Xmas is around the corner, and I get (even) more philosophical than usual.
Lately I’ve been thinking about one of my favourite books: How Will You Measure Your Life?
It’s not written by a new age guru. Quite the opposite.
It comes from Clayton Christensen, legendary Harvard Business professor, based on a speech he gave to his MBA students.
His challenge was simple and uncomfortable:
Think about your life the same way you think about business strategy.
In business, we accept that resources are limited.
Time. Money. Attention. Energy.
We define success. We make choices. We invest deliberately.
Yet many of us stop doing that when it comes to our own life.
And the result I see often in my work is this:
People who are successful on paper, but quietly unsure if they are investing in the right things.
Christensen’s point is that a great life, like a great company, is not built by accident.
It requires clarity on direction, conscious trade offs, consistent values, and patience over time.
With some of my more reflective clients, I use this as a starting point and ask:
-What does a life well spent look like to you❓
– How would you like to be remembered❓
Sometimes we go further and do a confronting but powerful exercise.
They write their own eulogy.
It sounds grim, but it cuts through noise fast.
Because once you are clear on what success in life means on your own terms, you can ask:
– Am I on the right track❓
– What needs to change now, not someday❓
For me, I know my life will be worth living based on the lives I touched and made a little better.
If this resonates and you find yourself asking similar questions, feel free to comment or reach out.
I’m always happy to have these conversations.
And you?
How will you know your life was worth living❓
