LogInThe head of Apple revealed the five sources of inspiration and motivation that drive him in his personal and professional life.
"We can all perform at 90%, but you want people to get to 100. And to get to 100, you have to be inspired by something," Cook said in a recent interview with GQ.
In the same interview, the CEO of Apple shared the five things that inspire and motivate him in both his personal and professional life. Here is the list of these sources of inspiration.
1. Customer Notes
First of all, the CEO revealed that he finds inspiration in customer notes. He shared that he regularly reviews both positive and negative feedback to understand how Apple products are enriching people's lives and stay grounded in the user experience. He believes customer notes provide valuable insights for creating technology that meets people's needs and improves their lives.
2. National Parks
The head of Apple shared that he is a big fan of national parks and enjoys hiking in places like Yosemite, Glacier, and Zion. He refers to national parks as a "palate cleanser for the mind" and a great opportunity to "disconnect from the world for a while and really reflect on what's important." Despite not visiting them often, he considers national parks to be a treasure and encourages everyone to check them out.
3. The Apple Team
According to Cook, working with a team of bright individuals who challenge his perspective is a necessary component for staying inspired. Being pushed to view things from different angles, being debated on topics, and having another lens to view an issue by are all valuable assets that allow for greater accomplishments, the CEO believes. He attributes joining Apple as the most important decision of his life, as it provided him with purpose and direction.
4. Sports
Cook also shared his passion for sports, particularly the moments when people unite to watch a game and forget their differences. He recalled listening to the Auburn-Alabama game on the radio as a child and later attending games in college. More recently, he had the opportunity to talk to a team before a game, and they ended up winning. These experiences, according to the Apple boss, highlight how sports can bring people together and create unforgettable moments of excitement and unity.
5. Young People
Finally, Cook finds inspiration in young people and believes that working with people of different ages can be a source of inspiration. He admires the younger generation for their willingness to challenge old dogmas and their eagerness to create change in the world.
Cook is especially impressed by those who advocate for human rights and treat people with dignity and respect. In fact, his heroes growing up were people like Dr. Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, who pushed the boundaries on human rights and worked towards establishing a fairer world. Cook also recognizes his role as a leader and strives to set an example for young people.
You can learn more by watching the full interview with Tim Cook here. Also, don't forget to join our 80 Level Talent platform and our Telegram channel, follow us on Instagram and Twitter, where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.