How Will You Measure Your Life? Clay Christensen at TEDxBoston

"It's actually really important that you succeed at what you're succeeding at, but that isn't going to be the measure of your life."

Too often, we measure success in life against the progress we make in our careers. But how can we ensure we're not straying from our values as humans along the way? Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School professor and world-renowned innovation guru, examines the daily decisions that define our lives and encourages all of us to think about what is truly important.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[markforbes]

This great man will be missed. RIP my brother. In this talk he talks about having his interview with God. I’m sure it will go well.

[herlysarmiento]

It is 2024 and your words, insights, and advice is more relevant than ever, professor Christensen. This words is fixed on the "right now", utterly distracted on crazy absurd things, but your wisdom helps us take 3 steps back and see ourselves in the eternal lifetime journey. You have highlighted what actually really matters. How do I measure my own life is a hard task to do. To understand how God's measures it is of tremendous help! I eternally appreciate your inspired talk Elder Clay Christensen.

[andrewwilliams]

I love that he said, "the family is the deepest source in our lives."

[platmypus]

For those of you who aren't really religious, I think the point he is trying to make at the end of his talk is this: Don't measure your life by the amount of money, the degree, or the number of friends you have by the time you die. It's much better to think about some of the individual experiences or moments in your life where you can really see the good impacts you made on your peers or society as a whole.

[jeffreynicholson]

Beyond a doubt, the greatest professor I ever sat at the feet of. His humility and kindness were easily discerned from the moment he began a lecture, which is a difficult accomplishment at the podium of Harvard Business School. Until with meet again Sir!

[TheFreshkimo]

Unfortunately, Clay suffered from a stroke prior to giving this presentation. He has proven his depth of character for continuing his public message.

[stephenpatterson]

For context, Professor Christensen had suffered a stroke in the summer of 2010 that deeply affected his ability to speak. Amazing to see him give a strong lecture not that long after.

[nikolaygeorgiev]

I love this guy. There is no need to say anything about Clay. He is simply amazing human being.

[asy]

You have blessed my life Professor Christensen with your articles, books, and speeches. Thank your for being kind and generous in sharing your God given talent to the world.

“Find an area where I can contribute, make a difference, be somebody” Clayton M. Christensen

[ruisherwin]

Professor Christensen, you lived your life as you said you would, and I was touched by you as one of those individuals whose lives you made better. Thank you. RIP.

[observer]

This is the first time I can recall ever listening to Clay Christensen. At the outset, after hearing him speak about 50 words, I could tell that this was a thoughtful, bright man of introspection. What he said in this talk reminded me of the words of another man I consider one of the most noteworthy men in history. His name was formerly Saul, but he had changed it to Paul after having a life-changing experience.

Here are the words that Clay's talk brought to mind from Paul:

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

In Clay's talk, he did a very good job of explaining why we do such things. Paul, however, was trying to get the point across that although that way of measuring is common to man, it is not the wisest and certainly not the most accurate way to evaluate ourselves. Why not?

Because it leads to many other things that cause us to become confused. That confusion leads to many other things that take away from what we could/should be doing to be more profitable to God, those with whom we have influence, and ourselves.

I'm glad I decided to listen to this talk by Clay Christensen, and I wish I could've met and chatted with this wise man before he passed.

[Lailaiaiala]

God bless you Clay Christensen. Wherever you are right now, I hope God knows that you have lightened up minds by sharing your beautiful and meaningful thoughts. Thank you and R.I.P.

[terryschiefer]

Perhaps the greatest man that I have counted as my friend. We worked together and spent time together talking about the meaning of life. I’m certain that the trajectory of my life was greatly influenced by our friendship.

[lisadorries]

There was a reference to "How Will You Measure Your Life?" in an article. I clicked on it. This is my first time experiencing Clay Christensen. I say to him, thank you for giving me these words of wisdom at the exact time I needed to hear them. I will remember his words to identify always with measuring my life before, now, and beyond.

[dougkirbydotcom]

Clay, as a 65-year old college professor, I have most recently been asking myself; does what I am doing at this stage of my life; does it really count in God's economy? Your message encourages me - thank you.

[AfricanSNIperKING]

Cant get enough of this video. I am not a Christian but I can appreciate what he is saying. It is important to invest in the long run and all good things take time.

[Carlanga]

Been praying for weeks to make the right decision with my career, this talk is the second answer I get, thank you professor Christensen.

[drsbrettsavage]

Clay, you're a brilliant man but more important ... you are a good man! I'm in your camp. God will not aggregate or run norms on our lives...I'm so thankful for that. God bless you.

[VishalSinghVP]

I am a man who does not get moved so easily. But tears come to me as I watched the video. We all aspire for success but what counts is how much lives we have touched. Profound. We take all our family and all things granted focusing on careers. But God will not measure it that way. Profound

[davidgeng]

not sure why I have tears in eyes listening to this man