Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

This week, McKay turns the spotlight to the power of laughter and humor as a powerful anecdote to the stresses and worries of life.  He examines the skills of those who talk funny and the research behind laughter’s ability to improve our well-being.Throughout the episode, McKay shares some personal experiences with humor and how it has helped him get through difficult times. He also looks at how you can improve your sense of humor, the importance of being able to see the funny side of things, and the power of preserving amusing moments. Overall, our host emphasizes the significance of finding humor in life's challenges, as it can bring a brighter outlook, help to overcome difficult situations, and create a positive impact on our lives. Whether through self-reflection or seeking out new experiences, McKay’s sage advice here today is to embrace humor as a means to improve your wellbeing.Episode Highlights:The impact of laughter on the brain and physical healthLaughter as a powerful tool for influenceLaughter therapyThe science behind laughter and its effects on neurotransmittersThe power of humor in personal and professional lifeMcKay’s experiences with humorSeeing the funny side of things and improving your sense of humorKeeping a catalog of amusing momentsQuotes:"Laughing is a magical antidote to the stresses and worries of life.""Laughter is proven to strengthen your immune system, relieve pain, and improve personal wellbeing.""We are meant to laugh.""And they were laughing in such a big way I couldn't help but smile when I drove past them.""Well, some funny people will tell you to take a half an hour a day for a week and write amusing things that you've seen or have happened in your life.""This catalog of amusing things will become fuel for your humor fire.""Humor is not about one-liners or being able to tell jokes. Things happen on their own that are funny.""You don't have any idea what you're doing as a parent.""When your first child eats dirt, you rush them to the doctor. When your second eats dirt, you wash out their mouth...By the time you get to child number three, when he eats dirt, you think, great. Don't need to feed him lunch.""You'd stop worrying so much what people think about you if you really knew how seldom they do."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

This week, McKay introduces the theme of finding purpose in life, sharing insights and tips he has learned over time, and emphasizing that having a purpose can bring powerful health and mental benefits. The episode is inspired by a five-year study conducted by two professors and two medical doctors, which concluded that purpose-driven people were 42% less likely to die in the next five years compared to those without purpose. The potential of some remarkable medical advancements in extending and improving our lives is also explored.McKay goes on to share the story of Mother Teresa and her journey to find her purpose in life. He recounts some common misconceptions about finding purpose, highlights the impact of a small, meaningful purpose, and notes that Mother Teresa's commitment to relieving poverty and suffering resulted in a legacy that continues to inspire and bring hope to those in need. In the end, our host concludes that "nothing is more important than knowing your purpose in life,” and that "a purpose-led life is powerful enough to extend life and bestow health and mental benefits" - valuable insights that we would all do well to take to heart.The Finer Details of This Episode:Regenerative medicine and some predictions about it future capabilitiesAdvancements in the science of immunotherapyThe study regarding purpose and mortalityThe health and mental benefits of having a purposeCommon misconceptions about finding purposeThe impact of a small, meaningful purposeMother Teresa's legacy and her journey to finding her purposeFinding your purposeThe power of a purpose-led lifeQuote:"Your cells already know how to make all the organs or limbs in your body and science just needs to discover how to trigger and convince your cells to do what we want your cells to do.""The science of immunotherapy is advancing quickly and the advancement in immunotherapy is likely to transform cancer care.""These discoveries will change life as we know it, allowing us to regrow limbs, repair damaged organs, and cure debilitating diseases.""Sometimes we wait for God to reveal something huge, when in fact we could be about a meaningful purpose that is small but could bring great purpose and wealth to our life.""Mother Teresa's legacy continues to inspire and bring hope to those in need.""She gave herself to it to live among the poor and help them.""Her purpose kept her going.""She opened a hospice for the dying, a hospice for lepers, and a children's home for homeless children."“I've also learned that finding your true purpose almost always has to do with helping other people because that is God's purpose.”“When you find your purpose, you will find your life.”Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

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 significanceThe power of determination and perseveranceThe "Scream Tunnel" Doing the hard things in order to achieve successThe story of Katherine Switzer Taking your life back and doing the necessary thingsLosing a few thingsThe importance of training and working hard, even when no one is watchingProving yourself yourselfMaking the effort to be remarkableQuotes:"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/

In this week’s episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay introduces and explores the topic of getting your life back. He begins with the very recent story of Damar Hamlin, a defensive back for the Buffalo Bills, who collapsed on the field during a game due to cardiac arrest. Christensen highlights the shock and surprise of both players and audience members at the event, and uses it as an example of how our behavior and beliefs are deeply rooted in the way we see the world and ourselves in it. He goes on to discuss other examples of individuals in high-stress fields, such as professional athletes and performers, who have experienced similar events.McKay also recounts the story of the 1846 Donner party, a group of pioneers who were leaving Missouri and Ohio and headed to Oregon and California. He reveals how the party was persuaded to take a shorter, less-traveled path, how this decision ultimately led to their downfall, and the lessons we can learn from this famous event. Through the examples discussed in the episode, McKay highlights the notion that gaining a new perspective can empower us to think and live differently - essentially allowing us to get our lives back.The Finer Details of This Episode:How our behavior and beliefs are deeply rooted in the way we see the world and ourselves in itSome stories that are illustrative of this conceptGaining a new perspective on the way we see the world and ourselves in itEmpowering yourself to think and live differentlySome real life examples including the story of Damar Hamlin and The Donner partyFinding what really matters in life and how to get your life backThree questions to ask yourselfFinding renewal and resuscitation in your lifeAdding new elements to your lifeQuotes:"This podcast is born from a deep desire to help us all live a happier life, and the belief that a powerful way to make that happen is to open our eyes to new ways of seeing life.""We believe that the foundation of our behavior and beliefs is the way we see the world and ourselves in it.""The fact that Hamlin had in fact died, his heart stopping on the field was a shock to the players and the audience.""We can come back from the dead. We can resuscitate our goals, we can give our true effort when we're working for what matters.""Thinking clearly about what we've lost and what it means to us can help us find the strength to make the changes we need""We all need to revive a few things in our life from time to time""You have to act as if you have purpose.”"New people bring inspiration, new ideas, energy, and new interests""Learn something new. Read. Newness in one area of your life will help you find newness in other areas as well.""We all need a few signposts or names or symbols to help us remember to stay on the right road and remind us to keep our life on track."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

McKay launches today’s episode by introducing the metaphor of sailing a ship and how it relates to your life. In the process, he delves into the importance of taking control of your life as the captain of your own ship and how this can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and direction for the new year.Throughout the episode, McKay relates the stories of some historic incidents at sea as he discusses the significance of "nailing one's colors to the mast" and the importance of perseverance and leadership in navigating difficult times. The concept of applying this idea to your personal and professional life, and the importance of not giving up and continuing to push through difficult times instead are also highlighted. Listen in today to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of perseverance and leadership and how they can help you navigate through difficult times in life.The Finer Details of This Episode:The metaphor of a ship and how it relates to our livesMaking good, smart choicesThe host talks about the importance of being open to new opportunities and experiencesStories of ships that sank and how they relate to the metaphor of our livesThe tragic eruption of the White Island volcano and the Phoenix tourist shipBeing prepared and aware of potential dangersHistorical sea battles and the significance of "nailing your colors to the mast"  Perseverance and leadership in difficult timesQuotes:"I believe there are new and wonderful things waiting for you this year.""Ultimately, we get to choose how our story will be written, and the choice is ours.""Nail your colors to the mast.""When the wind goes out of your sails, when you lose your mast, so to speak, the fleet assumes you've surrendered.”"Be the captain of change for your team and for yourself.”"It's time to shift from the life you've had and the person you've been into the new life and better person you are seeking.""I know it will require sacrifice. And I get it. You're trying to change a long-standing habit.""It's your ship. And your ship can be remarkable.""Adding ‘ship’ to ‘partner’ does the same thing. It brings in this power and this responsibility that the relationship is yours to navigate"Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

Today’s episode of the Open Your Eyes podcast is all about the journey towards finding purpose in life and the power of perspective in shaping our experiences. To begin, Mckay introduces the story of Eugene, a man who had a script for his life with careers in the police force, Air Force, and as a professional pilot, but was left wondering what he was looking for after a plane crash left him unable to fly. From there, our host delves into the theme of examining our views and perspectives in order to make good choices that lead us towards finding our purpose. McKay also discusses the importance of taking bold steps and going outside of our comfort zones in order to find our purpose, using the story of William Shatner as an example. Additionally, he explores the idea that we often have the skills and abilities we need to succeed, and that changing our perspective can help us reach our goals. Our host goes on to use his own experience, and the story of a business owner with whom he worked, to illustrate these themes and encourage us all to think about our own journey towards finding purpose and achieving success.The Finer Details of This Episode:Shaping your own story Making good choicesKnowing what you’re looking forExamining your views and perspectivesBeing open to new opportunities and experiencesThinking about what you are looking for in lifeTaking steps towards finding your purposeQuotes:"I believe there are new and wonderful things waiting for you and me this year.""Ultimately, we get to choose how our story will be written.""I think this happens to us now and then... we come to realize, ‘I don't really know what I'm looking for.’""Sometimes you need to boldly go where you otherwise wouldn't to really find what you're looking for - to find you.""To discover something more valuable... do something unexpected.""Hesitate less. Go to that event. Make the phone call. Extend yourself and swallow your pride.""The rewards are so great because so few ever succeed. Too many succumb to despair and fail along the way without realizing they already possess all the talent necessary to reach success.""Everything was waiting for her to switch her belief window to, ‘I am prepared, I am ready for just a moment as this, and I can seize today and act with urgency.’""We can't let our past dictate our present or our future.""We must be willing to let go of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

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 processAlfonso Cuarón, his son, and the writing of the screenplay for GravityResilience and finding purpose in the face of hardship Embracing the journey and finding joy in the present momentActions that can prevent us from fully enjoying life's experiencesCultivating an attitude of abundance The benefits of mindfulness Finding The Seven Wonders of the World in everyday experiencesQuotes:"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/

McKay’s topic this week centers on the concept of change and why it doesn’t always have to be something worthy of fear.  It’s all about taking advantage of the circumstances, no matter how poor.  Whether you're a Minnesotan ice fisherman floating away on a glacier or a sinking multibillion dollar corporation, the outcome of change relies solely on how you adapt to it– on how well you can innovate.  And that’s what today’s episode is all about: learning how to innovate.  McKay walks us all through various stories about companies and people who chose to innovate and some of those who unfortunately didn’t, whilst also providing clear steps on how you too can start turning change in your own lives into a force for good.  From aspirations and motivation to acceleration and scale, McKay seeks to help us master innovation techniques, whatever that means to you.  And it doesn’t necessarily need to entail large, ornate schemes.  As you’ll learn today, innovation can even be as simple as writing a name on a coffee cup.The Finer Details of This Episode: Minnesota’s ice fishermenTaking advantage of the circumstancesThe death of SearsFinding aspirations and motivationKennedy’s path to the MoonAccelerating through barriersThe Disney magicScaling innovationStarbucks’ first name initiativeBecoming a partner of choiceQuotes: “We have done what we thought was needed to prosper in life.  We’ve drilled our holes so to speak, prepared our lines, packed a lunch, done everything we need to do, and what happens?  The entire sheet of ice, the ground underneath us moves.”“Sears didn’t do these seemingly boring yet essential things to respond to the changing economy.  Instead they invested millions in ad campaigns such as “Welcome to the softer side of Sears.”  These millions could have been spent to change their store locations, warehouses, supply chain, and other operations.”“Innovation does so many things for your business and for you.  It brings in energy, vibrancy, and hope.  It challenges you and your team.  And that challenge is what helps you to grow.”“It’s intimidating, because you don’t understand the technology or market, or it looks and feels like work.  But innovation is where you find the joy and energy and focus that will fuel your business and life.”“What gets you motivated and excited?  You see, once you’ve answered those questions, then you can choose the one thing upon which to focus. Focus allows and forces you to think, get creative, and innovate.”“We may not have all the answers we need to move forward, but that uncertainty may hold us back.  So, as you begin your new innovation, learn all you can.  Be a curious student of everything in your business.  Learn, try, test and retest.”“The ground is likely to move underneath your feet.  So, get ready, look into the future and decide today how you need to bring a bit more innovation into your life and business.  To do so, get clear about what you aspire to do.”Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

In this episode of the Open Your Eyes podcast, McKay talks about taking the positive approach in life.  Have you ever known someone who just seems to have a critical nature?  What was it like to be around them?  It’s easy for you, and me, to get in the habit of being critical or negative, and soon we may not even be aware that we are that way.  At the end of the day, we can choose to take the positive approach with people and ourselves. And that’s just why our host finds this topic important to discuss today. As Norman Vincent Peale said: “A positive thinker does not refuse to recognize the negative; he refuses to dwell on it. Positive thinking is a form of thought which habitually looks for the best results from the worst conditions.” Weaving stories of positivity about greats like Henry Longfellow and Vincent Peale, McKay inspires the audience to not only believe in the positive approach, but also to adhere to it too.  Most importantly, he wants the audience to remember that negativity can be a force for good, but it can also be all-consuming. We don’t need to completely eradicate all negativity from our lives to become more optimistic individuals.  In fact, some of the most positive people have the darkest pasts.  So why not take the positive and growth oriented approach?  We have nothing to lose. The Finer Details of This Episode: Henry Longfellow’s positive determinationWhy negativity is contagious Firing neurons and their patternsThe returns of the positive approachWashing your metaphorical “dirty window”“Post It Note therapy”Quotes: “​​A negative view can rob you of some very important things.  The first thing you lose is yourself.  You see, you can’t take the negative approach and not lose a part of you in the process. Because your patterns of negative thinking soon turn from others to you.”“So when you have a thought, your brain searches for patterns to connect to, and if your established patterns are negative, you will think negative—even if it’s about yourself.”“A positive thinker does not refuse to recognize the negative; he refuses to dwell on it. Positive thinking is a form of thought which habitually looks for the best results from the worst conditions.”“Sure enough, the view from our window, our belief window, can get stained with our own negative view and this tends to stain what we see around us.”“And watch what will happen, yes, you will get better results with people, but you, your thought patterns, how you feel about yourself will improve.”Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

Do you ever feel like life is unfair?  While it is true life has its disadvantages, there are also unfair advantages, if we can open our eyes to see them. That’s what McKay talks about on this episode of the Open Your Eyes podcast.  Hurdles, roadblocks, and inequities are inevitable.  But if we look closely, we can see how those inequities can set us up to have an unfair advantage.  After all, disappointments are often blessings in disguise. We can find a real silver lining in and grow from loss and disappointment that sometimes comes our way.In this episode, McKay walks us through the steps necessary to start looking for the unfair advantage.  With lessons about pursuing the path presented and working smarter, McKay’s ultimate goal is to help listeners embrace the uncomfortable and reach their true potential.  So listen to this special episode and start seeking out the unfair advantage in your own life.  The Finer Details of This Episode: Why change isn’t always fairUsing inequity in our favorGrowing from lossPursuing the path presentedWorking smarterEmbracing the wildly uncomfortableQuotes: “Life forces another wing to be added.  We have to remodel a worn out room, change something about ourselves we don’t want to change, and much of what has to change or get remodeled in our life isn’t always fair.”“Tragedy, illness, and other inequitable things will come our way. In a small way, I can relate. I have lived my entire life with pain, primarily back pain, from an accident at the age of 15. But through the years that pain has kept me more humble, more prayerful, and hopeful. Yes, it would be easier without it, but I can’t imagine who I would be without it.”“But it’s a great lesson in life to see how things can and do lean in our favor.”“Now losses in life aren’t always compensated or unfairness always repaired. And all of us should be in the business of helping others like Jennie Taylor with the means to support her family. But I do believe that we grow and become who we are supposed to be through things that are unfair.”“When things work against us, it can empower us to learn how to not just work hard but work smart.”“As you have likely heard, success leaves clues. You can learn a lot, gain unfair advantages from watching and learning from what other people do.”Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/