Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

Embrace the UnexpectedThis week, McKay delves into the transformative power of embracing life's unexpected challenges and disruptions. Through compelling narratives, he underscores the resilience and personal choices that drive profound change during uncertain times, while also highlighting the beauty of second chances and the fact that life's disruptions can unveil hidden strengths.Drawing inspiration from historical references, such as the children of Israel's journey through the wilderness, and anecdotes from renowned actors, listeners are encouraged to embrace the unexpected, unlock their inner resilience, and embark on a journey of personal growth. Join McKay here today and learn how to convert life’s challenges into opportunities, and witness your personal transformation unfold one day at a time.Episode Highlights:Embracing unexpected challengesResilience in actionChoices shaping destinyGrowth amidst disruptionLessons from adversity"Twice born" wisdomNavigating life's challengesCompassionate leadershipQuotes:"It's a pretty good sign that God is ordering things for you in your life to help you rise, to become better, stronger, and more capable.""It is in the midst of disruption that we learn what we really can do.""You become you in the times when you don't meet expectations. It's how you react in those times that sets up your leap forward the next time.""You shape your life. You shape yourself. It is our decisions that determine our destiny.""In the midst of dealing with the unexpected, you will find the 'you' that is supposed to emerge, different than the 'you' you've had before.""The second time around gives you perspective, it gives you strength, it awakens your mind.""Twice round parents trust in the child's ability to choose. They know choice enables them to grow.""Twice round leaders lead by example and build consensus, seeing the world through the eyes of those they lead.""Every problem introduces a person to themselves.""You have to know who you are to grow to your potential, but you have to grow in order to know who you are.""Embrace the unexpected and use those days to become the real you."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

The profound theme of recognizing life as an invaluable gift takes center stage in today’s episode. Tragic events, from McKay’s own life and beyond, serve as poignant reminders of life's fragility and the significance of how we approach each day. Through captivating stories and heartfelt reflections, this episode encourages us to seize the present moment, appreciate its intrinsic value, and maximize its potential. This inspiring episode unfolds through riveting narratives, such as a harrowing car accident, which underscores the fragility and preciousness of life while highlighting the need to channel our focus towards positive, life-affirming ideas. Our host also explores the concept of being a gift to others, spotlighting heartwarming stories of individuals and communities uniting to assist those in dire need. Ultimately, McKay leaves listeners with the resounding message that their lives possess purpose and the potential to radiate positivity into the lives of others, and that they need to embrace the present, for today is a gift that holds the power to fashion a brighter future for all.Episode Highlights:Embracing life's giftBeing a blessingLiving in the presentCherishing relationshipsTurning challenges into opportunitiesEleanor Roosevelt's wisdomAuthentic livingGratitude and positive changeQuotes:"Life is a gift not to be wasted.""Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.""When you see today as a gift, you change.""Your days are better, richer, stronger when you approach them with gratitude.""Each day has a lasting impact on your life.""One view could have been that our holiday was ruined. But instead, that day was a gift.""If you see life as a gift, you take more risks, you have faith, and you evolve rather than revolve through the mundane things of the day.""You can come to terms with what was and what wasn't, and you can concentrate not on what was lost, but what is left.""Your thoughts are affecting your physical brain and your body's health.""You are likely where you are in life to be a gift to someone in your orbit today."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

Welcome back to the Open Your Eyes podcast where, this week, McKay takes listeners on an enlightening journey into the concept of embracing their turn and stepping up to seize life's moments. In a world where choices abound, you are cordially invited to join our host as he uncovers the art of decision-making and the significance of taking charge of your destiny.Along the way, he unearths the lessons embedded in history, unraveling the legacy of President John F. Kennedy and the concept of succession, and delving into the urgency of recognizing and embracing our turn when life's defining moments emerge unexpectedly. Drawn from captivating anecdotes, this episode challenges us to break free from self-imposed limitations, adopt the "It's My Turn" mindset, and embrace new roles and opportunities with confidence. Join McKay here today as he opens our eyes to the transformative power of stepping into the spotlight and making choices that will shape our very lives.Episode Highlights:Lessons from historyThe urgency of nowOvercoming self-made barriersThe "It's My Turn" mindsetEmbracing challenges and opportunitiesReflecting on the present and creating meaningful changeAvoiding the comparison trapStepping up to the plateQuotes:"The longer we delay and the more we contemplate the opportunities in front of us, the more daunting they seem and the more unwilling we become.""Just as the weight of a glass changes with the duration of holding it, our perception of opportunities shifts when we hesitate to act.""We get used to a thing, and after staying on our side of our comfort zone for so long, when we think about moving to the other side, we seem to bounce up against our own self-made barriers.""Life can change in an instant, propelling us into positions of responsibility and influence. It's crucial to recognize these moments and step up to embrace our turn.""Embracing the 'It's My Turn' mindset empowers us to break free from self-imposed barriers that limit our growth and to redefine what's possible in our lives.""It's your time to succeed. It's not only your time, but it's your turn. Don't give away your confidence.""Step up to your secession, to your title, to your role, and be who you are meant to be."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

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 opportunitiesGrowth through changeUnseen opportunitiesAdaptation and global impactTransformative momentsPersonal journeysIntuition and self-fulfillmentStepping through doorsQuotes:"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/

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Open Your Eyes, where today, McKay takes listeners on an illuminating journey into the concept of turning the tide. Throughout the episode, he explains how shifting perspectives and embracing new beginnings can prove to be a beacon of hope that can inspire positive transformation in the face of life's challenges. Along the way, McKay looks at the heroic World War II mission of the Raiders, from which he draws lessons of remarkable resilience, determination, and confronting adversity head-on that echo across time. He goes on to examine the extraordinary impact of altering viewpoints and navigating uncharted waters, recounting inspiring stories that serve as a guiding light, offering solace and motivation to those seeking a renewed outlook. Today's theme revolves around the notion that even amidst the most daunting battles, the tide can turn,  empowering individuals to reshape their destinies through unwavering resolve. Listen in, and let McKay's narratives of courage, transformation, and riding a turning tide fuel your journey towards new horizons.Episode Highlights:Turning life's challenges into opportunities by shifting perspectivesThe significance of courage and determination in reshaping the course of history and strategyThe poignant reunion of the RaidersPerspective in empowerment and resilienceEmbracing new beginningsNavigating challengesPositive self-talkThe power of faith in turning tragedy into a path forwardQuotes:"Today is the beginning of the beginning, so get ready. The tide is turning.""We don't see things as they are. We see them as we are. And our worldview is shaped by the lens of our own life experiences.""Your perspective can give you peace and hope, even in the most difficult of times.""Turn the tide simply by seeing a new way of life, even in the most difficult of times.""You can do something today to turn the tide.""When peace, like a river, attendeth my way or when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know it is well, it is well with my soul.""Too often, we don't lean into the help that's available to us. Even the Earth needs help to guide its tides.""It is the set of the soul that decides the goal.”Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

In this week’s episode, McKay delves into the captivating realm of the butterfly effect, where the smallest actions unleash astonishing waves of change. Weaving together stories of meteorological patterns, historical figures, and personal experiences, he illuminates the far-reaching consequences of seemingly insignificant decisions where every choice, no matter how minute, can shape your future and reverberate through the world around you.From the transformational impact of strength training on physical health to the remarkable significance of nurturing social connections for mental well-being, our host notes that each moment is a brushstroke on the canvas of destiny. He also encourages listeners to realize their unique capacity to effect change through their choices, reminding them that even the gentlest flutter of a butterfly's wings can set off waves of transformation that touch lives and reshape the course of history. Tune in today to share in the wisdom offered and embark on a journey of self-discovery that uncovers the boundless potential of the butterfly effect.Episode Highlights:Unveiling meteorological secretsJoseph Henry and the origins of modern weather prediction techniquesThe origins of the butterfly effect conceptBorlaug's Green RevolutionSeizing life's crossroadsThe impact of small choices on our spiritual and earthly pathsThe significance of social relationshipsThe lifelong impact of various life factorsQuotes:"A flap of a seagull or a butterfly's wing in one part of the earth does change the weather, and in your life, the action you take on one day or sustain for many days, does change life for you and others more than you think.""Anyone who spent a few years on this planet knows that one choice made at the right or wrong time can drastically change your life.""The beauty of the butterfly effect lies in its reminder that even the most inconspicuous choices can shape the grand tapestry of our existence.""Small choices may appear trivial at the moment, but they possess the potential to orchestrate symphonies of change that echo throughout time.""In the realm of life, just as in the world of weather, the smallest actions can lead to the most profound transformations.""Remember, it doesn't have to be something big, just small and simple. And like a butterfly's wings change the weather patterns on this planet, so you too can change the patterns in your life and impact the world around you in significant ways.""You are unique, and God has likely placed you in your circumstances for a reason – to have a butterfly effect on those around you."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

This week, McKay explores the profound impact of ‘following’ in our lives as he sheds light on the consequences of unintentionally following wrong or right influences in our lives.  Through cautionary tales like Wu Yongning's dangerous pursuit of fame and tragic incidents like the Corona Arch swing, McKay emphasizes the importance of questioning whom we choose to follow and the impact of our choices on our paths in life.Diving into the significance of following one's own path, finding purpose, and trusting oneself, our host notes that the rise of chatbots in various industries these days prompts a call for discerning credible sources and nurturing critical thinking skills. Inspired by Maria Schreiber's graduation speech, he encourages listeners to trust their beliefs, embrace their unique journey, and recognize the power of their own inner voice. From the example of Chadwick Boseman's pursuit of acting to Oprah Winfrey's wisdom on developing an internal moral GPS, the episode emphasizes self-discovery and the importance of authentic living as well as conscious decision-making in helping to shape a meaningful life journey filled with purpose and fulfillment.Episode Highlights:Cautionary tales highlighting the importance of questioning whom we follow and seeking validationTragic consequences of blindly replicating experiencesChallenges posed by the rise of chatbotsHollywood's concerns about AI-generated scriptsDiscerning the influence of AI-driven characters on emotional connections and personal developmentThe significance of who and what we follow in a world of information overloadEmpowering critical thinking in the pursuit of a meaningful lifeThe keys to discovering purpose and life's pathQuotes:"In seeking validation from others, it's ironic that Wu was following his followers, and ultimately, it cost him his life.""Following others without understanding the intricacies can lead to tragic consequences, as we saw in the unfortunate incident at the Corona Arch.""In today's day and age, we must decide who we will follow, establish our sources of truth, and use our own critical thinking to discern credible information.""As chatbots become more prevalent, the question arises: How much should we follow AI-generated content, and how do we ensure it aligns with truth and critical thinking?""Empower yourself by questioning your sources of inspiration and influence, making conscious decisions, and nurturing critical thinking in your pursuit of a meaningful life.""The only way you find a life of meaning and joy is to find your own voice, find your own path, find your own heart and live your own life, not an imitation of somebody else's.""Trust in your own ability to rise, to realize, trust in your own ability to do what you set out to do.""Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history.""Trust action. Don't form opinions about what you can be or what your purpose is in life until you've taken action.""The tool feels light in our hands. When we act, we know our purpose."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

The power of kindness in life and business takes center stage in the podcast today as McKay reveals it to be a powerful force that can reshape life, relationships, and teams.  Throughout the episode, he encourages us all to recognize the immense value of each individual and embrace the transformative nature of kindness, which has the potential to create a positive impact on the world around us.McKay draws upon real-life stories and psychological research to uncover the true essence of kindness, noting that, beyond being a mere virtue, it is an influential tool for success in relationships and business interactions. Amidst the decline of empathy in today's tech-driven world, our host urges listeners to unplug and reconnect through small acts of kindness, and provides examples that showcase the fact that it can triumph even in the harshest environments. The episode concludes with a profound message for us all to take to heart: let kindness guide your actions, measure the true value of your life through the compassionate service you offer to others, and never forget - "Kindness wins. Kindness always wins."Episode Highlights:The power of kindnessThe science of kindnessEmbracing it in daily lifeKindness as a transformative forceIts role in leadership and politicsKindness in the digital ageKindness as a personal identityQuotes:"Every one of us is destined, or at least called, to become like God, to learn to be kind.""God's love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love.""The data was indisputable: positive kindness heavily correlates with predicting a salesperson's success.""When you slow down to let a car come into your lane, shop at a store across town where there's a different economic demographic, or pay for someone's groceries at work, you give someone else the credit, or you celebrate someone else's success, and so forth. These are the kind habits that should guide our actions.""When you genuinely see someone's true value, it is so much easier to treat them with authentic kindness. It is true; our perspective drives our practices.""In the end, when we face the end of our life, what measure will be used for us? What measure will really matter? What if, at the end of our days, we are measured against things that really matter?""If practiced well, leadership can be one of the most noble professions. But so many fail because they think it's about us. The truth is, it's everything about the kindness we show to those we lead.""Imagine if we all tried to put on kindness. We would do great good. And for all of us trying to build or do something remarkable in life, we would surely find that kindness wins most of all."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

The theme of thriving under pressure takes center stage this week as McKay recounts inspiring stories of triumph while imparting invaluable insights to help listeners navigate challenging situations with courage and resilience. Throughout the episode, he unveils the secrets to harnessing pressure as a catalyst for personal growth and success, as well as how to find hope and clarity even in the face of adversity.Taking listeners on an extraordinary journey with James Cameron, who bravely ventured to the deepest part of the ocean, our host highlights the immense pressure James faced and uncovers profound lessons to be learned from his experience. He also shares strategies to embrace pressure as a force that cultivates courage and propels personal growth including having a clear plan, seeking support, and embodying qualities like resilience and forward-thinking. Join McKay here today on this empowering journey of self-discovery and be sure to share this remarkable podcast episode with others, inviting them to uncover their true potential and thrive under pressure as well.Episode Highlights:The remarkable journey of James Cameron's dive to the Challenger Deep and the profound lessons learnedThe transformative nature of stress and strategies as a catalyst for courage and personal growthHaving a clear plan to navigate pressure and stay focused on desired outcomesSeeking support and asking for help in times of stress and uncertaintyEmbracing resilience and forward-thinkingQuotes:"When we ask for help, we gain access to a different perspective, enabling us to see things in a better light.""Pressure and stress can serve as catalysts for personal growth and enhanced performance.""The ability to focus on what's next, rather than dwelling on the past, is a key characteristic of those who thrive under pressure.""Hope goes beyond mere wishes; it is a belief in the arrival of a positive outcome.""Asking for help not only provides clarity but also offers a way out of challenging situations."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

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-makingDoubt’s influence on our expression, judgment, motivation, and risk-takingStrategies to recognize and challenge doubt in our livesThe impact of our social circles on our faith or doubt.Embracing occasional doubt as natural while avoiding a permanent state of doubtExploring the story of ‘Doubting’ Thomas and the concept of belief without seeingContemplating contrasting beliefs and doubts surrounding the afterlifeThe power of presence and showing up to eliminate doubtQuotes:"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/