Living Your Priorities

Lisa Marie Platske • February 15, 2016

 Last week I wrote about not taking fast action in life and began the article with a Jim Rohn quote.


“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”


This week I have a Part II to this piece but am sharing from a very personal angle. Hold on to your seats, I’m about to get very vulnerable…..and this is a long one.


On day 2 at Design Your Destiny Live, I spend most of the afternoon speaking about the 4th leadership pillar, Live Your Priorities.



Design Your Destiny LIVE – 2016


I’ve often said that you can tell a lot about a person by how they spend their time, energy, and money.


In my work, I’ve been fascinated by people who want/expect others to invest in their products and services yet they aren’t willing to invest time and money in products and services that would benefit them. For example, every coach should have a coach. ((But, I digress… I could write volumes on this universal law, however, it isn’t our focus for today’s Upside Thought.))

While I take a vacation every 2 months and spend time with my family and friends, this is a pillar I struggle with for the same reasons most people struggle with it.


Here are some of the thoughts that run through my head as I live my priorities:


  • I’m selfish.
  • People are depending on me. Who am I to ________ (fill in the blank) want that/do that/take time off, etc.
  • I will disappoint _______ (my clients, my family, my friends…) if I do that.


Two Sunday’s ago, my husband got a call that his father, who had been diagnosed with prostate, liver and bone cancer and had been in and out of the hospital for 2 months, was refusing to go back to the hospital for treatment.


We decided we needed to leave for Wisconsin immediately.


Within 2 hours of the call, I had us booked on a flight, made a rental car reservation, arranged for accommodations at a local bed & breakfast, and packed our suitcases for the trip. And, within less than 12 hours we were in the air and on our way.


Priorities.


Do you know what your priorities are? Do you live them?


I’m clear that my priorities are faith, family, and friends – and that is where I spend my time and money.


I don’t always get it right. I make BIG mistakes and disappoint people. Fortunately, I believe in mercy and forgiveness for everyone, myself included.


When we got on that plane my mind was reeling.


What was I going to do with all of the appointments I had scheduled for the week?


As I shared last week, I work with action-takers and difference makers — brilliant, talented, highly-driven women who are making a big difference in the world by using their genius


In looking at my calendar, I realized I had appointments scheduled with new and existing clients, speakers from Design Your Destiny LIVE, my team, a VIP retreat day with a client who was flying in from Santa Cruz, and many of the women who attended Design Your Destiny LIVE who had invested in a special Super Givers call with me.


Ugh.


In reality, when I booked the flight, I planned on driving back to the bed and breakfast to take my calls.


However, on the 4-hour drive from the airport to my in-laws, I was thinking “How am I ever going to make this work? Someone is going to end up not getting the best of me….”


As I shared last week, we all get the same 24 hours a day.


What you do with that 24 hours is what matters.


I kept in close contact with my executive assistant, Sheri, who is a rock star and shares my same values.


She suggested I cancel everything and she would serve as a buffer — but I couldn’t let go.


I allowed her to cancel my calls with the team and speakers from the event but held on to the VIP day, client calls, and Super Givers event.


And, because my father-in-law was chatting with us and seemed to be doing okay, my husband suggested we fly back early. (I had booked us a return flight on Sunday.)


Sheri and I spoke and she again suggested that I cancel everything, stating that I have an incredibly loving Upside community and people would understand.


I agreed to re-scheduling the VIP day but shared that we may go back early so I could take the client calls in the morning, visit my father-in-law, and then drive back to the bed and breakfast for the Super Givers event in the afternoon – and then back to my in-laws.Grace


Sheri sighed.


After our call, I went over to visit my father-in-law.


Unfortunately, his situation had changed dramatically.


Within less than 12 hours, he was no longer talkative but in and out of consciousness and not coherent.


I sat with him for hours at the side of his bed whispering words of comfort and squeezing his hand. By the time I got back to the bed and breakfast, I was emotionally drained.


But, in the back of my mind, I felt I was failing my clients and just couldn’t let go.


I had been waking up at 4am for the past 3 days to answer emails from clients, once again not wanting to disappoint anyone, and already feeling like a failure because I couldn’t do it all.


Because I couldn’t let go of feeling as if I would be disappointing my clients and those who signed up for the Super Givers call, I waited until less than 24 hours when it was clear that he was in his final hours before letting Sheri cancel what was left on my calendar.


What’s amazing is that many of my clients reached out expressing their love and support when Sheri shared that I was dealing with a family emergency.


On Saturday morning (my mother-in-law’s birthday) we got the call that my father-in-law had breathed his last breath.


Jim and I got to spend the day with his family and it was a good day considering the circumstances.


Because family is a priority, I choose to drop everything and live my priorities. (As you can see, it wasn’t easy and I’m grateful for Sheri’s support as she reminded me how loving this Upside community is.)


The next morning Jim and I flew home after an emotionally-charged week.


While I was dreading all of the unpacking and laundry, I was greeted with a ½ dozen letters from women who attended Design Your Destiny LIVE, expressing their gratitude the content and how I show up as a leader in the world. Now, my heart was filled with joy.


Live. Your. Priorities.


Not mine.


Yours.


ACTION ITEM: The Upside Challenge of the week is to be clear about your priorities – and ensure you’re set up to live them. If you’re not sure, examine where you’re spending your time and money.

Are You Still Looking for Something Greater?

By Lisa Marie Platske • December 1, 2025
When I talk to folks about living out their Divine mission and purpose being the reason why leadership is so important, some people take a step back. "Who, me? A mission? And a Divine one? I'm not sure you've got the right character." Yet, this is something I’m 100% sure of. You were handpicked to do something on this planet. ~ Handpicked to be your mom’s son or daughter. ~ Handpicked to use the gifts you’ve been given and the experiences you’ve had. For a purpose. And I get that not everyone believes that because somewhere along the way, the world teaches you to shrink or make yourself smaller than you were created to be. So you wait for permission. Or you begin doubting your voice. Maybe that happened to you. And yet, here you are, you’re still here. Which means Heaven’s not done. You see, the Divine doesn’t make mistakes, and your presence isn’t accidental. Everything about your journey... ... the setbacks, the breakthroughs, the patterns you repeat, the people you meet ... has been preparing you. And if everyone chose to live from the belief that they're here for a purpose, the world would look vastly different. A purpose-led life requires leaders to step up and do something meaningful with their gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences. They understand they're born for something bigger than themselves. And that amount of courage is rare in today's world. I’m pretty sure you weren’t created just to scroll through TikTok or add another item to your cart. You were given a Divine mission. You were given a purpose that was assigned to you and only you. No one else can fulfill it. Just you. And without leadership, walking it out will be extremely hard. Leadership means taking full responsibility for your Divine assignment. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify one decision you’ve delayed. Maybe it’s stepping back from a leadership role you’ve outgrown. Maybe it’s restructuring something you built because it no longer aligns. Maybe it’s finally moving forward on the vision you’ve been sitting on for far too long. Block 30 minutes this week to address it with clarity and conviction. Because the longer you wait, the heavier it becomes.

Being Recognized as 'The Best' May Not Be as Valuable as You Think ...

By Lisa Marie Platske • November 24, 2025
I’m no stranger to awards. I’ve been recognized for the past 25 years, receiving recognition from the National Association of Female Executives, the White House, the Small Business Administration, the International Alliance for Women, the Evolutionary Business Council, Forbes, and more. I’ve gotten awards entitled Rising Star early on in my business to Woman of the Year, the Top 100 Women Making a Difference in the World, and Women in Business Champion of the Year later on. Several years ago, I received two awards that felt different. To see my name on the screen because of my peers was humbling. That was the first award. The 2nd to last award of the evening for this organization was the “Biggest Impact" award. This award wasn’t listed in the programming or marketing of the event. When my name was called, I was awestruck. I took the stage speechless and moved to tears—and not for the reasons most people might have thought. I’ve learned that you can’t outgive God. That’s something I remind the leaders I work with, whether in a retreat, mastermind, or private mentoring conversation. And whenever I give, it comes back to me 100-fold. The conversations I had at the event throughout the evening are ones that I will always remember. So if you feel you don’t fit in … stop making that an excuse to not get involved in something. Show up for others. Even when you don’t feel like it. If we haven’t met, my door is always open. Reach out at any time. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to create space for a conversation you’ve been too busy to have. It maybe someone in your life has gotten your presence, just not your full attention. Show up without performance, without hurry and without distraction. Fifteen minutes. That’s all. Make the time. And let it count.

What Comfort Steals from Leaders

By Lisa Marie Platske • November 17, 2025
Leadership requires consciousness and courage. Lots of folks have talent. Yet, it's rare to see a leader with 360-degree awareness who has the courage to stand in the dark places where leadership is often required to go. This is why for years I've shouted from the rooftops that comfort doesn't change the world. (I even have a shirt in the Upside store that has it printed on the back.) Because no matter how many gifts you've been given, or how much raw talent you possess, you can't erase the struggles of the human experience. You can numb. You can follow. Or, you can choose to step up and lead. And doing the latter is the hardest. All day long I'd much rather have all of the autonomy with little to no responsibility. Yet I understand to do that is copping out on the full usage of my divine gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences. I was built to lead. And that means being responsible ... when things go right, and when they don't. Over the years, I've numbed out on mindless TV shows, and unhealthy fast food only to get me further off-course from my divine mission and purpose. Gaining weight and feeling tired were just symptoms of an unhealthy system, and a socially acceptable way to numb. Leadership takes strength and discipline that are rooted in consciousness and courage. Because most folks don't want to be accountable at that level, they'll opt out and choose to follow someone else's lead. That's never been my style. I've learned more from going through hard times than I ever did sitting on Easy Street. The best piece is that you get to choose for yourself. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to choose one thing the future you, the one fully walking in your divine assignment, would do. You already know what it is, that nudge you’ve been feeling. That quiet pull from God asking you to move. Maybe it’s making the call, saying no, saying yes, clearing space to think, or finally following through on what you said mattered. Whatever it is, stop numbing around it. Take the step.

Getting What You Want Won't Give You What You Need

By Lisa Marie Platske • November 10, 2025
Every so often, I read something that inspires me to be better. After a month of giving to clients at two retreats and working privately with a client through a one-on-one VIP leadership retreat at Summit Hills Farm, this story touches me in a very deep way. Sometimes folks ask me if it's possible to overgive. This story answers that question beautifully. "I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling. The leaf told me, "No. During the whole spring and summer, I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree. I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. So I don’t worry at all. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, 'I will see you again very soon'." That day, there was a wind blowing and, after a while, I saw the leaf leave the branch and float down to the soil, dancing joyfully, because as it floated it saw itself already there in the tree. It was so happy. I bowed my head, knowing that I have a lot to learn from the leaf." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh Reading that story reminded me of the leaders I encounter. The ones who give deeply, love fiercely, and show up fully, even when no one’s watching. You may not always see the impact you’re having. You may wonder if it’s too much, or if it even matters. What I know to be true is... Nothing is ever wasted. ~ Every act of service… ~ Every moment of generosity… ~ Every time you choose love over fear… ... It all lives on. Just like the leaf, your presence remains long after the moment passes. What you’ve built and what you’ve become—it stays on. So if you’ve been wondering whether it’s okay to rest, to pause, to let go… It is. Because your leadership is already rooted in what you've poured yourself into. This is the holy space between what was and what’s next. And you, leader, are right on time. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to write one truth you know about leadership or legacy on a sticky note or card. Make it simple and true for you. Maybe it’s… “My presence changes the room.” “I was created to lead with love.” “What I build matters.” And then place it somewhere you’ll see it—your mirror, your journal, the dashboard of your car. Let it meet you in the in-between moments. And let it serve as a reminder of who you are.
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Are You Still Looking for Something Greater?

By Lisa Marie Platske • December 1, 2025
When I talk to folks about living out their Divine mission and purpose being the reason why leadership is so important, some people take a step back. "Who, me? A mission? And a Divine one? I'm not sure you've got the right character." Yet, this is something I’m 100% sure of. You were handpicked to do something on this planet. ~ Handpicked to be your mom’s son or daughter. ~ Handpicked to use the gifts you’ve been given and the experiences you’ve had. For a purpose. And I get that not everyone believes that because somewhere along the way, the world teaches you to shrink or make yourself smaller than you were created to be. So you wait for permission. Or you begin doubting your voice. Maybe that happened to you. And yet, here you are, you’re still here. Which means Heaven’s not done. You see, the Divine doesn’t make mistakes, and your presence isn’t accidental. Everything about your journey... ... the setbacks, the breakthroughs, the patterns you repeat, the people you meet ... has been preparing you. And if everyone chose to live from the belief that they're here for a purpose, the world would look vastly different. A purpose-led life requires leaders to step up and do something meaningful with their gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences. They understand they're born for something bigger than themselves. And that amount of courage is rare in today's world. I’m pretty sure you weren’t created just to scroll through TikTok or add another item to your cart. You were given a Divine mission. You were given a purpose that was assigned to you and only you. No one else can fulfill it. Just you. And without leadership, walking it out will be extremely hard. Leadership means taking full responsibility for your Divine assignment. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify one decision you’ve delayed. Maybe it’s stepping back from a leadership role you’ve outgrown. Maybe it’s restructuring something you built because it no longer aligns. Maybe it’s finally moving forward on the vision you’ve been sitting on for far too long. Block 30 minutes this week to address it with clarity and conviction. Because the longer you wait, the heavier it becomes.

Being Recognized as 'The Best' May Not Be as Valuable as You Think ...

By Lisa Marie Platske • November 24, 2025
I’m no stranger to awards. I’ve been recognized for the past 25 years, receiving recognition from the National Association of Female Executives, the White House, the Small Business Administration, the International Alliance for Women, the Evolutionary Business Council, Forbes, and more. I’ve gotten awards entitled Rising Star early on in my business to Woman of the Year, the Top 100 Women Making a Difference in the World, and Women in Business Champion of the Year later on. Several years ago, I received two awards that felt different. To see my name on the screen because of my peers was humbling. That was the first award. The 2nd to last award of the evening for this organization was the “Biggest Impact" award. This award wasn’t listed in the programming or marketing of the event. When my name was called, I was awestruck. I took the stage speechless and moved to tears—and not for the reasons most people might have thought. I’ve learned that you can’t outgive God. That’s something I remind the leaders I work with, whether in a retreat, mastermind, or private mentoring conversation. And whenever I give, it comes back to me 100-fold. The conversations I had at the event throughout the evening are ones that I will always remember. So if you feel you don’t fit in … stop making that an excuse to not get involved in something. Show up for others. Even when you don’t feel like it. If we haven’t met, my door is always open. Reach out at any time. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to create space for a conversation you’ve been too busy to have. It maybe someone in your life has gotten your presence, just not your full attention. Show up without performance, without hurry and without distraction. Fifteen minutes. That’s all. Make the time. And let it count.

What Comfort Steals from Leaders

By Lisa Marie Platske • November 17, 2025
Leadership requires consciousness and courage. Lots of folks have talent. Yet, it's rare to see a leader with 360-degree awareness who has the courage to stand in the dark places where leadership is often required to go. This is why for years I've shouted from the rooftops that comfort doesn't change the world. (I even have a shirt in the Upside store that has it printed on the back.) Because no matter how many gifts you've been given, or how much raw talent you possess, you can't erase the struggles of the human experience. You can numb. You can follow. Or, you can choose to step up and lead. And doing the latter is the hardest. All day long I'd much rather have all of the autonomy with little to no responsibility. Yet I understand to do that is copping out on the full usage of my divine gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences. I was built to lead. And that means being responsible ... when things go right, and when they don't. Over the years, I've numbed out on mindless TV shows, and unhealthy fast food only to get me further off-course from my divine mission and purpose. Gaining weight and feeling tired were just symptoms of an unhealthy system, and a socially acceptable way to numb. Leadership takes strength and discipline that are rooted in consciousness and courage. Because most folks don't want to be accountable at that level, they'll opt out and choose to follow someone else's lead. That's never been my style. I've learned more from going through hard times than I ever did sitting on Easy Street. The best piece is that you get to choose for yourself. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to choose one thing the future you, the one fully walking in your divine assignment, would do. You already know what it is, that nudge you’ve been feeling. That quiet pull from God asking you to move. Maybe it’s making the call, saying no, saying yes, clearing space to think, or finally following through on what you said mattered. Whatever it is, stop numbing around it. Take the step.

Getting What You Want Won't Give You What You Need

By Lisa Marie Platske • November 10, 2025
Every so often, I read something that inspires me to be better. After a month of giving to clients at two retreats and working privately with a client through a one-on-one VIP leadership retreat at Summit Hills Farm, this story touches me in a very deep way. Sometimes folks ask me if it's possible to overgive. This story answers that question beautifully. "I asked the leaf whether it was frightened because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling. The leaf told me, "No. During the whole spring and summer, I was completely alive. I worked hard to help nourish the tree, and now much of me is in the tree. I am not limited by this form. I am also the whole tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. So I don’t worry at all. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, 'I will see you again very soon'." That day, there was a wind blowing and, after a while, I saw the leaf leave the branch and float down to the soil, dancing joyfully, because as it floated it saw itself already there in the tree. It was so happy. I bowed my head, knowing that I have a lot to learn from the leaf." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh Reading that story reminded me of the leaders I encounter. The ones who give deeply, love fiercely, and show up fully, even when no one’s watching. You may not always see the impact you’re having. You may wonder if it’s too much, or if it even matters. What I know to be true is... Nothing is ever wasted. ~ Every act of service… ~ Every moment of generosity… ~ Every time you choose love over fear… ... It all lives on. Just like the leaf, your presence remains long after the moment passes. What you’ve built and what you’ve become—it stays on. So if you’ve been wondering whether it’s okay to rest, to pause, to let go… It is. Because your leadership is already rooted in what you've poured yourself into. This is the holy space between what was and what’s next. And you, leader, are right on time. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to write one truth you know about leadership or legacy on a sticky note or card. Make it simple and true for you. Maybe it’s… “My presence changes the room.” “I was created to lead with love.” “What I build matters.” And then place it somewhere you’ll see it—your mirror, your journal, the dashboard of your car. Let it meet you in the in-between moments. And let it serve as a reminder of who you are.
More Posts