Today, McKay reflects on the curves we all experience in the road of life and discusses how we can not only cope but also thrive when life throws us a curve. He discusses how leaning into life can make all the difference.  He opens up today’s episode on an unexpected note, recounting the trials and tribulations of the world’s famous eating contest competitors.  And while McKay doesn’t expect you to become Nathan’s next hotdog eating champion, he does hope that you lean in and commit to whatever endeavors you decide to pursue in this life the way those champions do.  Give it your all - don’t just dip your toe in.  
McKay goes on to urge the audience to inspire others to lean into their own lives and goals as well, especially when working in a team.  When all group members are leaning in with their own unique skill sets, the team is more likely to thrive. It’s important to remember that life will still throw you curveballs, and it can be easy just to give up.  But, just like in baseball, if you strike out, there will always be another chance to try again.  Take Clay Dyer, professional sport bass fisherman, for instance; born without an arm on his left side and half an arm on the opposite, he made it his goal to become a fisherman, despite the unlikelihood of him making it big.  But because he leaned in, he made it happen. Learn to lean into life and you can make great things happen as well.
The Finer Details of This Episode: 


The grit in eating contests
Committing 
The story of John Hancock
Inspiring others
Leaning into the turn on a bike
Coping with curveballs
Clay Dyer



Quotes: 


“Now, it's not likely that you and I are going to become professional speed eaters, but you have to admire a few things about these people. They are seriously committed to what they do. They lean into it with all their appetites.”
“Let's say you've decided to give an online business a try. When you only dip your toe in the water, when you only give it a balanced effort, when you never lean fully into it, you're not likely to do as well.”
“When you lean into people, when you're inclined towards their potential, they often rise and they often improve, and I was reminded how much other people need us to lean into them and have faith in them.”
“When you find something you love, lean in and recognize that, in the game of life, you will strike out a few times at the plate.”
“When a batter goes to bat, he'll get a hit 30% of the time. Players that hit .300 get paid the most, and they feel great about their performance. And you know what? We ought to feel the same. You don't win every time, and life isn't fair.”
“Whatever you lean into will make the difference. So as we end today, remember, like competitive eaters, it doesn't matter what you've chosen to do, or what you've decided to be remarkable at doing. Lean into it with all your heart, focus and effort.”
“Lean in.  Give what you have. At least, you'll learn and grow, and, at most, you'll succeed beyond your expectations.”


Links: 


https://www.mckaychristensen.org/ (Open Your Eyes With McKay Christiansen)