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Blurred Vision

Lisa Marie Platske • Sep 17, 2012


A businessman was highly critical of his competitors’ storefront windows.


“Why, they are the dirtiest windows in town,” he claimed.



Fellow business people grew tired of the man’s continual criticism and nitpicking comments about the windows.


One day over coffee, the businessman carried the subject just too far.


Before leaving, a fellow store owner suggested the man get his own windows washed.


He followed the advice, and the next day at coffee, he exclaimed, “I can’t believe it. As soon as I washed my windows, my competitor must have cleaned his, too. You should see them shine!”


The author of this story is unknown, but the message is one that bears repeating.


Blurred vision.


We all have it from time to time.


The inability to see beyond our own limitations, pointing fingers at what someone else is doing or not doing.


Oh, how easy it is to focus “somewhere else” rather than examining who you are, and what you are doing – and whether it is the best version of your current self.


The Upside Challenge this week is to take 35 minutes to examine your life – 5 minutes in each of the 7 areas.


I know you’re busy. — I also know you get 1,440 minutes every day.


This week, I’m asking you to set aside 35 minutes just for you to examine where you are in —


  • your physical life,
  • your emotional life,
  • your intellectual life,
  • your spiritual life,
  • your financial life,
  • your relational life, and
  • your work/creativity.

And, you’ve heard me ask something similar before as it is a message — like the story — which bears repeating.


The 6th Pillar in the 7 Pillars of Leadership Success that we walk through at the Leadership Success Summit is PROGRESS or for you business owners PROFIT.


Evaluation and self-examination is not just for December 31st. It is continual, and continuous.


Give yourself a grade from A+ to F on each of these areas, and identify one action item to improve in each area.


So, clean your windows, and wipe off your glasses!


Have an incredibly Upside week!

By Lisa Marie Platske 28 Mar, 2024
One of the questions I've been asked countless times is, "How do I find my purpose?" I get how elusive that can feel. Yet this isn't a question that is to be solved like a math problem. You can't think your way to the answer. Clarifying your purpose happens over time. It's a quiet whisper that turns into a roar the more time you give that question. Your purpose is about why you're here and the difference you're to make. Think about it like a journey that's worth taking. The more you get clarity about the next steps around your work in the world, the more you will experience ease and joy. So what are the best first steps: 1) Ask one great question every day. I tell clients to have a question that they ask themselves as a focus each day. When you ask the question, 'what is my divine mission and purpose?' you will get whispers throughout the day, giving you clues. 2) Listen attentively. You've got constant chatter all around you. It's important to embrace the Power of the Pause and have quiet time in your daily life. 3) Apply what you've heard. I call it 'following the breadcrumbs' that your inner wisdom speaks. Ultimately, I want to make the world better and be a force for good every day. When I ask, listen, and apply it's a whole lot easier to do. Remember... the World Needs You and Your Brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to dedicate time each day to the "Ask, Listen, Apply" practice for uncovering your life's purpose. Ask: Take 5-10 minutes in the morning to quiet your mind and vocalize the question "What is my divine purpose and mission?" Speak it aloud or write it down repeatedly. Hold sincere intention for clarity. Listen: Go about your day paying close attention to any intuitive hunches, meaningful signs, powerful thoughts or feelings that arise related to your query. These "breadcrumbs" hold wisdom. Jot them down as you receive them. Apply: At the end of the day, review your notes. Identify 1-2 simple actions you can take based on the day's insights that feel deeply aligned. Follow through on those actions, however small. Discovering your true purpose is an exploratory journey, not a single aha moment. Your unique brilliance was meant to create profound positive impact. Stay devoted to ask, listen, apply - and your purpose will be unveiled.
By Lisa Marie Platske 25 Mar, 2024
Peace showed up in my morning reflection time. I was reminded of this prayer, one of my grandmother's favorites. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Yes please. I sang this poem at the Upside Summit several years ago. Peace is elusive for most folks ... especially those who fight lies that live in their head. About 15 years ago, a fellow speaker asked me to coach her on living in the present moment. She told me she struggled with sleepless nights and feeling as if she was never doing enough. I'd been there and knew what it was like to have a head full of anxious thoughts, robbed of a peaceful life. And being internally calm is something I've worked a long time on, and what many of the leaders I work with want. See, peace is no longer a struggle for me. Despite the noise and chaos that's often around me, I don't have the same level of noise in me. How about you? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Last month, I woke up to a storm and a roof leak. It's these situations where " Lord, make me an instrument of peace " comes alive in practical ways. Remember... The World Needs You and Your Brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to create a " Peace Practice " ritual for yourself which is especially helpful during a hectic work week. Take 5-10 minutes each day to intentionally cultivate a state of inner calm and presence. This could involve: - Sitting in silence, focusing on your breath - Listening to a guided meditation app - Reading an inspiring poem or prayer - Walking mindfully in nature - Doing gentle stretches or yoga poses The key is choosing a simple activity that allows you to release anxious thoughts. When feelings of stress, overwhelm or negativity arise, return to your Peace Practice. Use it as an anchor to realign with your intention for a peaceful mind. You get to choose calm over chronic anxiety. The world needs more leaders like you who prioritize their well-being so they can show up centered and resilient, no matter what arises.
By Lisa Marie Platske 21 Mar, 2024
Do you ever get stuck focusing on "how" you are going to do something? Most folks get fixated on the mechanics and figuring out the next steps, and then start to see imaginary obstacles, becoming paralyzed and failing to move forward. You don't have to have all the answers or even map out every step. One of my genius zones is identifying the ONE action to take that will make the biggest difference in realizing your vision. Sure, doubt may creep in, especially when the journey seems long. You may even feel overwhelmed. That's why it's best not to go it alone. I've long asked myself, " What is mine to do right now? " The million little moments have added up to me having a leadership and spiritual wellness center. Summit Hills Farm is a place where leaders come to do their work, as leadership is an inside job. The first place to start is answering three questions: ~ Who am I? ~ What do I want? ~ Why does it matter? When you answer these, the how takes care of itself. They will serve as a compass when you're feeling lost on your journey. And simple isn't easy. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to identify one idea you've been feeling stuck on. Instead of getting overwhelmed trying to map out every step of the "how", simply ask yourself: What is the next best small step I can take to move forward? Come up with ONE manageable action step you can accomplish this week. They should feel challenging but doable. Go shine your light. And keep moving forward.
By Lisa Marie Platske 18 Mar, 2024
My computer crashed, the screen on my phone shattered after a fatal drop, and after the roof leak and busted pipe in the apartment earlier in the week, I needed a date night sooner than later. Since Jim and I are typically in bed by 8pm, when we go out to eat it's really a date lunch. (smile) We decided to try someplace new, and it ended up exceeding our expectations. And it was what I would call a Kentucky gem. The food, the people, and the sign on the wall opposite the cash register had me want to come back, as well as forget about my bumpy week. I asked the owner's fiancé about the sign which read: If You Are Hungry and Have No Money, These Meals Have Been Paid for In Advance. Give a Server the Ticket and They Will Have the Kitchen Prepare Your Meal. One Meal Per day, One Meal Per Person. She shared that people give, and folks who are in need, often the homeless, can receive a meal every day. Yet often those receiving want to help out by taking out the trash, etc. It got me thinking about the good of humans and their natural desire to want to serve and give. Everyone wants the same thing. ~ To be valued. ~ To be appreciated. ~ To be loved. The best leaders get this. Jim and I bought 8 meals and shared a little goodwill in the midst of our rollercoaster-y week. Go shine your light. It's needed. Yes... the world truly needs you and your brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to perform a small act of kindness for someone in need. Look for opportunities to extend compassion - a kind word, a donation to a food bank, bringing clothes to a shelter, buying a meal for a friend who's overwhelmed or overworked. Open your eyes and heart to those struggling around you. It may be someone closer than you realize. When you give freely without expectation, you receive just as much in return. In a society focused on individual success, make it a point to consciously choose to put someone in your community first. The world is better when we lift each other up.
More Posts
By Lisa Marie Platske 28 Mar, 2024
One of the questions I've been asked countless times is, "How do I find my purpose?" I get how elusive that can feel. Yet this isn't a question that is to be solved like a math problem. You can't think your way to the answer. Clarifying your purpose happens over time. It's a quiet whisper that turns into a roar the more time you give that question. Your purpose is about why you're here and the difference you're to make. Think about it like a journey that's worth taking. The more you get clarity about the next steps around your work in the world, the more you will experience ease and joy. So what are the best first steps: 1) Ask one great question every day. I tell clients to have a question that they ask themselves as a focus each day. When you ask the question, 'what is my divine mission and purpose?' you will get whispers throughout the day, giving you clues. 2) Listen attentively. You've got constant chatter all around you. It's important to embrace the Power of the Pause and have quiet time in your daily life. 3) Apply what you've heard. I call it 'following the breadcrumbs' that your inner wisdom speaks. Ultimately, I want to make the world better and be a force for good every day. When I ask, listen, and apply it's a whole lot easier to do. Remember... the World Needs You and Your Brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to dedicate time each day to the "Ask, Listen, Apply" practice for uncovering your life's purpose. Ask: Take 5-10 minutes in the morning to quiet your mind and vocalize the question "What is my divine purpose and mission?" Speak it aloud or write it down repeatedly. Hold sincere intention for clarity. Listen: Go about your day paying close attention to any intuitive hunches, meaningful signs, powerful thoughts or feelings that arise related to your query. These "breadcrumbs" hold wisdom. Jot them down as you receive them. Apply: At the end of the day, review your notes. Identify 1-2 simple actions you can take based on the day's insights that feel deeply aligned. Follow through on those actions, however small. Discovering your true purpose is an exploratory journey, not a single aha moment. Your unique brilliance was meant to create profound positive impact. Stay devoted to ask, listen, apply - and your purpose will be unveiled.
By Lisa Marie Platske 25 Mar, 2024
Peace showed up in my morning reflection time. I was reminded of this prayer, one of my grandmother's favorites. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Yes please. I sang this poem at the Upside Summit several years ago. Peace is elusive for most folks ... especially those who fight lies that live in their head. About 15 years ago, a fellow speaker asked me to coach her on living in the present moment. She told me she struggled with sleepless nights and feeling as if she was never doing enough. I'd been there and knew what it was like to have a head full of anxious thoughts, robbed of a peaceful life. And being internally calm is something I've worked a long time on, and what many of the leaders I work with want. See, peace is no longer a struggle for me. Despite the noise and chaos that's often around me, I don't have the same level of noise in me. How about you? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Last month, I woke up to a storm and a roof leak. It's these situations where " Lord, make me an instrument of peace " comes alive in practical ways. Remember... The World Needs You and Your Brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to create a " Peace Practice " ritual for yourself which is especially helpful during a hectic work week. Take 5-10 minutes each day to intentionally cultivate a state of inner calm and presence. This could involve: - Sitting in silence, focusing on your breath - Listening to a guided meditation app - Reading an inspiring poem or prayer - Walking mindfully in nature - Doing gentle stretches or yoga poses The key is choosing a simple activity that allows you to release anxious thoughts. When feelings of stress, overwhelm or negativity arise, return to your Peace Practice. Use it as an anchor to realign with your intention for a peaceful mind. You get to choose calm over chronic anxiety. The world needs more leaders like you who prioritize their well-being so they can show up centered and resilient, no matter what arises.
By Lisa Marie Platske 21 Mar, 2024
Do you ever get stuck focusing on "how" you are going to do something? Most folks get fixated on the mechanics and figuring out the next steps, and then start to see imaginary obstacles, becoming paralyzed and failing to move forward. You don't have to have all the answers or even map out every step. One of my genius zones is identifying the ONE action to take that will make the biggest difference in realizing your vision. Sure, doubt may creep in, especially when the journey seems long. You may even feel overwhelmed. That's why it's best not to go it alone. I've long asked myself, " What is mine to do right now? " The million little moments have added up to me having a leadership and spiritual wellness center. Summit Hills Farm is a place where leaders come to do their work, as leadership is an inside job. The first place to start is answering three questions: ~ Who am I? ~ What do I want? ~ Why does it matter? When you answer these, the how takes care of itself. They will serve as a compass when you're feeling lost on your journey. And simple isn't easy. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to identify one idea you've been feeling stuck on. Instead of getting overwhelmed trying to map out every step of the "how", simply ask yourself: What is the next best small step I can take to move forward? Come up with ONE manageable action step you can accomplish this week. They should feel challenging but doable. Go shine your light. And keep moving forward.
By Lisa Marie Platske 18 Mar, 2024
My computer crashed, the screen on my phone shattered after a fatal drop, and after the roof leak and busted pipe in the apartment earlier in the week, I needed a date night sooner than later. Since Jim and I are typically in bed by 8pm, when we go out to eat it's really a date lunch. (smile) We decided to try someplace new, and it ended up exceeding our expectations. And it was what I would call a Kentucky gem. The food, the people, and the sign on the wall opposite the cash register had me want to come back, as well as forget about my bumpy week. I asked the owner's fiancé about the sign which read: If You Are Hungry and Have No Money, These Meals Have Been Paid for In Advance. Give a Server the Ticket and They Will Have the Kitchen Prepare Your Meal. One Meal Per day, One Meal Per Person. She shared that people give, and folks who are in need, often the homeless, can receive a meal every day. Yet often those receiving want to help out by taking out the trash, etc. It got me thinking about the good of humans and their natural desire to want to serve and give. Everyone wants the same thing. ~ To be valued. ~ To be appreciated. ~ To be loved. The best leaders get this. Jim and I bought 8 meals and shared a little goodwill in the midst of our rollercoaster-y week. Go shine your light. It's needed. Yes... the world truly needs you and your brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to perform a small act of kindness for someone in need. Look for opportunities to extend compassion - a kind word, a donation to a food bank, bringing clothes to a shelter, buying a meal for a friend who's overwhelmed or overworked. Open your eyes and heart to those struggling around you. It may be someone closer than you realize. When you give freely without expectation, you receive just as much in return. In a society focused on individual success, make it a point to consciously choose to put someone in your community first. The world is better when we lift each other up.
More Posts
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