Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

The profound impact of teaching on unlocking human potential is the subject of McKay’s focus today, arguing that everyone, whether a parent, coach, or team leader, plays the role of a teacher. The episode delves into the lives of such inspirational educators and mentors as Jaime Escalante, who transformed his students' lives by believing in them against all odds, among many others.McKay reveals that the most effective teaching transcends simply conveying information. It's about creating human connection, seeing the potential in others before they see it in themselves, and providing the right tools for growth. He introduces two powerful teaching strategies: creating a "hook" or "cognitive anchor" to make learning relevant and memorable, and using "scaffolding"—a process of explaining, demonstrating, practicing, and evaluating—to build skills and confidence. Through the stories of Thomas Edison and the Wright brothers, he also illustrates the immense power of "learning by doing." This episode is the guide for anyone looking to inspire, lead, and help others reach their full potential.Main Themes:The essence of teaching is to help others discover their own potential.Great teachers see students for who they can become.Discipline, focus, and mentorship are as crucial as raw talent.Effective teaching uses "hooks" to anchor new information to existing knowledge.Scaffolding (explain, demonstrate, practice, evaluate) is a key model for building skills."Learning by doing" is one of the most powerful forms of education.The joy of teaching comes from the human connection and witnessing growth.Everyone is a teacher, with the ability to leave a lasting legacy.Reading aloud to children is a powerful tool for cognitive and emotional development.Top 10 Quotes:"If students don't have to challenge themselves, then there's no teaching, there's no learning going on, there's no potential. We're just babysitting.""I touch the future when I teach.""The joy of teaching and training comes from the human connection. It's about a bond between the trainer and the team member where encouragement can change the trajectory of life.""When you're teaching, you must create a meaningful and important hook.""Talent is nothing without discipline. You can't let raw ability carry you. Your mind has to lead the way.""Learning by doing is perhaps the best way to teach your team members.""He was a teacher who left a legacy for his children by this very small, simple habit.""Higher, Orville, higher!"Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay returns today for an extensive exploration into how our responses to life's setbacks shape our journey. Drawing insights from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, he challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that our perspective transforms challenges from daunting "mountains" into manageable "molehills."McKay reveals happiness isn't predicted by wealth or IQ, but by an "adaptive coping style" - learning from failures to create growth, akin to turning "lemons into lemonade." This is exemplified by Bill Graham, who overcame immense hardship through helping others and embracing a positive outlook. The episode utilizes a "halftime" metaphor for life, urging listeners to assess, learn from past "plays," and strategize for moving forward, rather than dwelling on what cannot be changed. As you will hear, avoiding overreaction to minor inconveniences and fostering a positive "frame of reference" with supportive networks enables us to "fail forward."Main Themes:Our response to failure drives happiness.Adaptive coping matters more than wealth or IQ.Learn from mistakes; turn setbacks into chances.Friends and inspiration help overcome challenges.The halftime metaphor: review, adjust, plan ahead.Overreacting to small issues reduces happiness.Positive thoughts anchor our brain's frame of reference.Faith empowers us to overcome obstacles.Release small worries; value missteps for a content life.Top 10 Quotes:"Almost all failures are not mountains but molehills in the valley of life, unless we make them mountains.""It isn't so much what they started with, what mistakes they made, or what happened to them that influenced their happiness in life, it's what they did with what happened to them that mattered.""Learn to live in thankfulness, looking back at what you have had, and what you didn't have, and most of all, what you do have now.""The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and their response to failure.""A single event doesn't have to define who we are. Instead, we can consider our life over time and look at who we've become as a result of our cumulative choices.""This positive adaptation to life played a significantly greater role than genetics, wealth, race or other factors in determining how happy people were later in life.""Researchers in the study call this an 'adaptive coping style' and describe it as the capacity to turn lemons into lemonade and not turn molehills into mountains.""When we're in the midst of failure, we need to give our brain a framework based on true principles.""Halftime is perhaps the most important part of the game.""Let go of the small things. Value your small missteps, they make us better. Don't sweat the small stuff."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

Introducing “The Four Heavies" - manipulation, intimidation, coercion, and deceit - in today’s episode, McKay demonstrates the detrimental impact they can have on individuals and organizations. He argues that while these tactics may yield short-term results, they create unhealthy patterns in mental and emotional development, ultimately undermining trust and growth.McKay illustrates these effects with personal stories: Anna's anxiety from manipulation, Marcus's isolation from intimidation, and Lena's trust issues from deceit. He extends this to corporate failures like Enron and Wells Fargo, showing how "The Heavies" disrupt brain development and foster toxic cultures. Our host then offers actionable alternatives: focusing on potential, modeling calmness, and cultivating empathy. Join him today to transform your parenting and leadership for lasting success.Main Themes:"The Four Heavies" (manipulation, intimidation, coercion, deceit) are detrimental to individual development and organizational culture.Childhood experiences of "The Four Heavies" profoundly impact brain development, emotional regulation, and future relationships.Organizational cultures can mirror individual parenting styles, leading to systemic problems when built on "The Four Heavies."Focusing on the potential of others fosters growth and healthy relationships.Modeling calm, desired behavior creates a safe environment for emotional processing and learning.Empathy is a powerful tool for connection and leadership, leading to trust and attraction.Positivity correlates with success, even more than aptitude.Avoiding "The Four Heavies" leads to more effective leadership, greater satisfaction, and positive impact.Self-compassion is important as we strive for improvement.Top 10 Quotes:"The long-term effect of using ‘The Four Heavies’ is extremely unhealthy.""Underneath the surface, we all have a richer, more valuable person.""When we see this potential, it's natural to lead genuinely and authentically.""Coercion uses fear or punishment to force behavior.""When individuals feel manipulated or unsafe, they seek healthier environments.""Being calm invites reasoning and thinking.""Positivity heavily correlates to predicting a person's success, even if they lacked aptitude."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay explores the pervasive lies that shape our lives, from media misinformation to self-deception in this latest instalment of the Open Your Eyes podcast. Throughout the episode, he argues that, in an age of rampant falsehoods, developing critical thinking is essential for personal growth and success.To illustrate this, our host dissects such viral hoaxes as a fake Disney World policy change and a deceptive TikTok diet scam, showing how easily falsehoods spread. McKay also examines the profound gap between public perception and the reality of declining crime rates, revealing how political narratives can create powerful, albeit false, beliefs. Finally, he shares the inspirational journey of ballerina Misty Copeland, whose success came from rejecting the lies of her difficult circumstances and embracing the truth of her potential. Join McKay today and learn how biases and emotional responses make us vulnerable as he shares his guide to challenging limiting beliefs and seeking empowering truths. Main Themes:Misinformation in media guides our behavior.False perceptions directly influence our actions.Emotions and cognitive biases make us vulnerable to lies.Critical thinking is essential for discerning truth.The lies we tell ourselves are the most damaging.Surround yourself with truthful, supportive people.Facing the truth frees you to change and grow.Replace false narratives with empowering truths.We project our views, creating a false consensus.Faith and positive inputs are stable sources of truth.Top 10 Quotes:"With so much mistrust and confusion in the news today, how many lies do we believe?""We end up taking action or not taking action based on those misperceptions that we hold.""Some of the most dangerous lies we encounter are the ones we tell ourselves.""Proximity is power.""The people you spend time with will affect your dreams, mindset, and motivation.""People who really love you don't rejoice or focus on your wrongdoing, but they rejoice in the truth that you can be someone better.""The truth will set us free.""Recognize that the news sources we feed our mind will alter our beliefs and actions.""When you're surrounded by people who encourage and uplift you, believing in yourself becomes easier.""If we're going to walk with God, we need to be in agreement with Him, learning to think as He thinks with the truth."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay returns today to conduct an exploration into the profound impact of having a clear vision for your future, arguing that a well-defined destination is not just a dream but a practical navigation tool that provides direction, fuels motivation, and builds resilience. Drawing upon compelling stories of adventurers, athletes, and innovators, he reveals that knowing where you want to end up is the first and most critical step in achieving personal and professional success, especially when facing overwhelming obstacles.To demonstrate this principle, McKay shares several powerful accounts of vision in action. He tells the story of Jessica Watson, a 16-year-old who, driven by a clear goal, became the youngest person to sail solo around the world despite a terrifying early crash and life-threatening storms. He recounts how dense fog at the 2010 PGA Championship neutralized the world's best golfers, proving that even top professionals are lost without a clear line of sight to their target. The episode also details the incredible journey of William Kamkwamba, a Malawian boy who built a windmill to power his village after his vision was sparked by a library book. Each story illustrates how a vivid mental picture of a desired outcome empowers individuals to make better decisions, overcome adversity, and turn the impossible into reality.Main Themes:A clear vision is an internal map that guides your choices and prevents you from drifting.Success is rarely an accident; it is almost always preceded by a compelling vision.Knowing your destination fuels the motivation and perseverance needed to overcome challenges.A well-defined vision acts as a filter, helping you make decisions that align with your long-term goals.You can navigate life’s “foggy conditions” - uncertainty, fear, and discouragement - with a strong internal vision.Vision generates the faith required to take small, consistent actions that lead to monumental results.Leaders inspire greatness by helping others create and hold on to their own vision.Your ability to visualize success directly impacts your performance and your ability to act with courage.Break down enormous goals by focusing on the small, daily actions that move you toward your vision.Knowing where you are going allows you to recognize and celebrate progress, which is vital for long journeys.Top 10 Quotes:“Behind every achievement lies a clear, compelling vision.”“When we don't have a clear vision of where we want to land, we can't act with certainty or courage.”“Clarity about where you want to go prevents drift.”“A clear vision does more than provide direction; it also inspires sustained motivation.”“When you know where you're going, setbacks are not the end of the story.”“Leaders help others keep their vision and faith.”“Clarity is power, and vision is the first step towards turning dreams into reality.”“Small, faithful acts done repeatedly change the direction of business and life.”“If you can see it in your mind, you can hold it in your hand.”“If you can dream it, you can do it.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

In today’s episode, McKay explores the idea of choosing to see the best in people and situations, presenting the argument that an individual's perspective is an active force that can shape outcomes. Using examples from politics, prisons, and creative studios, he explains how a decision to focus on potential rather than flaws can build connections and lead to unexpected results. To demonstrate this principle, McKay shares several stories about individuals who chose to see the best in others. He recounts the friendship between Nelson Mandela and his prison guard, Christo Brand, who saw each other’s humanity within a system designed for division. He details how mentors who recognized hidden talent were instrumental for comedian Lucille Ball and high-jump innovator Richard Fosbury. The episode also covers how Abraham Lincoln turned a political opponent into an ally and how Kevin Costner's belief in a script helped get the film Field of Dreams made. Each account illustrates how one person’s choice to see potential created an outcome that once seemed impossible.Main Themes:Seeing the best in others is a learnable skill that transforms your influence.Your perspective on people directly shapes how they react to you.Unlock greatness in others by focusing on their potential, not their flaws.Look past differences to forge powerful alliances and unlikely friendships.Find the hidden gift or lesson in every difficult circumstance.A positive outlook can turn a rejected idea into a celebrated masterpiece.Great leaders see the strength in rivals and turn them into allies.Encourage authenticity by helping others trust their unique instincts.Habitually seeing the best creates a positive ripple effect in your environment.Improve your life by asking, “What can this teach me?” instead of pretending everything is perfect.Top 10 Quotes:“The way you see people changes everything.”“If we chose to see the best in other people, there would be worlds that would open to us.”“There is a gift in every hardship; your job is to find it.”“Life just goes better when you see the best in things.”“When we see the best in others, in things, in circumstances, they change.”“He saw the goodness in Christo. And the best they saw in each other started to grow.”“If you'll see the potential, the best in others, you'll improve your influence as a person and coach.”“Lincoln had seen past his ego and competition to see the best in this man. And in doing so, won his loyalty and friendship for life.”“What if you tried, just for a short time, to only see the best in the people on your team?”“You just might change your future in the process.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay delves into the liberating principle that success isn't bound by age or a rigid schedule in this latest instalment of the Open Your Eyes podcast. Throughout the episode, he drives home the point that, whether you’re an early prodigy or a late bloomer, life’s rewards go to those who have the courage to start, and to start again, no matter where they are on their journey.McKay brings this concept to life with the stories of a number of remarkable individuals, including the winding path of Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee, who found his true voice after 20 years in the business, and the story of Ray Kroc, who built the McDonald’s empire in his fifties. He also delves into the lives of chef Julia Child, designer Vera Wang, and blind mountaineer Erik Weihenmayer, each of whom redefined their lives by starting something new long after others might have given up. These stories clearly demonstrate that the most important step is always the next one.Main Themes:It is never too early or too late to pursue your passion or reinvent yourself.Life rewards persistence, authenticity, and grit over perfect timing.Comparing your journey to others leads to paralysis and a false sense of being behind.Early success does not guarantee a simple path, just as a late start does not preclude greatness.Your past experiences, even the challenging ones, can provide the wisdom and depth needed for future success.The end of one chapter, like a job or a dream, is not the end of your story.Starting over is not a sign of failure; it is proof that you are still fighting for your future.Embrace the support of others, as encouragement is crucial when trying again.Your worth is not defined by a timeline, but by your courage to show up.The most powerful creative work often comes from pursuing what you truly believe in.Top 10 Quotes:"In the end, life doesn't care if you started early or late. It cares that you started and that you showed up.""Life is not a race, and you are not behind.""Your worth is not tied to how early or how clean your path has been.""Don't confuse loss with defeat. The end of one chapter doesn't mean the story's over, it just means the next one is ready to be written.""Starting over isn't failure, it's proof I'm still fighting.""Sometimes the most beautiful currents take longer to find.""Life rewards persistence, authenticity, and grit over perfect timing.""What matters is that you try again."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

What does it truly mean to commit? This week, McKay explores the powerful principle of "putting your stake in the ground," an unwavering declaration of your chosen path. Our host illustrates that avoiding the "murky middle" of indecision and making a firm, whole-hearted commitment is what separates fleeting attempts from life-altering success.Bringing this concept to life through a series of unforgettable stories, McKay shares powerful lessons from a harrowing whitewater kayaking trip and the historic Oklahoma Land Rush. He also explores the incredible resolve of cancer research activist Terry Fox, the ancient wisdom of Japan's Tsunami Stones, and the late-in-life triumphs of polar explorer Barbara Hillary. Each story demonstrates how to stake your claim on your future and build the life you are meant to live.Main Themes:Understanding the "why" behind a process empowers you to see it through.Making a firm, public commitment to a goal increases your chances of achieving it.Avoid the "murky middle" of indecision, which leads to paralysis and unhappiness.Success requires a whole-hearted effort, not a half-hearted attempt.Adopt a "no matter what" attitude when pursuing a difficult goal.Postpone judgment on your progress by deciding that "today is not voting day."Our past failures can give us the clarity to finally commit to our true path.Our commitment and example can serve as a guide for future generations.It is never too late to put your stake in the ground and achieve the extraordinary.True power is unlocked when you commit entirely and without reservation.Top 10 Quotes:"Understanding changes everything. It empowers you.""The people that reach their goals are most often those that have put their stake in the ground and said, 'I'll do this, no matter what.'""Today is not voting day. Today is working day. Voting day is later.""Half-hearted effort is without staying power.""He promised to complete his run, even if he had to crawl every last mile.""I stopped pretending I was anything other than what I was. And I determined, more than I had ever determined to do what I was meant to do: to write.""You'll find that a whole-hearted effort will result in success."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

The profound notion that each of us is born for a unique purpose comes under McKay’s learned scrutiny in this week’s episode of the Open Your Eyes podcast. Noting that true happiness isn't found in mere achievements, our host demonstrates that discovering and living this purpose, especially through serving others, is actually the key. The episode is filled with powerful and inspiring stories of individuals who turned immense challenges into their greatest strengths. From Kevin Briggs, the "Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge," to one-legged NCAA wrestling champion Anthony Robles, and from Olympian Michael Phelps to autism advocate Dr. Temple Grandin, McKay breaks down how our past doesn't disqualify us but prepares us for our purpose. Listen in now to discover how to find your own reason for being and transform your perspective on life, challenges, and happiness.Main Themes:You were born for a purpose, and discovering it is the key to true happiness.Your past doesn't disqualify you from your purpose; it prepares you for it.Your unique differences can be your greatest strengths.Lasting change begins with changing the way you think, not just with willpower.True purpose is often found in using your story to help and serve others.You don't need perfect conditions to start living your purpose.Small acts of compassion can lead to world-changing innovations.Listen to the whisper that says, "Maybe I could do something."Challenges and mistakes can lead you to the very place you are meant to be.Happiness is found in the pursuit of purpose, not just the achievement of goals.Top 10 Quotes:"I don't think I was born with a disadvantage. I think I was born for a reason.""I realized my past didn't disqualify me from my purpose. It prepared me for it.""I think the world needs different kinds of minds to work together. My difference is my strength.""I found that winning gold medals wasn't my purpose. My purpose is helping people who struggle like I did.""Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart and gave you a purpose.""You are the way you are because you were born for a purpose.""The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act.""We can't be what we can't see.""It's okay not to be okay."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

This week, McKay delves into the essential principles of effective coaching, asserting that we all take on this vital role in our lives, whether as parents, leaders, or mentors. The episode is packed with practical lessons designed to help you elevate your own coaching skills and empower those around you.Exploring the high-stakes worlds of professional sports, McKay analyzes iconic moments in coaching history. From the controversial 2018 US Open final between Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka to the legendary leadership of Pat Summitt, Lou Holtz, and “Miracle on Ice” coach Herb Brooks, this episode breaks down what makes a coach truly great. Join our host here today to learn the art of great coaching and discover how to build belief, instill confidence, and elevate both your team and yourself to achieve your highest potential.Main Themes:Coach who people can be, not just who they are.Become a “first-class noticer” of hidden potential.Simplify to empower; complexity paralyzes.Center your team on their core identity, especially amid chaos.Keep your team in the “progress zone,” not the comfort zone.Help others flip the script on their limiting stories.Confidence is a result of action, not a prerequisite for it.Effective coaching isn’t always about being liked.Use powerful, simple questions to unlock answers.Recognize that everyone is a coach in some capacity.Top 10 Quotes:“Great coaches don't coach who people are; they coach who they can be.”“She didn't see just who I was; she saw who I could be, and she never let me settle for less.”“Mental anticipation now pulls the future into the present and reverses the direction of causality.”“You don't have to make history today. You just have to play like you belong in it.”“You were born to be hockey players. You were meant to be here, and this moment is yours.”“The greatest obstacle you will face in your life is in your own mind.”“Dreams are cheap.... That's where they will stay unless you leave your comfort zone.”“Confidence is always developed by action.”“I'm not looking for the best players; I'm looking for the right players.”“What are you doing now, what is it costing you, and what do you want instead?”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay explores how our most difficult experiences and perceived flaws can become our greatest strengths in this week’s thought provoking instalment. Throughout the episode, he challenges us to reframe our past, not as a source of shame, but as the very foundation of who we are today.Drawing upon the powerful and moving life stories of actress Viola Davis, Starbucks founder Howard Schultz, and others, McKay illustrates how adversity can be the unlikely source of our greatest achievements. He delves deeply into how childhood trauma, failure, and hardship, rather than breaking them, provided the unique perspective, empathy, and resilience necessary for their success. Tune in today and accept our host’s sincere invitation to view your own struggles not as liabilities, but as the very experiences that can forge character and lead to a remarkable future.Main Themes:Past pain can shape you, not just define you.Owning your full story is the key to self-love.Adversity builds resilience, empathy, and strength.Reframe your story from "ruined me" to "shaped me."Self-forgiveness is a powerful act of release.Hardships can be a launchpad to your purpose.Imperfections can help you go farther, not hold you back.Success is not a straight line; it's forged in struggle.Find meaning in suffering to transform it.Become the author of your own story.Top 10 Quotes:"To love who you are, you must not hate the experiences that shaped you.""I'm not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.""Deny your story, it defines you. Own it, and you write the ending.""Every painful memory...served as a leap pad that has shaped me.""When we're no longer able to change a situation, we're challenged to change ourselves.""It's the hard things that give us the strength we need later in life.""Our paths are rarely straight; great things happen amid struggles.""The worst thing that happened to her gave her the ability to do the best thing.""When you fall off life's ship, there is a line waiting to be grabbed.""The goal is not to be someone in spite of what happened, but someone because of it."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

This week, McKay introduces a practical and powerful challenge: the one-month happiness test. Drawing inspiration from Laurie Santos's famous Yale course, "Psychology and the Good Life," this episode moves beyond big, life-altering events to focus on the small, consistent actions that are scientifically proven to boost happiness. McKay breaks down simple yet profound practices like savoring positive moments, actively choosing your focus through selective attention, expressing gratitude, performing acts of kindness, and strengthening social connections. Through relatable stories and real-world examples, he illustrates how these "micro-adjustments" can retrain our brains, counteracting our natural negativity bias and leading to a more joyful, fulfilling life. Listeners are invited to take the test for themselves and discover how intentional, daily habits can create lasting change.Main Themes:Happiness comes from small, consistent changes, not just big life events.You can retrain your brain to focus on the positive through selective attention.Savoring positive experiences - before, during, and after - deepens their impact.Practicing gratitude is a powerful choice that turns what you have into enough.Acts of kindness boost happiness for both the giver and the receiver.Strong social connections are a primary predictor of a long, happy life.Exercise and sleep are foundational pillars for mental well-being and happiness.You can become the author of your life by choosing what to focus on and practice.What you notice becomes your reality.A one-month test is long enough to implement new habits and see real results.Top 10 Quotes:"The strange truth is... most people return to their baseline level of happiness after these major life events. This phenomenon is called the hedonic treadmill.""Tiny, regular changes to your daily life often make a bigger, longer-lasting difference than these big things.""Your brain is built to scan for problems... but you can change what you focus on, and it will help you be more happy.""Savoring is the deliberate, post-activity act of looking back on what you've done and taking time to appreciate it.""Gratitude turns what we have into enough.""Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what kept people happy throughout their lives.""These examples aren't miracles; they're micro-adjustments in their lives.""You get to choose what you'll focus on. So this month, to test your happiness, focus on the good.""Kind service has this magic feel to it."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay shares a collection of powerful, real-world stories here today as he explores the transformative power of viewing life as a journey from one form of strength to another. From a collegiate runner's recovery after a devastating accident to the historic leadership of Abraham Lincoln and the creative genius of Beethoven, our host illustrates how our greatest weaknesses can become the catalysts for our most profound strengths.Listeners will learn to reframe challenges, setbacks, and even failures not as endpoints but as essential experiences that build resilience, empathy, and new capabilities. McKay offers practical advice on the importance of trying, seeking help, and taking small, consistent steps to move forward. Today’s episode is a compelling reminder that who we are is not static; we are constantly developing, and our struggles are an integral part of that growth.Main Themes:Life is a continuous journey of moving from one developed strength to another.Weaknesses and challenges are opportunities to build new, deeper strengths.Overcoming adversity fosters resilience, empathy, and maturity.The simple act of trying, especially after failure, is a powerful catalyst for growth.Seeking help is a sign of strength, not a weakness.You can begin to change your life by doing something different today.Growth requires taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone.Focus on doing a little more of what works and a little less of what doesn't.Top 10 Quotes:"The journey we take in this life is moving really from strength to strength.""The strength you gain in getting help and overcoming weaknesses propels you to the next level in your life.""Weaknesses that are given to us in life can help us move from strength to strength.""For when I am weak, then I am strong.""Each time you try, despite the lack of strength of the bridge or the chasm or the gaps in your life, you strengthen those bridges.""You don't have to let your past dictate your future, even if it's your recent past.""You may not have to have all the answers. Just do a little bit more of what works and a little bit less of what doesn't.""It's when we step outside our normal routine or normal circumstances that we see and grow in new ways.""Starting where you are is sometimes all you can and often all you need to do. Trying is enough.""Your talents rise and your gaps are spanned, and your weaknesses become strengths."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

The challenging yet crucial skill of making hard choices is in the spotlight this week as McKay draws inspiration from Ruth Chang's TED Talk and real-world examples ranging from President Truman's wartime decisions to personal dilemmas faced by his own family and himself. The episode explores the nature of hard choices - those where options seem equally compelling or unclear - and offers practical strategies for navigating these pivotal moments. McKay emphasizes the importance of understanding your values, gathering information (but not getting paralyzed by it), taking small steps to test options, and ultimately, committing to a path. Illustrating how these decisions shape not only our immediate future but also who we become, our host urges listeners to embrace the process of choosing, even when it's difficult, as a pathway to growth and a more fulfilling life.Main Themes:Hard choices involve equally compelling options.The process of choosing fosters personal growth.Test different paths to gain clarity.Align decisions with core values and what fosters growth.Commit to a choice, then learn and adapt.True success is measured by service and impact.Making your own choices builds agency and responsibility.Learn from all past choices, good and bad.How you live with a choice matters more than the choice itself.Gain diverse perspectives to find the best path.Top 10 Quotes:"Hard choices are those when we're comparing options, they seem on par, and maybe for different reasons, but the choice, the decision, is hard and unclear.""This is the natural response, right? When faced with similar choices, most of us don't decide. And that may be the worst choice of all.""When you're faced with such a decision, you can start walking down one path or the other. Go as far as you can without too much cost or investment.""Which program will cause you as a person to have grown more? To become better and to give you new possible directions in life?""Choose the one that stretches you in the right way that helps you grow.""In my view, our decisions are not perfect, but our living with those decisions makes it so.""The real measure of success is, ‘How did we serve in our circumstance?'”"It's often not how good we are at making decisions, but how good we are at making life good from the decisions that we've made that matters.""Ascertain what matters. Identify your guiding values.""Take the attitude that this helps you become the author of your life, forming who you want to be."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

This week, McKay unpacks the "S-Curve", a powerful concept from the business world, and reveals how its principles are a blueprint for navigating change and achieving lasting growth in our careers, families, and personal lives. By examining the rise and fall of corporate giants like Kodak, Walmart, and Netflix, he illustrates that the path to success isn't a straight line but a series of curves, each requiring a strategic "jump" to avoid stagnation and reach the next level.The episode breaks down the predictable stages of any new venture - a slow start, a period of rapid growth, and an inevitable plateau. McKay uses compelling stories to show why companies like Kodak failed when they clung to their old models, while innovators like Walmart and Netflix thrived by noticing market shifts, leveraging their core strengths, and bravely jumping to a new curve. The discussion provides listeners with three actionable strategies - getting started without the perfect plan, becoming a "first-class noticer," and finding synergies between the old and the new - to successfully navigate their own S-Curves and turn moments of challenge into catalysts for profound growth.Main Themes:Growth in business, careers, and personal life follows a predictable three-stage S-Curve.To avoid stagnation, one must "jump" from a maturing S-Curve to a new one.The strategies that lead to initial success are often not the ones that sustain it.Successful adaptation involves noticing market changes, learning from others, and taking calculated risks.Leverage your existing strengths and assets when pivoting to a new approach.The first step in jumping the curve is to take action, even if imperfectly, and learn from the process.Gaining new perspectives is essential for identifying when and how to change course.The principles of the S-Curve apply equally to corporate strategy, parenting, personal health, and career development.Top 10 Quotes:"Often in life, the things you used to be successful at last only up to a certain point.""What got you here is not going to get you where you need to go.""The market changes, interest rates move, social causes evolve, our children and what is popular changes.""The best leaders, the best business leaders are first-class noticers.""Rather than abandon its way of doing business, Walmart found ways to leverage what was good about their business model.""You have to be more strategic about spending family time.""So lesson number one is to get moving. Start trying a new approach.""You'll find greater happiness and prosperity waiting when you jump the S-Curve in what you do."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

In yet another insightful episode of the Open Your Eyes podcast, McKay traces the transformative power of knowledge, from the darkness of the 14th century to the modern bookshelf. By exploring key lessons from history and foundational books, he demonstrates how acquiring knowledge remains the ultimate tool for personal growth, effective leadership, and a more fulfilling life.Drawing a stark contrast between a pre-literate world of disease and ignorance and the revolutions that followed, our host credits Johannes Gutenberg's printing press with changing the world. He then distills potent, actionable wisdom from a number of influential books, including practical tactics on negotiation from Never Split the Difference, persuasion from Influence, and marketing from Contagious. The episode also highlights the power of perseverance over talent as detailed in Grit and the necessity of emotional focus in leadership from Daniel Goleman's work, ultimately encouraging listeners to see reading not as a pastime, but as a direct path to empowerment.Main Themes:Knowledge is the ultimate form of power.The spread of information, via the printing press, ended an era of ignorance and sparked global progress.Reading is a direct path to personal and professional growth.Effective negotiation is a process of discovery, not a battle.Understanding human psychology (reciprocity, social proof, providing reasons) is key to influence.Grit and perseverance are often more important than innate talent.Emotional intelligence allows leaders to focus on what truly matters.Marketing should be a generous act of helping others.Top 10 Quotes:"Knowledge has the power to change people, cultures, homes, families, and businesses.""Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.""Negotiation is not an act of battle; it's a process of discovery.""People simply like to have reasons for what they do.""Marketing is the generous act of helping others, not selling others.""When we care, we share.""Grit mattered more than intelligence, leadership, or physical fitness.""Leaders with high emotional intelligence... can suspend emotions or reactions on things that don't matter most.""What kept the population in such poor conditions was the lack of knowledge.""At the foundation of our behavior and beliefs really is the way we see the world and ourselves in it."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay explores the profound truth that our lives are shaped by our choices in this latest instalment of the Open Your Eyes podcast. From celebrity comebacks to devastating wildfires and artistic dedication, he illustrates how embracing "everything is a choice" empowers us to move beyond circumstance, take responsibility, and consciously design a life of purpose and fulfillment.Illustrating the real-world impact of decisions, our host draws upon such examples as a California wildfire, where proactive choices saved homes, and a professor's financial advice leading to debt-free living. He highlights the disciplined choices of artists like Picasso and Julie Andrews, alongside the compounding power of small daily actions. Stories of Suze Orman turning disaster into success and Ruth Pfau dedicating her life to service after a pivotal decision underscore how conscious choices redefine our paths. In essence, McKay encourages listeners to recognize their agency, define who they want to become, and use the power of choice to steer their lives intentionally.Main Themes:"Everything is a choice" as a core empowering principle.Small, consistent choices compound over time.Taking 100% responsibility for actions and outcomes.Defining who you become is crucial.Discipline can create freedom.Proactive decisions prevent disaster and build success.The "trim tab" effect: small choices steer life's direction.Pivotal choices can redefine a life's path.Top 10 Quotes:"We get to choose to live the life we have.""The world gets out of the way for people who know what they want and where they're going.""Every disciplined effort has its own multiple reward.""The choices we consistently make have a compounding effect on our life.""Little, everyday decisions will either take you to the life you desire or disaster.""The day you graduate from childhood to adulthood is the day you take full responsibility for your life.""Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it's a kind of order that sets me free."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

In today’s very special episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay explores personal branding's impact, showing how shaping your narrative fosters growth. Inspired by Mother Teresa's legacy, our host stresses that individuals are now their own powerful brands, as he discusses purpose, authenticity, and strategically building reputation for influence and fulfillment.Throughout the episode, McKay shares insights from his career and academia, noting personal brands combine attributes, actions, and value communication. He goes on to explain that others' perception is key - people connect with the individual, making a defined brand vital for success. His stories of "Blue Collar Discipline" Jordan and Coach Knight show how living a defined brand unlocks potential and inspires. Overall, McKay concludes that consciously building your brand is about becoming, not just achieving.Main Themes:Understanding personal branding as the intentional shaping of your reputation and narrative.The power of aligning your actions and life with a defined promise or purpose, as exemplified by Mother Teresa.Recognizing that individuals are the new brands, and your personal story has immense value.The importance of self-awareness in identifying your unique attributes, skills, and values for brand building.How consistent, authentic communication and action contribute to a strong personal brand.Learning that people "buy into you" before they buy into your product, service, or idea.Practical steps for defining your brand, including self-audits and creating a personal narrative.The lasting impact of a strong personal brand on personal growth, influence, and legacy.Top 10 Quotes:"When we can see things and ourselves as they really are, we can gain tremendous power to do and be more than otherwise possible.""In the world today, brands are less and less logos or slogans. They're stories, values, and experiences that people emotionally connect with. And now, more than ever, people are the brand.""We're all making a brand with our life and work, whether we're doing it on purpose or not.""You have to realize that people buy into you before they buy into your product.""Your personal brand is the perception others have of you. How you're seen, remembered, and yes, even talked about.""Your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room.""Every effort you expend in trying to become someone better, someone of excellence, has a multiplier effect on your life.""Who you become is infinitely more important than what you do or what you have.""You are of more value than your past performance. You're greater than your habits.""Make a better person of yourself and the result will be a better nation and a finer world to live in."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

This week, McKay talks about aspects of the culture effect, including creating culture, maintaining it, and how to rescue it. He opens up with a story detailing Tonga’s devastating volcanic eruption and how the Tongan culture, which values respect and open-mindedness, helped the people weather the storm. McKay notes that, when teams or families have a strong culture, they will thrive and prosper, but, on the other hand, when culture is weak, it can destroy your team and everything you’re working for. McKay also emphasizes that, as leaders, we have the opportunity to influence and shape the culture that drives us, and goes on to share that, to do so, we must learn to value feedback. So, make sure that you are slow to speak and quick to listen when it comes to creating a culture and values. Likewise, an influential leader will lead by example, sharing and modeling the values by which they hope their team will abide. McKay draws this episode to a close with one final piece of advice: be careful who you let join your team. All it takes is one person to totally alter your culture, so protect it and you will protect your team as well.The Finer Details of This Episode:Tonga’s devastating volcanic eruption The fall of IBM Defining culture Influencing culture The importance of feedback Sharing and modeling values Why mid level managers create cultureQuotes:"Tongans look out for each other and respect others. Many Tongans may avoid outward signs of wealth or affection. They dress in modest ways, and they're highly receptive to other people's opinion and behavior.”“Culture can guide a team, lead a company to thrive and prosper, or culture can, like toxic ash, choke a team and cause companies to fail, or fall.”“Most leaders don't understand culture and they don't know how to diagnose or influence it.”“Culture can help teams be more agile, loyal and effective… Culture can also be a significant liability when it's misaligned with your strategy or values. And it doesn't matter how dysfunctional your culture may be on your team today, you can improve it with a plan and intentional effort.”“So, like the researchers in Roseto, you may have to set up camp for a while on your team, maybe even in your family - watch, listen, and observe. See if you can uncover some of the cultural behaviors and assumptions that your team members have.”“You see, some leaders stopped showing up for the small things. And the result? Their people do the same. What you do duplicates, so if you want to change the culture on your team, model the behavior.”“Hire and recruit people who exemplify what culture you're trying to create. And over time, these managers will influence your entire team. So be very selective about the people you let influence your team.”“Listen, learn, and determine where your culture is today to define the mission and values that will underpin your future culture.”Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

On today's episode, McKay explores the concept of happiness, including where to find it, and how to hold on to it. To intoduce this rather expansive topic, he opens up the show by reviewing Elizabeth Smart's story - her brutal experience getting kidnapped and raped, and her journey toward happiness. McKay says that, while it's true that happiness is partially dependent upon circumstance, we can also attribute a large portion of our happiness to dedication, the people who raised us, and those with whom we surround ourselves.He goes on to introduce more conditions for happiness, noting that, when we have admirable intentions and goals in our lives, for example, we find more daily satisfaction. Even the love we share and receive plays a large role in how content we are. McKay draws this highly positive podcast episode to a close by reminding the audience to find joy in the little things, and by offering this invaluable advice: “Stay poised in tough situations—good will prevail. Exercise. Serve. Have Faith. Be humble and watch…. You will be happy.”The Finer Details of This Episode:Elizabeth Smart’s journey Happiness dependent on circumstances Set happiness Taylor Swift’s NYU speech The value of intention Love and happiness Darren’s happy landing Focusing on the little thingsQuotes:"As the days passed, she started to realize that this may be her new way of life.”“He has taken 9 months of your life that you will never get back, but the best punishment you could ever give him is to be happy.”“Happiness is a choice.”“Married people report a slightly higher happiness level than single people. In research, 25 percent of married people and 21 percent of single people say they are very happy. In short, circumstances such as wealth or marital status only impact our happiness in small ways.”“We get more from our parents than eye color and facial features. We may get a large set of our happiness from them or from others. How we grew up or who we have interacted with throughout our life, does dictate our level of happiness.”“People with aspirations have higher energy levels, stronger immune systems, stronger mental health and feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem.”“I agree with the researchers. I believe happy people see the best, even in the toughest situations. They are empowered with poise and optimism.”“Remember, that only 10 percent of happiness depends on circumstances. Fifty percent is heritable. So be a person who sees, talks about and shares the good in life. You can pass on the habit of happiness to others and be a blessing to them.”“Focusing on the small things in life that bring you joy.”Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen