On McKay’s 50th podcast episode, he talks about the importance of staying in your lane, and opens this week by introducing the story of Sarah Blakely, the creator of SPANX.  He talks about her unhappiness as a fax machine saleswoman and her perseverance in the industry.  Only after dedicating herself to her position did she serendipitously find success in the hosiery business.  McKay notes that, although dedicating yourself to your craft in the face of unhappiness is no easy feat, giving yourself fully or staying in your lane is the most surefire method to achieve success. 

He goes on to recall the story of Dirk Nowitzki, the starting center for the Dallas Mavericks.  McKay remembers the moment when Dirk turned down high offers at other teams and chose to stay with Dallas - a prime example of staying in your lane.  He didn’t forego his path for the sake of money, but stayed true to his goal.  McKay concludes this episode by reminding us all that there is huge value in being loyal to others, to your calling, to your values, and that you will find you can travel faster, make more progress and feel better about who you are when you stay in your lane with confidence.

The Finer Details of This Episode: 

• Sarah Blakely’s journey to create SPANX
• Finding serendipitous success
• The importance of giving yourself fully
• Dirk Nowitzki’s loyalty to the Dallas Mavericks
• Why imitation never works
• Why one should avoid worrying about others
• Focusing on yourself 

Quotes: 

“You see too often in life, we don't stay in our lane. We think things are better doing what someone else is doing or want to shift strategy, because things are temporarily hard or something else seems a little more inviting.”

“You develop skills and meet people that can likely change the course of your life. And on it goes.”

“Give your full commitment to your relationship even though things aren't perfect.”

“There is depth in anything you give yourself to fully.”

“Staying in your lane is more than being focused, committed, or loyal. It also means you give yourself to what you were called to do.”

“Stick to your lane until the time is right to add a boat or camper, and until then, smile.”

“Now I've known people who are very good at staying in their lane in life. They just have this way about them. They're not worried about other people. They're not obsessed with what other people do wrong. They're just confident and observant and patient and comfortable with who they are.”

“Next time you're tempted to be nosy or out of your lane, or critical of someone else or wanting to direct their life, say to yourself, ‘I've resigned from that job.’”

“Every second you spend driving someone else's car is not spent driving yours.”

Links: 

Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen