S2E37 - Enjoy the Ride

In this episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay discusses the importance of enjoying the journey as you work towards your goals. He begins with the story of Alfonso Cuarón, the Mexican film director behind hits like A Little Princess, Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, and Children of Men, to illustrate the idea that sometimes it's the struggles and challenges we face on the way to achieving our goals that can ultimately lead to our greatest successes. He also goes on to encourage listeners to find joy and purpose in the journey of goal setting and self-improvement, rather than just focusing on the end result.

McKay delves into the story of Cuarón's journey to create the film Gravity, highlighting the challenges and struggles he and his son faced while writing the screenplay and the importance of perseverance and enjoying the process. He emphasizes how these qualities can benefit us all as we seek to achieve success and live a fulfilling life. Our host also shares personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate the idea that it's important to embrace the journey and find joy in the present, rather than missing out on life's experiences because we're too focused on our goals or our fears. Throughout the episode, he touches upon the themes of fear, abundance, and mindfulness, encouraging listeners to find ways to embrace the present moment, cultivate an attitude of abundance, and practice mindfulness in order to fully engage with and enjoy life. McKay draws the episode to a close with an inspiring story about a group of students being asked to list the Seven Wonders of the World, and the insightful response of one of those students.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

• Goal setting as an energizing and enjoyable process
• Alfonso Cuarón, his son, and the writing of the screenplay for Gravity
• Resilience and finding purpose in the face of hardship
• Embracing the journey and finding joy in the present moment
• Actions that can prevent us from fully enjoying life's experiences
• Cultivating an attitude of abundance
• The benefits of mindfulness
• Finding The Seven Wonders of the World in everyday experiences

Quotes:

"Too often we go about setting goals the wrong way. We reluctantly write down the things we need to change or goals for our business and life, thinking of the work and effort it will take to reach those goals, all the while missing the infusion of energy and joy that this time of year and goal setting can bring to our life."

"And it was that struggle that Cuarón's son had experienced in his own life that helped them write the screenplay for Gravity and move the story forward."

"It's the journey that teaches us so much about ourselves and others."

"Finding purpose in the face of hardship can lead to a fulfilling life."

"Life is short. Enjoy the ride."

"Why is it that when we set a big goal that sometimes it robs us of our ability to enjoy the moment? Well, it's often because we're focused on what's next, and maybe we're afraid, a bit, of that big goal or what it's going to take to achieve it, and that focus or that fear occupies our focus."

"You and I are the same. We're on the same ride. Ups and downs, turns and twists. We can open our eyes and enjoy the ride if we choose."

"Think abundantly. Abundance is really your ability to see more in life. More options, more choices, more resources. And that starts with noticing more."

Links:

https://www.mckaychristensen.org/