Book Review: How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton M. Christensen

By Tanner Manning

If ever there was a title designed to make you think, this would be one. This book was recommended to me in college by my professors Luke Dean and Hyrum Smith. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the book, but my professors’ explanations made it sound like a book that would help me become a better person, for myself and for others. As I trust both of their opinions, I read the book, knowing that no book can make you a better person unless you live out the practices and teachings. As they say, “Knowledge is power, but only when acted upon.”

The author, Clayton M. Christensen, was a Harvard professor. The book was written as a result of a speech he gave to a graduating class at Harvard, when he was near death. He takes principles that he and his students learned by studying different businesses and tries to apply them to life. The three main sections of the book are 1) Finding Happiness in Your Career, 2) Finding Happiness in Your Relationships, and 3) Staying Out of Jail. The answer to the books title can only be answered by each individual, but it is insightful, as it makes you think about what is most important to you.

What did I take away from the book?

One: Success looks different for everyone because we all have different values. Some people have more money than they will ever need, yet other areas of their lives are deteriorating. Other people have great lives, yet struggle financially. My point: we should strive to be our best in all areas of life, and not let an imbalance of priorities cause us future regret. Success in one area of life doesn’t make up for failure in other areas of life.

Two: It highlighted my commitment and love for my family. I personally would rather sacrifice more money over time with my family.

Three: More money can always be made, but time is irreplaceable. If I died tomorrow, did I die in pursuit of money or in pursuit of making the most of life with my family, living a life that is important to me and honoring what I care about? As my grandma likes to say about money, “You can’t take it with you!”

Four: Take the time to teach your kids. It’s easy to get things done quickly when doing it by yourself, but that isn’t how children grow. I need to let my boys push the lawn mower with me, even if it means it takes 3x the amount of time to get it done. The lessons and quality time can be invaluable.

Five: Have a career that you love because you will spend a large portion of your life doing it.  Enough said, don’t let yourself be miserable. Focus on something that fulfills you and in my case, let’s me help others.

I would recommend this book to others because it can help you prioritize your life. On your deathbed, do you want to feel content about the life you lived? Do you think you will regret not having worked more, or made more money? Do you think you will regret not doing that kind thing for your neighbor, or taking your grandson out to eat because he was struggling? This book will stimulate your brain to think about the kind of life you want to live, and the kind of person you want to become.

So, how will you measure your life?

 

 

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Published for the blog on January 28, 2025 by Searcy Financial Services, your Overland Park, Kansas Fee-Only Financial Planner and Investment Manager.