Why is it So Difficult to Connect the Dots Looking Forwards?

In his iconic 2005 Stanford Commencement address, Steve Jobs famously said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” These words have since resonated with millions, serving as a profound reminder of how life unfolds. But why is it so difficult to connect the dots looking forward? And how can we find faith in the seemingly uncertain path ahead?

The Challenge of the Unknown

The difficulty lies in the fact that, as humans, we crave clarity. We like to know where we are headed and how we will get there. But the reality is, when we set out to achieve something meaningful—whether it’s building a career, starting a business, or pursuing a dream—the path is rarely clear. The future is unpredictable. We cannot see the how of it, only that we are compelled by a vision or a goal.

Just like Steve Jobs, we are often blind to the exact steps it will take to achieve our vision. Jobs had the audacity to dream of creating a phone without buttons, a design that at the time seemed almost ludicrous. He couldn’t know all the exact moves that would get him there, but he trusted his vision.

And that’s where the key lies: faith.

Faith: Loyalty in the Unseen

Jobs didn’t have a clear map, but he believed unwaveringly in the power of his ideas. Faith, in this context, is loyalty to the unseen—believing in something before it manifests into reality. The idea of the iPhone didn’t seem practical at the time, but Jobs trusted that the dots would connect, even if he couldn’t see how. His faith allowed him to persist through doubt, challenges, and setbacks, ultimately revolutionizing technology and connecting people around the world.

We all have moments when the future feels like a fog. You may have goals that seem distant or even unattainable from where you stand now. You might be unsure of the next steps, or question whether you’re on the right path. But, like Jobs, it’s crucial to trust that every move you make, every experience, will eventually lead you towards your goal—even if it feels unrelated at the moment.

Connecting the Dots in Retrospect

Jobs’s journey is the perfect example of how the dots align looking backward. Early in his career, he dropped out of college but stayed on campus to sit in on classes he found interesting—one of them being a calligraphy course. At the time, he had no idea how this would matter to his future. But years later, when designing the first Mac, he remembered that calligraphy course and applied its aesthetic lessons, introducing beautiful fonts to personal computers. Looking backward, the dots connected.

This concept applies to all of us. Your journey might not seem linear right now, but every decision, every twist and turn is laying the groundwork for your future.

For instance, in the context of your career, there may be times when you feel like you’re wandering. You might switch jobs, take on projects that don’t seem directly related to your ultimate goal, or face unexpected detours. But each of these experiences adds to your personal and professional growth. The skills you learn, the people you meet, and the challenges you overcome will eventually come together, forming a clear picture when you look back.

The Resume of Life

Your life’s journey is like a resume. While every job or role might not seem connected at first, they will eventually reveal a cohesive story. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re not exactly where you want to be, but know this: every step you take is a valuable part of your larger narrative.

As you continue to pursue your dreams, remember to have faith that you’re moving closer to your goal with every decision you make. In time, you’ll be able to look back and see that the dots do, indeed, connect. The seemingly random experiences will make sense. The projects you took on, the people you encountered, and even the challenges you faced—each will have played a role in shaping your path.

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Hope for the Future

So, how can you embrace this process? Start by letting go of the need to see every step ahead. Trust in your vision, even when the way forward isn’t clear. Lean into uncertainty with faith that you are progressing in the right direction. Believe that every move you make, no matter how small, is bringing you closer to where you need to be.

As Steve Jobs showed us, the dots will connect—but only when we look back. It’s faith in the unseen, in the invisible connections between our actions, that allows us to persist and create something extraordinary.

In your own life, take heart. Even if you can’t see the how right now, keep moving forward. Soon enough, you’ll be able to look back, and all the dots will connect—bringing your dreams into focus.

Caroline Biesalski

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