Intuition and preparation

Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, has long been admired for his ability to balance visionary leadership with meticulous execution. In a world that often romanticizes intuition as a magical force, Cook offers a refreshing perspective on its true power. For him, intuition is not a shortcut or a substitute for hard work - it is a guide that requires preparation, curiosity, and perseverance to be meaningful.

Cook’s story reminds us that intuition can help us choose the right path, but it’s our dedication to preparation and the willingness to take risks that truly unlock success. With wisdom drawn from his own experience and inspiration from the likes of Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein, Cook’s words challenge us to think deeply about the interplay between instinct and effort.

“Too often people think about intuition as the same as relying on luck or faith. At least as I see it, nothing could be further from the truth. Intuition can tell you that of the doors that are open to you, which one you should walk through. But intuition cannot prepare you for what's on the other side of that door. Along these lines a quote that has always resonated with me is one by Abraham Lincoln. He said "I will prepare, and some day my chance will come." I have always believed this…”

“As current events teach us, those who try to achieve success without hard work ultimately deceive themselves, or worse, deceive others. I have the good fortune to be surrounded by some brilliant, intuitive thinkers who create the most elegant and extraordinary products in the world. For all of us intuition is not a substitute for rigorous thinking and hard work: It is simply the lead-in. We never take shortcuts. We attend to every detail. We follow where curiosity leads, aware that the journey may be longer but will ultimately be more worthwhile. We take risks knowing that risk will sometimes result in failure. But without the possibility of failure, there is no possibility of success. We remember Albert Einstein's words: "insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results." When you put it all together, I know this: Intuition is critical in virtually everything you do, but without relentless preparation, and execution, it is meaningless”

_{Source: Cook, Tim. Auburn University. Auburn, Alabama. 14 May 2010. Commencement Address.}