In the early stages of developing the NeXT computer, Steve Jobs was adamant about meeting his timeline for release, despite pressures from his team. During a retreat in late 1985, he firmly maintained that the machine would be completed by early 1987, indicating his strong commitment to the project. Joanna Hoffman, a key member of his team, challenged this schedule, but Jobs stood his ground.

As time progressed, it became evident that Jobs' original deadline might not be realistic. By the second quarter of the year, it was clear that the machine's completion would be delayed, reflecting the complexities and challenges inherent in innovation. This situation highlighted both Jobs' determination and the difficulties faced in bringing his vision to life.