Chris Norton's Injury and Choosing a Goal

McKay talks about the importance of goals in today’s episode, and he opens up the episode by recognizing the success of Mike Krzyzewski as Duke basketball head coach.  Only after seeing his book in an airport, did McKay read it and learn about having worthy goals.  He ties Coach K’s story into that of Chris Norton, a football player who suffered a paralyzing injury in a football game, highlighting his determination and how he defied all odds to walk again.  McKay finds it important to add that you are the only person who has control over your destiny, and at the end of the day, your goals and capacity for growth are up to you.  

The next lesson he learned from Coach K was that losses can be wins, as seen in the example of Dave Ramsey, a failed real estate man turned publishing phenom and radio host.  McKay says that he would hardly have success in his career had he not failed miserably at first.  To make drastic changes in your life and succeed, he says that the big moments are far less important than the little ones in between, and that creating daily habits and small changes makes all the difference.  McKay also urges the audience to keep a positive mindset, pointing out that, when you worry about losing, you deem your goals unworthy of your commitment.  To close out the episode, McKay encourages listeners to let go of the past, because it only serves to drag you down.  

The Finer Details of This Episode:

• Mike Krzyzewski and having worthy goals
• Chris Norton’s paralyzing injury
• You determine your future
• Losses can be wins
• Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover
• The importance of changing your daily habits
• Positive mindsets 
• Why you need to let go of the past

Quotes: 

“I saw a book called Leading With The Heart by coach Kay, I bought it. And by the time I landed in Salt Lake City three hours later, I had devoured the book. And from it, I learned several principles that changed how I lead.”

“He decided he was going to stand and walk again. Well, the first thing that happened was a few days later. He moved his left arm, and that tiny movement gave him hope. And with this little bit of encouragement, his dad said to Chris, ‘Chris, there's no challenge too big that you can’t conquer.’”

“Perhaps you want to get that degree or get out of debt or whatever you're striving to do. Remember the only person who can tell you that you can't win is you, and you don't have to listen.”

“I had two choices.  Was I going to spend the rest of my life feeling sorry for myself? Was I going to make a stand? And I know one thing, when they tell you, you have a 3% chance of moving anything below your neck again, forget the 97; focus on the three. Yes, my life changed forever, but through my experience, I realized–it was up to me, and I had the power to stand.”

“A worthy goal does more than Inspire. It causes you to see yourself differently.”

“It doesn't matter if you win every game, but play each game with all your heart. And most of all, remember, family is everything.”

“Dave's loss in the game of real estate enabled his win in the game of publishing and helping others improve.”

“To change your life, you must change your day.”

“When I focus on what can go wrong. I changed my tactics. I lose my strength and it works differently on my psyche.”

Show Links: 

Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen