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)

[@markforbes1537]

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.

[@ashimov1970]

well said, right to the point.

[@arnie1777]

The measuring stick can be summed up in this quote from Jesus: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by me." A bold statement that requires us to determine if He is telling the truth or a bold face liar. We are given this decision to make. If truth, then we have to study His life and live it the way Jesus tells us. If a lie, then we can conclude Jesus is a crazy person. In my life, I conclude Jesus is telling the truth so I need to live with humility, love, empathy and patience. That is how God will measure my life.

[@tarheel181]

I heard him speak many years ago and he is so spot on. Especially when he talks small choices that lead to bigger events that can be both bad and good. I really do miss him, so very humble, big loss for Harvard yard.

[@gundad205]

As

[@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.

[@karngusain8522]

That's True Cameron.

[@sinhbt]

I very much share with you this observation. I hope more people could share this to wider audience.

[@ashimov1970]

+

[@sozo5]

One thing to ponder is that there is no good without God and that the concept of loving individuals is secondary and born out of loving God... Anyway, when you are gone, without God nothing matters. What’s the point in contributing to society with knowing we will all die anyway? There is no good without God...

[@funarfiif982]

I find most religious people way more obsessed with money than agnostics and atheists.

[@TheFreshkimo]

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

[@kathychristensen5774]

Suffered from a stroke, and retaught himself to talk!

[@andrewwilliams5213]

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

[@stephenpatterson5175]

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.

[@jeffreynicholson7915]

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!

[@notyalr]

This video is the answer to the question "What you do you wish people told you when you were younger?"

[@bobstack54]

I listened and loved this year's ago. Today, I shared it with my best friend of 45 years. To him I wondered how different we'd be if we had heard this 45 years ago. But, the truth is, we think and listen better, I hope, than we did once upon a time. But now we know and understand. It's on all of us to teach the kids(who were us) and encourage them not to miss out on important things.

[@ruexcited2WholeHearted]

"Our deepest source of happiness is our family"

[@larryproffit]

Huge insights from a master in the business world Hope you all enjoy this

[@JDMilburn]

Larry Proffit yes

[@JamesValentine]

What he doesn't mention in this presentation is that in the previous year he had a stroke and had to completely relearn how to speak.

[@toastrecon]

I attended a talk he gave to some businesses school alumni and he talked about his stroke recovery. He mentioned that he needed to look away from people while he was formulating his thoughts. When he would look up at the audience, one of the effects of the stroke was that he’d find it hard to keep his train of thought, so he’d look down, form his statement and then look up to say what he’d decided. I thought that was so inspirational - taking this great challenge and working around it and still delivering so much value to the world.

[@herlysarmiento9863]

Simply amazing

[@madeleinechristensen9306]

I’m his granddaughter, and I taught him.

[@supertieka]

@@madeleinechristensen9306 that’s really sweet to read that, this is such a bond between the 2 of you. You’re so lucky.

[@AlbertoPerez-tm4tj]

@@madeleinechristensen9306 you are lucky. Kind regards, Alberto.

[@nikolaygeorgiev1680]

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

[@leonelbonilla9901]

You will be deeply missed Elder Christensen.

[@bradhatch9187]

Life changing words that will live on to bless many lives. His impact cannot be measured. Eternal ripples of truth!

[@axeltan4784]

RIP Clayton, thanks for the great wisdom you've contributed to business thinking.

[@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.

[@joelpang]

If you're asking that question, you are probably on the right track. Proverbs 16: Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. But remember that God is more interested in that relationship He has with you, than what you can do for Him.

[@dmmusicmusic]

doug, if you don't mind me asking: you're a professor of what? excellent question IMO.

[@afarouk3712]

I hope this message finds you alive. I invite you to Islam. The question you were asking is what is the purpose of life? The only religion that has that answer is Islam. Islam connects you with true God and makes you understand life even better. Thank you.

[@arnie1777]

@@afarouk3712 So are you concluding that Jesus' statement is a lie? Jesus says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by me." But Islam calls Him a prophet. I want a relationship with a God that is Truth. So I conclude Jesus is telling us a better way, the only way to the Father through the Holy Spirit. This is a God who died for me, to set me free, to allow me to have a relationship with Him. I want that kind of life.

[@joyluo6394]

Solute to this great person, Prof. Clay Christensen, who made this world a better place to live💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

[@terryschiefer7050]

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.

[@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.

[@SteveBrant55]

RIP Clayton Christensen. Thank you for contributing better ways of thinking to the world.

[@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.

[@TheMarketingBlender]

The summary in the last 2 minutes gave me chills. So excellent.

[@ClockworkApe]

RIP Clayton the Milkshake Man. The stories you told will inspire product and project managers forever.

[@DougKinseyCFP]

Clay is a fantastic teacher and full of inspiration and insight. If you haven't taken his Harvard HBX course on Disruptive Strategy, do yourself a favor and take it.

[@devinmoore2026]

A great perspective. Families are the backbone of society. Choose wisely how to invest your time, much more important than how you invest your money. I like it.

[@rjsimpkins2911]

Truly, a mighty redwood tree has fallen! Thanks to his writings and online talks, count me as one he greatly influenced for good. He was the most excellent mentor and role model so many of us lacked in our lives. As tears roll down my cheeks, I am happy for him that he is now free from illness and disability, as he has left our world for the next. I extend my condolences to his loved ones, as they transition to the new normal his absence leaves.

[@florin6670]

Summary: I’ve concluded that the metric by which God will assess my life isn’t dollars but the individual people whose lives I’ve touched.

[@jitsathathatavakorn143]

Thank you, Clay. You blessed my life. 🙏

[@GeorgeHLutzInnovator]

Didn't know about the stroke. I commend him for his tenacity!

[@trillionaireman5984]

Powerful! Absolutely powerful! True success is to help others, benefit others and make life better for others. “He who would be greatest (successful) among you must be servant of all.” Thank you! Thank you!

[@WMohanty]

I am preparing for my interview with God after this lecture.Thanks for introducing me to this thinking in such a lucid manner.

[@markwood7870]

This is one life you have touched, Clay Christensen, your talk really focuses the mind on the important things in life. Thank you.

[@dipayandas9672]

only a genius can explain things this way!!amazing man

[@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 more fulfilling to measure your life based on some of the individual experiences in your life where you a can see your positive impact to society as a whole.

[@abhijeetbais4012]

RIP Clay! Absolute legend!

[@ruisherwin3225]

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.

[@carolngesa]

One of the most brilliant minds ever, rest in peace my brother

[@Carlanga3533]

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

[@dalezane]

Thank you Dr. Christensen for the inspiration and the testimony of things greater than our own reach.

[@carolynsharette7436]

The most valuable take away for me is the idea that although I may be investing today in things that appear to be very important and will get me the short-term things I want (career success and money), as a human I need to be very careful to look to the long term and see if my efforts are going to result in the long-term things that I want (happiness, health, fulfillment) because all around us people and companies are making the mistake of short-term success but experience ultimate failure.

[@ieraj7428]

RIP Professor Christensen, thank you for all the great work!

[@SabrinaHClifford]

As a mother of three who is also working full time outside of the home, that was a nice reminder.

[@azizhamid6480]

Best 30 minutes of my day today. My Business Ethics prof recommended me. God bless you, Prof!

[@alberteats]

RIP Clay. Thank you for your commitment to teaching others.

[@Lady_Haha]

I want to hug him. Very human points, and u know he says what he has felt.

[@davidgeng6772]

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

[@Dundasdavid]

Amen. Great message. As the singer Jewel sings: "In the end, only kindness matters."

[@junkmail75034]

Rest In Peace, dear man of God, good and faithful servant, you changed many lives.

[@coderdojoAN]

God bless you Prof. Clayton. You will be missed. Thank you for the lovely ideas you've shared and for the lives you've touched by the work you've done.

[@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.

[@incorporatedfx]

As a Christian, saved by faith alone, I really pray that Clay doesn't rely on his works for his salvation. You are on the right track Clay, but nothing we can do will save us. It is by Him alone! Will pray for you.

[@joemarruffo953]

Clay's family is very fortunate to have him. We need more mentors like Clay! Thank you so very much.

[@stevenyirenkyi3178]

What if he realized this when it's too late

[@karngusain8522]

RIP Sir, God Bless, You were a great source of active thinker, broad thinker about humanity as a whole.

[@rita7802]

I like the way Clayton describes how most people think of and strive for success. That is, people often set their own goals for the short term but not in long term, so they lose the most valuable thing they should devote themselves to--“family”--which is a long term goal.

[@QuyNguyen-py6xb]

I have read this book and it become one of my favorite books, which I usually read uncountable times. Both of your book and your presentation are so great. Thank you from all of my sincere.

[@lolitamars7641]

I used to be material driven. And I thought it was the only way to have enough power to help others. I was wrong. thank you mr. clay :)

[@user-cy2cn2hy3q]

Professor Christensen's valuable advice in this lecture will keep on benefiting people for a long time to come.

[@lisadorries665]

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.

[@observer991]

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.

[@asy4737]

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

[@gregorystromberg]

He nailed it, serving, loving, caring and helping those less fortunate than ourselves. Thanks for sharing something we all need to learn and practice better.

[@reedmarkham9809]

LIstening to Clay's presentation was time well spent. Clay's paradigm about measuring our lives is a concept worth thinking about today, tomorrow and the rest of our lives.

[@cameronmichaelkeys]

This man is a Titan like Prometheus. Tremendous wisdom.

[@Anthroview]

What a great speech! Thank you! In the infinite game of life it is important to some extant to be successful in the limited games, however it will only make meaning in relation with the infinite game of life. Thank you.

[@mishrajaikeshav]

The idea that business works in the same way as your life is a profound thought that has triggered my mind to think in way that i haven't thought before. God bless you Clay!

[@martyc49]

I've had the opportunity to be advised by Clay as we tried to reinvent our company. This video role models what each of us as business executives should be doing in our own companies, with our families and with everyone we meet. Outstanding and thought provoking!

[@kerenobara3434]

Great!

[@alokmtu]

What an amazing human being and a wonderful talk. Thanks TED and Clay!

[@leafma28]

I am an advocate for living a deliberate life-- that is, being cognizant of the decisions you make in how you spend your time, your money, your energy. Those decisions should align with what your real priorities in life are. I think he makes a good point about what those priorities should include. Relationships are the most important investment we can make and the most rewarding in the long-term.

[@sandrodofimdomundo]

Felicia Marshall , agreed! And sometimes, we have to face difficult ones (work, family, etc.), in order to help others, to learn new perspectives and to become a better person.

[@TheJotaman]

Feb 2010- Non-Hodgkins lymphoma July 2010- Stroke I think we can give the guy a break...

[@xinyudiao8465]

When I first watched this video，I had some clicks but not thought too seriously, but when i read the transcript today, i almost bursted into tears. strange feeling but indeed, it's a great ted talk with really profound message.

[@grsaylorjr]

It's interesting that this talk coincides to an old movie quote about the life of David Gale. Quote from the movie: "Because in the end, the only way we can measure the significance of our own lives is by valuing the lives of others.” Maybe the significance will be: 1) how we glorify God and 2) how we love others.

[@suffragettesoul2687]

"The Life of David Gale" - great movie!

[@dinuseee]

I am glad that i invested 20 mins of my time, from a busy Sunday for a long term benefit !!

[@marceltanumihardja6473]

RIP Prof! I watch this to honor your contributions

[@ikesteroma]

I got to meet this guy in person 5 years ago. He wasn't just an amazing intellect, he really was a supremely humble gentleman of outstanding personal qualities.

[@gordonpolatis5458]

The measure of a life well lived is doing for others who can't do anything for YOU

[@Nanarz]

Great, great, great! loved it. Seeing the comments about what he's been through, he is more inspirational than ever. I love his message, God doesn't measure the way we do. what a blessing.

[@jeevanjohnvarghese5207]

RIP Prof. Clayton Christensen.

[@Vinaytosh]

More i hear him...more i love him ! You will always be alive with your wonderful ideas!

[@tomf1dublin1]

Never had opportunity to hear a presentation from Clayton in person . Thank you KZbin for allowing me opportunity to hear the great man speak.

[@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

[@hsgrain490]

Was feeling a little lost this morning, but this vid put a lot of issues in line for me. I feel so much better now that I hit the reset button and what is really important is back on top.

[@lindseyholcombe6271]

Mr. Christensen explains the theories very well and does a great job at connecting his ideas.

[@kemchobhenchod]

Amazing talk from a cancer and stroke survivor.

[@josegonzalez570]

Clayton has always been an inspirational teacher. Great books and research.

[@ashimov1970]

best Harvard School of Business scholar and TEDx speaker. RIP, professor

[@avicarlos]

I am the same person as the woman in 13:18 who was immersed in his speech. What a wise explanation of the way of life! Love this

[@Prakashbphappy]

Clayton is my favorite author and this speech is most favorite... so god is going to ask how you helped an ordinary man... after my death... cool... great insight... back to basics...

[@JosueCastillo-cn2yv]

Clay, thanks for all the wisdom! I'm trying change, get better, through out the lens of how I will measure my life. ❤

[@o.i.9643]

This was unexpectedly beautiful and right on time! What an amazing message. RIP Sir.

[@KoshySamuel]

Your life your choice... hope to live the best by giving and finding ways to help others... one way is by sharing knowledge and passing ideas and insights

[@123savedbygrace456]

Bill Maher asked the question,"where are the Christians?", here's one Bill. I have thought for a week or two about this 5 min. youtube clip, and in some ways I hope that I never forget it. But this is a powerful reminder that in the end it's not some comedian's ability to make an easy joke about you that is the measuring stick on your life.

[@rabbiahassan9705]

how eloquent and precise sir,GOD bless u (y)

[@whytv3326]

I want to Thank You, Mr. Clay, for helping me understand and put my purpose into words.

[@arnedebeste007]

Beautifull wisdom, I've discovered the last one about how "God" will measure us in the end myself troughout this year. I'm gratefull for that. I don't believe in God, but I believe in Society helping eachother out and improving the lives of the ones closeby and further away. Together with Nature, the Universe and the relation between all those I've found meaning to endure all the pain and darkness in this world. But if I can be just a small ray of sun on a few people's lives, than I'd be honored to accept the gift of life and I'll live it fully. Together with seeing my education as a child, an investment in the long term, not a day to day struggle to survive this talk made me a better person. Thank you Ted, thank you Clay!

[@johnpillsbury733]

Yes, very meaningful and wise. He has seen success, and failure in big ways and many people. Clay speaks with gentle authority. Success measured not just by world system, vs. the joy/happiness, but by how we use our gifts and ability to help others, our family, strangers. As Clay concludes God blesses us so we can be a blessing to others. Key is to overcome the short term, and get eternal perspective. I have been reading Letter of James ..probably on Christensen's recommended reading list!

[@dickstorm9569]

I hope Professor Christensen mentored others to continue his important messages. He will be missed

[@MrsTashus]

my professor showed us this talk in his lecture. being a big fan of ted anyway he became my favourite prof from that point in time ;) Apart from the very interesting information about disruptive innovation I love the part where he shares ideas, sparks of how to live life to make it more valuable and meaningful. Great talk. Great man.

[@TheKilkenny1967]

God does Not hire accountants or count; you measure your life by how you helped in kindness all those people you met in life. Excellent share Clay

[@eliasstravik]

Great insight into how, at least in my mind, the battle between atheism and religion can be very destructive. I'd call myself an atheist and and engineer who believe in science if somebody asked me, but damnit if this man isn't more helpful to the world than I will ever be. It feels ridiculous to judge him and his actions by the framework he uses, simply because I myself have a different framework. He seems like a great guy and I've learned a lot by listening to his lectures. I think that matters more than the fact that he refers to God in the way I'd rather refer to Humanity or Civilization.

[@JDMilburn]

Good to hear

[@LuizLaffey]

***** Religion it is not the problem, the problem is how radical closed mind people uses religion. All problems come from that kind of people, being them religious or not.

[@BenWeeks-ca]

+Seth Hoskins So are many economists.

[@avshiavital8326]

Elias Svensson thanks! that's a beautiful insight. At the end of his inspiring talk I felt it marred by all the god references, but then I read your comment and I realized that for CC, god is a frame of reference that to me means "society" or simply "the ideal version of me", and that I shouldn't superficially allow my atheist world view to prevent me from hearing the truth in what he said.

[@mohammedahmedsyed6813]

Avshi Avital mmm.mml

[@MotocrossElf]

Great talk. I think this is something poets and philosophers have known forever, but it is nice to see people in the business world finally grasping these ideas in their own terms. May we all be so lucky.

[@DougSavidge]

Clay is a great leader and thinker!

[@gregsumner5606]

It is clear God is using your skills and talents in a way that help other people. Thank you for the clarity. Well said!