that the most important habit of those who achieve their dreams is simple: asking for help.
Steve Jobs may no longer be with us, but the impact he made as Apple's co-founder continues to inspire generations. In a 1994 interview posted by the Silicon Valley Historical Association, he shared that this habit of "asking for help" was a key factor in his success, enabling him to turn his dreams into reality. At just 12 years old, Jobs reached out to Bill Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard.
Jobs asked, "I want to build a frequency counter, and I was wondering if you have any spare parts I could have," Hewlett, amused by the young boy's confidence, not only gave Jobs the parts but also offered him a summer job at HP. Reflecting on the moment, Jobs said, "He laughed, and he gave me the spare parts to build this frequency counter, and he gave me a job that summer in Hewlett-Packard, working on the assembly line, putting nuts and bolts together on frequency counters," he said. "I was in heaven."
That one phone call changed the course of Jobs's life and taught him one of the most valuable lessons of his career: don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. In today’s world, fear often holds people back from reaching out for help, whether from their boss, colleagues, or peers. Yet, research published in the Harvard Business Review shows that 75 to 90 percent of the help exchanged at work starts with a simple ask.
“I’ve actually always found something to be very true, which is, most people don’t get those experiences ‘cause they’d never ask,” Jobs said as per CNBC. “I’ve never found anybody that didn’t want to help me if I asked them for help,” he added. As Jobs rose to the top of his field, he made it a point to give back by helping others. He shared, “When people ask me, I try to be as responsive, you know, to pay that debt of gratitude back,” per the interview.
Asking for help is a crucial step, whether one is pursuing a dream or struggling with personal challenges. Demi Lovato, a powerful advocate for mental health, has consistently spoken out about the importance of seeking help. From her early days as a Disney star, Lovato has battled eating disorders, mental health issues and substance abuse, experiences that she openly shares to inspire others to seek support. She emphasizes that asking for help is not only okay but necessary for healing. Lovato's journey shows that even in the face of setbacks, it's possible to rise stronger. Like Steve Jobs, who believed in the power of reaching out, Lovato reminds us that seeking help can be a life-changing step forward.