Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

Confronting the universal internal battle against "resistance" - the invisible force of procrastination, fear, and self-doubt that stops us from doing our most important work - McKay draws upon the powerful distinction between an "amateur" and a "pro” to argue that we can consciously decide to adopt a professional mindset in any area of our lives. This decision, he notes, is not about a title or a paycheck; it's an act of will that transforms our approach to challenges, failures, and our ultimate potential.Opening the episode with the core lesson from Steven Pressfield’s book The War of Art - the hardest part of any task is simply starting - McKay then illustrates the professional mindset through a series of compelling stories. Listeners hear about Kobe Bryant’s legendary work ethic that reset the culture of the 2012 US Olympic basketball team; Captain Tammie Jo Shults’ incredible composure while landing a crippled Southwest jet; and astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell’s steadfast focus on her work, even after being overlooked for a Nobel Prize. The episode culminates with the idea that, like the Apostle Peter, even when we fail, we can "decide again" to be a pro, recommitting to our purpose with even greater strength.Main Themes:The greatest obstacle to achieving our goals is an internal force called "resistance," which manifests as procrastination and fear.An amateur works when they feel inspired, but a professional does the work regardless of their mood, the circumstances, or their fear."Turning pro" is a conscious decision - an act of will to show up and do the work, especially when it's hard.True professionals don't dwell on mistakes; they learn from them and immediately focus on the "next play."A pro is defined by their commitment to their purpose, not by external validation, credit, or praise.Even after a setback, you can always choose to recommit and be "twice born" into your professional mindset, emerging stronger than before.Top 10 Quotes:“It's not the writing part that's hard. What's hard is the sitting down to write. What keeps us from sitting down is resistance.”“That's the price for being in the arena and not on the sidelines. Stop complaining and be grateful.”“Pros do the work regardless of how they feel.”“You can't win the next play by thinking about the last one.”“We make up our minds to view ourselves as pros and we do it. Simple as that.”“Pros don't get overly excited, emotional, or moved off their professional approach.”“Every day that you sit around trying to figure out what to do, someone else is already doing it.”“This time, having decided twice, he is stronger than ever.”“You can choose to be a pro again.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay tackles a quiet but pervasive modern crisis: the decline of belief in ourselves, our institutions, and each other. Using powerful case studies and the core concept of the "Belief Window," he argues that this trust can be intentionally rebuilt, transforming our personal and collective realities.Starting off with Matthew McConaughey's observation that "belief is in short supply," McKay uses a 2025 Pew Research Center study to explore the root causes of this erosion of trust, from the internet's rise to political polarization. The episode then pivots from problem to solution, drawing on the real-world success of a struggling Scottish primary school and the cultural transformation of the Cleveland Clinic. These examples illustrate how specific, actionable strategies - such as listening, celebrating small wins, and fostering empathy - can reignite trust and achieve remarkable results.Main Themes:Belief is the invisible architecture of a functioning society, and its decline is a quiet crisis.Trust can be systematically rebuilt through intentional acts of listening, learning, and celebrating small wins.Our "Belief Window" is the powerful, personal filter that shapes our reality, and it can be changed.True leadership, whether in a family or a business, is about actively building belief in others.A belief in God or a higher purpose can provide a moral foundation and hope in the face of adversity.Deep learning fosters belief, while the age of easy information can lead to superficiality and mistrust.Top 10 Quotes:“In our world today, belief is in short supply.”“Trust is like the air we breathe. When it's present, nobody really notices. When it's absent, everybody notices.”“If you'll go home and be a light, not a judge, trust and belief will grow.”“The decline of belief is not an abstract philosophical idea. It very well could become a quiet crisis shaping our homes, our workplaces, and ourselves.”“You were not put here on this earth to be less than. You're not defined by where you've been, only by where you're going.”“Learning increases belief.”“Our belief window makes all the difference.”“The simple belief that there is a life after this, and the choices we make here in this life have a lasting impact, cause people to make better choices.”“If you bet on God and you open yourself to His love, you lose nothing, even if you're wrong.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

The universal human experience of falling off track and the courageous journey of finding our way back comes under McKay’s scrutiny this week. Analyzing why we wander from our goals, he provides a practical guide for course correction, whether in our careers, health, or personal lives. Using the inspirational stories of Lindsey Vonn and Bethany Hamilton, McKay shows how our "why" helps us overcome monumental setbacks, and he also draws on the biblical story of Jonah to highlight the importance of acting even when we don't feel like it. Our host then cites such thinkers as Oliver Burkeman and Joseph Campbell in dismantling the myth that we must feel motivated to act, arguing we should instead "follow our blisters, not our bliss" by finding purpose in the work and sacrifice. This episode is a toolkit for anyone who has drifted, offering actionable strategies - like starting small and building rituals - to reclaim their path, emphasizing that progress is about persistence and reminding us that discipline and routine are the true engines of change.Main Themes:Discipline, not motivation, is the engine of progress.Wandering is inevitable; the real work is in choosing to return.To find your way back, first remember your "why."Purpose is found in the effort, not just the enjoyment.Momentum is built one small, consistent step at a time.Character is built in the small choices you make every day.Top 10 Quotes:“Motivation is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work.”“Who says you need to wait until you feel like doing something in order to start doing it?”“Progress doesn't mean perfection. It means returning to the path quicker each time you wander.”“Don't give in to the immediate feeling. Give in to your true motive.”“Getting back on track almost always begins by rekindling the reason you cared in the first place.”“We don't have to get swallowed up by life or things if we face the things we don't want to do and do them anyway.”“Wandering just doesn't steal our habits; it steals pieces of who we want to be.”“Small acts of integrity strengthen your integrity muscles.”“Getting on track requires simple clarity.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay explores a collection of life-altering epiphanies by asking the powerful question, “What has been one of the most helpful thoughts or epiphanies that you have had that has made you more free or empowered to act?” He reveals how simple yet profound shifts in thinking can redefine our reality, from the principle that “what you focus on expands” to the freedom that comes from choosing our thoughts.Using the incredible story of Jim Carrey's focused visualization, McKay illustrates how our focus acts like a spotlight, magnifying whatever it shines on. He also introduces the powerful management metaphor of “the monkey on your back,” teaching that we can empower others and protect our own priorities by refusing to take on problems that are not ours to solve. Citing profound near-death experiences and the work of thinkers like Mel Robbins, he demonstrates that we always have the agency to choose our thoughts and actions, regardless of our feelings or circumstances. Ultimately, this episode is a guide to identifying and embracing the ideas that empower us to live with more intention, joy, and resilience, serving as a powerful reminder that our greatest freedom lies in our ability to choose our perspective.Main Themes:Our thoughts and energy have a way of magnifying what we focus on, whether it is problems or solutions.We can empower others and avoid burnout by not adopting their problems or responsibilities (“monkeys”) as our own.True and lasting joy is often found by savoring the small, simple moments in life rather than chasing grand experiences.The resilience to overcome challenges comes not from perfection, but from the simple commitment to “just try” again and again.We have complete agency over our thoughts; we can choose grace, optimism, and action regardless of external circumstances or internal feelings.Understanding that our journey continues after this life provides a powerful incentive to invest in becoming our best selves now.Top 10 Quotes:“What you focus on expands.”“What I went through made me who I am. What I am going through will make me what I will be. What I choose to put my focus toward will now create that person.”“We do not remember the years that come and go in our life, but we do remember the moments.”“Successful people have very clear goals. They know who they are and what they want. They write them down and make plans for their accomplishment.”“I do not have to adopt other people’s problems as my own to help them.”“I get to choose what I think about.”“The test is not whether you reach your goals in one burst of energy, but the test is to see if you will stay in the game and just try.”“There is always a way, even when it feels like there is not.”Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

Conducting a fascinating exploration into the origin of The Beatles and the role of "dumb luck" in history, McKay demonstrates the power of expectations. Along the way, he reveals how the gap between expectation and reality is a key source of our happiness and offers a framework for harnessing this power to shape a better future.Our host goes on to explain that happiness depends less on our circumstances and more on their alignment with our expectations. He illustrates this with The Beatles' story and fascinating historical examples of "dumb luck," such as a change of wind saving George Washington's army. Citing that the core solution is to actively shape our reality by setting powerful expectations, McKay reveals how visualizing our "best possible self" creates new neural pathways in the brain, making success more likely. And referencing studies on rats and mentally-practicing basketball players, he shows that what we truly expect, we tend to create.Main Themes:Our level of happiness is determined by the gap between our expectations and reality.Random chance and "dumb luck" play a significant role in life's outcomes, so we must be flexible.What we expect, we unconsciously work to create; our expectations directly influence our actions and results.We can consciously harness the power of expectation by vividly imagining and defining our "best possible self."Visualizing success creates neural pathways that can make achieving goals more likely than physical practice alone.Setting high expectations for yourself and others is one of the most powerful catalysts for growth.Top 10 Quotes:"Happiness is less about the reality of life and more about the alignment or misalignment between what we anticipate and what we encounter.""Dumb luck is a bigger part of our life than we think.""When we expect something, we change our behavior, even if we're not consciously aware of those changes.""When you imagine yourself doing something, you create a neural pathway.""In your mind, you never miss a shot. This is the power of expectation.""The ‘future you’ is found in a belief window full of expectations.""If you don't have an expectation, a destination, you really have no reason to make plans.""Whatever you can do or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.""There is no passion to be found in playing small, in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.""You and I were not put here on this earth to just get by or tread in the waters of unfulfilled thoughts or lack of expectations."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

Drawing upon the inspiring stories of such people J.K. Rowling and Sara Blakely, McKay explores how the biggest obstacle to our dreams is often ourselves. Throughout the episode, he reveals practical strategies to overcome common forms of self-sabotage and finally achieve your goals. McKay breaks down the most common examples of how we get in our own way, such as the fear of failure, waiting for perfect conditions, and overthinking. He contrasts this paralysis with the power of taking immediate, imperfect action, highlighting Sara Blakely's journey with Spanx and Jeff Bezos's "70% rule" for decision-making. The core solution presented is to build momentum through small, consistent efforts and to act with integrity in the "moment of choice" - simply doing what you set out to do. By focusing on your own journey and avoiding the trap of comparing yourself to others, you can dismantle these internal barriers and move forward.Main Themes:The biggest barriers to success are often internal fears, doubts, and procrastination.Take immediate, imperfect action instead of waiting for the "perfect" moment to begin.Act with integrity in the "moment of choice" by following through on your commitments.Small, consistent efforts are more effective than short, intense bursts of work.Overcome overthinking by making decisions when you have 70% of the information, not 100%.Measure your progress against your past self, not the curated lives of others.Top 10 Quotes:"More often than not, the greatest obstacle is the person staring back at them in the mirror.""I stopped pretending I was anything other than who I was, and I determined more than I had ever determined before what I was meant to do.""Exercise integrity in the moment of choice.""Waiting for no risk or perfect conditions is one of the most dangerous forms of self-sabotage.""Overthinking is a form of self-sabotage disguised as diligence.""Comparison is the thief of joy.""Consistency compounds results. Intensity, however, without regularity, often leads to burnout and frustrations.""Make a decision when you have roughly 70% of the information you want. Waiting for 90 to 100% certainty often causes missed opportunities.""Progress shouldn't be measured against others. It should be measured against our own past selves.""Getting out of your own way happens in small, consistent steps and buying into faith instead of fear."Show Links:Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

McKay explores the habits of self-made wealthy individuals in this week’s episode of the Open Your Eyes podcast. Drawing insights from such entrepreneurs as Elon Musk, Ingvar Kamprad, Warren Buffett, Lucy Guo, and Chuck Feeney, the episode aims to extract actionable insights from their lives that we all can implement in our own.Noting that wealth is built on key behaviors, not just saving, McKay highlights the power of continuous learning, calculated risk-taking, and an unwavering commitment to a "winning strategy". He also explores the value of "urgency bias," doubling down on talents, and prioritizing time. Throughout this revelatory episode, our host stresses that true worth stems from contribution (as exemplified by Chuck Feeney's philanthropy), and guides listeners to appreciate the significance of these proven habits and cultivate a mindset for prosperity and satisfaction.Main Themes:Successful individuals avoid procrastination and act promptly.Embracing lifelong learning and constantly seeking knowledge is crucial.Willingness to take informed, calculated risks is a common trait.A relentless commitment to a clear, winning strategy sets them apart.They focus efforts and creativity on their greatest strengths.Prioritizing time, often investing money to save it, is key.Hiring and learning from experts is something they do readily.Find true worth and satisfaction in helping others and making a contribution.Entrepreneurial journeys often begin in their teenage years.Top 10 Quotes:"Most people think that great brands like Tesla just appeared, but not so.""Wealthy people are always learning.""Your mind is your greatest asset.""The truth is, you can always make money, but you can't always make more time.""I think most people could have work-life balance if they cut out where they waste their time.""They pay for expertise without hesitation.""The habits of wealthy individuals are not built on secret formulas or mere good fortune.""The compounding effect of such habits can redefine both financial outcomes and life satisfaction."Show Links: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