Leading You to Live Out Your God-Given Mission

That’s the question, isn’t it? If we’re connected, you’re probably not someone who settles. You stretch yourself regularly, and you know there’s always more to do and be. Yet even the most conscious leaders can fall into the comfort of what’s familiar. It’s easy to mistake movement for progress, busyness for impact, and routine for purpose. Settling doesn’t always look like giving up, it often looks like: ~ Saying “yes” to things that keep you busy and yet you don’t move you forward ... ~ Downplaying your vision because it feels too big or uncertain ... ~ Waiting for clarity instead of creating it through action ... ~ Feeling restless yet unsure how to break through ... It’s not a lack of ambition. Rather, it’s a lack of space to recalibrate, strategize, and listen to what’s next. Stretching requires intention. It means: ~ Surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to expand ~ Creating space for deep, strategic thinking ~ Taking bold action even when the path isn’t fully mapped out ~ Bringing God into the process so you’re aligned, not just accomplished I used to wonder where leaders -- those who wanted to change the world -- went to do this kind of work, to breathe life into their vision and build their next level. When I couldn’t find it, I built it. A space for those who refuse to settle for “someday.” Because when you decide to stretch into your highest calling, clarity follows. And when you surround yourself with others who are doing the same, transformation happens. Where are you stretching next? ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify one area where you’ve been holding back, whether it’s speaking up, taking a bold step, or committing fully to your vision, Then take one action today to stretch beyond it. Growth happens when you move past comfort. And the miracle happens after you take the leap of faith.

Everyone wants success, yet few are willing to take the steps required to make it happen. The difference between those who wish for more and those who create it comes down to one thing — moving from belief to bold, faith-filled action. Napoleon Hill famously wrote in PMA: Science of Success Course that "The majority of people never discover the difference between wishing and believing; nor do they recognize that there are six steps which people usually follow in using their mind-power for the attainment of their desires. These steps are: First: Wishing or having wishes. The vast majority of people go through life by merely wishing for things. The percentage of people who stop at wishing is estimated to be 70%. Second: Developing wishes into desires. A much smaller percentage of the people develop their wishes into desires. These are estimated at 10%. Third: Developing wishes and desires into hopes. A still smaller percentage, estimated to be 8%, develop their wishes and desires into hopes. Fourth: Use mind-power to form hopes into beliefs. A still smaller percentage, estimated at only 6%, apply their mind-power up to do this step. Fifth: Crystallize wishes, desires, hopes, and beliefs into burning desire and faith. A very much smaller percentage of people, 4%, get this far in transforming their initial wishes. Sixth: Put faith into action by (1) planning and (2) carrying out those plans. The percentage of people who take the last two steps, putting their faith into action, is estimated to be only 2%. The outstanding leaders in every walk of life are the ones who carry on through each step and reach the sixth. They are a small group who recognize the power of their own minds, take possession of that power, and direct it to whatever ends they choose. To these people, the word impossible has no truth to it—no relevance to their lives. To them, everything they want or need is possible, and they manage to get it or make it happen." To quote Napoleon Hill, "The only trait which differentiates them from most of the others who accept failure as their lot, is that they recognize and use their mind's power for the attainment of the circumstances and things they want while the others do not. " I believe that this process, this use of my mind, and the power of my intention are how I ended up with a farm, barn, caretaker's cottage, and an event center. When you surround yourself with the right environment and take intentional steps forward, the shift from wishing to action becomes easier. That’s why I created the Upside Retreat , a space designed to help purpose-led leaders move beyond possibility and into reality. You were created with the power to bring your vision to life. Every desire placed on your heart is there for a reason, and it's your responsibility to move it forward. Action, guided by faith, is what creates transformation. So trust the process. Lean into what’s possible. And take the next step. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to recognize where you started with a wish and went through all six steps to bring it into action or being. If you cannot find an example, start today. Commit to persevering, to ignoring the concept of impossible. Whether you are celebrating a past success or starting anew, strengthen your mind-muscle around developing wishes through beliefs to faith to fruition. Go shine your light. Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Creating a life you want sounds like it should be EASY … … yet most people get caught up in the busyness of life and fail to identify what they truly desire. Studies show that very few people actually live a life that aligns with what they deeply want. See, most people fill in the blanks with what they believe they can have, rather than what they truly want. To build a life that reflects your deepest desires, you must have absolute clarity about what you want and why. Instead, many have a “dream life list" centered around things, rather than what matters at a Soul level. When you have CLARITY at a cellular level: ~> You don’t get distracted by bright, shiny objects. ~> You make choices based on what matters most at all times. ~> You focus on the journey rather than just the final destination. ~> You fully experience and enjoy each moment, even amidst challenges. There are no “failures” … … just opportunities to learn, pivot, and grow. Humans are hardwired to learn and improve. If we weren’t, we never would have left the cave, invented the wheel, explored new lands, or traveled to outer space. To gain this level of clarity, your life must have SPACIOUSNESS . If you’re in constant motion, it may seem counterintuitive to slow down. Yes, the world will keep turning, and the people around you will keep moving. Giving yourself time away will leave you refreshed and make you a better friend, parent, spouse, leader, and human. And when you step away, even for a short while, you gain the bandwidth to reflect and reconnect with what truly matters. That’s what intentional time on the farm has given me and it’s exactly why I created my Upside Retreats. Time and time again, I’ve watched my clients step away from the demands of everyday life and step into the clarity they’ve been searching for. They leave with renewed energy, a clear vision, and the confidence to make decisions that align with their highest purpose. For most of my life, I’ve made time away a priority, because I am a priority in my own life. And each time I step into that space, I’m reminded of what’s essential. Take the time. Be clear about who you are, what you want, and why it matters. It’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make. Because a life you love, one that feels aligned at a Soul level, doesn’t just happen. It’s created with intention. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to: Make the decision to invest in yourself. Clear some space in your calendar. Use that space wisely… to breathe, reflect, and realign. Room for replenishment. Room for insight. Go shine your light. The world needs you and your brilliance.

There is an African proverb that has been hanging on the wall in my office for 15 years which reads, “You are the connections you weave.” As someone who values connection, it’s been a personal mantra of mine. The tales of suffering and joy or tragedy and triumph bring about potential connection to others. They reveal our humanity. When shared at the right time and in the right context, they can be powerful gateways that open the doors to unseen opportunities. One of the pillars in my 7 Pillars of Leadership is to “Build Powerful Partnerships. ” Partnership begins with connection, making connection the business equivalent to using a lever in physics. With less effort, you achieve bigger results. The single characteristic shared by all of the successful people I’ve met in my life is their ability to connect and authentically build powerful partnerships, seeking to create a world where everyone wins. Now, these aren’t necessarily formal partnerships; they are connections that lead to opportunities, influence, and impact. And it’s something I taught in-depth at the Upside Summit. Three years ago, I said “YES!” to my friend Alan Belcher's invitation to sponsor his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut. It came after prayerful discernment. I meditated and pendulum tested – and was clear this was mine to do. Never in my wildest dreams could I have envisioned it was ultimately a Leadership Vision Quest expedition filled with countless blessings along the way. From booking the flight to the conversation with several of the guys who were attending before the event to dinner before the event to the fight night at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center to watching the undercard fights to witnessing Alan’s commitment to designing his destiny – and securing a big W to the flight back home, there were more serendipitous moments where God was ever-present than I can count. Back to that proverb, “You are the connections you weave.” Who you choose to do life with matters. Remember, leadership is about inspiring, guiding, and directing others to their Highest and Best good and it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The best leaders understand they need others to reflect back to them who they are and to steady them, providing connection and inspiration. ~ What connections are you weaving? ~ What do your connections say about who you are? The world needs you and your brilliance. Now more than ever. Go shine your light. ACTION: The Upside Challenge is to reach out to someone in your network you haven’t spoken to in a while. Send a message, schedule a call, or reconnect over coffee. The right connections don’t just happen, they’re cultivated with intention. You never know what opportunities, insights, or inspiration could come from a single conversation. Who’s on your heart right now? Reach out today.

In the past, I’ve looked in the mirror and seen a reflection of someone who wasn't good enough to have good things. So I would hide behind false bravado, pretending I felt worthy. I sized up my wins with an imaginary measuring stick. Over the years, what I've learned is ... ~ We all make mistakes. ~ We all get stuff wrong -- or feel like we can't get right. ~ We all say stupid stuff at some point in our lives. And, I've learned getting honest with yourself and being vulnerable is where real change begins. It can lead to forgiveness, including forgiveness of self. See, forgiveness is freeing. It's the only thing that changes the past, present, and future simultaneously in an instant. It's been a LONG TIME since I've been that girl looking in the mirror feeling so much less than enough. And I'm more committed now than ever to living out my divine purpose. Are you? ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify any destructive self-talk and decide to end it. Break the habit. Forgive yourself. Decide to be more committed to your divine purpose than to your old thinking. Set up a reward structure for your success. The world needs you and your brilliance.

"Of course …" “I just knew that would happen.” “I never seem to catch a break.” Maybe these thoughts have entered your head when something went sideways for you, after feeling as if you had gained a bit of momentum and were moving forward. Something must have happened that created a temporary setback. Only you can’t see your way out of it in the moment, and it doesn’t feel so temporary. Then a voice creeps in, validating every doubt you tried to squash, telling you that what you wanted just wasn’t possible—for you. Ouch. For you. Yeah, everyone else can have that sweet taste of success, and you somehow feel you were forgotten by God. For most people, this is the end of the story. Game over. The skeptical inner chatterbox wins again. The setback is simply evidence that other people are really more talented or favored, and what you want isn’t attainable anyway. So you choose to shrink a little, and simultaneously puff out your chest, telling yourself you didn’t really want "x" anyway. Yet for Upside Leaders, the setback isn’t the end of the road. They see it as an unexpected detour on the journey. Oh, and I get that more than most people right now, as I've been channeling my Upside Warrior for the past month, facing challenges with massive amounts of courage. Several friends have even shared they are in awe that I’m still standing after witnessing the blows I’ve faced. You may ask yourself the same question: What makes these two people different? Choice. Direction. Commitment. And, CONSISTENT ACTION. If you feel as if you keep experiencing setback after setback, and you’re not experiencing the BIG W, take an honest look at your consistent actions: Are you living your priority? Are you living moment by moment? Are you noticing—and celebrating—your small wins? Years ago, I got a flat tire on a dangerous highway in New Jersey. I stopped and was grateful for three things: I had a spare. A stranger saw me and offered to help. I didn’t wear white that day. Are you choosing to take consistent action and move forward just 1% ... in all areas of your life every single day?!? Setbacks are part of life and part of being human. Most people spend a good portion of their day looking back instead of being present. The best way to bend and not break when unexpected challenges confront you is to stay the course. The lyrics for one of the songs I've played in past Upside Summits' goes, “ And I’m taking it step by step, day by day, mile by mile … ” People with an Upside attitude see opportunities, not roadblocks. If you’re struggling with how to build this muscle into a powerful engine that propels you forward—seeking to quiet that demeaning, doubting voice that tells you you’ll never truly be successful—let’s talk, and sooner than later. You have a force within you that is more powerful than you may realize. Send me an email to learn more about how to get off this hamster wheel and get into our Upside Leaders program . Don’t go it alone, because the world needs you and your brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to harness in the power of your emotions. What’s one negative emotion you’ve experienced today? Maybe it was frustration, fear, or doubt. Whatever it was, pause for a moment and consider this: Name the emotion and recognize its presence without judgment. Ask yourself: What is God revealing to me through this experience? Take one action that shifts your energy toward growth and alignment. Your emotions are not your enemy; they are a compass, pointing you toward deeper wisdom and clarity. If you’re ready to stop letting setbacks or emotions define your story and want a proven path to breakthrough, let’s talk . The Upside Leaders program is designed to help you rise, rooted in Divine purpose and steady action.

It’s been 20 years since I sat at my desk in Riverside, “California dreaming” about Upside Thinking, LLC. I envisioned it as a global leadership company and brand that would be different from organizations that focused on technical expertise. Our focus would be on happiness, success, and meaning – the top of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. These tenets are built into the Upside Summit, an experience designed to bring leaders together in a way that fosters transformation. Life happens moment by moment, the lows and highs woven together like an exquisite silk tapestry. While it may feel good to focus on the high moments, the lows teach us how to discover and/or create happiness, success, and meaning. I’ve had an unsettling feeling in my bones lately and have questioned from where it’s coming. It feels as if there have been many blows or lows that my body has felt as if I’ve been in the ring with Ali, Mayweather, and Tyson all at the same time. The political landscape, as well as debates over AI, social responsibility, and freedom have created feelings of pain, grief, and outrage – which can be where meaning lives. Yet, it’s not an easy road to walk: feeling feelings, being uncomfortable, examining beliefs, finding clarity in the chaos, and making decisions. Perhaps you understand this. Meaning is defined as “ the sense or significance of… ” and when it intersects with caring about others as much as caring about yourself, then leadership becomes what is ... ... the Highest and Best good for All. You as a leader become more purpose-driven and seek to connect with others who have a similar why. Even when they have different beliefs, the common “why” as a focal point can hold you together. When there is no clear “why,” you have little motivation to take action any differently than you’ve done before. Have the courage to look at the gaps without getting caught up in the swirl of emotion, understanding that our common humanity can serve to unite us. ACTION: The Upside Challenge is to engage in a dialogue of meaning and different types of conversations with family, friends, and colleagues than you might typically have. Don’t shy away from talking about the lows. It is only from this place we can appreciate our differences. To do so is to be made anew. Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance. With everything Upside, Lisa Marie Platske President, Upside Thinking, LLC LisaMarie@UpsideThinking.com 951.334.9162 p.s. True leadership isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you become. The Upside Leaders program is a 12-week journey designed to help you align with the Divine Operating System, so you can lead with clarity, conviction, and impact. If you’re feeling called to more—more meaning, more purpose, more transformation—this is your invitation. Step in, rise up, and lead at your highest level. Join us now.

Cleaning and De-cluttering. This seems to be the daily theme at the farm. Since moving into the property, I’ve been releasing many things from my life: ~ Clothing I hadn’t worn in years ~ New pillows, bedding, and household items that never seemed right ~ Old electronics, including two laptops that a friend was able to re-purpose ~ Papers, papers, and more papers! I’ve also been re-examining what still fits as I move into this new chapter. Getting really honest with why I hold on to things (and people) when they clearly no longer fit in my life. I even deleted hundreds—dare I say thousands—of names from my email list, making my list size the un-sexiest it’s ever been. In the coaching world, this is seen as a fatal mistake—the kiss of death—as your list size is what makes you “cool.” On this part of my journey, I’m much more discerning of the people, places, and situations that are part of my life. I’m examining the distractions that keep me from shining brightly. And, after years of being told not to take things personally, that’s all I’m interested in, because life is personal. You can’t be a leader worth following unless you can see and honor someone’s humanity: ~ What makes their heart hurt ~ What makes them laugh uncontrollably ~ What makes them wonderful and unique That’s the kind of leadership I’m interested in. The kind that’s personal. And that just may take a little de-cluttering and letting go of what and who doesn’t allow you to be the best version of who you’re called to be. Don’t let people, places, or things get in the way of you shining your light. Because the world needs you and your brilliance, now more than ever. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to reflect on what’s taking up space in your life? Take 30 minutes today to identify one physical item or relationship that no longer serves you. Whether it’s an old piece of clothing, a cluttered drawer, or an obligation you’ve outgrown, release it with gratitude for its role in your life.