Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone elses. life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking.
About this quote
A standout line from Steve Jobs, this quote distills a lesson about success into 28 unforgettable words. It has resonated with readers for generations — the sort of wisdom worth writing on a wall, and one of the 1,000 most powerful motivational quotes we’ve gathered.
Highlights
More like this
Frequently asked
Who said “Your time is limited, so don't waste it …”?
This quote is attributed to Steve Jobs.
What is the meaning of this quote?
At its heart, this line speaks to success — reminding us that lasting progress comes from intention, effort and perspective. Steve Jobs captures that idea in just 28 words.
What theme does this quote belong to?
It falls under the theme of Success in the Top 1000 collection.
Why is this quote motivational?
Short, memorable and rooted in real experience, it's the kind of line you can return to whenever you need a push toward success.
More from Steve Jobs
Discover the life, work and other memorable words of Steve Jobs.
Read about Steve JobsOpens the official source in a new tab.