S04E13 - It’s An Inside Job

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/