How Will You Measure Your Life? This Book May Hold a Key to Happiness & Success

The Blaze Interviews How Will You Measure Your Life? Author James AllworthSuccessful people often struggle to balance their personal and professional lives. In fact, the more someone achieves, the more likely it is that he or she needs help striking up the perfect middle ground when it comes to allocating time appropriately in all areas of life.

It was with this dynamic in mind that Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth and Karen Dillon came together to pen, “How Will You Measure Your Life?,” a book with a title that asks an essential question about happiness and self-worth.

Contrary to what some might assume, it’s not your typical self-help book. After all, advice books on how to organize and optimally live one’s life are a dime a dozen. This isn’t to say that they are never valuable or that they fail to assist those who read them, but most offer such complex and differing advice, that it’s hard to parse through it all to figure out the best, most applicable answers. “How Will You measure Your Life?” is unique.

An official description of the book provides an overview that perfectly summarizes the book’s purpose:

This project is based upon powerful research and theories developed at Harvard Business School and other leading institutions about success, and about failure.

The aim was not to provide you with any easy answers — but instead, to prompt you to consider the most important questions you’ll ever face. Nor will it tell you what to think. Instead, it aims to teach you how to think; about your life, and your purpose, by using the best research we have on the topic.

There’s nothing here that will prescribe you a set path to happiness.

Instead, we hope to equip with the tools to lead the type of life to which you truly aspire. These are the same tools that have allowed managers to lead companies that have gone on to change the world. The theories and situations summarized within will help you understand the critical decisions that can bring disappointment and sadness in life – or happiness and success instead.

Watch Christensen go in-depth about the popular book, below:

In a recent interview with Allworth, the book’s co-author, The Blaze had the opportunity to ask a multitude of questions about what all of this really means. Allworth, a former student of Christensen’s at Harvard Business School, reiterated the fact that the book meshes together tested business theory with practical life results. The overwhelming premise, of course, is to address the problems that busy and successful individuals face.

“If you throw yourself into work and you don’t come home and spend time with your family, you won’t see them,” the author explained. “You add that up over the course of 10 years it can really damage your relationships.”

In the end, it is the “tools” that “How Will You Measure Your Life?” provides that will guide readers on a path to creating the lives they’ve always hoped and wished for. These tested elements, which are derived from business research, show how past successes can be applied for future usage.

Among the most interesting points of discussion came after I asked for the most common attributes of successful individuals. The answer was surprising. Rather than a list of specific items, Allworth said that it truly depends on the individual and that every scenario is different.

The Blaze Interviews How Will You Measure Your Life? Author James Allworth

Author James Allworth

“One of the things that we assert is that there‘s no ’one-size-fits-all’ approach that anyone can take…folks need to think through these problems for themselves,” he responded.

More successful people are likely to fall into certain traps, which is why the authors attempt to drive hom the point that it’s essential people assess the sum total of their actions. If one continues to implement the same strategy of devoting 80 percent of him or herself to work and 20 percent to family, it’s important to consider what that sum negative total will amount to in 10 years time.

The point is: There are ramifications for action and inaction over time. This main point was evident, too, when Allworth was asked to detail what it is he hopes readers take away from the book.

“I guess what we really want peope to think about is what matters most to them in life,” he said. “It’s very easy to drift through life and you get all these pressures on a daily basis…everyone has a different pattern for making decisions.”

Allworth wants readers to take a step back and to consider what matters most and what their primary purpose is going to be for their lives. It is these thoughts that assist in leading to viable actions that solidify personal worth and — eventually — happiness.

Get more information on “How Will You Measure Your Life?” here.

Comments (35)

  • disgustedandappalled
    Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:37pm

    Happiness and success is up to the individual. Whatever parameters each one sets.

    Report Post » disgustedandappalled  
  • Searchingforthelight
    Posted on July 8, 2012 at 7:34pm

    Since I let God and his son Jesus Christ in my life at the age of 31 I have felt Alive!!!
    Since I let Glenn into my life at the age of 46 I have managed to pull my mangled spine out of bed most of the day, teach my children on a Global scale,
    speak my mind, care about Global issues and see the world in a whole new light!
    If I can make a positive difference for someone every day, I feel I am doing what God would want me to do. I have found happiness and success within myself.

    Report Post »  
  • Nicholson William R
    Posted on July 8, 2012 at 5:58pm

    What a waste of time and effort. The summary is all that’s needed to turn one away from any consideration of this book. It states that this book is based on the latest research at Harvard ! Gimme a break ! Those cloistered fools are the same crowd that has infiltrated our education and governmental systems ! They have no goal of raising the general education level of our citizens in any way ! They do not even value citizenship and have lowered the bar of excellence such that we have community agitators that should be locked up ; now running our major institutions including the judicial system ! Those who, Actually, have useful lives do not dwell on drivel and introspection to the point of making it a major theme in our own personal lives. We try our best to seek better ways of accomplishing tasks that will benefit society as a whole. We’ll leave judgement of our contribution to objective scholars and God , we won’t be caught trying to rewrite history and appropriate past glory to ourselves by inserting our names into past heros historical records ! Swat a useless red diaper doper baby on the butt with this book ; and tell’m to get a life ! That’s the best use of this book !

    Report Post » Nicholson William R  
  • abunchofbullshit
    Posted on July 8, 2012 at 6:43am

    We need a book to tell us this. I’m measuring my life with a tape measure…..a long one I hope, unless bamy wins this fall cause then i don’t give a ****!

    Report Post » abunchofbullshit  
  • lukerw
    Posted on July 8, 2012 at 3:38am

    When you die… and reach the White Light at the Eye of the Tunnel… your life Flashes before the Eye… and Good Deeds Undone and Evil thoughts & Deeds seem the most important!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 11:49pm

    Five-hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes.
    Five-hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear.
    Five-hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes.
    How do you measure– measure a year?

    In daylights. In sunsets. In midnights. In cups of coffee.
    In inches. In miles. In laughter. In strife. In
    Five-hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes.
    How do you measure a year in the life?

    How about LOVE?
    How about LOVE?
    How about LOVE?
    Measure in love. Seasons of love. Seasons of love.

    Five-hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes.
    Five-hundred twenty-five thousand journeys to plan.
    Five-hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes.
    How do you measure the life of woman or a man?

    In truth that she learned.
    Or in times that he cried.
    In bridges he burned.
    Or the way that she DIED.

    It’s time now to sing out, though the story never ends.
    Let’s celebrate, remember a year in the life of friends.

    Remember the LOVE.
    Remember the LOVE.
    Remember the LOVE.
    Measure in love.

    Measure– measure your life in LOVE.

    Seasons of love. Seasons of love.

    Measure– measure your life in love.

    Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
  • Oraclevoiceofreason
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 9:08pm

    Obviously you morons who have posted above are not at all familiar with Clayton Christensen and his influence in the leadership development world. He is considered the top of his field – dominated by liberal, secular voices- his is solid, principled and consistent. He would be the last person to suggest that you replace your Bibles or put scripture second to the philosophies of man and frankly I am tired of the Mormon bashing. You are clearly misinformed about Mormonism and not interested in authentic conversations.

    Report Post » Oraclevoiceofreason  
  • hatchetjob
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 8:36pm

    What good is reading this book if I get hit by a bus tomorrow? I‘ll stick with God’s Word.

    Report Post » hatchetjob  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 8:54pm

      Absolutely! It does fit all w/an eternal plumb line and measuring rod.

      Report Post » Elena2010  
  • Mikev5
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 7:05pm

    Whatever you feel it is F*** all those that want to tell you what it is by their standards.

    GO AWAY

    Report Post » Mikev5  
  • Tractorboy
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:44pm

    The most important thing in life is relationships, nobody on their deathbed asks to see their bank statements to see what a great job they did, they want to be surrounded by family and friends. The way to get to that great value in life is to follow the teaching of the bible, try to be like the son of God, in my humble opinion.

    Report Post » Tractorboy  
  • rickc34
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:41pm

    How much you love and how much you are loved, God loves me, my parents love me, my wife loves me, my children love me, my grandchildren love me. I love God, I love my parents, I love my wife, I love my children, I love my grandchildren. Gods word is the only book I need. Take your problems to the cross of Christ he is willing to make a way for you.

    Report Post »  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:28pm

    Speaking of Life and success……

    Happy 72nd Birthday Ringo Star.

    Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 10:06pm

      One of my favorite drummers.
      Worked well with whoever those other three guys were.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
  • 65Mustang
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:52pm

    You are all absolutely right, it‘s God’s Word, the B-I-B-L-E….something Obama and his peons know nothing about.

    Report Post »  
    • TheFederalist
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 9:07am

      Exactly! The answers to life and happiness is in the Bible. It is Gods Word.
      If atheist`s and people that don`t read and study the Bible, say that the Bible is hard to understand, is because they approach the Bible that way. In their minds they think it is hard to understand Gods Word.

      Report Post »  
  • Sophie47
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:46pm

    Be aware that this book is written from a Mormon viewpoint. The non-Mormon Christian, or secular person may have a different take on this book.

    Report Post »  
    • LibertyGoddess
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 9:49pm

      Paranoid. Honestly, if you aren’t willing to look at truth no matter what the source is, you are just plain incompetent. This “Mormon warning” makes you look pathetic.

      Report Post » LibertyGoddess  
  • One Man Mormon Blues Band
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:39pm

    Only if we consult it frequently.

    Report Post » One Man Mormon Blues Band  
  • Bronco II
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:31pm

    I have one book that tells me how to be happy how to deal with obsticles in my life and my family is very important.GOD,FAMILY,COUNTRY.I like what the book is suppose to get people to think of what’s most important in their lives and we all need to do it so I will read it and know it probably has many of the things that are in the scriptures but told in an easier way maybe for people to understand.As Paul did in the Bible he spoke on three different levels and spoke five if not more languages.Much success to you sir it sounds like it would have a very positive messege to those who seem they feel they can never slow down enough to enjoy the fruits of their labor and their families watching their children grow up and know who they are and vice versa.

    Report Post » Bronco II  
    • SonOfThunder
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:58pm

      More new age self help hooey from a mormon author. Mormons buy into pie in the sky stuff. Just look at the 7 by Beck. All fairy tale new age junk in that book from the beckster. There is only one book that is needed for life and that is the Bible. This book gives people false hope.
      Here is real hope! Faith alone in Jesus Christ. Not faith plus works that Mormons believe. It is not biblical. Oh that is right they got that there book of Mormon which is fantasy. Wake up Mormons. Then
      Repent and put your trust in Jesus alone.

      Report Post »  
    • LibertyGoddess
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 9:51pm

      @sonofthunder – there are absolute principals and truth in this universe. If you think for one minute God only works through the evangelicals you are worshiping the wrong God. We are all his children. Your comment makes you look weak and afraid.

      Report Post » LibertyGoddess  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 11:24pm

      LibertyGoddess
      You no nothing of what you say..

      The Bible is very specific on ..How our life is to be lived.. in all ways .
      We are to be content in all things… knowing our Lord Jesus is our
      Foundation on which we build our lives .searching the word of God,
      And living our life according to the scriptures.. it applies to all people
      that are followers of Jesus Christ and He is faithful and Just and
      when that day comes and We go home to be with the Lord ..
      That’s when our life will be measured…
      By how many crowns we lay at Christ feet.
      And our highest achievement is to hear them precious words…

      Matt 25:21

      His lord said to him,
      ~Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful
      over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things:
      enter you into the joy of your lord.~

      ____________________

      2 John 1: 9,10,11

      9 Whoever transgresses, and stays not in the doctrine of Christ,
      has not God. He that stays in the doctrine of Christ,
      he has both the Father and the Son.

      10 If there come any to you, and bring not this doctrine,
      receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

      11 For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

      ____________________

      If you didn’t understand what I just wrote….
      I pronounce you a simple fool.

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • brother_ed
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 11:32pm

      @SONOFTHUNDER

      My works don’t save me, they are an expression of the love I have for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

      I try hard to live by his teachings.

      I am far from perfect, and it is only by His grace that I am able to be forgiven at the last day.

      I’ll repeat that, in case you missed it: it is only by the grace of our Savior Jesus Christ that we are saved.

      That is my testimony.

      Brother Ed
      Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

      Report Post » brother_ed  
    • brother_ed
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 11:38pm

      @SAWBUCK

      “… I will make you ruler over many things…”

      Ruler of what? Aren’t we supposed to be sitting on clouds singing praises?
      ____________________________________________________________________________________

      “He that stays in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.”

      What? Sounds like two different people to me: BOTH the Father AND the Son.
      ____________________________________________________________________________________

      You keep talking like that and you’ll be a Latter Day Saint soon.

      Just sayin’

      Report Post » brother_ed  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 8:17am

      BROTHER_ED
      Bother to whom…?

      You do realize that that was scripture…
      YOU JUST MOCKED…..and even worse ..
      That was JESUS speaking (The Parable of the Talents)
      Matthew 25:14-28

      You are deceiving people and your fruit is dead.
      Your running around chastising Christians..

      The one thing I see missing ..Is the spirit of the Lord
      and the knowledge one has when He lives inside you.
      who gives “understanding” …That can only be obtained when
      the Holy spirit Lives inside you.

      And it obvious that the spirit of Christ is not found in your words.
      I see bitterness and mockery and words written by someone..
      That is not only is “unknowledgeable in The word of God”..
      But is confusing others by deception..
      With some other form of teachings.

      You better go back and re- read your Bible
      before you go around and chastising any Christians..
      Your soul and anyone else’s soul..
      that listens to your garbage is in danger..!

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • brother_ed
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 10:01am

      @SAWBUCK

      In what way was I mocking the words of Christ?

      He said, “I will make you a ruler of many things.”. Can you interpret that for me?

      He said, “Both the Father and the Son.” Are you to tell me I am wrong that that implies 2 beings?

      I read the Bible every day.

      You mock me for my interpretation, yet you offer no evidence that I am wrong. I find no evidence that The Father, Son & Holy Ghost are the same. I also see clearly that we are to become like Jesus, and become joint heirs with Him, inheriting all that His Father has. What does that mean?

      Report Post » brother_ed  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 12:46pm

      Brother_ Ed

      Your comment did not come across that you were
      questioning The Father Son and Holy Spirit..
      The Holy Trinity or Three separate Deities.

      It came across like a typical hit and run…That Atheist do
      that frequents this site ..And with your screen name
      Brother_ Ed….That just added to the confusion …
      I took your post to…
      ( Implying Jesus and was Contradicting Himself and the Bible)

      Now that I understand what you were doing..

      Please in the future.. Add that it’s (off topic) to give me
      a clue or that your taking the thread a different direction…

      We could have a discussion about the Holy Trinity..
      We could throw Bible verses at each other all day long
      and still walk away believing the way we do..
      (maybe another day)

      Please re-read your original post to me…
      Maybe you eye could re-read your original post that you
      directed to me and see if you SEE…
      How I perceived your words.

      My apologies Sawbuck .

      Report Post » sawbuck  
    • brother_ed
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 4:29pm

      @SAWBUCK

      My apologies to you.

      You are right, I did come across sarcastic upon rereading my post.

      That was not my intention.

      I think it’s best we concentrate on the things we have in common instead of our differences.

      You obviously are well steeped in the scriptures and I admire your tenacity in spreading the word.

      Jesus lives! He loves us. He wants us to love each other. I, for one, do not want to add to the spirit of divisiveness that is being spread by the adversary in these times.

      Thanks for your apology, but I am the one in need of forgiveness.

      Have a great Sabbath!

      Report Post » brother_ed  
    • sawbuck
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 5:15pm

      Brother_Ed
      I’m glad we resolved this. . Sorry for the mix-up
      All is forgiven .

      Report Post » sawbuck  
  • heavyduty
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:08pm

    How I measure my life? I measure my life on my health and what I can still do and my walk with my God.

    Report Post »  
  • Caballosinnombre
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:59pm

    There’s a lot of self-help book, but only One that matters.

    Report Post »  

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