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.
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• Life rewards persistence, authenticity, and grit over perfect timing.
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• Comparing your journey to others leads to paralysis and a false sense of being behind.
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• Early success does not guarantee a simple path, just as a late start does not preclude greatness.
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• Your past experiences, even the challenging ones, can provide the wisdom and depth needed for future success.
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• The end of one chapter, like a job or a dream, is not the end of your story.
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• Starting over is not a sign of failure; it is proof that you are still fighting for your future.
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• Embrace the support of others, as encouragement is crucial when trying again.
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• Your worth is not defined by a timeline, but by your courage to show up.
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• 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