One of the traits Steven Covey identifies of successful people in his brilliant 7 Habits book is beginning with the end in mind. This may apply to a short or long-term goal. Or, in the case of this Steve Jobs quote, it refers to the very end: death. Well, the very end of life as we know it, at least.
Not only would a Christian-theological perspective affirm the existence of life beyond death, such a perspective, too, would have us begin with the end in mind (à la Jobs). The theologians would call this an eschatological orientation. It is summarized nicely at the end of the Nicene Creed, which states, “I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.”
So, with that in mind, on to the Jobs quote:
For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something… almost everything– all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure– these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.”