Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

This week, McKay shares the most powerful trait you can possess in life that will allow you to genuinely change, lead, and influence others. Altering your view of your position compared to others, finding humility, and practicing servant leadership can have a drastic impact not only on your own life, but on the lives of others around you. Today, McKay demonstrates why this is true, and how it can be achieved. He begins by recounting the truly inspirational story of Art Berg and the lessons we can all learn from him, providing definitions of humility and pride, and describing how to find humility. He also explains the gift of servant leadership, reviews findings from studies regarding humility, and shares a moving tale involving a reporter and her involvement with the Safe Haven Act. Along the way, McKay also references a powerful resource, and leads listeners through an exercise in determining their own potential for servant leadership. As McKay states, ‘leadership is one of the most noble professions if practiced well’, and, in today’s episode, he shares his vast amount of experience and insight into how to make this a reality in your life.   The Finer Details of This Episode:   ·   Art Berg’s story ·   Humility and pride ·   Benjamin Franklin’s virtue list ·   Finding humility ·   The gift of servant mindset ·   Clayton Christensen’s How Will You Measure Your Life? ·   Findings from studies on humility ·   The story of Suzanne and the Safe Haven Act ·   A servant leadership exercise   Quotes:    “I think all of us, at some point in life, feel a little bit paralyzed, sometimes by our habits or circumstances or past choices.”   “The minute Art looked outside of himself, he found strength.”   “Humility is born of the willingness to accept where you are and to put others’ interests ahead of your own.”   “It's not what happens to us. It's what we do with what happens to us that matters.”   “Humility is not an easy virtue to acquire or practice, and it's even more difficult to apply personally in all of life’s situations.”   “Pride is your greatest enemy, humility your greatest friend.”   “We are often humbled by consequences that come our way as a result of our arrogance or focus on our own selfish desires or mood or need for accolades.”    “Christensen goes on to suggest that God will evaluate us personally, on what we did with the circumstances in which we were placed, and how we helped others who were placed in those circumstances with us.”   “Who could you serve and how could you serve?”    “The most important thing you can do to be a humble leader is to change your view of your position relative to others.”   “Just keep your view of your real authentic position and serve in small ways. You will change your life, and, in the end, you will measure up.”   Show Links:   Open Your Eyes: 10 Uncommon Lessons to Discover a Happier Life   How Will You Measure Your Life?   Episode Notes Notes go here

If you’ve ever set a goal, but life, circumstances, or even your own self-doubt got in the way and it just slowly disappeared, you are certainly not alone. That is precisely why today’s episode is all about determining your true identity, working toward living that truth, and crossing the finish line that will get you there. Listen in as McKay shares the steps and strategies that will help you let go of your old story and write a new one that will set your course of action to resurrect and achieve those goals. Through some of his trademark inspirational stories and an exploration of the ‘X Factor’, McKay highlights the power of knowing your identity, some ways to get to living this identity, directing energy toward your goal, and taking responsibility. Along the way he shares his perspective on running as a metaphor for both business and life, and his favorite short poem which offers a profound message. As McKay states, ‘you have greatness and power within you’ – join him today to learn how to access these God given gifts and to ‘finish what you started’. The Finer Details of This Episode: ·   The stories of Laura Hillenbrand, Nia Vardalos, McKay’s daughter, and Dr. Michael Kroth·   The power of knowing your identity·   Running as a metaphor for business and life·   How to live your true identity·   The X Factor and how to find and keep yours·   McKay’s favorite short poem·   Directing energy toward your end goal·   Taking responsibility Quotes: “How did I get so far from my goals and the life that I imagined?” “We all find ourselves at times held back by habits, unmet goals, and life’s misdirections.” “She decided she would finish what she started.”                      “It is our decisions and not our circumstances that determine our destiny.” “You have greatness and power within you, and you are greater than your fears and stronger than your circumstances and more powerful than your habits.” “There is a goal calling you to finish what you started and you are more precious and valued by your Maker than you can possibly imagine.” “You have to put on your identity.” “Some of you have been retreating for a while trying to decide when you will finally let the spirit of what you felt inspired to be and do move you to write a new story for your life.” “When people are set aside and know that they have something worth fighting for they will rise to the level of performance required.” “Write the story that declares who you are, and part of that story is a clear vision of what you're trying to do and what it looks like when you cross the finish line.” “Change is not linear.” “You must be able to both see and choose your course of action to make that X Factor work.” “Clarity trumps persuasion.” “When we take responsibility, we move.” Show Links: Open Your Eyes: 10 Uncommon Lessons to Discover a Happier Life

We all get discouraged or are unclear about our goals or destination, and, as a result, we live in the murky middle. This week, McKay shares the powerful and instructive stories of some amazing women, explores the path to any worthwhile goal, and explains what the murky middle is, what leads to it, and how to stay out of it. He concludes by revealing the one characteristic that he knows will make all the difference in your efforts.   Today, then, is your opportunity to learn with McKay how to let go of procrastination, get clear about your biggest emotional pull, and stop pretending. Following his experience, wisdom, and guidance, you will learn one clear practice that will bring clarity to, and immediately change, your life and business.   The Finer Details of This Episode:   ·   The stories of Tammy van Wisse, Florence Chadwick, and Sarah Thomas ·   The path to any worthwhile goal ·   The murky middle ·   Procrastination and ‘present bias’ ·   Overcoming the procrastination trap ·   J.K. Rowling’s story ·   The characteristic that will make all the difference to you in your efforts   Quotes:   “Knowing your destination is half the journey.”   “Too often we're stuck in the murky middle, unable to really decide, because we haven't been clear.”   “Nothing in life that's worth doing is ever done without immense course corrections.”   “There is power in you to do what you may not think is possible, but you've got to get out of the murky middle.”   “It's not a time management problem, it's an emotion regulation problem.”                                                                                                            “The way to overcome procrastination is not a matter of finding more self-will, but rather learning to deal with our immediate negative mood.”   “Every breakthrough requires a ‘break with’.”   “When you give into that feeling of doing something you love, that you see is valuable or important, the voices of procrastination in your head are silenced.”   “Exercise integrity in the moment of choice.”   “God has given us a space between stimulus and response and in that space, in that moment, is where life's battles are won.”   “Begin today to choose in that space to exercise integrity, and watch the strength, and power, and peace that will come to you in your life.”   Show Links:   Open Your Eyes: 10 Uncommon Lessons to Discover a Happier Life

Call it perseverance, stick-to-it-iveness, guts or grit. When we learn to stay in the game, we can find greatness. But staying in the game takes specific skills. Learn with McKay as he shares those skills and how you can create a character and habit of perseverance.   Throughout the episode, our host looks at fostering greatness, finding lessons in the stories of others, highlighting the gift of perseverance, and sharing what can be learned from staying in the game. Today, McKay engages in an exploration of what it means to fuel yourself and your future, how to go about it, and, as a result, find greatness.   The Finer Details of This Episode:   ·   Fostering greatness ·   Bob Mankoff and Arnold Palmer’s stories and what we can learn from them ·   The gift of perseverance ·   George Foreman’s story and its lesson for us ·   Maxcy Filer’s story ·   What running marathons has taught McKay ·   Fuelling yourself and your future   Quotes:   “Even successful people face rejection all the time.”   “It is in the failure and perseverance of it that you find your greatness.”   “Don't give in to short term struggles, get better, stay in the game, and if you do, you will do what others are unwilling to do.”   “Fall seven, rise eight.”   “Nothing, nothing, replaces perseverance and staying in the game.”   “The road to greatness is paved with failure and perseverance.”   “The city attorney in Compton said ‘Maxcy was just too busy doing good deeds to everyone around him to pass the test.’”   “A clear image of where you're headed, a clear well-defined image, makes all the difference in enabling you to persevere.”   “It is not over until you win.”   “We're just halfway towards who you are meant to become.”   “If you persevere, persevere, persevere, you will find greatness.”   Show Links:   Open Your Eyes: 10 Uncommon Lessons to Discover a Happier Life

Inspired by the story of Beck Weathers, a Dallas pathologist whose harrowing experience on Mount Everest led to profound change, McKay explores the transformative power of resilience, reflection, and personal growth in today’s episode. He interweaves Beck's gripping journey with inspiring tales and scriptural insights, emphasizing themes of obsession, identity, and the importance of taking a “halftime” moment to confront apparent failures and make any necessary adjustments for the future.McKay traces Beck's path from battling depression and an obsessive passion for climbing to surviving a near-fatal ordeal on Everest. His miraculous survival and personal transformation highlight the essence of failing forward and finding inner peace, much like a team reassessing and strategizing at halftime. Featuring other stories such as missed basketball opportunities, resilience in the Miss USA pageant, and Esther's biblical story, McKay underscores the significance of undertaking a halftime reflection and moving on to embrace one's true identity, learn from failures, and leverage spiritual insights to navigate life's challenges.Episode Highlights:Beck Weathers' remarkable journeyInsights on embracing failure and using it as a stepping stone to success.Inspiring stories illustrating the importance of embracing challenges and staying true to one's identityThe importance of embracing one's true identity through scriptural references and personal faith.Practical tools and perspectives for overcoming challenges and making pivotal changes in life.The infinite worth of individuals and their potential for positive change and impact.Quotes:"Life is made up of a series of attempts and failures.""Successful people learn how to fail forward, to learn from their failures in a healthy way.""You are of immense worth. Your potential is endless.""Your potential to make a difference in this world and to other people for good is unlimited.""Don't wait for things to be perfect. Be mediocre with all you have. And remember, let go of the fear of failure.""Halftime is perhaps the most important part of the game.""When you can see who you really are, you can become who you really can be."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

McKay unveils the powerful theme of tuning into our authentic inner voice amidst the multitude of life's decisions and challenges in this latest installment of the Open Your Eyes podcast. Highlighting a variety of narratives involving such figures as Vincent van Gogh, Oprah, and Moses, the episode underscores the significance of listening to the voices that truly guide and shape our destinies.Delving into the essence of recognizing and following the voices that genuinely matter, McKay reflects on these narratives and insights, urging listeners to reevaluate their life's priorities and the impact of their choices. The episode also goes on to offer practical advice on how to sift through life's distractions to uncover clarity, purpose, and joy. McKay’s wisdom shared here today acts as a reminder that, by listening to those good voices and focusing on what truly enriches us, we can find our own voices, reach our full potential, and lead lives of profound fulfillment.Episode Highlights:Prioritizing what truly matters as a means to amplify the guiding voices towards living a purposeful lifeFocusing on what we cherishPractical guidance on navigating life's challenges by granting 'lifetime passes' to those who hinder us, enabling us to concentrate on the voices that truly matterA goal-setting strategy emphasizing dedication and a period of undivided effort to achieve aspirations without succumbing to doubtsEmbracing our present circumstances as a foundation for advancementInstructive narratives involving Oprah, Vincent van Gogh, Moses and othersQuotes:"The truth is, there are true and correct voices that if we learn to listen to them, we can improve our life, our actions, and become more of who we're supposed to become.""You are extraordinary. You are not made or put here by your Creator just to get by, or to wait until it is convenient.""Decide what matters most... When you decide what matters most, it becomes a louder voice in your life.""Focus on what you love, completely abandon your focus on what you don't. Let it go.""You never will know if something works until you give it everything.""You are exactly where you're supposed to be.""You have within you the DNA to make your life fabulous and remarkable.""Whenever we begin something worthwhile, there's a part that is not fun. It seems tedious and is difficult.""We act as if achieving the goal will make us happy. And you might be a little happier, but you can be happy today.""Give your whole heart for a period of time to whatever you're doing... Accept where you're starting and follow the good voices that come to you and watch. You will find your voice."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

McKay examines the transformative power of words and how they forge our identities and destinies in today’s episode. Exploring the significance of the labels we adopt and the profound effect words have on our perception and actions, our host invites listeners to reconsider their self-perceptions and strive for excellence.Expanding on this theme, McKay shares captivating stories, such as a rancher's encounter with a federal agent, an MIT classroom experiment, and Harper Lee's inspiring journey, each underscoring the influence of language on our lives. These anecdotes, coupled with scientific research, illustrate the dramatic shifts that positive affirmations and constructive self-talk can initiate, propelling us beyond mediocrity to embrace our exceptional selves. McKay's narrative here today is a compelling reminder that the words we choose to internalize and the labels we accept can either constrain us or catalyze our growth, highlighting the essential role of humility and faith throughout.Episode Highlights:The deep impact of labels and perceived authority on our sense of self and our actionsHow the labels we adopt can shape our identity and influence our life's trajectoryThe significant role a single word plays in altering our perceptions of others and ourselvesCelebrating the power of belief and encouragement in overcoming obstacles and achieving greatnessThe transformative effect of positive affirmations and self-talk on personal developmentHow words scientifically influence our mental and physical well-beingHow humility and faith in the words we internalize can lead to meaningful changes in our livesEncouraging a reevaluation of the words we hold onto as a path toward growth and escaping mediocrityQuotes:"Words do create worlds.""Sometimes labels are nothing more than a meaningless badge in the arena of life.""One word, one label can change our perception of ourselves.""Every day and in every walk of life, ordinary people do extraordinary things.""Words are a big deal. They can bring joy, answer prayers, give belief, and change perspectives.""What you believe, the words you lay hold on, matter.""Remember the power of words to change your life, to change your mind, to give you gifts meant for you.""Mediocrity is pretty darn comfortable.""The truth is we often place labels on ourselves, such as talented or unable, unworthy, fake, selfish, ugly.""You are extraordinary. Sometimes we and you need a reminder of just how precious you are in the eyes of your Maker."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

What you can’t see, you can’t be. That’s why we all need a clear vision of who we are and what we can become. On ‘Open Your Eyes’, you are invited to join author and business leader McKay Christensen, PhD, to discover the steps to lasting change on your path to personal and business growth. From personal improvement to team leadership, get the insights and tools you need to open your eyes to a happier life. Highlighting the fact that our reality is a reflection of our strongest beliefs, Mckay explores the concept of our "belief window" and its profound influence on our lives here today. Throughout the episode, our host demonstrates that we all have such a belief window through which we shape, color, and filter what we experience each day, and prompts us all to consider how our beliefs can mold our actions and decisions.McKay begins by illustrating the limitations of narrow perspectives with the Japanese proverb, "a frog in a well cannot conceive of the ocean," and shares a lesson from Dr. Stephen Covey on the power of imagination to effect change. He then delves into the inspiring story of Coach Dabo Swinney, highlighting how belief in oneself can overcome adversity and lead to remarkable success. McKay also goes on to emphasize the importance of questioning and challenging our beliefs, offering practical strategies to replace limiting beliefs with empowering ones. As you will hear today, through cultivating a positive self-talk mindset and embracing the journey of transformation, we can all harness the power of our beliefs to shape a more fulfilling and successful life.Episode Highlights:How imagination can reshape our reality and drive meaningful change in our livesInspiring stories of resilience and determination, illustrating how belief in oneself can overcome even the greatest challengesThe importance of questioning our beliefs and challenging the narratives that hold us backThe profound influence of self-talk on our beliefs and behaviorsThe science behind habit formation and how to leverage the power of repetition to instill new beliefs and behaviorsThe importance of self-compassion in challenging our beliefs and fostering personal growthEmbarking on a journey of self-discovery and transformation as we navigate the complexities of our belief windowQuotes:"You have a gift, a God-given gift, that no other living thing has: the ability to imagine, to see yourself in a situation other than the one that you're in.""Your reality is a reflection of your strongest belief. Belief is a powerful tool, and it drives our life more than we realize.""You are not defined by where you've been, only by where you're going.""Focus on what you love about the other person... Be a light and not a judge.""There's a space between the trigger and response in which I can choose to act differently.""Your beliefs can change, and that will enable you to change. It's time to replace your beliefs on your belief window and begin to live the life that you can live.""As we challenge our beliefs, we begin to see how we can change, how to be proactive rather than passively following whatever wrongs life has placed on our belief window."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/ to Discover a Happier Life

What you can’t see, you can’t be. That’s why we all need a clear vision of who we are and what we can become. On Open Your Eyes join author and business leader McKay Christensen to discover the steps to lasting change on your path to personal and business growth. From personal improvement to team leadership, get the insights and tools you need to open your eyes to a happier life.