By Dr. Stacy Taniguchi, Guest Author
Clayton Christensen, an influential figure in innovative thinking and a former professor at Harvard Business School, authored a profound work titled “” After receiving a cancer diagnosis, Dr. Christensen embarked on a reflective journey, pondering his own professional accomplishments, which were highly regarded in the field of business leadership. A comparison with his Harvard MBA peers, who had achieved similar success, revealed significant disparities. Despite their professional achievements, many of his MBA colleagues were grappling with personal challenges such as depression, divorce, incarceration, suicide, and an overall sense of discontent. This revelation prompted Christensen to reevaluate his own values and goals, urging readers in his book to introspectively assess the direction of their lives.
Are we pursuing paths that are meaningful and free of regret? He provocatively questioned whether our definition of success transcends mere wealth, status, and societal recognition in crucial life moments.
Would You Choose to Relive Your Life Infinitely?
A thought-provoking perspective on evaluating one’s current circumstances and future aspirations is found in a profound question posed by the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “Would you live your life over and over again for eternity?” While this question may initially seem abstract and disconnected from reality, it offers profound insights into one’s innermost beliefs and perceptions of life.
Many individuals might instinctively respond with a resounding “No,” perhaps influenced by past traumas or hardships. Some might offer a nuanced response, stating, “I would relive some parts but not others.” Although Nietzsche sought a binary answer, both responses reflect a retrospective view shaped by past experiences. What if, instead of focusing on past events, especially those we wish to avoid, we based our answer on future prospects? The unchangeable past should not dictate our future trajectory; rather, the future is replete with possibilities molded by our present choices. By taking control of our destinies and actively shaping the lives we desire, our perspective on Nietzsche’s query is likely to evolve. How can we empower ourselves to navigate towards a flourishing future?
Even those inclined to affirm Nietzsche’s question due to a remarkable life thus far must consider how to continue living deliberately to maintain that affirmative response. Can one confidently strive for such a life intentionally?
Immanuel Kant, an 18th-century German philosopher, introduced the concept of , which he believed permeates all aspects of existence, including human beings. This indescribable essence exists within us and the world around us. Have you ever encountered something so awe-inspiring that you struggled to convey its magnificence to others through words or images? The sublime nature of such experiences defies description; they must be encountered firsthand to be truly appreciated.
Similarly, humans possess a sublime nature that defines their true essence, transcending societal constructs and personal identities. While societal norms and personal beliefs may shape our identities—reflected in various aspects such as socioeconomic status, religious affiliations, political views, occupational roles, familial responsibilities, and perceived power—they do not encapsulate our intrinsic essence. These external layers obscure our sublime nature, which delineates our strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, our potential. As we become entangled in these societal constructs, recognizing our sublime essence becomes increasingly challenging. Losing sight of our authentic nature may lead to despair and a loss of direction, akin to the experiences of some of Dr. Christensen’s peers. Reconnecting with our inherent nature is vital to envisioning a path forward and nurturing hope.
Embrace a Thriving Life with No Regrets
Achieving a thriving life hinges on uncovering one’s sublime nature and leveraging it to lead a life with minimal, if any, regrets. While this pursuit may seem alluring, how feasible is it? Taking deliberate and proactive steps towards living a thriving life, with minimal regrets, is entirely achievable.
By embracing an intentional lifestyle, individuals can discern and appreciate the myriad opportunities available to them. This perspective fosters hope for the future, empowering individuals to select opportunities that align with their aspirations. Even amidst global turmoil and uncertainty, maintaining a positive outlook on personal growth and development is attainable.
In a nutshell, the path to living a thriving life with no regrets involves five key steps outlined in the Choose to THRIVE ™ model. These steps are as follows:
#1 Make the Decision
Choose to lead a life focused on thriving. Some individuals resign themselves to a life of endurance in the face of adversity, relinquishing control to external forces. You have the power to break free from this cycle by making a conscious choice about the life you wish to lead.
#2 Define Your Core Values
Having committed to a thriving life, take the time to identify your core values and priorities. Have you ever reflected on what truly matters to you? As Hyrum Smith, the founder of Franklin Quest, aptly stated, understanding your values is akin to having a rudder in stormy seas—it provides direction amidst uncertainty.
#3 Rank Your Values
Identifying your values is only the first step; prioritizing them is crucial. When faced with conflicting values, clarity on their hierarchy enables you to make decisions aligned with your pursuit of a thriving life. Anticipating such conflicts and establishing priorities beforehand is essential.
#4 Compile Your List
Create a list of opportunities, not to be confused with a “bucket list” reserved for end-of-life aspirations. A THRIVE list comprises opportunities identified in the present that align with your desire to thrive. What achievements do you aspire to? What knowledge do you seek? Where do you wish to explore? Whom do you aim to meet? These questions serve as a starting point for crafting your List to THRIVE. The quantity of entries is immaterial; as Hal Gregersen from MIT emphasizes, it begins with just one.
When compiling your list, consider the following: invest time in thoughtful deliberation to avoid impulsive additions; ensure each item aligns with your values to foster thriving; and include past accomplishments that brought a sense of fulfillment or pride, as they serve as valuable reminders of thriving experiences.
#5 Act on Your List
Once your list is established, actively pursue the opportunities it presents. Live out your list! Remain vigilant for chances to realize the items on your list. By investing time in reflection and documentation, your approach to seizing these opportunities will undergo a transformation. No longer will excuses like lack of time, companionship, or resources impede your progress. Instead, you will adopt a proactive stance, asking, “How can I make this happen?” when presented with opportunities from your List to THRIVE.
While the initial four steps are pivotal, it is the fifth step that demands deliberate action to cultivate a thriving life. Without actively engaging with the items on your list, the essence of thriving remains elusive.
This five-step model offers a glimpse into the path of living a thriving life. While this overview may raise questions, I hope it resonates with you and ignites a desire to explore further.
At our consultancy, , we specialize in experiential design of evidence-based content, including a deeper understanding of the Choose to THRIVE model. Our work primarily unfolds through tailored adventures designed to impart the desired insights to our clients. Whether trekking in Alaska, cycling in Moab, rappelling in Montserrat, savoring culinary delights in the Catskills, or exploring cultural sites in Asia and Europe, our experiences offer a glimpse of thriving living and the exploration of one’s sublime nature. If you wish to embark on this journey, more information can be found .
Irrespective of your accomplishments or societal badges, endeavor to lead a life free of regrets.
What are your thoughts on creating a THRIVE list? How might engaging in this exercise aid you in leading a more fulfilling life? Share your insights below! [Editor’s Note: Dr. Stacy Taniguchi, an esteemed educator and former professor at BYU’s business school, holds a Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Foundations. He is a co-founder of , dedicated to guiding individuals on their quest for a thriving life. For those interested in immersive learning experiences led by Dr. Taniguchi and Beta Experiences.]