Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

In this week’s episode, McKay discusses the importance of an abundance mindset.  He opens the podcast by discussing Britney Bowe’s Olympic history and her decision to give up her spot in the 2022 Olympic trials to Erin Jackson.  This selfless act hardly granted Bowe a medal, but it led Jackson to win gold in the women’s 500 m speed skating event.  Christensen argues that this is a prime example of abundance thinking and grace.  Because humans tend to resent and envy the success of others, especially those in close proximity, Christensen urges the audience to replace envy and resentment with grace.  He then goes on to detail another Olympic tale between Mikaela Shiffrin and Sophia Goggia.  After Shiffrin practiced with Goggia’s skis and got her fastest time, Goggia gave Shiffrin her skis before an event in the hopes that she might be as successful in the competition as she was in practice.  The story exemplifies how abundance and grace can transform our attitudes and help others in a positive way.  In contrast, McKay then tells the audience about the tense relationship between Thomas Edison and his once student, Nikola Tesla. When Edison dismissed and admonished Tesla for one of his suggestions, Tesla quit and decided to patent his own ideas.  He eventually received the notoriety he deserved and was tasked with engineering Chicago’s famous World Fair instead of Thomas Edison.  McKay segues into the episode’s conclusion where he discusses the inherent value of personal worth and security that comes from an abundant mindset.  He closes out the podcast with a quick anecdote about Jesse Owens and Luz Long’s friendship that blossomed from the 1936 Olympic Games.  Long is rumored to have given Owens advice before his gold medal run, despite being Owens' opposition.  While Owens came out on top, the pair developed a lifelong friendship in the face of a disapproving Nazi Germany.  Long story short, McKay advises that if we truly believe that there is enough success and happiness to go round, prosperity will come.The Finer Details of This Episode:The story of Britney Bowe giving up her spot so that Erin Jackson could win GoldThe importance of rejoicing in others’ victoriesWhat abundant thinking isWhy we resent others’ successMen envy occupational success; women envy physical attractivenessWhy we envy close friends moreHow to replace envy with graceSophia Goggia gifting Mikaela Shiffrin her skis for an eventEdison’s scarcity mentality and how he devalued Tesla’s ideasThe inherent value of personal worth and securityThe friendship between Jesse Owens and Luz LongQuotes: “Every day, in most things we do, we have a choice.  We can see things as scarce, like the chances to win a race at the Olympics and decide not to help or cheer others on, or we can see things as abundant—that there is more than enough for everyone.”“I believe one of the most powerful characteristics you can develop in life, one that will reward you for years to come, is to rejoice in the other person’s victory.”“It’s common that our reaction to other people’s success isn’t always positive.  We tend to draw comparisons between what we have and what we perceive others are having—our thoughts get distorted and what they have grows in our minds and what we have shrinks at the same time.”“In one survey, more than 74% of respondents reported experiencing major envy recently in their lives.  Surprisingly, researchers found that we most often envy others of our own gender.”“When you take envy out of your heart, it needs to be replaced with something, otherwise the void will be filled with envy again.  So what do you fill it with? Grace.”“Most people are deeply scripted in what I call the scarcity mentality.  They see life as having only so much as though there is only one pie out there.  And if someone were to get a big piece of the pie, it would mean less for everyone else.  People with a scarcity mentality have a very difficult time sharing recognition and credit, power or profit.”“The abundance mindset, on the other hand, flows out of a deep inner sense of personal worth and security.  It is the paradigm that there’s plenty out there and enough to spare for everybody.  It results in sharing of prestige, recognition of profits, of decision making, and it opens up possibilities, options, alternatives, and creativity.”“Trust me.  Give your grace away, and soon you’ll know that when you truly rejoice in another person’s victory, you get more in return.”“When you give grace, you grow.”Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

There are moments in our lives when feelings of doubt or fears of failure discourage us from following our dreams or striving toward goals.  In fact, many of the world’s greatest success stories failed countless times before finally achieving success and notoriety.  McKay Christensen opens today’s podcast with Garth Brooks’ origin story, so to speak.  He details the failure and discouragement that inevitably forced Brooks to abandon music in Nashville for the comforts of his home in Oklahoma. After returning to Stillwater, OK, however, he realized that he no longer belonged in the town he used to find solace in.  So, only after heading back to Nashville for the second time and enduring additional bouts of failure and rejection, did Garth finally find success.  In the wake of signing to Capitol Records, Garth Brooks became a household name and the top selling act of the past two decades.  McKay goes on to remind us that, like Brooks, there is a right time and place for each of us to find what we’re looking for so long as we don’t give up.  He says that people often quit too soon because of hurdles and daunting challenges.  Christensen urges us to stop asking God to remove obstacles and tests from our lives, because they serve to hone our skills and strengthen us in the end.  After all, success is a marathon, not a sprint.  He then goes on to talk about snowboarding Olympian, Lindsey Jacobellis, who, after doing a trick that cost her a gold medal in 2006, she had to endure over a decade of failure until she finally won Olympic gold in the 2022 winter games.  McKay says that things rarely go as planned.  He looks back at who he thought he would become at the age of 20 and finds that he’s far from where he expected himself to be; and he sees this as a good thing.  Life is full of uncertainties, and failure is a necessary component for success.  Without it, McKay says we lack the mental toughness and wisdom that inevitably propel us to reach our goals in the end.The Finer Details of this Episode: Garth Brooks’ bouts of failure and doubt before finally achieving music stardomPeople often give up before their inevitable breakthroughHow tests help us find positive outcomesPlaying the long game is important (like the stock market)Ingrid Olsen’s story of praying for God to stop the windWhy we shouldn’t pray for obstacles to ceaseThe beauty in life’s uncertaintyThomas Adams’ struggle to find a use for chicle Why failure is a learning experienceHow Lindsey Jacobellis won gold at 36 years of age in the 2022 Olympics after over a decade of failureQuotes: “One of the truths we all learn in life is that much of the good that comes our way comes our way in its own time.”“Never give up.  Keep trying.  There’s a reason you are where you are.”“If massive good didn’t come from grief and loss and even stupid mistakes, God wouldn’t allow grief and loss and stupid mistakes.”“Too often, we look so long and so longingly at the closed door that we don’t see the one that is opening.”“Because of the loss we’ve had or our mistakes, we feel unworthy to even think that the best is yet to come, and those limiting beliefs hold us back from what God has intended for us.  So let yourself believe that you are of immense worth, and your time will indeed arrive soon enough.”“When we’re under pressure, we never know what we really believe until our beliefs are tested.  We don’t know our capabilities until they are tested.  And perhaps in those tests, we are learning that we can do hard things.”  “So tests are good for us, because they affirm strengths and reveal weaknesses.”“If you’re trying to do something remarkable, offenses and reasons to take offense will come your way.  Too many of us get stuck or sidetracked, because we can’t let go of what someone else said or did.  Get over it.”“Trust your own voice.  This is extremely hard to do when you look around and make comparisons with others or when others are critical of your lack of success or make light of your dreams.  Trusting your own voice and not letting what people say or do affect your determination is essential for your mental well being.”“Gilda Radner said, ‘I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned the hard way that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end.  And life is about not knowing, having to change and taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing.’”“Now for me, I am not the man I thought I was going to be when I was 20.  I’m more flawed.  I’m more imperfect, and I still have challenges that come my way in life, but I’m grateful most days for those falls.  The person I’m becoming because of those imperfections is someone more complicated and capable than who I thought I would be.”“Would you like me to give you a formula for success?  It’s really quite simple.  Double your rate of failure.  If you’re thinking of failure as the enemy of success, it isn’t.  You can be discouraged by failure, or you can learn from it.”Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

We all have important races we are trying to finish in life. For some, that race may be to finish college, or get their business to the place they know it can be, or to raise honest and capable kids. For others, it might be to lose the weight, beat cancer, or survive and thrive after divorce. Whatever our race is, McKay reminds us all today that we are endowed with great talents, and that if we stay in the race, we can prevail and reach our full potential.He uses the story of Dale Earnhardt and the Daytona International Speedway as a metaphor to introduce today's topic, elaborating on some proven secrets of getting back and finishing the race in your life. These include unhooking the load that's holding you back, whether that's your past, criticism from other people, or longstanding habits. McKay also delves into the remarkable story of the never-giving-up American speed skater Dan Jansen who finished his race despite personal difficulties and years of failure by breaking a ten-year Olympic record. At the heart of McKay's message today is to not let life's inequities keep you out of the race, but to stay focused on your purpose and discover that you are actually meant to be driving in the greatest race of life – becoming who you are meant to be.The Finer Details of This Episode:Dale Earnhardt's experience on the Daytona International Speedway. Finishing your race despite adversity Proven secrets to getting back on the track and finishing the race A chemist, an electrician, and an IT guy get stranded after their car breaks down... The importance of rebooting in finishing your race Unhooking the boat of your past, your habits, or the criticism of other people Dan Jansen's race A lesson to not let life's inequities keep you out of the race—the story of Victoria Ruvolo Quotes"Few people understand the extreme danger of driving at such high speeds. And it takes courage - immense courage - to finish each race. But it was something that his Dad did 136 times in his career.""There is joy in trading paint in the bumps and bruises of the race. And it's there that you find out who you really are, you learn how to protect those in the race with you and secure the lead, and you live life more fully when you're in the race.""It is likely that we ordinary people are being asked to do extraordinary things and may even be racing right now without the right equipment or vision.""My dad took me aside and said, 'Son, if you ever want to win a NASCAR race, you'll have to unhook the boat you've been towing behind your car the last 10 races.'""Here he was in his fourth Olympics after enduring one disappointment after another and still dragging the weight of those falls.""As ridiculous as it may be to see a car in the Daytona 500 pulling a boat behind it, it is just as crazy that you and I still carry these mindsets of the past.""How do you win when you are in a tug of war with your doubts? Drop the rope.""As John C. Maxwell said, 'You cannot always control what happens to you, but you can control what happens in you.'""One lesson I want my children and grandchildren to learn is that life is rarely, if ever, fair. The truth is that we must take control of our life now. There is usually no hero coming to save the day. Life is unfair. And usually, there is no referee to call out the fouls or offenses that come our way. I learned a long time ago that everything in life is not fun or interesting or easy."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

There are times in our lives that call for reinvention. It doesn't have to be some dramatic thing, and it doesn't have to happen at any certain age -  it only matters what it is you are inspired to do as you chart your course for the next stage of your life. Today, McKay reminds us that we are, at our core, full of possibilities, and discusses the power of reinvention as well as the steps to take to reinvent yourself through inspiration and incubation.He begins with the story of Keira D’Amato and how she reinvented herself. He then talks about steps to reinventing yourself by identifying your problem, finding a solution, incubating and acting in the moment of inspiration. Listen in today to learn about acting in the moment of inspiration, running toward your reinvention, and watching your God-given talents shine and grow.The Finer Details of This Episode:How Keira D'Amato reinvented herself The great impacts of the printing press What is reinvention? Steps of invention Learn how to build your day How to reinvent your life The power of incubation Acting in the moment of inspirationQuotes:“It's like you open your eyes after a decade of living your life and keeping up with the busyness of things and look at who you are and wonder, ‘Is this who I am or even who I want to be?’ ”“When you reinvent yourself, the best is yet to come.”“What problem, large or small, needs to be fixed or addressed in your life right now?”“The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”“We all need a little reinvention now and then. And we all have something about us, about our brand, so to speak, that makes us attractive, but too often people run from reinvention.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

Studies summarized in the book Beauty Pays indicate that attractive people earn more than people considered average-looking. In a large nationwide study, it was shown that beautiful people make 15% more than others in the exact same jobs. Given all of this, you may wonder if physical appearance is all there is to be attractive. The answer is a resounding 'No'. In today's episode, McKay brings together stories, studies, and real-life examples of what makes people attractive, opening your eyes to what truly makes you pleasant, and stressing why you need to know what draws you to people.To kick off, McKay tells the tale of the successful moon landing of the heaviest rocket ever built after numerous failures with previous rockets, explains how people are unaware of why they're attracted to something or someone, and lays out that factors such as early childhood experiences can subconsciously draw a person to what they're attracted to. McKay also explores one significant point—attractiveness has a broader definition beyond mere physical beauty and it has more to do with who you are than how you look. citing other such important aspects as positivity, empathy, and interest in other people. He warns against speaking ill of other people in their absence and highlights the fact that being a good listener is attractive. In essence, McKay's overall message here today is that when you are intentionally positive, practice genuine empathy, speak only good of people, know when to say nothing, and be a person who seeks to learn from other people, your God-given attractiveness will shine and grow – a valuable message for all to heed.The Finer Details of This Episode:The story of the heaviest rocket landing on the moon The analogy of the rock found on the moon to today's topic—why you're attractive Why people are attracted to the things they're attracted to A study from the book Beauty Pays relating attractiveness to earning Attractiveness goes beyond mere physical beauty; it has more to do with who you are than how you look The significance of understanding why you are attractive How positive interaction creates more attraction and affinity Case studies of how childhood memories influence attractiveness Other reasons for attraction include similar attitudes, beliefs and values, demographic characteristics, and nonverbal behaviors The attractiveness of positivity, empathy, and being a listener Three things you must always ask yourself before you say anythingQuotes"Research shows that our attraction often stems from our patterns of experiences in life going back to early childhood.""Remember, attractiveness has a broader definition beyond mere physical beauty.""It's proven that attractiveness has more to do with who you are than how you look.""If you're in the people business and have regular interaction with the human side of work, whether it be with customers, vendors, or team members, it helps to have a good understanding of why you are attractive.""Seek to find common areas of interest or agreement. This makes you more attractive. And the more similar you are, the more attractive you will be. When you have a similar outlook and views, it fuels attraction.""Positivity heavily correlates to predicting a salesperson's success even if they lack the prerequisite selling aptitude.""If they're not there to hear what you say, don't say anything or say something positive.""When you're true to others, you have a light about you. When you enter into gossip or tearing down another person, you lose that light. You feel different as a result, and different means not good. And I learned that if you can't be kind, be quiet.""When I'm around other people who speak ill of others outside of their presence, I always wonder how do those people speak about me when I'm not around?""I believe within you are the traits to be incredibly attractive. You are a beauty, a wonder, a masterpiece to your Creator who spent much of his imagination and divine power to make you who you are today. You were made to be attractive, to draw people, to help them and share your talents with them.""Rather than be convinced that you have all the answers, listen. Listen to the advice and wisdom of others. Be interested in others and what they have to say, and that alone will draw people to you and cause you to be attractive.""Be the person who shows up with a humble gesture of 'I want to learn from you.' It'll be a sure way to build bridges and gain trust. It shows your humility, a leadership strength that ultimately influences people.""Attraction comes from who you are more than how you look.""Be intentionally positive, put yourself in the other person's shoes, and practice true empathy. Speak only good of people and know when to say nothing. Be a person who seeks to learn from other people and watch what happens. Your God-given attractiveness will shine and grow. And soon you'll have greater influence and more success in your business, family, schooling, marriage, and other key roles you may be living in your life today."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

As we continue to navigate the road to success and happiness, it is important to remember that there are people around us who can help us along the way, and who we, in turn, can help as well. If we choose to follow the Proximity Principle, we will be able to find what we're looking for in life by getting close to those who know the way. In today’s episode, McKay explains the power of proximity and that if we follow the example of excellent and successful people, we too can get and keep our lives on course.Today, McKay explains the Proximity Principle, beginning with an example of how Blaine Gibson used the perspective of the people on the ground to help find pieces of the disappeared Flight 370, a Boeing 777. He also explains why it’s crucial to understand from the perspective of those who know things best and how success leaves clues. He highlights the importance of reading biographies of excellent people as you get in proximity with their life during that time, and demonstrates how proximity works in psychology, breaking addictions, and parenting. He then discusses how to take advantage of proximity power and use it for your good. Finally, McKay stresses the value of reading and how it will get you in proximity to a different view. In essence, if you want to impact something, get close to those who know, seek out the experts, and be proximate to them. Soon, you will think like they think and do more of what they do, and you’ll be able to do the same for others.The Finer Details of This Episode:Blaine Gibson’s pursuit of the lost Boeing 777, Flight 370, and the ‘Gibson Effect’ The value of proximity and understanding the issue from the perspective of those who know things best Getting in proximity with excellent people through reading their biographies How proximity drives the work of Alcoholics Anonymous Parallels between proximity effect and recording audio The use of the proximity principle in psychology Proximity in parenting and raising kids—McKay’s personal experience How to take advantage of proximity power and turn it to our good How reading equals proximity to the author McKay’s research study to determine what enabled people to change The Matthew Effect The fruits of being coachableQuotes:“There is power in getting on the ground level. Proximity is power. When we understand the issue from the perspective of those who know things best, when we model their way of doing things, we eliminate the mystery of how to succeed.”“Tony Robbins says, ‘Long ago, I realized that success leaves clues and that people who produce outstanding results do specific things to create those results. I believed that if I precisely duplicated the actions of others, I could reproduce the same quality of results that they had.’ This is an extremely powerful principle.”“Reading biographies is different than other books. You get to see things from another’s point of view. And if you’re reading the right biography, you get close, proximate, and see things from the point of view of a person who has lived in excellent ways. You get to put their view on your window.”“When we come closer or proximate to people we admire or who have done what we are trying to do, several things happen to us: sometimes it feels like a reproach because we are humbled when we see how far we must progress. But most often, we feel inspired that we can do better, perhaps even that our time is forthcoming.”“Alcoholics Anonymous was not successful due to its training content or processes. These were only mild factors in the person’s ability to find lasting change. However, the chief reason the program worked was its ability to provide free, long-term, easy proximity and exposure to common therapeutic elements such as companionship, modeling of behavior, faith in a higher power, and so forth.”“If you’re leading a team and wanting to make better progress, get proximate with those who are doing the right activities.”“If you’re in a family and want some kids to do better, get them proximate to others who are on the right track.”“In psychology, the proximity effect has been studied numerous times. Those people who are in close proximity to us (geographically, emotionally, or in other ways) tend to direct our perspective, behavior, and desired goals.”“If you really want to impact something, follow Gibson’s example and get close to those who know how, seek out the experts and be proximate to them. Soon, you will think like they think and do more of what they do.”“When my son was younger, he asked me, ‘Dad, was I adopted? I said, ‘Not yet, but we’ve placed an ad.’”“But in all truth, living life is like running a relay race. When we’re done, we’re going to hand the baton to our children. When they’re done, they’ll hand it to their children. Every lap we run in proximity to our kids is passed on to those who come after us.”“Sometimes, you can’t connect with someone in person. What then? Read. Immerse yourself in what you want to master, read, and you will begin to adopt the author’s voice.”“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. As the proverb says, ‘A child who reads will be an adult who thinks.’”“Reading is dreaming with your eyes open.”“A growing body of scientific literature shows that reading is basically an empathy workout. Helping us take the perspective of characters very different from ourselves boosts our emotional intelligence. This effect can literally be seen in your brain waves when you read.”“No one ever rises to low expectations. Set your expectations high. There are people around you who can help you. Align yourself with people you can learn from, people who want more out of life, people who are stretching and searching and seeking some higher ground in life.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

If there is anything that the past couple years have highlighted throughout the world, it is the critical role that connection – sincere human connection – plays in our lives. We are all so significantly impacted by these connections as they allow us to see the world in ways we may never see it otherwise. In today's episode, McKay explores the power of human connection, revealing its importance to both your health and your happiness.He starts off by discussing a research study that showed the relationship between high blood cholesterol and heart health. Mckay goes on to cite studies which demonstrated that when we feel connection in our life, we are healthier, others proving that loneliness increases the risk of death more than obesity and causes chronic health problems. He urges us to start connecting, shares practical tips for making connections, and mentions that a few high-quality friends are better than dozens of friends. Our host also delves into just how much motives matter, how we have to be sincere in making connections, and sums up by elaborating on the role of social connection in protecting against depression or symptoms of depression. In essence, what McKay proves beyond a shadow of a doubt here today is that strong relationships and positive connections are key factors to living a happier and healthier life.The Finer Details of This Episode:What studies show about the relationship between high blood cholesterol and heart health Kelly Harding's survey on the impact of hand holding and hugging The importance of social connection The effects of lack of connection, loneliness, and emotional isolation A study showing the relationship between dementia and social connection Findings from studies by Dr. Vivek Murthy, Dr. Julianne Holt Linstead, Dr. Jeffrey Hall, 3 Wishes program, and others about loneliness and connection. How to connect better The value of motives, sincerity, and purpose in connections The concept of writing in reverse The role of social connection in protecting us against depression or symptoms of depression.Quotes:"Author Kelly Harding says that a sense of connection impacts health in significant ways. She says, 'The sense of connection from touch is more than emotional. It's also physiological. Holding hands, for example, lowers blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol.'""When we feel connection in our life, we're healthier. We can be the best version of ourselves. In your life and mine, connection matters.""In a meta-analysis that looked at the health of over 4 million people, obesity increased the risk of early death by 30%, but loneliness increased the risk by 50%.""The people who were most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80.""Positive connections with others is a powerful way to live a happier and healthier life.""When you interact with others, there is social contagion. That means if those you connect with are healthier, exercise and eat better, you're also more apt to exercise and eat better.""To open our eyes to bigger and better ways of living to improve our health and happiness, we need to become better at connecting - connecting with our community, with our team, our family, and ourselves.""There's a natural tendency to withdraw instead of approaching others when we're lonely. We're embarrassed by our loneliness, and that keeps us from connecting.""If you're currently building a business or leading a team or a family, or going about life and other important endeavors, put in the power of connecting to what you do. It will bring an element of richness and service and fulfillment and joy to your life and the lives of others.""Mother Teresa said, 'If we have no peace, it's because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.'""Fewer high-quality friendships are more beneficial than having dozens of friends.""Simon Sinek said, 'People don't buy what you do. They buy why you do what you do.' In short, our motives matter. Genuine motives trump tactics every time.""When you're genuinely interested in another person and you are seeking to be interested before being interesting, you'll likely succeed in the connection.""My experience is that when we connect in sincerity, we find connections we might not otherwise find.""Smiling actually changes our own feeling, helping us feel better, and it's contagious, helping the other person feel better as well."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

A powerful way of opening your eyes to your potential is to step back to see how you’ve been prepared.  Today, McKay helps us understand that when we change our belief window to “I am prepared, I am ready for just a moment as this,” we can seize the opportunity and act with confidence.  It’s time to have faith and engage in a reappraisal of your life and your preparation, and that is precisely what our host helps you do in this week’s inspiring episode.McKay discusses the preparedness of the scientists whose research proved efficient in the face of the pandemic. Their preparation ahead of the pandemic allowed the vaccines to become a reality in a short time. He then goes on to share further stories and insights regarding preparedness and the value it holds for us. Throughout today's episode, McKay challenges you to believe in your experience, build your confidence, have strong faith, and remember that 'the truth is you are prepared, and, when you are prepared, you can work miracles.'The Finer Details of This Episode:The preparedness that was needed for the COVID-19 vaccine to become a reality Having a prepared view What influences our perception? Building your confidence The rule of reappraisal You are prepared for miracles to comeQuotes:“Sometimes in life, we tend to bring too little too late to the party.”“Perception is strongly affected by what we've experienced in the past, and our expectations of what we might experience in the future.”“The great thing about a prepared view is that it removes doubt.”“Don't ever doubt that things have been ordered and prepared for you.”“Now I believe if we could see things as they really are, we would see that we have more going for us than we usually think. We have help and preparation and ability and support. Don't doubt your preparation.”“When you feel discouraged and doubt, don't focus on what you have ahead of you. Instead, look back on what you've already accomplished.”“When we're grateful for what we have for our preparation, it helps us focus on keeping our confidence and keeping our positivity about us.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

Live Above The LineThis week, McKay shares some more sage advice for all listeners: no matter what life throws at you, when you choose to 'live above the line', nothing can keep you from becoming who you were meant to be. On so many occasions we are faced with tough times where we have to refuse to be mediocre and take charge – we need to cross above the line with faith and strength – and today McKay provides examples and guidance that demonstrate how to achieve just that.He starts this important discussion with the story of Debbie who rescued her friend despite the danger they were faced with. He then goes on to answer the defining question of what you need to live above the line, highlighting that, when you believe in yourself and believe in what you speak, it becomes easy to understand exactly what you want and can achieve. You become empowered to move from below that line which is filled with excuse making, fear and negative emotions and become who you were meant to be. As you listen in today, your eyes will be opened to the power of seeking to be great and how life will reward you accordingly in response.The Finer Details of This Episode:Debbie's storyWendy Wallace’s courageous decision to live above the lineWhat it means to live above the lineWhat do you need to live above the line?The story of Jake OlsonSpeaking boldly about what you knowThere is more above the lineHow Althea Gibson lived above the lineThe Hedgehog conceptQuotes:“We face many lions in life - times when we must stand up and fight, times in which we have to be tough, times in which you stand, draw a line in the sand, and say, ‘I will live on this side of the line.’ ”“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”“Strength of any kind, faith of any kind, courage of any kind matters. I call this living above the line.”“Below the line is excuse making, fear, lack of clarity, doubt, an attitude of helplessness. Below the line is where life presses upon you and this depression can be a heavy burden.”“Above the line, we're strong, we believe, we have faith that our goals, our hopes, our dreams can and will happen.”“When people or teams find themselves thinking and living below the line, you hear lots of blaming, you see a lot of procrastination, and experience lots of mental and emotional fatigue as people go about living their life.”“There is a line drawn in the way we choose to live our life. ”“When you live above the line, I don't know why, but you feel good about yourself.”“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”“You will become who you really want to become.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

This week, as we journey together through this exciting time of year, filled with the positivity that goals and aspirations can provide, McKay proclaims his optimism for 2022. He also delves into the concept of the big rocks in your life – how to find them and what to do once they are found. It’s so important to put these big rocks first in our lives, and today, our host tells us all exactly how to do that. McKay starts the episode by sharing an interesting story about asteroids, and then linking the concept of big rocks to our lives. He discusses the Big Rocks concept as popularized by Stephen Covey and the impact of finding the big rocks in our lives. He explains how we can find those big rocks by following the 80-20 rule and focusing on the one thing that makes everything else easier or unnecessary. When you find those big rocks, McKay tells you to deal with them right away, overcome distraction, stop overanalyzing and overthinking, and then watch as your life becomes filled with success and clarity. The Finer Details of This Episode: -   An insight into asteroids-   Are you focusing on the tiny rocks of life?-   The big rocks concept-   The difficult task of finding the big rocks-   How Steve Young’s life was impacted after he found his big rocks-   The 80-20 rule-   Do that one thing right away-   Overcoming distraction-   Why overthinking and overanalyzing can rob you of your focus Quotes: “We often approach our life, our business, and our goals without focusing on the big rocks, without focusing on the most important and leveraged activities.” “If you look at people who reach their goals or build a prospering business, you find most of those people have become skilled at concentrating on the big rocks.” “We only have so much emotional and mental capacity, we only have so much time in our day, and we can only fit so many things in our life.” “If you've set a bunch of New Year's goals and not decided on your one thing, you'll likely struggle.” “Most of our progress comes from only a few key things. Success does not necessarily come from doing more things.” “Things which matter most must not be at the mercy of things which matter least.” “What one thing can you do that, by doing it excellently, everything else will be easier or unnecessary.” “Life is not about finding yourself or unearthing some hidden talent, as much as it is creating yourself. And the way you create yourself is finding the big rocks in your life.” “Things we just automatically do without thinking or effort free up our minds and confidence and other things needed for the day.” “Distraction robs you of your maximum performance, your inspiration and being at your very best.” “If you've identified the one thing you need to do to reach your goals, don't wait. Be fully energized by your focus.” Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen