Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay Christensen

What you can’t see, you can’t be. That’s why we all need a clear vision of who we are and what we can become. On Open Your Eyes join author and business leader McKay Christensen to discover the steps to lasting change on your path to personal and business growth. From personal improvement to team leadership, get the insights and tools you need to open your eyes to a happier life.

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20 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes20

Newest first

Yesterday · 31 min
S6E10 - Fall Seven, Rise Eight
You probably know one of the greatest Japanese proverbs of all time that teaches us about the power of resilience - ‘Fall down seven times, rise eight.’ In this week’s episode, McKay talks about the importance of dusting yourself off after a crisis and getting back up. He kicks off the episode by telling us a powerful story about Florence Rogers and how a seemingly normal day turned out to be an enormous test of her resilience. Just like Rocky Balboa, she decided to keep moving forward after life hit her hard. Next, McKay shares a few other compelling examples of keeping faith during a crisis and rising from the ashes every single time. There’s so much wisdom to unpack from this episode, as McKay shares the most effective tips for surviving tough times and picking yourself back up after you’re down. So if you want to build resilience and learn to endure life’s hardships, make sure you tune into this week’s episode to hear what McKay has to say. The Finer Details of This Episode: The power of rising again Example from the Book of Isaiah Keeping faith in hard times Helpful tools for picking yourself back up Doing the next best thing Changing your mindset Asking for help Quotes: “When you're knocked down, you're left with two choices - stay there or get up. And people asked me, ‘How did you overcome the loss?’ My answer - I got up. No matter what life throws at you, you get up. Even if you need help, you get up.” “Even though it may seem like it's too hard to get up, try again, I promise you can. It is worth one more try.” “It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward.” “Mistakes or a fall or a pause or a failing doesn't need to define you. You are able to mount up with wings of eagles and rise to the person you can and should become.” “There's great power in a new paradigm.” “I promise, the moment you reach out to the right person for help, you will begin to see a way out of your situation.” Links: McKay Christensen Homepage
July 27 · 27 min
S6E9 - The Best in You
Too often in life, we get to thinking that we are less than capable of doing what we set out to do. But the truth is: we are better than we think. So, how do you find the best within you? In this week’s episode, McKay shares some valuable tips for finding the best within you and discovering your own potential. He talks about the dangers of making excuses, why it’s important to take calculated risks in life, and how to rise to your true self. As he nicely puts it, you are way better than you think, even though you might not see it at the moment. However, you’re not alone in this; most people get so caught up in the chaos of everyday life that they miss the beauty of it all. That’s precisely why it is so important for you to tune in today, and learn how you, too, can turn things around and find the best within you. The Finer Details of This Episode: Enjoying the beauty of the moment Recognizing your own potential Dangers of making excuses Taking calculated risks Fulfilling your dreams Risk-taking for a better life Believing in your true value Quotes: “Because people are so busy and focused on their day, they miss the beauty and rarity of the moment.” “In life, there are so many things around us that are, in fact, better than we think. People are better than we think. Circumstances, our life, kids, job, our own potential, often are much better than we think. ” “You are better than you think.” “Over time, it becomes more of a habit to talk than to walk.” “Most of us have ideas or dreams of what we'd love to do. And we make an assessment and the impossibility of the thing takes over. And soon we place the idea on the shelf hoping that someday we can dust it off, open it up and dream a bit more.” “To find the best in us, we must risk a bit of ourselves - our pride, our time, our effort. It's the risk that teaches us to value the outcome.” “It's in the risk of it that we learn to bring out the best in us.” Links: McKay Christensen Homepage
July 20 · 30 min
S6E8 - Isn’t It Time?
In this episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay delves into the theme of taking control of one's life and reaching one's potential, and he does this through the lens of the Boston Marathon. The stories of some Marathon runners, as discussed by McKay, offer insight and encouragement to do the hard things in order to achieve success. The rigorous process of qualifying for the marathon, the dedication and hard work required to be considered as a participant, the emotions and experiences of race day, and the camaraderie and support of the spectators and fellow runners are all explored. Our host also shares the power of determination and perseverance, and introduces listeners to the "Scream Tunnel" - a powerful reminder of the impact that support and encouragement can have in an individual's journey towards their goals. During the episode, McKay also recounts the remarkable story of Katherine Switzer, and emphasizes the importance of proving our abilities and the price we must pay to truly run the race of life. As you listen in today, you will gain insight into how to take your life back and do the things necessary to grow your business and achieve success - including losing things such as idle time and the willingness to procrastinate so that you can gain energy, satisfaction, and a sense of being remarkable. Inspirational and motivational, today’s episode answers that most crucial of questions: Isn’t it time to do the hard things necessary to take your life back? The Finer Details of This Episode: Overview of the Boston Marathon and its significance The power of determination and perseverance The "Scream Tunnel" Doing the hard things in order to achieve success The story of Katherine Switzer Taking your life back and doing the necessary things Losing a few things The importance of training and working hard, even when no one is watching Proving yourself yourself Making the effort to be remarkable Quotes: "500,000 spectators line the route and gather at the finish line to cheer on a brother, a sister, a friend, or to just watch runners reaching their goals." "Race day is an experience all by itself." "One magical place on the course is called ‘Scream Tunnel.’" "Isn't it time to take your life back, do the hard things when it's time?” "And soon you'll be in the habit and your life, yourself, your self worth, will return." "It also means you may gain a few things - energy, satisfaction, and a sense of you being remarkable." "She trained and worked and finally ran a marathon plus an extra 5 miles to prove to her coach that she could run the distance." "And in Katherine's case, she proved her ability in training by herself with no one watching.” "The other runners were happy to see her and supportive of her.” Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
July 13 · 25 min
S6E7 - What’s in Your Heart?
Delving into the transformative power of internal resolve, McKay argues that what we carry in our hearts determines our success far more than external conditions or resources. By examining historical turning points and personal anecdotes, he illustrates how acting with conviction before proof exists is the key to overcoming fear and achieving the impossible. McKay uses the "Trenton moment" of George Washington’s icy Delaware crossing to show how a single act of resolve can shift the momentum of an entire revolution. He explains the "law of diminishing intent," warning that delay erodes confidence while action, much like regenerative braking in a hybrid car, actually recharges our faith through resistance. Through the lenses of Peter’s walk on water and Jim Morris’ mid-life Major League debut, we see that potential is limitless when we remove distractions and commit to our choices. Ultimately, this episode serves as a call to stop reacting to past setbacks and start feeding a vision of who we are becoming through consistent, heart-led effort. Main Themes: How internal resolve outweighs external resources and conditions The Battle of Trenton as a psychological turning point for the American Revolution Understanding the "law of diminishing intent" and the cost of delay Susan Jeffers’ five truths about pushing through fear Peter’s walk on the water as a source of lifelong faith Regenerative faith: How resistance builds belief through action Why faith is a "sales job" we must perform for ourselves every day Identifying and removing distractions to avoid a vicious cycle of decline The story of Jim Morris and the power of a heart-led dream at age 35 The definition of faith as a commitment to choices rather than a matter of chance Top 10 Quotes: "What you resolve in your heart will have more impact on what you’re doing than just about anything else." "The longer we delay doing something, the less likely it is that we will do it." "Faith is a sales job. Each day we are selling to ourselves the thing in which we are placing our faith." "Pushing through fear is less frightening than living with the underlying fear that comes out of helplessness." "Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death." "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of faith is to see what you have believed." "It is against resistance that faith grows." "Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow better.'" Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen
July 6 · 27 min
S6E6 - What Glasses Are You Wearing?
The "belief window" - the invisible lenses that shape how we interpret every life event - comes under McKay’s learned scrutiny today as he explains that, while we assume we see objective reality, our brains actually construct our experiences based on past conditioning. He then demonstrates that questioning these default settings moves us from being constrained by old perspectives to being empowered by new ones. Referencing the Northern Thailand cave rescue and the Mann Gulch fire, McKay shows how mental models can save us or become blind spots. He highlights NVIDIA’s AI vision and Boyan Slat’s Ocean Cleanup to illustrate how "future glasses" overcome skepticism. Through Daryl Davis’s conversations and behavioral science, we learn that transformation begins with perception, not just behavior. Throughout this episode, McKay encourages us all to stop reacting to the world through the lenses of your past and start constructing a new reality through the vision of who we are becoming. Main Themes: How the "belief window" shapes our constructed reality Identifying default lenses formed by childhood and past setbacks The Tham Luang cave rescue and the power of "What if?" questions Why old "safety" habits become dangerous blind spots in new crises How "today glasses" favor immediate comfort over long-term goals Using a "five-year lens" to reduce emotional distress and gain perspective NVIDIA’s AI journey as a model for choosing future vision over current views Viewing failure as information instead of evidence of impossibility Why perception must shift before lasting behavioral change can occur The impact of environmental lenses and expectations on our decisions Top 10 Quotes: "Your brain isn’t simply observing reality, it’s actively constructing your experience of reality." "The world begins to look like the glasses that you’re wearing." "Our greatest strengths quietly become our greatest blind spots." "When you view a problem from the future, it loses some of its emotional grip." "Today’s glasses constantly ask, 'How do I feel?' Five-year glasses ask, 'Who am I becoming?'" "People wearing future glasses are willing to change strategies without abandoning the goal." "To construct a new reality or way of living, we have to first put on a new view." Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen
June 29 · 27 min
S6E5 - Go the Distance
McKay demonstrates that life's greatest victories are achieved through steady, everyday efforts rather than sudden breakthroughs through his exploration of the "go the distance" mindset. While our world celebrates quick finishes, real resilience is forged in the quiet, ongoing dedication that persists long after the initial excitement fades. Alongside his friend Austin's adaptation to a paralyzing injury, McKay shares stories of deep perseverance. He explores Stallone's true vision for Rocky and W.P. Kinsella's pursuit of redemption in Shoeless Joe. He then traces Katalin Karikó's long mRNA research and José Hernández's twelve attempts to join NASA. These examples, including Jessica Long's Paralympic path, show that success lies in the quiet, daily struggle. Main Themes: Why the "go the distance" mindset serves as the foundation of long-term success and personal transformation How Austin redefined his daily reality and found purpose through handcycling after a life-altering accident Realizing that extraordinary results come from continuing to make ordinary efforts long after excitement fades Rocky Balboa's definition of going the distance as a quest to discover identity rather than simply winning a championship W.P. Kinsella's Shoeless Joe and the journey of reconciliation and healing at the heart of Field of Dreams Why the greatest rewards in life arrive when we choose to push past the point where quitting would be reasonable José Hernández's journey from migrant farmworker to NASA astronaut through twelve years of persistent applications How Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman's decades of unrecognized mRNA research paved the way for the rapid COVID-19 vaccine response Understanding the industrial history of "losing steam" and the vital importance of refueling our minds and emotions daily Jessica Long's athletic legacy and how true greatness is forged in the invisible, uncelebrated moments of practice Top 10 Quotes: "Real life is not built around breakthroughs; it is built around continuation." "Real wins in life happen to those who stay the course, who go the distance." "Often, the greatest victory is becoming the kind of person who can stay in the arena long enough to get there." "The greatest rewards in life often come only after we continue beyond the point where quitting would have been reasonable, when we go the distance." "The question is never whether discouragement will arrive; it is rather what will happen after it arrives." "We don't know when the breakthrough will arrive... What we do know is that continuing creates possibilities that quitting never can." Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen
June 22 · 25 min
S6E4 - Because You Choose To
McKay explores the "because I choose to" mindset - the principle that circumstances don't dictate our reality or outcomes. Throughout the episode he demonstrates that, while life often burdens us with the heavy weight of "I have to," freedom and success emerge when we recognize our inherent agency to choose our response. In addition to highlighting Ashleigh Barty's intentional return to tennis and contrasting it with her earlier burnout, our host goes on to share such stories as Desmond Doss's battlefield convictions and Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku's choice to be "The Happiest Man on Earth." From Arunima Sinha's Everest climb to McKay's lesson at a prison gate, this episode shows how embracing reality changes destiny, urging us to use choice to build an extraordinary life. Main Themes: Why the "I choose to" mindset and intentionality outpace obligation and pressure Ashleigh Barty's choice to walk away from and intentionally return to professional tennis Learning to find the positive in a backward-loaded route through the delivery truck lesson How Desmond Doss held onto his convictions at Hacksaw Ridge despite hostile circumstances Why resisting reality consumes energy without producing results and the value of embracing it instead Eddie Jaku's survival of Auschwitz and his decision to become "The Happiest Man on Earth" Kerry Egan's hospice observations on finding meaning at the end of life through acceptance How Arunima Sinha scaled Mount Everest and redefined her identity after a tragic train incident Building identity through small and repeated choices that turn into habits and character Discovering the ultimate freedom by recognizing our agency and participation in any circumstance Top 10 Quotes: "Most of us do have a choice. And when we remember that we can choose and do choose, our approach is different. It's more healthy." "The human mind has the ability to assign meaning to experience, and that meaning directly influences our behavior and long-term outcomes." "The circumstance itself doesn't determine the meaning, but the response does." "Suffering is not only caused by what happens, but also by what we do with it." "Happiness does not fall from the sky. It's in your hands. It comes from a choice inside you." "Small choices accumulate into identity through repetition." "The shift from 'I have to' to 'I choose to' is therefore not semantic. It's internal strength." "To live from this perspective is to recognize that while circumstances may be given, our level of participation is chosen." Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen
June 15 · 25 min
S6E3 - The Gentle Slope
The transformative power of the "gentle slope," the principle that our lives are not defined by singular, dramatic events, but by the accumulation of tiny, consistent choices comes under McKay’s scrutiny today. Acknowledging that the world often waits for a "lightning strike" of inspiration, our host explains that true change happens through the quiet persistence of daily habits. Analyzing the history of the Grand Canyon, McKay contrasts a 1956 crash with the slow erosion that actually shaped its depths. He also shares stories of John Woolman’s anti-slavery persuasion and Jennie Flexner’s book-by-book literacy drive. From Edith Eger’s resilience to Barry Magee’s endurance, this episode shows how a one-degree shift changes your destiny. McKay provides a framework for "evolving instead of revolving," urging us to use small habits to build an extraordinary life. Main Themes: The Grand Canyon: Why small forces are more powerful than spectacular events The 1956 mid-air collision and the birth of modern air traffic control Jenny Mass Flexner: Changing generations one book at a time John Woolman and the thirty-year mission of "gentle persuasion" Benjamin Banneker: How a habit of curiosity builds a scientific legacy Edith Eger and the "50 anyway" mindset: Taking risks at any age Evolving vs. Revolving: Breaking the cycle of past-based thinking The Wheat Field Analogy: The science of building neuro-pathways in the brain Babar Ali: The journey from after-school teacher to world-renowned headmaster The Lydiard Method: Why building an aerobic base is the key to endurance The "One-Degree" Rule: How tiny deviations in direction change your final destination Top 10 Quotes: "Extraordinary results are often the product of ordinary actions repeated consistently over time." "The river never set out to carve a canyon a mile deep; it simply kept moving in the same direction." "The great things we achieve, or the erosion in our actions and character, are not arrived at in a moment. Rather, it is a gentle slope." "Our lives are shaped by small choices... like a river carving a canyon, the effects are almost invisible day by day, yet over years, they become impossible to ignore." "Impact compounds." "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass." "You’ve got to evolve instead of revolve." "Today's small choices become tomorrow's habits, and tomorrow's habits become next year's character, and character becomes destiny." Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen
June 8 · 23 min
S6E2 - See the Good in Everyone
McKay explores Dolly Parton’s philosophy of ‘finding the God-light in everyone’ as a transformative leadership discipline. He argues that choosing to see potential rather than faults is a practical way to inspire growth and redirect lives. Our host highlights how belief in others alters history through the stories of Louis Armstrong, Walt Disney, and Abraham Lincoln. Detailing Nelson Mandela’s healing of South Africa and John Wooden’s UCLA coaching, McKay demonstrates that by applying the Pygmalion effect and defending the absent, listeners can foster trust and move beyond automatic negative thinking. Main Themes: Dolly Parton’s "God light" philosophy The Pygmalion Effect on performance Lincoln’s "Team of Rivals" strategy Louis Armstrong’s reform school start Walt Disney and the power of affirmation Defending the absent to build character Mandela’s use of rugby to unite a nation Overcoming self-centered "default settings" John Wooden’s shame-free coaching Belief as a practical leadership strategy Top 10 Quotes: "I try to find the God-light in everybody." "If you see someone without a smile, give them yours." "Human nature tends to notice faults first." "When people are seen as capable, they often become more capable." "If you humiliate people, they resist; if you honor people, they change." "When you defend those who are absent, you retain the trust of those present." "Seeing the good in others is a discipline, not a feeling." "Remembering everyone is good makes a meaningful life possible." "Correct what can be improved, not what is wrong with you." "Seeing good in someone can redirect an entire life." Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen
June 1 · 25 min
S6E1 - You Can Decide Again
McKay investigates the concept that the defining factor of success isn't staying perfectly motivated, but rather the courage to "begin again" every time life knocks you down. He explains that meaningful breakthroughs are often the result of quiet, repeated decisions made long before the world notices the "home run." Drawing on powerful narratives of late bloomers and resilient leaders, McKay shows how waiting is never wasted time. He shares the story of Bryan Torres, who spent 11 years in the minor leagues before a spectacular MLB debut, and Tara Westover, who overcame a survivalist upbringing to earn a PhD from Cambridge. By examining the lives of such icons as Grandma Moses, Sylvester Stallone, and Abraham Lincoln, McKay illustrates that our personal timelines are unique and that setbacks are often necessary preparation for a greater destiny. This episode provides listeners with a framework for letting go of past disappointments, utilizing the "I don't understand it" file for unexplained pain, and finding the resolve to go one more round. Main Themes: The Bryan Torres Story: Lessons from 11 years in the minor leagues Why the "waiting" period is actually a season of essential preparation "Nana korobi ya oki": The Japanese philosophy of falling seven times and rising eight Tara Westover and the power of starting from scratch to achieve the impossible The "I Don’t Understand It" file: A strategy for emotional release and moving forward Grandma Moses and the myth of the "missed window" for success Sylvester Stallone’s "Rocky" moment: The conviction to bet on yourself Abraham Lincoln: How a lifetime of political defeat built a national savior Shifting the focus from "Am I there yet?" to "Am I better than I was?" How tiny, consistent improvements compound into extraordinary character Top 10 Quotes: "What if the waiting is not wasted? What if the years nobody notices are actually the years building the person capable of handling the moment?" "Every time you decide again, you get a little better." "Disappointment can do one of two things: it can harden you or it can sharpen you." "The world only sees the harvest, but God sees the planting." "Fall seven times, rise eight." "Success is often built through tiny improvements repeated consistently." "Nobody becomes extraordinary instantly. People become extraordinary by repeatedly improving ordinary things." "Some flowers bloom early, some bloom late, but both are still flowers." "Goals eventually end, but character, the character you develop, remains." "When Lincoln lost, he did not restart from zero. He restarted from the experience that he gained." Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen
May 25 · 30 min
S5E52 - What is a Leader?
McKay continues his “What is a Leader” series this week by delving into even more critical leadership questions and drawing further inspiration from history and notable figures. In this installment he reviews the challenges faced by leaders and teams, and explores such themes as igniting change, fostering explosive growth, bending reality, and turning the tide. Throughout this thought-provoking episode, listeners gain insights into the power of focus, the significance of nurturing capable leaders, and the remarkable impact leaders can achieve by challenging established norms. Historical anecdotes and real-world examples illustrate how such leaders as Steve Jobs and George Washington motivated their teams to accomplish extraordinary feats by reshaping accepted realities and reigniting dedication. Join McKay as he continues this enlightening journey of leadership, change, and growth, and unveils valuable insights to elevate your leadership skills. Episode Highlights: The significance of igniting change in organizations The normalization of deviance and its impact on team performance and leadership The three progressive steps to regain your team's trust and commitment as a leader Leading during challenging times The power of focusing your team on the most critical activities for exponential growth The Reality Distortion Field and its role in bending reality to achieve the seemingly impossible Leadership lessons from history emphasizing the importance of persistence and inspiration Quotes: "To change your team's reality, you must first change what they think of themselves." "Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do." "Your reality is malleable in the presence of a new view and immense persistence." "Often, leaders must ignite change, and organizations and culture are hard to change." “Your job is to constantly help the team see True North." "People don't at first follow worthy causes. They follow worthy leaders." "As leaders, we have to give people reasons to buy into us." "Add ten followers to your organization, and you have the power of ten people. Add ten leaders to your organization, and you have the power of ten leaders times all the followers and leaders they influence." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
May 18 · 28 min
S5E51 - How Will You Measure Your Life?
In today’s episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay guides listeners through a thought-provoking exploration of the criteria by which we measure our lives. Combining an analysis of lives spectacularly well-lived with his own learnings and sage observations, our host demonstrates the critical importance of ensuring these criteria are firmly founded upon those aspects in life that truly matter. The episode traverses various inspiring narratives, from Dr. Sanduk Ruit’s revolutionary work in making cataract surgery affordable for millions in Nepal to Dashrath Manjhi's 22-year mission to carve a safer path through the mountains for his village. McKay also reflects on his battle with cancer, his children’s perseverance and relentless determination, and the poignant story of a colleague and his son who was born with severe physical challenges. The episode concludes by drawing on the biblical story of Peter walking on water, underscoring the importance of maintaining faith amidst adversity. Collectively, these stories challenge listeners to consider the legacies they wish to create, ultimately posing the essential question: "How will you measure your life?" Episode Highlights: Global listener reach Dr. Sanduk Ruit’s journey Dashrath Manjhi's dedication Clayton Christensen on life’s measures Personal growth through service Stories highlighting the power of love and perseverance Faith and overcoming doubts Measuring your life by what really matters most Quotes: "I committed myself to a mission of making eye surgery affordable and accessible to every person in Nepal." "One can measure the surgeries provided to the impoverished in Nepal and the miles of travel saved by Dashrath’s new mountain path." "Consider if, ultimately, we are measured against the things that truly matter." "I realized my life would be measured by how I aided people in similar circumstances to mine." "Each day presents a choice on where to place your focus." "Love empowers you to focus, care, and exert more effort." "Keep going until you achieve your goals." "Faith means to believe without seeing, and the reward of faith is to see what you have believed." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
May 11 · 31 min
S5E50 - Do It Anyway
This week, McKay takes a look at that all too familiar feeling of not really wanting to do something, and then proceeds to highlight the potential benefits of actually going ahead and doing that thing anyway. Filled with his trademark stories, reflections, and insights, our host’s investigation here today offers enlightening lessons on motivation, discipline, and purpose that promise to transform listeners' perspective on life. During this thought-provoking episode, McKay explores the concept of taking action even when motivation seems elusive. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, he uncovers the secrets to happiness and success while discussing how discipline plays a pivotal role in achieving these life goals. Throughout the episode, our host navigates various themes, including the significance of commitment, the legendary tale of Jonah, and the impact of creating a culture of excellence. Challenging the myth that motivation is the sole driver of action, McKay takes the opportunity today to pave the way for a more profound understanding of how dedication, discipline, and a “do it anyway” mindset can lead to fulfillment in our lives. Episode Highlights: An awe-inspiring encounter with humpback whales The significance of facing fears and taking action even when unwilling Drawing inspiration from the legendary tale of Jonah The power of discipline in achieving lasting success and happiness The misconception about motivation and the importance of commitment How creating a culture of excellence can lead to remarkable results Exploring the concept of the "abundant approach" How helping others adds motivation Embracing discipline, finding integrity, and seeking happiness in life Quotes: "We can't be what we can't see. At the core of our behavior is how we see the world and our place in it." "For some time now, I've been nudged and inspired and given opportunities to go in a direction that God wants me to go. And for whatever reason, I've been a bit slow to respond." "Don't give in to the immediate gratification of the thing. Give in instead to your true motive." "Motivation is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." "The winners didn't need motivation. They put a system in place in their life or business and established small habits of discipline." "Life takes the shape of an iceberg…90% of the time, the things that drive results are the work without motivation below the surface." "The definition of integrity is doing something you've decided to do long after the emotion of making the decision to do it has passed." "Happiness and success often come from doing things even when you don't feel like it." "Embrace your potential and fulfill your purpose, even if it means doing things you don't want to do." "Creating a culture of excellence and discipline can lead to outstanding results, even when the task is repetitive and not initially exciting." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
May 4 · 30 min
S5E49 - Nothing Great is Easy
In this captivating episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay takes listeners on a profound journey into the heart of success, anchored by the fundamental principle that "nothing great is easy." As he navigates through history's remarkable achievements, from conquering the English Channel to surviving the tumultuous descent over Niagara Falls, he spotlights the unyielding spirit of individuals who embraced challenges as stepping stones to greatness. The episode masterfully underscores the value of consistent, incremental improvements and the pivotal role of effective systems in turning aspirations into reality. Whether in the realms of sport, fitness, spirituality, entrepreneurship, or any other facet of life, our host illuminates the transformative potential of choosing the sunnier side, committing wholeheartedly, and prioritizing self-care as the key to unlocking one's path to success. Offering actionable insights to approach life's challenges with resilience and intention, McKay makes it crystal clear here today that greatness is not an unattainable summit but a series of milestones which, while difficult, are, indeed, ultimately achievable. Episode Highlights: Wholehearted commitment How centering can enhance focus and overall success Attention as a precious resource Self-care and self-investment Small improvements, big impact Prioritizing the development of effective systems Embracing challenges Persistence and dedication Quotes: "Nothing great is ever easy. It's the hard that makes it great." "Sometimes it's the 101st blow that does the trick, not the last blow." "Goals are about the results you want to achieve; systems are about the processes that lead to those results." "Success often lies in embracing challenges and viewing them as opportunities for growth." "The hard work and dedication are what make greatness worth it." "Centering enables us to avoid distraction. It will change your life." "You must treat yourself with great care." "Focus on the systems you employ rather than the goals you have. Give all you have to whatever is at hand." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
April 27 · 31 min
S5E48 - What Lies Within You?
McKay’s focus today is on the power of discovering what lies within ourselves, and he begins by introducing the story of Aaron Sorkin. Armed with a passion for drama and theater from an early age, it wasn't until Aaron dared to fail that he found success. His story serves as a testament to the power of daring to fail and discovering what lies within us. McKay also shares the stories of Eric and Laura, individuals who both faced adversity and overcame it to find success. Their stories, along with Sorkin’s, inspire us all to embrace our own journeys and discover our potential. They also teach us that, to find what lies within us, we must be resilient, determined, and willing to let go of what we cannot do, while remembering who we are and where we came from. Mckay’s words of wisdom here today, combined with these powerful narratives, empower us all to discover the very best that lies within us. Episode Highlights: Open Your Eyes’ two-year anniversary Aaron Sorkin's story How the best that lies within us can lead to remarkable success Eric and Laura’s stories of overcoming adversity and finding success Embracing our journeys and discovering our potential The power of resilience and determination Letting go of what we cannot do Remembering who we are and where we came from Discovering the best that lies within you Quotes: "The best that lies within you is waiting to be discovered.” "Success is not the absence of failure; it's the persistence through failure." "Daring to fail is not about wanting to fail. It's about recognizing that failure is a possibility, and deciding to take the risk anyway." "Believe in yourself, and the rest will fall into place." "The most important thing to do is to get started, even if it's a small step." "The things I cannot do, I will let go. But the things I can do, I will learn to do well." "She continued to write, and she became a successful author, living out her passion for writing about horses and racing." "To find what lies within you, you may need to remember who you are and where you came from." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
April 20 · 29 min
S5E47 - The Road Ahead
In this week’s episode, McKay explores the road that lays ahead of you in your life. He begins this exploration by sharing two stories from Tom Watson's experiences at the Masters Tournament which highlight the importance of embracing both the highs and lows in life. These stories serve as powerful reminders for us to reflect on our own journey, to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead with grace and resilience, and to stay committed and focused on our goals, regardless of the obstacles that may come our way. The podcast episode also discusses the topic of failure and how to handle it. By focusing on the road ahead and fixing our vision on our end goal, we can learn to see failure as an opportunity for growth and learning. It's important to have a clear understanding of where we're headed, as this helps us navigate our journey with purpose and intention. Difficult roads may lead to beautiful destinations, and by persevering through the challenges, we become the person we are destined to be. Join McKay here today and you will be inspired to approach life with a growth mindset and to embrace the journey, no matter what it brings. Episode Highlights: Tom Watson's stories and their significance Embracing both the highs and lows of life with grace and resilience The importance of commitments and promises in our lives The power of love and support Failure as an opportunity to learn and grow Focusing on the road ahead Having a clear end goal in mind Difficult roads and beautiful destinations The importance of not giving up Learning how to react to future mistakes Defining yourself and your mistakes Quotes: "Life is full of highs and lows, and we need to learn to navigate both with grace and resilience." "Tom Watson's stories remind us that life is full of surprises and opportunities, and we need to be ready to seize the moment." "Commitments and promises are powerful drivers of our actions and choices, even in the face of adversity." "Love and support from our family and friends can help us overcome the toughest challenges in life." "The road ahead in life may be uncertain, but we can choose to embrace it with courage and determination." "Failure can be good. It's fertilizer." "Looking ahead is a huge help in life." "We each have the ability to make meaning from our actions and the actions of our children." "It is a simple fact that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations." "Your difficult road will help you rise and you will find the strength to travel the road and make a better you along the way." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
April 13 · 27 min
S5E46 - The Door You're Meant to Open
Join McKay this week as he encourages listeners to recognize opportunities, overcome hesitations, and boldly open life's doors. Reviewing significant doors that have been opened in the past, such as the creation of the Panama Canal, McKay explores the significance of taking well-calculated risks and embracing change as a means to opening doors in our life. Drawing inspiration from these and other events, McKay underscores the importance of identifying open doors and advancing despite intricate circumstances. He goes on to note that these stories serve as reminders that significant personal growth often originates from navigating difficulties and welcoming novel perspectives. Above all, our host reminds listeners here today that doors are waiting for them, even if they seem impossible or improbable, and that God may be knocking - asking them to exercise their faith, step through that door, and witness the good things waiting for them on the other side. Episode Highlights: Seizing opportunities Growth through change Unseen opportunities Adaptation and global impact Transformative moments Personal journeys Intuition and self-fulfillment Stepping through doors Quotes: "Life is subtle, sometimes you barely notice yourself walking through the doors you once prayed would open." "Often we walk through doors so we can find the next door waiting for us on the other side." "Change doesn't always come in dramatic events. Sometimes it's the small, imperceptible impressions that lead us to greater discoveries." "Stepping through doors of opportunity requires embracing uncertainty and recognizing that growth often comes from navigating challenges." "Lucky people have a strong sense of intuition, which makes them lucky, and more importantly, they follow that intuition much more frequently than other people." "Some doors need to be closed, and the reason that closing those doors frees us up is because now we can see what's before us to seek the open doors available to us." "God will force no man to heaven. He'll call, persuade, direct, or write and bless with wisdom, love, and light in nameless ways, be good and kind, but never force the human mind." "Don't let fear hold you back, because here's the truth, you are extraordinary. You are meant to step forward, open the door, and do what you've been afraid to do and take action." "Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
April 6 · 31 min
S5E45 - Without a Doubt
This week, McKay focuses on the theme of doubt and the profound impact it can have upon our self-view and decision-making. Drawing upon a variety of anecdotes and impeccable resources, he emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in recognizing and challenging doubt in order to prevent it from hindering progress, draining our energy, and creating a sense of unease in our lives . Throughout the episode, our host explores the influence of our social circles on our levels of faith or doubt, and guides listeners towards removing doubt and nurturing faith in all aspects of life. He also highlights the power of being present, showing up, and living beyond ourselves to eliminate doubt, and goes on to shed light on the transformative role of leaders in building faith within their teams. Moreover, he reveals the impact of environment, language, and action on our faith, empowering listeners to triumph over doubt and embrace a life of purpose and confidence. Join McKay here today and learn how to transcend doubt and step into a world of unlimited potential where faith becomes your guiding light. Episode Highlights: The role of doubt in shaping our self-view and decision-making Doubt’s influence on our expression, judgment, motivation, and risk-taking Strategies to recognize and challenge doubt in our lives The impact of our social circles on our faith or doubt. Embracing occasional doubt as natural while avoiding a permanent state of doubt Exploring the story of ‘Doubting’ Thomas and the concept of belief without seeing Contemplating contrasting beliefs and doubts surrounding the afterlife The power of presence and showing up to eliminate doubt Quotes: "Doubt is a state of uncertainty or lack of conviction about something in which you question, hesitate, or are skeptical about what you hear or about what you or others are doing." "Doubt often comes about when we've tried before without success or we are reentering new territory without a familiar path to walk." "How can you blame Thomas for doubting? It is an incredible thing to suppose that a person could rise from the dead, even if his friends said they saw Christ." "Many of us doubt what others do not doubt. Some people believe that they will live after death, just like Jesus did. But others doubt if this is real." "Being willing to go and do removes doubt in our life. We get to see and feel with our own eyes the more we show up." "Affirmations widen our span of attention. They deepen our strength or resolve." "Before you doubt anything, doubt your doubts." "Sometimes we have to place faith in, and not doubt, the words that parents, leaders, and God speak to us." "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
March 30 · 28 min
S5E44 - The Rising Tide
Welcome to another enlightening episode of Open Your Eyes this week as McKay takes us all on an inspiring exploration of the rising tide in our lives and the transformative power of faith. With vivid storytelling and profound insights, he presents examples and perspectives that empower us all to harness these rising tides in our own lives and break free from the currents that hold us back. Illustrating the unstoppable nature of tides as a metaphor for the forces that ensure our upward trajectory, McKay encourages listeners to view them as a source of inspiration and empowerment. Additionally, he emphasizes the power of love and belief in overcoming even the most daunting obstacles. Ultimately, McKay invites all listeners here today to embrace the rising tides in their own lives, find strength in faith, and navigate the currents with unwavering determination, knowing that they have the capacity to transform their journeys and reach their goals. Episode Highlights: The stories of Natalia Molchanova and Audrey Mestre Dylan's gripping tale of survival, swept away by powerful currents and saved by unwavering faith and love The significance of ocean currents and tides in shaping the underwater landscape The inspiring journey of Heather Brown and Tyler Smith Miraculous encounter between Heather, Tyler, and Eric Wagner in a moment of prayer Faith prevailing in adversity, providing strength through life's storms The impact of faith in navigating challenges, as exemplified by McKay's father and Dorothy Fletcher's experiences Quotes: "Faith is the power to continue even when you can't see the end outcome." "There is a tide in life that can lift us despite the storms or the winds." "We glory in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience worketh hope." "Faith is a rising tide that lifts you in life." "Don't ever doubt that things have been ordered and prepared for you." "When there's hope in the future, there is power in the present." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/
March 23 · 30 min
S5E43 - You Can Begin Again
McKay explores the opportunity to begin again in life and business. Citing a number of examples, including Coca Cola’s infamous launch of "New Coke" in the 1980s, he illustrates how failure is not the end, but rather an opportunity to learn and regroup. As McKay notes, beginning again each and every day is an essential component in life - a true gift from God, allowing us to continually wash away the past and start anew. Throughout the episode, McKay explores this idea of beginning again from various angles, and argues that failure is not something to be avoided but rather a natural and necessary part of growth. He also highlights the importance of resilience and not giving up in the face of setbacks, sharing the inspiring story of Lauren, who lost her hand in a plane propeller accident, to demonstrate how starting over can be a difficult but necessary step towards growth and finding a greater purpose. Mistakes are not failures, but rather lessons to be learned, so follow our host’s sage advice here today and begin to trust in the possibility of a new beginning so you can pursue a better version of yourself. Episode Highlights: Famous artists’ struggles with self-doubt and discouragement Success as a series of nonfatal mistakes Practical tips for beginning again The role of sleep in regenerating our bodies and minds for a fresh start Defining mistakes as opportunities to learn The story of “New Coke” The importance of resilience and not giving up in the face of setbacks Quotes: "Success is a series of nonfatal mistakes, and masterpieces are created in days of showing up discouraged." "Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you've been through, it's never too late to begin again." "You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading the last one." "In pursuit of your life's purpose, it's expected that you begin again over and over." "Don't worry, it's not too late. You can begin again." "Sometimes a failure is exactly what you need to confirm your direction and begin again." "There are no failures, only lessons to be learned." "As the great author said, ‘The essence of man is imperfection.’ And I would say the essence of learning and becoming who you're supposed to become is learning from and embracing imperfection." "Don't listen to the lies that tell you it's too impossible or too hard to start again. You can." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/