We all have important races we are trying to finish in life. For some, that race may be to finish college, or get their business to the place they know it can be, or to raise honest and capable kids. For others, it might be to lose the weight, beat cancer, or survive and thrive after divorce. Whatever our race is, McKay reminds us all today that we are endowed with great talents, and that if we stay in the race, we can prevail and reach our full potential.

He uses the story of Dale Earnhardt and the Daytona International Speedway as a metaphor to introduce today's topic, elaborating on some proven secrets of getting back and finishing the race in your life. These include unhooking the load that's holding you back, whether that's your past, criticism from other people, or longstanding habits. McKay also delves into the remarkable story of the never-giving-up American speed skater Dan Jansen who finished his race despite personal difficulties and years of failure by breaking a ten-year Olympic record. At the heart of McKay's message today is to not let life's inequities keep you out of the race, but to stay focused on your purpose and discover that you are actually meant to be driving in the greatest race of life – becoming who you are meant to be.

The Finer Details of This Episode:

Dale Earnhardt's experience on the Daytona International Speedway.
Finishing your race despite adversity
Proven secrets to getting back on the track and finishing the race
A chemist, an electrician, and an IT guy get stranded after their car breaks down...
The importance of rebooting in finishing your race
Unhooking the boat of your past, your habits, or the criticism of other people
Dan Jansen's race
A lesson to not let life's inequities keep you out of the race—the story of Victoria Ruvolo

Quotes

"Few people understand the extreme danger of driving at such high speeds. And it takes courage - immense courage - to finish each race. But it was something that his Dad did 136 times in his career."

"There is joy in trading paint in the bumps and bruises of the race. And it's there that you find out who you really are, you learn how to protect those in the race with you and secure the lead, and you live life more fully when you're in the race."

"It is likely that we ordinary people are being asked to do extraordinary things and may even be racing right now without the right equipment or vision."

"My dad took me aside and said, 'Son, if you ever want to win a NASCAR race, you'll have to unhook the boat you've been towing behind your car the last 10 races.'"

"Here he was in his fourth Olympics after enduring one disappointment after another and still dragging the weight of those falls."

"As ridiculous as it may be to see a car in the Daytona 500 pulling a boat behind it, it is just as crazy that you and I still carry these mindsets of the past."

"How do you win when you are in a tug of war with your doubts? Drop the rope."

"As John C. Maxwell said, 'You cannot always control what happens to you, but you can control what happens in you.'"

"One lesson I want my children and grandchildren to learn is that life is rarely, if ever, fair. The truth is that we must take control of our life now. There is usually no hero coming to save the day. Life is unfair. And usually, there is no referee to call out the fouls or offenses that come our way. I learned a long time ago that everything in life is not fun or interesting or easy."

Show Links:

Open Your Eyes with McKay Christensen

S4E40 - Finish Your Race