How Will You Measure Your Life?: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of How Will You Measure Your Life?, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Business theories can guide life
Christensen, a Harvard business professor, noticed that many of his talented classmates had unhappy lives despite successful careers.
He uses business theories to help readers think about finding happiness in work and family and living with integrity.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Money is not the best motivator
Drawing on motivation theory, Christensen argues that meaningful work, recognition and growth motivate people more than money.
Hygiene factors like pay prevent dissatisfaction but do not create happiness. In his view, a pay rise alone will not make a person happy for long if the work itself feels empty.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Allocate time to what matters
Christensen argues that how we allocate our time and energy reveals our true strategy.
People often invest in work, which brings quick rewards, at the expense of family. Our choices show what we truly value.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Strategy combines plans and chance
Christensen explains that strategy involves both deliberate plans and unexpected opportunities.
Being open to emergent opportunities helps careers. So he suggests that people stay flexible, since a plan that fails may be followed by an unexpected path that turns out better.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Relationships need early investment
Christensen argues that relationships with family and friends need investment long before you need their support.
Neglect can be costly. He says that if we wait until a crisis to build such bonds, it may be too late, since trust takes years to grow.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Families have cultures
Christensen suggests that families, like companies, develop cultures.
Parents should shape the culture deliberately. He argues that the values and habits at home grow over time, so children are shaped by the family's culture whether or not parents plan it.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Avoid just this once
Christensen warns against marginal thinking, making exceptions to principles just once.
It is easier to keep principles all the time than most of the time. He says that once you allow one exception, it becomes easier to allow the next, so it is simpler to hold a clear line.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Measure life by others helped
Christensen suggests that the true measure of life is how many people you have helped.
This gives meaning. In his view, titles and money fade, but the effect we have on other people's lives is what remains and gives our life meaning.
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