Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

The transformative power of perspective-taking is the focus of this week’s episode as McKay examines its role in personal growth, stronger relationships, and deepened compassion. Drawing upon his vast store of inspiring stories and examples, McKay highlights how viewing life through the lens of others can lead to profound changes in our understanding and interactions.Among these narratives, our host recounts Nikola Jokić's remarkable act of empathy during the recent Olympics, illustrating the impact of seeing beyond our own experiences. He also discusses the developmental journey of perspective-taking in children and shares stories of how this ability can foster compassion in the face of adversity, such as the inspiring forgiveness shown by a grieving father. By reflecting on these diverse examples, McKay encourages listeners to embrace new perspectives, ultimately leading to personal growth and more meaningful connections with others.Episode Highlights:The importance of perspective-taking in personal and professional growthNikola Jokić's act of empathy and sportsmanship during the OlympicsThe developmental stages of perspective-taking in childrenExamples of how perspective-taking can lead to compassion and understanding in challenging situationsThe impact of personal experiences on shaping our worldviewThe role of perspective-taking in building strong relationshipsThe power of empathy in leadership and community buildingKey Takeaways:"There’s great power when you put on the perspective of another person.""Perspective-taking is arguably the single greatest aspect of our uniqueness in the animal kingdom.""Our perspective is our version of reality, shaped by our experiences.""When we open ourselves to seeing life through the lens of another, it’s like looking through a telescope rather than a microscope.""We see the world as we are, not as it is.""The more you see things from another person’s view, the more your paradigms will change.""Seeing another’s view is so much more rewarding and fulfilling than the things we often get upset about in our everyday lives.""By putting on someone else’s glasses, you may find your view of the world, and yourself, becomes more complete.""Perspective-taking is the foundation for one of the most powerful tools through which we can relate to and build relationships with others."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

In this episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay explores the theme of admiration, examining why certain individuals capture our respect and reverence. By delving into the annual Gallup poll on the most admired men and women, McKay sheds light on the lives of a number of famous figures, offering profound insights into living admirably.Sharing such inspiring stories as Billy Graham's devout faith and service, Queen Elizabeth's unexpected rise to the throne, and their enduring legacies, our host goes on to highlight the admirable qualities found in everyday people, such as perseverance, courage, and genuine kindness. By showcasing how ordinary actions can lead to extraordinary admiration, he also emphasizes the role of resilience, low-key generosity, and the power of genuine compliments. Join McKay here today as he celebrates the impact of these admirable traits and encourages us all to adopt these qualities to foster personal growth and greater fulfillment in life.Episode Highlights:The significance of admiration and its impact on personal and public lifeInsights into the lives of highly admired figuresThe role of faith, service, and resilience in shaping admirable livesEveryday acts of kindness and perseverance that inspire admirationThe influence of genuine compliments and low-key generosityOvercoming challenges and the importance of tenacityPersonal growth through adopting admirable qualitiesQuotes:"Our view is critical to our happiness and success.""Queen Elizabeth II never expected to become queen, but history demonstrated her talent.""Graham was known as America's pastor, admired for his goodness and self-declared imperfections.""It's interesting how even in the midst of activity, we can have a sudden sense of loneliness.""People admire your pursuit of your goals when you're willing to try despite challenges.""Jan Koum took a bold step to create WhatsApp, facing numerous setbacks but believing in its potential.""Muhammad Ali started his career speaking of his own greatness but finished it speaking of the greatness of others.""The rewards that await us in the hereafter may likely be those that we did not seek for ourselves here on earth.""Living our life in a way that is worthy of admiration is an excellent way to live."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

What do you do when something does not go as planned? What’s the way forward? McKay provides the simple answer to this - pivot to what’s next. So many people get frustrated when things go wrong and forget that, as McKay demonstrates today, asking and doing what’s next is the path of happiness.He starts the episode with the story of Karen McWatters who lost her leg and a close friend in the Boston Marathon bombings. Despite the adversities Karen encountered, she asked herself ‘What next?’, and went on to find opportunities even in the face of despair. McKay then talks about the power of asking ‘What’s next?’, how it can propel us to move forward, and the importance of developing the habit of ‘What’s next?’, as well as ways to develop this habit. The episode rounds off with McKay drawing lessons from the life of Rachel Ray who went on to start a new path by focusing on what’s next. There is great power to be found in posing and answering this simple question - listen in today to hear how it can change your life.The Finer Details of This Episode:-   The devastating event that made  Karen McWatters go on her quest of ‘What’s next?’-   Finding what’s next in horrible circumstances-   The power of  ‘Yes, and?’ - lessons from improv-   Why you need to master the habit of ‘What’s next?’-   What is prospective psychology?-   How to think prospectively and why you should-   Harvard University’s study results on happiness in life-   Why the habit of ‘What’s next?’ is important for a happy life - the story of Bill Graham-   Ways to develop the habit of ‘What’s next?’-   Removing the ticks in your life-   Starting another path - lessons from Rachel Ray’s lifeQuotes:“Her attitude of ‘What's next?’ changed everything.” “’Yes’ is awareness and acceptance and appreciation. It means ‘I'm listening’…and is saying ‘What's next?’. It is fueling you with agency and autonomy and action, and is taking a clear step forward to add to whatever you've received.”“There's tremendous power in developing the habit of ‘What’s next?’”“Prospective psychology is the practice of creating an image in your mind of your possible future.”“The habit of ‘What's next?’ helps us to be happy.”“Over time, researchers observed it's not the bad things that happen to us that determine our happiness, but what we choose to do with those things that matter.”“Don't let yourself get dragged down into other people's complaints.”“Even though you might not like the situation you're in, you can choose to accept it, and once you learn to accept what it is and then focus on what you can control in the future, you win. Remember, the only thing that matters is your response.”“You can't change others, you can't change the past, you can only change your response.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay unlocks the door to self-discovery in this week’s episode, exploring how the science of psychology can empower us to live richer lives. Unveiling the hidden potential within our minds, he leverages captivating real-life stories to bridge the gap between theory and human experience.Listeners will be captivated by the story of Phineas Gage, a man whose personality dramatically shifted after a traumatic brain injury - a case study that serves as a powerful illustration of the intricate link between the brain and our behaviors. McKay also explores the story of Genie, a feral child who learned language later in life, showcasing the remarkable adaptability of the human mind. By weaving these and other captivating narratives with current research on the connection between factors like religion, social connection, sleep, and even our "shadow selves" with happiness and well-being, McKay equips listeners with practical tools to cultivate emotional health and achieve personal growth.Episode Highlights:Historical cases and recent findings illustrating psychological principles and their impact on behavior and mental well-beingStudies emphasizing the role of social connectionsThe mental health consequences of sleep patterns and offering practical tips for better sleepCarl Jung's ‘shadow self’ concept, suggesting personal growth through self-awareness and integration of repressed traitsFindings that walking boosts creativity and physical health.A discussion on human motivations, emphasizing love as a key motivator, illustrated through personal storiesKey Takeaways:"Phineas Gage's case provided one of the first pieces of evidence that specific areas of the brain are related to particular functions such as personality and social behavior.""Genie's case also highlighted the importance of social interaction for cognitive and emotional development.""Researchers concluded that as our annual income rises, so does our emotional well-being, but after a certain point, more money really doesn’t make you more emotionally well.""Religious individuals are, on average, happier and more satisfied with life than non-religious individuals.""Sleeping too much is linked to depression, headaches, and heart disease, and the lack of sleep also impacts our well-being.""Carl Jung explored the concept of our ‘shadow self’, which includes the things we may not be aware of or fully consider.""Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.""A person's creative output increased by an average of 60% when walking.""Love is also a key reason why we do what we do, and being motivated by love is evident in people who are happier and more self-aware.""Happiness is the only thing in the world that doubles each time you share it."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

Unveiling the power of the unexpected, McKay ushers listeners into yet another captivating episode of the Open Your Eyes podcast here today. As he conducts his exploration into life's unpredictable nature, our host showcases how seemingly random events can spark profound change. Through the inspiring journeys of Olympic gymnasts Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci, the episode highlights the impact of chance encounters that led to not only athletic brilliance but also an enduring partnership. From tales of paleontologist Sue Hendrickson's hunch leading to the most complete T-Rex skeleton, to Tom Selleck's fortuitous television appearance launching his acting career, the podcast emphasizes the importance of embracing life's detours. By remaining open to the whispers of intuition and unexpected encounters, McKay empowers listeners to find joy, forge connections, and discover their own extraordinary path in the ever-unfolding story of life.Episode Highlights:The importance of sticking with goals and overcoming challengesTrusting intuition and taking chances on seemingly random opportunitiesHow chance encounters can lead to profound life changesPersonal anecdotes of life-changing moments triggered by random eventsAlfred Bandura's studies on the impact of chance encounters and their role in shaping our livesEmbracing the unpredictable nature of life and remaining open to unexpected opportunitiesExamples such as a father's daily post-it notes to his daughter, showing how small actions can have a profound impactThe remarkable achievements and perseverance of such individuals as Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci, who overcame significant challengesKey Takeaways:"You are filled with immense potential, and sometimes seeing things in a new way can unlock that potential.""From a chance meeting at a gymnastics competition to building a life together, their journey is a reminder that the future is often unpredictable.""Bandura believes that chance encounters with people and circumstances are the prominent forces that shape our life.""Sue Hendrickson found one of the most complete T-Rex skeletons ever discovered because she followed a hunch."“The journey of life is a tapestry woven with threads of uncertainty, possibility, and resilience.”“Embracing the idea that ‘you never know’ empowers us to navigate life's challenges with courage and curiosity.”“So today, take a chance, introduce yourself, try something new, follow a hunch, listen to the voice inside that gives you a little inspiration.”Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

In this enlightening episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay guides listeners through a gripping real-life incident involving a truck driver, a catastrophic accident, and the heroic efforts of bridge builder C.C. Myers. This narrative serves as a powerful exploration of the vital question: "When people look at you, what do they see?" highlighting the importance of perception and the signs of success we project.McKay recounts the dramatic fuel tanker accident in Benicia, California, and how C.C. Myers' exceptional skills and confidence transformed a potential disaster into a remarkable success. The episode delves into Myers' strategic approach to winning the project bid, the importance of projecting confidence, as well as Christian Laettner's legendary basketball moment as an illustration of knowing you can succeed. It further examines how inspiring visions and focused goals, as demonstrated by Howard Schultz's turnaround of Starbucks, can lead to significant achievements. Practical advice on eliminating distractions, embracing a second brain for better productivity, and the importance of being coachable and learning from mistakes rounds out the discussion. Through his reflections on a variety of narratives, McKay unearths profound insights into presenting ourselves as reliable and successful individuals in both personal and professional realms.Episode Highlights:The dramatic account of a fuel tanker accident in Benicia, CaliforniaThe heroic and efficient bridge rebuilding efforts led by CC MyersAnalysis of Myers' confident and strategic approach to winning the project bidThe significance of projecting confidence and knowing you can succeed, illustrated by Christian Laettner's legendary basketball momentThe role of inspiring visions and focused goals in achieving successLessons from Howard Schultz's turnaround of Starbucks by eliminating friction and streamlining operationsPractical advice on eliminating distractions and embracing a second brain for better memory and productivityThe importance of being coachable, learning from mistakes, and projecting humility and confidenceKey Takeaways:"A frog in a well cannot conceive of the ocean.""We can't be what we can't see. Our view is critical to our well-being, happiness, and success.""People are attracted to people who show the signs of success.""In order to succeed, you must first believe you can.""Ubuntu: A person can only be a person through others.""An inspiring vision will shape the path you travel.""Eliminate resistance that could hinder your progress.""Get a second brain. Always carry a notebook.""Celebrate small victories often, mourn failures quickly.""Think purposefully about what you're saying to the world."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

On today’s episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay sheds light on the concept of excellence, revealing it to be a personal philosophy rather than an external prize. Taking inspiration from the legendary Michael Phelps among others, our host dives deep into the secrets of achieving greatness, demonstrating how it is, indeed, an inside job.McKay peels back the layers of Michael Phelps' record-breaking journey, exploring his rigorous training routines, unwavering commitment, and the invaluable guidance of his coach, Bob Bowman. Transcending the realm of physical prowess, today’s episode emphasizes the critical role of mental fortitude and a relentless pursuit of improvement. By weaving in inspiring stories of excellence in everyday life, from education to personal growth, McKay demonstrates how exceeding expectations leads not only to success but also to profound fulfillment. Listen in today and you are guaranteed to walk away with actionable strategies to foster a culture of excellence, transforming both your personal and professional spheres.Episode Highlights:Seeing excellence as an internal commitment rather than an external achievementInsights into Michael Phelps' intense training schedule and dietary habits that contributed to his successThe critical role of Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman, in instilling a relentless pursuit of perfectionStories of how excellence manifests in different areas of life, including education and personal growthThe significance of mental focus and overcoming distractions to achieve extraordinary resultsHow a mindset of doing more than what is required leads to greater fulfillment and successPractical advice on fostering a culture of excellence in both professional and personal settings.Key Takeaways:"Excellence is an inside job; it starts with a decision and a commitment to be your best.""Michael Phelps' success was not just about his physical attributes but his mental toughness and dedication.""In life, doing the least becomes a habit, but so does striving for excellence.""The pursuit of excellence fills people with energy and positivity.""Excellence is not about stress or extra hours; it's an attitude and an intention.""When you decide to be excellent, amazing things happen.""Teaching children to strive for excellence begins with instilling the right beliefs and attitudes.""Creating a culture of excellence involves modeling the behaviors and attitudes you want to see."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

Shining his spotlight onto the power of quotes, today, McKay explores how seemingly simple phrases can crystallize complex lessons, offer powerful guidance, and transform our lives. The key, he argues, lies not just in the words themselves, but in how we personalize them and integrate them into our own journeys.Among the many examples McKay shares that illustrate the impact of quotes are the way in which his own father used quotes to impart wisdom, and the story of Church Leader, David O. McKay (after whom our host is named), who, as a young missionary, found purpose through an inscription he encountered. He also highlights the story of Clay Dyer, a professional bass fisherman with formidable physical limitations who overcame them through sheer determination, inspired by a powerful quote. By weaving together stories, personal anecdotes, and timeless proverbs, McKay reminds listeners that quotes aren't just motivational soundbites – they can be the starting point for taking responsibility for our lives and achieving our goals, as long as we don't let fear hold us back.Episode Highlights:• How inspiring quotes offer powerful life lessons in simple sentences• The impact of integrating quotes into your life • Finding quotes that resonate deeply and become your personal mantras• The power of proverbs• Quotes that shape purpose• Unleashing the power of quotes to inspire taking charge of your life and attitude• Overcoming obstacles• Conquering fear and pursuing goalsKey Takeaways:"The rewards are great if one succeeds, but the rewards are so great because so few succeed. Too many succumb to despair and fail along the way without realizing they already possess all the tools necessary for success." - Og Mandino"Whate'er thou art, act well thy part." - Inscription seen by David O. McKay"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." - Corrie ten Boom"If the whole world was blind, how many people would you impress?" - Boonaa Mohammed "Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry"The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up." - John C. Maxwell"Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." - Babe Ruth"We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." - Seneca the YoungerLinks:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

McKay throws open the door on the often-misunderstood concept of charm in this latest installment of the Open Your Eyes podcast. Forget the social butterflies - McKay argues that charm is a powerful tool anyone can learn and put into practice to make a positive difference for themselves and for all those they encounter.The episode dives deep, exploring the surprising influence of charm with real-world examples. From the unlikely success of the Hoover Dam, spearheaded by a charming leader who united a team of unskilled workers, to the life-saving power of a smile and a kind word offered by a stranger, our host weaves a compelling narrative. Research backs it up too, with studies revealing the contagious nature of smiles and the persuasive power auditors wield when armed with charm. McKay empowers us all to cultivate our own charm with actionable tips – a sprinkle of genuine compliments, the magic of active listening, and the importance of remembering names. As our learned host notes, charm is more than just charisma, it's about creating genuine connections and making others feel valued. By incorporating the information and tips he offers here today, you can cultivate your charm and use it to create a more positive and impactful life.Episode Highlights:The Hoover Dam's historical significanceHow Frank Crow, the Hoover Dam project leader, united a team of unskilled workers through his charmThe science of charm, showing it can be learned and its impact on social interactionsStanford University studies highlighting the power of smiling for both the smiler's mood and those around themReal-world examples demonstrating the influence of charm, such as Don Ritchie saving lives with kindness and charm, and charming auditors' successPractical tips for cultivating charmKey Takeaways:"Frank Crow was a genius for organized thinking and for imparting organized thinking to other people. He was not only an engineering genius, he was a people genius.""A smile can save someone's life, so add it to your charm.""Olivia Fox, author of The Charisma Myth, defines charm as how delightful it is to interact with someone. I love that definition.""Charming people smile. They just smile and it gives them influence.""Smiling, even a forced smile, elevates your mood and smiles are contagious.""Fred Rogers used his charm and genuine kindness to leave a lasting impression on generations of viewers.""Charming people remember names, even small details, often to a surprising degree.""If you want to endear people to you, be charming.""Taking care of yourself can make all the difference when you're trying to land a job or influence someone.""Charm goes much further than talent, than popularity, or anything else."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

McKay Christensen discusses the power of knowledge and 'know-how' with guest Tu Youyou, highlighting her research on Chinese herbal medicine and the discovery of artemisinin. The episode covers John Snow's cholera investigation, Joshua Bell's mastery, Bob Mankoff's cartoonist journey, and Hedy Lamarr's innovation. Emphasizing the importance of practice and expertise, McKay inspires listeners to pursue mastery in their own lives.