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How Will You Measure Your Life? Hardcover – May 15, 2012

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 7,491 ratings

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From the world’s leading thinker on innovation and New York Times bestselling author of The Innovator’s Dilemma, Clayton M. Christensen, comes an unconventional book of inspiration and wisdom for achieving a fulfilling life. Christensen’s The Innovator’s Dilemma, notably the only business book that Apple’s Steve Jobs said “deeply influenced” him, is widely recognized as one of the most significant business books ever published. Now, in the tradition of Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture and Anna Quindlen’s A Short Guide to a Happy Life, Christensen’s How Will You Measure Your Life is with a book of lucid observations and penetrating insights designed to help any reader—student or teacher, mid-career professional or retiree, parent or child—forge their own paths to fulfillment.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“[A] highly engaging and intensely revealing work….Spiritual without being preachy, this work is especially relevant for young people embarking on their career, but also useful for anyone who wants to live a more meaningful life in accordance with their values.” — Publishers Weekly

“The book encapsulates Christensen’s best advice to keep high achievers from being disrupted in their own lives....[P]rovocative but reassuring: Peter Drucker meets Mitch Albom.” — Bloomberg Businessweek

“[M]ore genuinely a self-help book than the genre it disparages. Instead of force-feeding readers with orders on how to improve, it aims to give them the tools to set their own course” — Financial Times

“[W]ell researched and thought through material. — Forbes

“…a gripping personal story with lessons from business mixed in.” — Bloomberg BusinessWeek

“…Clayton Christensen’s new book has the business world buzzing.” — Deseret News

“Recommend the book to friends and family who have no connection to the business world. They will thank you for it.” — Harvard Business Review

‘’A Business Student’s New Required Reading’’ — Huffington Post

“[R]evealing and profound.” — Inc. Magazine

“I wish this book was around when I started my carreer. I bought copies for my kids and other young adults I know. $16 is not a lot to spend to get them thinking about their future and how to live responsible, ethical and successful lives.” — Small Business Labs

From the Back Cover

In 2010 world-renowned innovation expert Clayton M. Christensen gave a powerful speech to the Harvard Business School's graduating class. Drawing upon his business research, he offered a series of guidelines for finding meaning and happiness in life. He used examples from his own experiences to explain how high achievers can all too often fall into traps that lead to unhappiness.

The speech was memorable not only because it was deeply revealing but also because it came at a time of intense personal reflection: Christensen had just overcome the same type of cancer that had taken his father's life. As Christensen struggled with the disease, the question "How do you measure your life?" became more urgent and poignant, and he began to share his insights more widely with family, friends, and students.

In this groundbreaking book, Christensen puts forth a series of questions: How can I be sure that I'll find satisfaction in my career? How can I be sure that my personalrelationships become enduring sources of happiness? How can I avoid compromising my integrity—and stay out of jail? Using lessons from some of the world's greatest businesses, he provides incredible insights into these challenging questions.

How Will You Measure Your Life? is full of inspiration and wisdom, and will help students, midcareer professionals, and parents alike forge their own paths to fulfillment.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Business (May 15, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062102419
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062102416
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.85 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 7,491 ratings

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4.5 out of 5 stars
7,491 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and thought-provoking. They describe it as a great read with clear writing and simple language. The down-to-earth approach simplifies complexity to unearth new insights. The emotional content is heartfelt and uplifting. It's suitable for readers of all ages, and the author's pacing is praiseworthy.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

543 customers mention "Insight"501 positive42 negative

Customers find the book insightful and thought-provoking. They appreciate its practical advice on balancing work and family life. The anecdotes, theories, and advice help readers focus on what matters most to them. Readers also mention the author's moving description of his personal mission.

"...are for the most part clearly presented, and their application to other aspects of life apropos; on first reading I less well understood the section..." Read more

"...But then, in the last chapter, he wrote the most moving description of his own personal mission statement, and how HE measures his life...." Read more

"...The approach to self-reflection is certainly novel even if there is little new in either the questions or answers...." Read more

"...This entails choosing activities to pursue, and outcomes to achieve. With time, family members will be on auto-pilot thinking “this is how we do it.”..." Read more

398 customers mention "Readability"388 positive10 negative

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the business insights and consider it a worthwhile read. The narrative is teachable and relatable, holding their attention throughout.

"...Only a couple of hundred pages in length, the book holds one's attention throughout...." Read more

"...The book is worth reading for the business insights alone...." Read more

"Clayton Christensen's "How Will You Measure Your Life?" is an extraordinary book that goes beyond the typical business and self-help genre...." Read more

"...and other subjects, this book is to say the least, not disappointing at all...." Read more

123 customers mention "Writing quality"115 positive8 negative

Customers appreciate the book's writing quality. They find it concise, simple, and easy to read. The author writes clearly and articulately in sophisticated language. The narrative is unified and understandable, making it relatable. Readers find the book highly accessible with vivid examples and a friendly narrative voice.

"...These theories are for the most part clearly presented, and their application to other aspects of life apropos; on first reading I less well..." Read more

"...(and the co-authors) has severally used simplified and yet highly practical language to propose what should and ought to be the most important..." Read more

"...The conversations are to be in fully adult, sophisticated language. Research found that the impact of this on cognitive development was enormous...." Read more

"...The chapters are short, well written and feature some of the material Christensen's prior talks -- for example the question of what is the job of a..." Read more

44 customers mention "Ease of use"39 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the book's straightforward and methodical approach. They find it simple to understand, providing a clear, coherent overview of challenges and strategies for organizing one's professional and personal lives. The book provides a clear, systematic breakdown of the way to discover new insights and grow.

"...and much more about what’s inside of you and whether the work is challenging, provides for personal growth, responsibility, recognition, and sense..." Read more

"...life is not all about business, he (and the co-authors) has severally used simplified and yet highly practical language to propose what should and..." Read more

"...They explain their position in a series of theories -- simple ideas that you can use as tools to inspect and apply to your own experience...." Read more

"...on various topics and I can say this one really put all pieces together in a coherent way...." Read more

20 customers mention "Emotional content"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heartfelt and passionate. They say it's uplifting and has awesome insights. The author is described as warm-hearted, sincere, and caring.

"...The starting point is a discussion of priorities - finding happiness in your career, finding happiness in your relationships and staying out of jail..." Read more

"...The book is divided into three parts: finding happiness in your career, finding happiness in your relationships, and staying out of jail..." Read more

"...He breaks down the book into 3 parts: 1. FINDING HAPPINESS IN YOUR CAREER--Readers familiar with the book "Drive" by Daniel Pink or the..." Read more

"...The book is exceptional in its combination of deep feeling that is personal and experiential alongside deeper thought and business experience...." Read more

13 customers mention "Age range"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book useful for all ages. They say it's timely and appropriate for life planning, especially for young kids. The book provides a useful method for setting goals. Readers appreciate the idea of giving kids more responsibility early and the concept of marginal thinking.

"...Christensen's wisdom is both timeless and timely, offering invaluable guidance in an increasingly complex world. Highly recommended!" Read more

"...It turns out that it is more of a book for young folks, in which Prof. Christensen used his knowledge and experience to advise them how to: (1)..." Read more

"...and many of the things in this book apply today and will apply for generations to come...." Read more

"...Good for most any age -- should be required reading for High School and College. But based upon the School of Experience...." Read more

11 customers mention "Pacing"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and insightful. They appreciate Clayton Christensen's message of staying on your path despite obstacles. The book sticks with them and is described as one of his best works.

"...in your career, finding happiness in your relationships and staying out of jail - so we can avoid the trap of giving-in to the inner voice that..." Read more

"...in your career, finding happiness in your relationships, and staying out of jail (which he uses metaphorically to discuss maintaining integrity)...." Read more

"...in your career, finding happiness in your relationships, and staying out of jail. Interesting observations include: *..." Read more

"...It explains the importance of never deviating from your path even though your path may change somewhat as your belief system develops...." Read more

16 customers mention "Length"10 positive6 negative

Customers have different views on the book's length. Some find it short with well-written chapters and powerful theories. Others feel it's too long to express ideas effectively and needs better explanations.

"...The chapters are short, well written and feature some of the material Christensen's prior talks -- for example the question of what is the job of a..." Read more

"...This is rather rare, but not a handicap as the book is short, 206 pages...." Read more

"This is a short book with some very powerful theories that apply to people from all walks of life...." Read more

"...Nonetheless, I would never say someone shouldn't read it. Great book. Not long. Go for it." Read more

“How will you mensure your life?”
5 out of 5 stars
“How will you mensure your life?”
I just finished reading the book “How will you measure your life?” by the late Professor Clayton Christensen and James Allworth and Karen Dillon.The book is amazing. Very suited for this #covid19 retreat times.I must say that the book made me think about my own life, the way I balance my family with my work as an executive in a leading company, my work as an academic and the way I live may faith in God, in the Holly Church and in my activity in my local community.The book is full of spirituality, different from my own but very deep and admirable.The authors aim, and succeed, to make us readers to look back on our choices and values and what do we put first.This book reminded me of my grandfather, José, who was also a carpenter, who once told me that marriage, family is the most important deal of a person’s life. Not knowing it, he was telling me in 1994 the same that Professor Christensen and his coauthors told me now.I can only recommend the reading.Any leader, academic, student at any age must read this book, it will change the way you look at your life and, hopefully, will change your life for the better.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2012
    Before, if were to look for a book about finding purpose, I might scan the religion, spirituality, or (egads) self-help shelves, or perhaps search for something in philosophy or psychology. Maybe if I was thinking really big picture and I didn't mind ending up feeling that the search was utterly futile, I would read popular physics or cosmology. But I would be least likely to seek out such a book from the business section. I would not think that theories on how businesses ought to run would have much to say to me about how I ought to run my life.

    But I would be wrong.

    Harvard Business School Professor Clayton M. Christensen's book, "How Will You Measure Your Life?" which he wrote with James Allworth and Karen Dillon, describes, in short chapters illustrated with work and home anecdotes, several tested and tried business theories. These theories are for the most part clearly presented, and their application to other aspects of life apropos; on first reading I less well understood the section on marginal thinking, but that was my sole stumbling moment.

    One might not think that the way upstart steel mini-mills ("disruptive attackers") so upended the business that most of the major steel mills went out of business--the topic of Christensen's earlier book, "The Innovator's Dilemma"--would have much applicability to everyday life. I think it takes someone like Christensen to carry that off: his life, it would appear, is very much organically interconnected. His faith, his family, his teaching, and his business analysis and theories are all integrated. Striving to live a purpose-driven life, Christensen naturally sees applications of his theories to the various dimensions of his life.

    Christensen illustrates, for instance, "The Greek Tragedy of Outsourcing" (see chapter seven). Analyzing where companies have gone wrong in outsourcing, Christensen posits that a company must first understand its capabilities, as defined by its resources (including, people, technology, cash and relationships), processes (how things are made, how the employees are compensated, market research), and priorities (how a company makes decisions). A company must never outsource its future capabilities, Christensen says. Take, for example, the case of Dell Computers: the once thriving company gradually outsourced its computer manufacturing and design--its processes--to Taiwan's Asus, until that company took what it learned from Dell and created a rival brand of computers. Christensen then applies this theory to parenting, suggesting that parents should not "outsource" their children's "processes" by "flooding their children with resources" (p. 133), i.e., filling their lives with busyness with which the parents are not directly involved, and in which the children are not given the opportunity to figure things out for themselves.

    Christensen and his associates designed the book so that the theories would logically connect. For instance, in chapter three, Christensen talks about the two types of strategies that businesses and individuals should develop: deliberate plans (what you plan to do) and emergent alternatives (possibilities that emerge over time and which may become deliberate). Then, in chapter four, Christensen discusses resources allocation, which funds the "deliberate and emergent initiatives." This linked-chain style organization is much more effective than "the string of pearls" approach of so many business and self-help books.

    Occasionally, though I found myself tripped up applying the business illustrations to the personal-life interpretations of the theory. In the example cited above of Dell's problems: are the parents Dell, or the children? In the section on marginal thinking, which tells the story of Blockbuster and Netflix, should I be wary of being Blockbuster, or try to be like Netflix?

    This is not the right way to approach this book: the business anecdotes are not illustrations for one's personal life, but rather, illustrations of the business theories that can be applied to one's personal life; in other words, it's the theory, not the business stories, that apply to the rest of life. Another way to look at it is that the business stories are like parables: short tales whose significance to one's life isn't always readily apparent. They're intended to make you think.

    At times I found the business aspects of the book just as compelling as the personal development side of it. I liked what Christensen had to say about a company's culture, for instance; he quotes Edgar Schein of MIT in defining it as "a way of working together toward common goals that have been followed so frequently and so successfully that people don't even think about trying to do things another way" (p. 160). I was edified, too, by Christensen's honoring of management as "among the most noble of professions if it's practiced well." He continues, "No other occupation offers more ways to help others learn and grow, take responsibility and be recognized for achievement, and contribute to the success of a team" (p. 198). What a super way to look at a management career, which so many, including managers, would look at as simply a way to get ahead.

    This is a highly useful and thought-provoking book. Only a couple of hundred pages in length, the book holds one's attention throughout. Christensen's faith plays a role in these pages, but it is not the subject of the book; still there may be some for whom that is unappealing. Personally, I found his willingness to put his faith out there refreshing. This would make a great gift for the person who is thoughtful about his or her life, and particularly for someone open to centering his or her life on what's essential and important. It's a book that I see coming back to in the years ahead. Still, I don't think I'll often head to the business section of the book store or Amazon for help on improving my life, unless, of course, I hear that Clay Christensen has a new book out.
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2015
    This book, "How Will You Measure Your LIfe?" is written by an LDS man named Clayton Christensen. Here is my book review off Amazon:

    Christensen's thesis is this -- take examples of theories and principles from business, and describe them in the context of large corporations and managerial situations. Then, highlight how these theories and principles apply to individuals. The result is a book that is fascinating to people with an interest in business. But also relevent to their personal lives. The book is not about generating wealth -- it's about how to live a good life in ones family, career, and citizenship.

    I read this on Kindle, and I have highlighted many passages that moved or educated me. I have found that most books leave me with perhaps one or two permanent nuggets of information -- and this book brought me three or four. Here are some key concepts for me.

    First is Christensen's statement that mangement, if done well, is among the noblest of positions as it has such an impact on the overall happiness of so many people, who give managers such a large part of their day. This really inspired me.

    His description of deliberate and emergent strategy was new to me, in spite of years of teaching business. It solidified what age had convinced me was true all along -- that you start out with your best estimate of what a good strategy is, and then learn as you implement the strategy, making adjustments. He gives rules for when to use deliberate and emergent strategy and applies it to career development.

    Also significant was his statements about how to "stay out of jail". I was surprised he put that into his book given the well-educated audience he apparently targets with this book -- but then he described many high profile graduates of well-known universities who ended up in jail...I realized that no one is invulnerable and that repeated, escalating lapses in ethical judgment that can land anyone in jail -- based on Christensen's observations about graduates from his own university.

    Last of all, the name of the book -- How to Measure Your Life -- seemed like a misnomer for most of the book. I was constantly wondering why he chose this title as he never seemed to address it. But then, in the last chapter, he wrote the most moving description of his own personal mission statement, and how HE measures his life. It was like a reveal in a movie where you can't see the next plot development coming, and sit in suspense about how situations will be resolved. Then, in the last chapter, he ties it all together. It was like the ending to a well-crafted movie.

    In this way,he has a lot in common with Stephen Covey who was also a proponent of adapting the business mission statement concept to a person's life. Unlike Covey, Christensen shares his personal mission statement. You get a feel for the greatness of his character with some of the comments his collaborators on the book wrote about him as well. It brought some light tears to my eyes when I read it, particularly when he described a health challenge he faced (a significant, disabling one) and how his personal mission statement helped him through it. I recommend this book to anyone -- although I think people with a strong interest in business will find the book more engaging than people who aren't drawn into his business principles as an analogy for living one's life...

    I have two criticisms of the book. One, is his use of marginal costing principles to draw a parallel about "not giving into temptation once". I don't think he made the analogy's applicability to the personal point he was making, clear. Yet, for some reason, his advice, although disconnected from his example, made a powerful impression on me. This provided redemption for the mistake...

    Second was his criticism of technique-based learning. This form of learning occurs when you see something successful and try to emulate it by using the same techniques that led to the positive outcome. In contrast Christensen advocates a more academic approach to effectiveness, involving the application of theory. Although I agree that application of theory is a powerful way of having a meaningful impact on problems, it too has its pitfalls (picking the wrong theory for the situation, for example), the idea of taking what has worked in one situation and transposing it to a similar situation also has merits. My associates in various professional circles are realizing that technique based learning is often far less expensive than theory-based learning and can be just as effective. You have to conceive and test theory, where you can simply go straight to implementation with technique based learning.

    Nonetheless, I value this book and will be re-reading my highlights regularly. Great job Clayton -- I hope to meet you sometime!
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Riham
    4.0 out of 5 stars Informative
    Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on August 15, 2024
    Full of strategies and real life examples from big companies
  • Sanjeev Bhagath
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in India on July 18, 2024
    Don't think much. Just buy!!
    One life changing book for sure.
  • Lucas Okimoto
    5.0 out of 5 stars Este livro é simplemente incrível!
    Reviewed in Brazil on February 19, 2021
    O autor escreve muito bem, de uma forma clara e de fácil leitura. O que mais gostei foi os exemplos do mundo de negócios e as analogias para a vida pessoal. Certas coisas são óbvias para o mundo corporativo mas não nos atentamos a elas na esfera pessoal. Super recomendo a autoreflexão e os insights de negócio gerados em paralelo!
  • Data
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
    Reviewed in Germany on November 12, 2024
    ein toller Lebensratgeber. Straight Forward
  • Justin Postoli
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interessante
    Reviewed in Italy on October 14, 2022
    Un libro tutto sommato interessante che può dare degli spunti interessanti, alcune in realtà sono delle banalità classiche americane con quel approccio davvero molto USA che ci può sembrare come una via di mezzo tra prenderti per il culo o essere fin troppo entusiasta. Ma altre idee sono cmq godibili e praticabili e mi ha aiutato a riflettere sotto un punto di vista differente.