What does Steve Jobs have to do with your fertility journey? More than you might think—and after reading his famous words in a whole new way, you might just find the inspiration you need to keep going (or to try something totally new). Let’s unpack the surprising lessons from his legendary Stanford commencement speech, especially now that the Steve Jobs Archive has dropped stories and a crystal-clear HD version for its 20th anniversary (The Verge’s article has all the details).
Life, Like Fertility, Is Anything But Linear
Steve’s key message to Stanford grads was: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” Sound familiar? Anyone who’s been on a fertility journey knows that the path from “we want a baby” to “we’re pregnant!” is rarely a straight line. There are setbacks, surprising turns, and moments of wanting to give up. (Trust me, I’ve been there—tracking cycles, obsessively reading forums, and feeling like the universe was playing some cosmic joke on me.)
When Jobs talks about trusting that the dots will connect, he might as well be talking directly to anyone trying to conceive. Maybe your journey includes doctor visits, tears, hope, disappointment, and sometimes, a leap of faith—like trying an at-home insemination kit for the first time. It’s scary. It’s exciting. And it’s totally okay to not know how it’ll all play out.
“Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” Fertility Edition
Let’s be real: nothing tests your persistence quite like fertility challenges. “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” Those words hit so differently when you’ve had to keep believing, keep trying, and yes—get a little creative.
In the last year, there’s been a quiet revolution. More people are skipping the clinic lines and taking charge with at-home solutions designed for real-world struggles—like low motility, sensitivities, or just wanting to reclaim privacy and control.
This is where my own journey took a totally unexpected turn. After months of appointments and invasive procedures, I found myself up late, scrolling through resources. That’s when I discovered this page that broke down at-home insemination kits in a way that actually made sense. Turns out, MakeAMom’s reusable kits take a lot of the guesswork out, match different needs (hello, CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker), and arrive in plain, discreet packaging—no awkward encounters at the front desk. (Just a little example of connecting the dots looking backward!)
Why Innovators Think Different—And So Can You
Jobs’ whole life was about questioning “the way things have always been done.” The fertility space, thankfully, is finally catching up. If you’ve ever felt like your dreams of a family don’t fit the usual mold—maybe you’re single, LGBTQ+, or facing a health challenge—know this: you’re not alone.
The tools and support available now are so much broader, more inclusive, and tailored to real people’s lives than even five years ago. The taboo around talking about sperm motility, donor insemination, or conditions like vaginismus (which, by the way, MakeAMom’s BabyMaker kit is designed for!) is finally cracking. More folks are sharing their stories, celebrating their wins, and forging a new path—one that Steve would absolutely have called “insanely great.”
What Would Steve Jobs Say to Someone Struggling with Fertility?
Probably this:
- “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”
- “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”
- “Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.”
It’s okay if your journey doesn’t look like anyone else’s. Maybe you’re considering IVF, or maybe you’re looking for a more affordable, empowering route. Maybe you’ve had setbacks, or maybe you just need a reminder that it’s okay to try, and try again, and try something new.
Your Next Dot: Taking the Next Step
So, what’s your “next dot?”
If you’re even just thinking about moving forward—whether it’s your very first try or your fifteenth—let Steve’s words fill you with a bit of hope. Don’t be afraid to seek out new solutions, ask for help, or explore the resources popping up in today’s DIY conception era. They exist because people (maybe just like you and me) demanded something better.
Curious about how modern at-home kits like MakeAMom’s could fit into your journey? Their comprehensive resources and real stories might be the exact push you need to start believing in your own “dots.”
Final Thought
No matter where you are, know this: your journey matters. You will be able to connect the dots eventually—even if today, all you have are questions. Find your people, trust your gut, and keep moving forward. Maybe, just maybe, your family story will be the one that inspires someone else.
What’s the most surprising “dot” on your fertility journey so far? Share your story below, or let’s keep the conversation going in our community forums!