Today’s episode of the Open Your Eyes podcast is all about the journey towards finding purpose in life and the power of perspective in shaping our experiences. To begin, Mckay introduces the story of Eugene, a man who had a script for his life with careers in the police force, Air Force, and as a professional pilot, but was left wondering what he was looking for after a plane crash left him unable to fly. From there, our host delves into the theme of examining our views and perspectives in order to make good choices that lead us towards finding our purpose. McKay also discusses the importance of taking bold steps and going outside of our comfort zones in order to find our purpose, using the story of William Shatner as an example. Additionally, he explores the idea that we often have the skills and abilities we need to succeed, and that changing our perspective can help us reach our goals. Our host goes on to use his own experience, and the story of a business owner with whom he worked, to illustrate these themes and encourage us all to think about our own journey towards finding purpose and achieving success.The Finer Details of This Episode:Shaping your own story Making good choicesKnowing what you’re looking forExamining your views and perspectivesBeing open to new opportunities and experiencesThinking about what you are looking for in lifeTaking steps towards finding your purposeQuotes:"I believe there are new and wonderful things waiting for you and me this year.""Ultimately, we get to choose how our story will be written.""I think this happens to us now and then... we come to realize, ‘I don't really know what I'm looking for.’""Sometimes you need to boldly go where you otherwise wouldn't to really find what you're looking for - to find you.""To discover something more valuable... do something unexpected.""Hesitate less. Go to that event. Make the phone call. Extend yourself and swallow your pride.""The rewards are so great because so few ever succeed. Too many succumb to despair and fail along the way without realizing they already possess all the talent necessary to reach success.""Everything was waiting for her to switch her belief window to, ‘I am prepared, I am ready for just a moment as this, and I can seize today and act with urgency.’""We can't let our past dictate our present or our future.""We must be willing to let go of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/

In this episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay discusses the importance of enjoying the journey as you work towards your goals. He begins with the story of Alfonso Cuarón, the Mexican film director behind hits like A Little Princess, Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban, and Children of Men, to illustrate the idea that sometimes it's the struggles and challenges we face on the way to achieving our goals that can ultimately lead to our greatest successes. He also goes on to encourage listeners to find joy and purpose in the journey of goal setting and self-improvement, rather than just focusing on the end result.McKay delves into the story of Cuarón's journey to create the film Gravity, highlighting the challenges and struggles he and his son faced while writing the screenplay and the importance of perseverance and enjoying the process. He emphasizes how these qualities can benefit us all as we seek to achieve success and live a fulfilling life. Our host also shares personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate the idea that it's important to embrace the journey and find joy in the present, rather than missing out on life's experiences because we're too focused on our goals or our fears. Throughout the episode, he touches upon the themes of fear, abundance, and mindfulness, encouraging listeners to find ways to embrace the present moment, cultivate an attitude of abundance, and practice mindfulness in order to fully engage with and enjoy life. McKay draws the episode to a close with an inspiring story about a group of students being asked to list the Seven Wonders of the World, and the insightful response of one of those students.The Finer Details of This Episode:Goal setting as an energizing and enjoyable processAlfonso Cuarón, his son, and the writing of the screenplay for GravityResilience and finding purpose in the face of hardship Embracing the journey and finding joy in the present momentActions that can prevent us from fully enjoying life's experiencesCultivating an attitude of abundance The benefits of mindfulness Finding The Seven Wonders of the World in everyday experiencesQuotes:"Too often we go about setting goals the wrong way. We reluctantly write down the things we need to change or goals for our business and life, thinking of the work and effort it will take to reach those goals, all the while missing the infusion of energy and joy that this time of year and goal setting can bring to our life.""And it was that struggle that Cuarón's son had experienced in his own life that helped them write the screenplay for Gravity and move the story forward.""It's the journey that teaches us so much about ourselves and others.""Finding purpose in the face of hardship can lead to a fulfilling life.""Life is short. Enjoy the ride.""Why is it that when we set a big goal that sometimes it robs us of our ability to enjoy the moment? Well, it's often because we're focused on what's next, and maybe we're afraid, a bit, of that big goal or what it's going to take to achieve it, and that focus or that fear occupies our focus.""You and I are the same. We're on the same ride. Ups and downs, turns and twists. We can open our eyes and enjoy the ride if we choose.""Think abundantly. Abundance is really your ability to see more in life. More options, more choices, more resources. And that starts with noticing more."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/