How Will You Measure Your Life?

“Without theory, we’re at sea without a sextant. If we can’t see beyond what’s close by, we’re relying on chance—on the currents of life—to guide us. Good theory helps people steer to good decisions—not just in business, but in life, too.”

This quote summarizes Clayton M. Christensen’s purpose for How Will You Measure Your Life? His intention is to share his mastery of business theory so readers can apply lessons to their own lives, both professional and personal.

“When we find ourselves stuck in unhappy careers—and even unhappy lives—it is often the result of a fundamental misunderstanding of what really motivates us.”

Christensen insists that introspection is what ultimately leads us to overcome challenges. He believes that underlying misunderstandings create problems in our lives and that searching ourselves positions us to overcome them.

“The opposite of job dissatisfaction isn’t job satisfaction, but rather an absence of job dissatisfaction.”

Christensen believes job satisfaction is a result of motivating factors such as an appropriate amount of challenge. When an employee is intrinsically motivated, they are far more likely to be satisfied with their job. Furthermore, job satisfaction and dissatisfaction are not static measurements; they often change.