In this enlightening episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay guides listeners through a gripping real-life incident involving a truck driver, a catastrophic accident, and the heroic efforts of bridge builder C.C. Myers. This narrative serves as a powerful exploration of the vital question: "When people look at you, what do they see?" highlighting the importance of perception and the signs of success we project.

McKay recounts the dramatic fuel tanker accident in Benicia, California, and how C.C. Myers' exceptional skills and confidence transformed a potential disaster into a remarkable success. The episode delves into Myers' strategic approach to winning the project bid, the importance of projecting confidence, as well as Christian Laettner's legendary basketball moment as an illustration of knowing you can succeed. It further examines how inspiring visions and focused goals, as demonstrated by Howard Schultz's turnaround of Starbucks, can lead to significant achievements. Practical advice on eliminating distractions, embracing a second brain for better productivity, and the importance of being coachable and learning from mistakes rounds out the discussion. Through his reflections on a variety of narratives, McKay unearths profound insights into presenting ourselves as reliable and successful individuals in both personal and professional realms.

Episode Highlights:

• The dramatic account of a fuel tanker accident in Benicia, California
• The heroic and efficient bridge rebuilding efforts led by CC Myers
• Analysis of Myers' confident and strategic approach to winning the project bid
• The significance of projecting confidence and knowing you can succeed, illustrated by Christian Laettner's legendary basketball moment
• The role of inspiring visions and focused goals in achieving success
• Lessons from Howard Schultz's turnaround of Starbucks by eliminating friction and streamlining operations
• Practical advice on eliminating distractions and embracing a second brain for better memory and productivity
• The importance of being coachable, learning from mistakes, and projecting humility and confidence

Key Takeaways:

"A frog in a well cannot conceive of the ocean."

"We can't be what we can't see. Our view is critical to our well-being, happiness, and success."

"People are attracted to people who show the signs of success."

"In order to succeed, you must first believe you can."

"Ubuntu: A person can only be a person through others."

"An inspiring vision will shape the path you travel."

"Eliminate resistance that could hinder your progress."

"Get a second brain. Always carry a notebook."

"Celebrate small victories often, mourn failures quickly."

"Think purposefully about what you're saying to the world."

Links:

https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

On today’s episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay sheds light on the concept of excellence, revealing it to be a personal philosophy rather than an external prize. Taking inspiration from the legendary Michael Phelps among others, our host dives deep into the secrets of achieving greatness, demonstrating how it is, indeed, an inside job.

McKay peels back the layers of Michael Phelps' record-breaking journey, exploring his rigorous training routines, unwavering commitment, and the invaluable guidance of his coach, Bob Bowman. Transcending the realm of physical prowess, today’s episode emphasizes the critical role of mental fortitude and a relentless pursuit of improvement. By weaving in inspiring stories of excellence in everyday life, from education to personal growth, McKay demonstrates how exceeding expectations leads not only to success but also to profound fulfillment. Listen in today and you are guaranteed to walk away with actionable strategies to foster a culture of excellence, transforming both your personal and professional spheres.

Episode Highlights:

• Seeing excellence as an internal commitment rather than an external achievement
• Insights into Michael Phelps' intense training schedule and dietary habits that contributed to his success
• The critical role of Phelps' coach, Bob Bowman, in instilling a relentless pursuit of perfection
• Stories of how excellence manifests in different areas of life, including education and personal growth
• The significance of mental focus and overcoming distractions to achieve extraordinary results
• How a mindset of doing more than what is required leads to greater fulfillment and success
• Practical advice on fostering a culture of excellence in both professional and personal settings.

Key Takeaways:

"Excellence is an inside job; it starts with a decision and a commitment to be your best."

"Michael Phelps' success was not just about his physical attributes but his mental toughness and dedication."

"In life, doing the least becomes a habit, but so does striving for excellence."

"The pursuit of excellence fills people with energy and positivity."

"Excellence is not about stress or extra hours; it's an attitude and an intention."

"When you decide to be excellent, amazing things happen."

"Teaching children to strive for excellence begins with instilling the right beliefs and attitudes."

"Creating a culture of excellence involves modeling the behaviors and attitudes you want to see."

Links:

https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

Shining his spotlight onto the power of quotes, today, McKay explores how seemingly simple phrases can crystallize complex lessons, offer powerful guidance, and transform our lives. The key, he argues, lies not just in the words themselves, but in how we personalize them and integrate them into our own journeys.

Among the many examples McKay shares that illustrate the impact of quotes are the way in which his own father used quotes to impart wisdom, and the story of Church Leader, David O. McKay (after whom our host is named), who, as a young missionary, found purpose through an inscription he encountered. He also highlights the story of Clay Dyer, a professional bass fisherman with formidable physical limitations who overcame them through sheer determination, inspired by a powerful quote. By weaving together stories, personal anecdotes, and timeless proverbs, McKay reminds listeners that quotes aren't just motivational soundbites – they can be the starting point for taking responsibility for our lives and achieving our goals, as long as we don't let fear hold us back.

Episode Highlights:

• How inspiring quotes offer powerful life lessons in simple sentences

• The impact of integrating quotes into your life

• Finding quotes that resonate deeply and become your personal mantras

• The power of proverbs

• Quotes that shape purpose

• Unleashing the power of quotes to inspire taking charge of your life and attitude

• Overcoming obstacles

• Conquering fear and pursuing goals

Key Takeaways:

"The rewards are great if one succeeds, but the rewards are so great because so few succeed. Too many succumb to despair and fail along the way without realizing they already possess all the tools necessary for success." - Og Mandino

"Whate'er thou art, act well thy part." - Inscription seen by David O. McKay

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." - Corrie ten Boom

"If the whole world was blind, how many people would you impress?" - Boonaa Mohammed

"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up." - John C. Maxwell

"Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." - Babe Ruth

"We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." - Seneca the Younger

Links:

https://www.mckaychristensen.org/