Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

Hosted by McKay Christensen

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285

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Sep 2026

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About the show

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

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September 28, 202629 min

S6E18 - Think Again

This week, McKay explores the profound impact that thinking has upon our lives, offering fresh insights into the transformative power of thought and how it shapes one’s reality. Through intriguing stories and valuable lessons, he navigates the terrain of thought and its influence while introducing the art of thinking anew to unlock a more fulfilling life. Acknowledging the idea that pain is an inevitable part of life, McKay notes that suffering remains optional, and it is our thoughts that determine our reactions to events. This concept, illustrated through the life-altering experiences of Erin Stoffel and Steve Ullmer, underscores the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in achieving personal growth and better decision-making. Our host also encourages listeners to overcome biases, think more objectively, and find optimism and positive meaning in challenging situations. Ultimately, today’s thought-provoking episode serves as a beacon of inspiration, guiding us all toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life by harnessing the power of our own thoughts. Episode Highlights: How thoughts shape our reality and perception of life Erin Stoffel's resilience and her compassionate response to tragedy Suffering being influenced by your thoughts Embracing curiosity to foster personal growth and expand your horizons The importance of mindfulness for self-acceptance and better decision-making Recognizing biases' impact on your thinking Strategies for objective thinking How optimism and positive meaning can enhance your life in challenging situations The ways in which compassionate thinking can influence and inspire others Quotes: "Thought is not reality. Yet, it is through thought that our realities are created." "Anxiety is thought without control. Peace is control by choosing the right thought." "Our thoughts hold the key to shaping our reality, influencing how we perceive the world." "Erin's story reminds us that resilience isn't about avoiding pain; it's about how we respond to it with compassion and forgiveness." "The concept of the 'second arrow' is a profound reminder that our suffering often stems from our reaction to life's unavoidable pains." "Curiosity can be a powerful tool for personal growth, helping us step out of our comfort zones and expand our horizons." "Mindfulness allows us to understand and accept ourselves, leading to more informed and thoughtful decision-making." "We all have biases, but recognizing them is the first step toward thinking more objectively and making fairer judgments." "Optimism isn't just wishful thinking; it's a mindset that can help us find positive meaning even in the most challenging circumstances." "Compassionate thinking has a ripple effect, inspiring others and creating a chain of positivity that can change lives." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

September 21, 202631 min

S6E17 - Do It Anyway

This week, McKay takes a look at that all too familiar feeling of not really wanting to do something, and then proceeds to highlight the potential benefits of actually going ahead and doing that thing anyway. Filled with his trademark stories, reflections, and insights, our host’s investigation here today offers enlightening lessons on motivation, discipline, and purpose that promise to transform listeners' perspective on life. During this thought-provoking episode, McKay explores the concept of taking action even when motivation seems elusive. Drawing inspiration from diverse sources, he uncovers the secrets to happiness and success while discussing how discipline plays a pivotal role in achieving these life goals. Throughout the episode, our host navigates various themes, including the significance of commitment, the legendary tale of Jonah, and the impact of creating a culture of excellence. Challenging the myth that motivation is the sole driver of action, McKay takes the opportunity today to pave the way for a more profound understanding of how dedication, discipline, and a “do it anyway” mindset can lead to fulfillment in our lives. Episode Highlights: An awe-inspiring encounter with humpback whales The significance of facing fears and taking action even when unwilling Drawing inspiration from the legendary tale of Jonah The power of discipline in achieving lasting success and happiness The misconception about motivation and the importance of commitment How creating a culture of excellence can lead to remarkable results Exploring the concept of the "abundant approach" How helping others adds motivation Embracing discipline, finding integrity, and seeking happiness in life Quotes: "We can't be what we can't see. At the core of our behavior is how we see the world and our place in it." "For some time now, I've been nudged and inspired and given opportunities to go in a direction that God wants me to go. And for whatever reason, I've been a bit slow to respond." "Don't give in to the immediate gratification of the thing. Give in instead to your true motive." "Motivation is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work." "The winners didn't need motivation. They put a system in place in their life or business and established small habits of discipline." "Life takes the shape of an iceberg…90% of the time, the things that drive results are the work without motivation below the surface." "The definition of integrity is doing something you've decided to do long after the emotion of making the decision to do it has passed." "Happiness and success often come from doing things even when you don't feel like it." "Embrace your potential and fulfill your purpose, even if it means doing things you don't want to do." "Creating a culture of excellence and discipline can lead to outstanding results, even when the task is repetitive and not initially exciting." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

September 14, 202631 min

S6E16 - You Got This

Today, McKay explores the power of an “I Got This” belief in your life. McKay then recounts the inspiring story of Amy Bockerstette, a golfer with Down syndrome who defied the odds and became the first person with the condition to play in the Arizona high school state championship and go on to golf on the PGA tour as a sponsor guest. Amy uses an “I Got This” approach to her life. Throughout the episode, McKay uses examples of how you can develop your own “I Got This” approach to work, overcoming habits and life. Essential to this mindset is the power of surrounding yourself with people who empower your core belief, treating opportunities as a privilege, and the empowering strength of taking action. In essence, today’s episode highlights the power of mindset, work and action in empowering yourself and your team. He emphasizes the importance of taking action, even when it is difficult, and believing that “you’ve got this” so you can move closer to your goals. Episode Highlights: Self-belief as a crucial factor in achieving our goals Amy Bockerstette's story The statistics around the chances of making it to the professional level in sports The difference that encouragement and uplifting messages can make Cultivating self-belief through positive self-talk and affirmations Believing in ourselves and putting in the work The story of the Thompson triplets Treating things as opportunities rather than requirements Taking action, even when it is difficult The different impact of action and inaction The impact of a team understanding and feeling what they're fighting for Moving closer or further away from who you're meant to be Quotes: "Self-belief is the foundation for achieving greatness in any area of our lives." "Amy Bockerstette's story reminds us that anything is possible if we believe in ourselves." "Sponsors' exemptions are a testament to the power of self-belief and the willingness to seize opportunities." "Encouragement and uplifting messages can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling with self-doubt." "Self-belief is not just a mindset, it's a way of life that can lead to success in all areas." "Few things at my age are more important than one - surrounding myself with good people who influence me for good, and two - being the type of person who can lift others by my goodness or work ethic." "The contagious effect that they had on each other gave them the needed power to do the work to win." "He who has a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how’." "Inaction breeds doubt, complacency, fear. Action feeds your faith." Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

September 7, 202630 min

S6E15 - Your Unfair Advantage

Do you ever feel like life is unfair? While it is true life has its disadvantages, there are also unfair advantages, if we can open our eyes to see them. That’s what McKay talks about on this episode of the Open Your Eyes podcast. Hurdles, roadblocks, and inequities are inevitable. But if we look closely, we can see how those inequities can set us up to have an unfair advantage. After all, disappointments are often blessings in disguise. We can find a real silver lining in and grow from loss and disappointment that sometimes comes our way. In this episode, McKay walks us through the steps necessary to start looking for the unfair advantage. With lessons about pursuing the path presented and working smarter, McKay’s ultimate goal is to help listeners embrace the uncomfortable and reach their true potential. So listen to this special episode and start seeking out the unfair advantage in your own life. The Finer Details of This Episode: Why change isn’t always fair Using inequity in our favor Growing from loss Pursuing the path presented Working smarter Embracing the wildly uncomfortable Quotes: “Life forces another wing to be added. We have to remodel a worn out room, change something about ourselves we don’t want to change, and much of what has to change or get remodeled in our life isn’t always fair.” “Tragedy, illness, and other inequitable things will come our way. In a small way, I can relate. I have lived my entire life with pain, primarily back pain, from an accident at the age of 15. But through the years that pain has kept me more humble, more prayerful, and hopeful. Yes, it would be easier without it, but I can’t imagine who I would be without it.” “But it’s a great lesson in life to see how things can and do lean in our favor.” “Now losses in life aren’t always compensated or unfairness always repaired. And all of us should be in the business of helping others like Jennie Taylor with the means to support her family. But I do believe that we grow and become who we are supposed to be through things that are unfair.” “When things work against us, it can empower us to learn how to not just work hard but work smart.” “As you have likely heard, success leaves clues. You can learn a lot, gain unfair advantages from watching and learning from what other people do.” Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

August 31, 202632 min

S6E14 - You Always Have a Choice

Today on the podcast, McKay chats about making tough choices, the Endowment Effect, and why great risks can have great rewards. Opening up the episode with a story about two men’s dangerous descent down the face of Peru’s Siula Grande, McKay details the hardest decision of one of their lives and what it’s like to work under pressure. From picking flavors at the ice cream shop to a marriage proposal, choices follow us everywhere, even when we think we don’t have any. Feeling helpless or trapped? There is always a way out, but it isn’t always easy. That’s why this episode is all about forgetting failure, forsaking the status quo, and paying attention to the mood. The most important thing to remember, though, is that nothing changes unless you do. Taking risks can be scary, but you also just might find that your best life may lie on the other side. If McKay’s learned anything in his life, it’s that he’s never regretted making a bold choice, whether it went his way or not. So take a note from the Christiansen book, and listen to what he has to say about decision making and why it’s okay to make the daring one. The Finer Details of This Episode: Mount Huascaran and Yungay’s powerful earthquake Simpson and Yates’ dangerous descent Making tough choices Why life is your greatest instructor Status Quo Bias Focusing on failure Risk and rewards How mood affects decision making Quotes: “They enjoyed the thrill of their success only for a few minutes before the dread of the descent covered their thinking. Why? Because 80 percent of the deaths and accidents on climbs like this happen on the descent.” “If he cut the rope, he knew he would be sending his friend below him to a certain death. But if he didn’t cut the rope he would fall along with Joe and likely die as well. There was no good choice. How do you choose?” “Some of us don’t like to make a choice, because the consequences are hard to live with, and impact us and others.” “We make bad judgments, lack experience, misread, misinterpret, and mistake the wrong thing for the right thing. And life is tough. Life teaches us there are consequences for bad choices. And, as a result, we may shy away from those choices.” “What is often true is: you can’t change the cards you are dealt with, but you can change how you play them.” “When faced with a choice that involves an element of risk, the vast majority of people will choose what they have: the status quo.” “I get feeling helpless or trapped. I have felt this way before, but there is something liberating and energizing about choosing.” “And it may be time to make the bolder choice, to purposefully act against mood and the status quo in your life. If you don’t feel like it, that very mood and feeling may be telling you to choose it anyway. Your best life may be found on the other side of today’s difficult choice.” Links: https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

August 24, 202630 min

S6E13 - Remember Who You Are

Sometimes, in life, we can forget who we are. The way of the world, comparisons, circumstances can rob us of our view of our true value and potential. Often, the world attempts to define who we are or tell us we are something other than who we know we can be. But when we remember who we are, we become empowered. And the same goes for teams, organizations and families. On today’s episode, McKay dives into how we can remember who we are. McKay opens with a moving story about Humboldt Canada and the tragic events of the Humboldt Bronco Hockey Team. He recounts the experience of Scott Thomas after losing his son, Evan, and what the city of Humboldt did to remember who they were as a city and who the players were as a team. McKay reviews why it’s so important to remind yourself of who you are, where you’re going, and why. Too often, failure and others’ opinions prevent us from embracing ourselves. Take the MLB’s Nolan Ryan for example, who nearly let his hall-of-fame professional career slip away, purely because he lacked confidence. McKay also goes on to tackle some techniques that can help you stay authentic, such as journaling, avoiding doubt and dabble, and ultimately feeding your faith. As you will hear today, you’re the only person who knows you best, and it’s important to listen to that. The Finer Details of This Episode: The origins of GoFundMe The Humboldt Bronco’s bus accident Staying true to your choices Nolan Ryan’s journey to the MLB Reminding yourself where you want to go The value of journaling Don’t doubt or dabble Feeding your faith Quotes: “That day when Evan came home from school, he was crying and trying desperately to wipe the birthmark from his cheek. He tried and tried again to wash it away, but wasn't able to do so. And he wondered why God had given him this mark on his cheek.” “And everyone knew it meant that their son, if still at the scene, was gone.” “It was his birthmark, the mark on his cheek that his dad looked for when he came to recognize Evan. It was his birthmark, the mark that he never wanted on his cheek that helped his dad recognize him when it was his dad's time to identify him.” “Always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and twice as valuable than you ever imagined. Sometimes the world attempts to define who we are, or tell us we are something other than who we know we can be.” “If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great. Well, the players embrace the hard of it, and go on to find out who they really are.” “And one house after another had sticks set out hoping that those who had passed away would see that they are loved and that they remembered who they were. So put your sticks out so to speak and remind yourself frequently who you are. Next, write or talk to yourself.” “Likewise, it's easy for us to let the fungus of doubt or discouragement take over our livelihood. That's why we need an injection of faith every day: faith in ourselves, in our team, in the fact that there are good things– great things waiting for you in the future. So make it a point to feed your mind and soul with faith.” Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

August 17, 202625 min

S6E12 - Be the Light

McKay delves into the transformative power of being an "illuminator" in a world often focused on the "spotlight." By choosing to see the "need" rather than just the "devastation," we find our true calling and the opportunity to create a lasting impact. Our host uses Drew Brees’s "wrong turn" in New Orleans to show that interruptions are often revelations, and shares stories of a baby-holding teacher and a community pizza shop that highlight how goodness is contagious. He goes on to challenge us all to bring light to our homes and workplaces by listening deeply and offering hope rather than demanding attention. Ending with a sobering survival story, McKay urges us to live so our "auras" shine bright when needed most. Main Themes: How Drew Brees found his purpose in the devastation of New Orleans. Understanding that the spotlight is about attention, while the light is about helping others see. How Veronika Scott’s "Empowerment Plan" began by hearing what a person actually needed. The "pay it forward" legacy of Rosa’s Fresh Pizza in Philadelphia. The story of Jim O’Connor, the tough math teacher who also volunteered to hold babies at a local hospital. The perspective that we don’t need to become the light, but rather decide where to put the light we already possess. Why it is more important to be light to our families than it is to be impressive to strangers. How to change the emotional temperature of an organization by bringing solutions instead of criticism. Why sharing your light with others never diminishes your own flame. Lessons on living a significant life from the survivors of Singapore Airlines Flight 006. Top 10 Quotes: "Wrong turns are not just simply interruptions; sometimes they’re revelations." "Light is most noticeable precisely where it is darkest." "Listening long enough to discover what someone actually needs... may be one of the most underrated forms of light." "Real light doesn’t need an audience." "A candle doesn’t become weaker because it lights another candle. The first flame remains, but now there are two." "I want to live my life so my aura, when it leaves, is very bright." Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

August 10, 202624 min

S6E11 - Enjoy the Ride

McKay explores the profound impact of perspective on our daily struggles and long-term goals as he makes the case that deciding to "enjoy the ride" is the essential shift needed to turn average days into extraordinary ones. By looking at the creative hurdles behind the film Gravity and the real-life endurance of elite athletes, he illustrates how a mindset of abundance and gratitude allows us to navigate life’s "gravity" without being crushed by it. McKay draws a powerful parallel between an astronaut’s survival and our own pursuits, urging listeners to jettison the "junk" of fear and doubt that creates a drag on our momentum. He shares the story of a realtor named Lee, whose seventeen-year odyssey to conquer the Oceans Seven and the world’s highest peaks proves that while we cannot control the weather or our circumstances, we can control our gratitude for the opportunity. Through the five most important decisions we must make and the simple wisdom of a schoolgirl’s "seven wonders," this episode invites us to stop living for tomorrow and start "dancing" in the life we have today. Main Themes: The philosophy of "Enjoy the Ride" as a catalyst for better results and a healthier mindset How George Clooney helped solve a narrative block with a message of resolve Leaving excuses, fears, and worries in the "unknown" to start anew Lessons in rescheduling and accepting uncontrollable circumstances Learning to enjoy the "commute" of life rather than just the destination A roller coaster video as a lesson in choosing our experience How noticing more options and resources opens new doors The Five Most Important Decisions: Setting values, friends, environment, career, and spouse once to guide the rest of the journey Why stepping out of comfort zones is required to build a "new you" How gaining experience along the way removes the need for excuses Top 10 Quotes: "If you decide to go back to Earth, then you gotta get on with it, sit back, and enjoy the ride." "Too often we get stressed or anxious at our goals rather than enjoying the things we learn along the way." "Abundance is really your ability to see more in your life - more options, more choices, more resources." "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." "When you enjoy the ride, you don’t blame as much." "Good people give you happiness. Bad people give you experience. Worst people give you a lesson. Best people give you memories." "Your life right now may not be the party you had hoped for, but while you’re here, you might as well dance." Show Links: Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

August 3, 202631 min

S6E10 - Fall Seven, Rise Eight

You probably know one of the greatest Japanese proverbs of all time that teaches us about the power of resilience - ‘Fall down seven times, rise eight.’ In this week’s episode, McKay talks about the importance of dusting yourself off after a crisis and getting back up. He kicks off the episode by telling us a powerful story about Florence Rogers and how a seemingly normal day turned out to be an enormous test of her resilience. Just like Rocky Balboa, she decided to keep moving forward after life hit her hard. Next, McKay shares a few other compelling examples of keeping faith during a crisis and rising from the ashes every single time. There’s so much wisdom to unpack from this episode, as McKay shares the most effective tips for surviving tough times and picking yourself back up after you’re down. So if you want to build resilience and learn to endure life’s hardships, make sure you tune into this week’s episode to hear what McKay has to say. The Finer Details of This Episode: The power of rising again Example from the Book of Isaiah Keeping faith in hard times Helpful tools for picking yourself back up Doing the next best thing Changing your mindset Asking for help Quotes: “When you're knocked down, you're left with two choices - stay there or get up. And people asked me, ‘How did you overcome the loss?’ My answer - I got up. No matter what life throws at you, you get up. Even if you need help, you get up.” “Even though it may seem like it's too hard to get up, try again, I promise you can. It is worth one more try.” “It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward.” “Mistakes or a fall or a pause or a failing doesn't need to define you. You are able to mount up with wings of eagles and rise to the person you can and should become.” “There's great power in a new paradigm.” “I promise, the moment you reach out to the right person for help, you will begin to see a way out of your situation.” Links: McKay Christensen Homepage

July 27, 202627 min

S6E9 - The Best in You

Too often in life, we get to thinking that we are less than capable of doing what we set out to do. But the truth is: we are better than we think. So, how do you find the best within you? In this week’s episode, McKay shares some valuable tips for finding the best within you and discovering your own potential. He talks about the dangers of making excuses, why it’s important to take calculated risks in life, and how to rise to your true self. As he nicely puts it, you are way better than you think, even though you might not see it at the moment. However, you’re not alone in this; most people get so caught up in the chaos of everyday life that they miss the beauty of it all. That’s precisely why it is so important for you to tune in today, and learn how you, too, can turn things around and find the best within you. The Finer Details of This Episode: Enjoying the beauty of the moment Recognizing your own potential Dangers of making excuses Taking calculated risks Fulfilling your dreams Risk-taking for a better life Believing in your true value Quotes: “Because people are so busy and focused on their day, they miss the beauty and rarity of the moment.” “In life, there are so many things around us that are, in fact, better than we think. People are better than we think. Circumstances, our life, kids, job, our own potential, often are much better than we think. ” “You are better than you think.” “Over time, it becomes more of a habit to talk than to walk.” “Most of us have ideas or dreams of what we'd love to do. And we make an assessment and the impossibility of the thing takes over. And soon we place the idea on the shelf hoping that someday we can dust it off, open it up and dream a bit more.” “To find the best in us, we must risk a bit of ourselves - our pride, our time, our effort. It's the risk that teaches us to value the outcome.” “It's in the risk of it that we learn to bring out the best in us.” Links: McKay Christensen Homepage