Week 4--A Life Well Lived--How Will You Measure Your Life?

This week I read an article by Clayton M. Christensen titled, "How Will You Measure Your Life?" All quotes are from Clayton Christensen. Here are a few points I want to remember. Christensen asks his students three questions at the end of each semester to help guide them in their life decisions.

1. How can I be sure that I'll be happy in my career?
2. How can I be sure that my relationships with my spouse and my family become an enduring source of happiness?
3. How can I be sure I'll stay out of jail? (live a life of integrity)

I thought I would share what I learned from each question.
1. "Management is the most noble of professions if it's practiced well.  No other occupation offers as many ways to help others learn and grow, take responsibility and be recognized for achievement, and contribute to the success of a team. . . Doing deals doesn't yield the deep rewards that come from building up people."  I learned that business isn't always about business. You have to understand and love the people you are working with. Build them up. A compliment goes a long way. How can you make their lives better? See the potential they have inside and help bring that potential out in them.
2. Christensen said that many in his graduating class "come to reunions unhappy, divorced, and alienated from their children." He goes on to say that this is so because "They didn't keep the purpose of their lives front and center as they decided how to spend their time, talents, and energy. . .they have given little thought to the purpose of their lives."  I learned that you need to know your purpose in life. If you don't, you will go through life aimlessly, not knowing what you want. Take time to figure out who you are and what you want to achieve in life. I also liked how family is very important and that business didn't get in the way of family.
3. How do you live a life with integrity? "It's easier to hold to your principles 100% of the time than it is to hold to them 98% of the time.  If you give in to "just this once," based on a marginal cost analysis, as some of my former classmates have done, you'll regret where you end up. You've got to define for yourself what you stand for and draw the line in a safe place."  I think having integrity is the single most important attribute one can have. Having integrity means people can trust you. They know you will do what you say you will. Having integrity will keep you out of jail.

I really liked that this week a lot that was talked about was finding what makes you happy, finding purpose in our life, and focusing on family relationships.  Too many people have their priorities mixed up and family is last on the list. My family means so much to me. I wouldn't want my successes in other areas to drown them out. This is something that I want to make sure I remember.