“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
-- Steve Jobs
I love this quote. Steve Jobs captured something profoundly true: we can’t predict the future, but when we look back, we often see how every step—planned or unexpected—played a role in shaping our journey. Change and the unknown can be intimidating, and it’s easy to assume the worst. Yet, in hindsight, many of those twists and turns are far less daunting than they seemed.
We can’t map out our lives or careers perfectly. Change is inevitable. But learning to embrace it allows us to grow, adapt, and make better decisions.
A few years ago, I spoke at a conference about connecting the dots in my own career. I’ve failed as a developer, thrived as a designer, stumbled as an entrepreneur, and seen my career and life take unexpected twists. Looking back, those successes, failures, and seemingly insignificant moments have all woven together to bring me to where I am today, teaching me invaluable lessons along the way.
What I’ve realized is this: uncertainty is universal. We all face moments where the path ahead feels unclear. Reflecting on our journeys—the setbacks, wins, and lessons—helps us make sense of it all. And by sharing these stories, we not only find clarity for ourselves but also offer others a sense of connection and guidance during their own uncertain times.
We spend a lot of time talking about what we do, but not enough about how we got there. That’s what This Pivotal Moment of Change is all about: exploring the stories behind the journeys, the lessons learned, and the moments that shaped us.
Enjoy the series.
Ryan Leffel
-- Host of "That Pivotal Moment of Change"