As an advisor and entrepreneur, I’ve always been fascinated by Steve Jobs’ famous line, “death is the ultimate ship date,” which he uttered during his iconic graduation speech at Stanford University in 2005. It’s a line that has resonated with me for years, and I believe that it encapsulates one of the most important lessons that entrepreneurs and business leaders can learn.

Time is infinite, but our time here is finite.

At its core, Jobs’ statement is a reminder that we all have a finite amount of time on this earth. No matter how successful we become, no matter how much money we make, and no matter how many people we touch, we will all eventually die. It’s a fact that we often try to ignore or downplay, but it’s an undeniable truth that we need to accept if we want to achieve any success.

In the context of entrepreneurship and business leadership, this truth takes on even greater significance. When you’re building a company, you’re not just creating a product or service; you’re creating a legacy. You’re trying to make a lasting impact on the world, and you’re hoping to leave behind something that will continue to thrive long after you’re gone. But if you’re not constantly aware of the fact that your time is limited, you risk wasting your precious days and failing to achieve your goals.

This is where Jobs’ statement becomes so powerful. By recognizing that death is the ultimate ship date, we’re forced to confront the fact that time is our most valuable resource. We can’t afford to waste a single minute, and we need to be intentional about how we spend our days. We need to prioritize our goals, focus on what truly matters, and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way.

For me personally, this realization has been a driving force behind my own entrepreneurial journey. It’s pushed me to take risks, pursue my passions, and never settle for mediocrity. It’s given me the courage to try new things, even when the odds are against me, and it’s inspired me to create a legacy that will endure a bit after I’m gone.

Of course, this isn’t to say that we should all live our lives in a constant state of panic, frantically trying to cram as much activity as possible into every day. Rather, it’s about being mindful of our priorities, and recognizing that every decision we make has an opportunity cost. By being intentional about how we spend our time, we can ensure that we’re building the legacy we want to leave behind, rather than simply drifting through life.