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An Upside Look at Leadership...

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By Lisa Marie Platske 14 Mar, 2024
The worst part of my business is seeing people with potential and watching them squander away their opportunities, understanding that if they put the work in and did it with consistent effort, they would be successful. Massively successful. Sure, they may have to make a few sacrifices. How do you think I got to where I'm at today?!? Instead, I see many folks with potential choose the path of least resistance, making excuses for their plight. I didn't get a silver spoon; rather, I graduated from The School of Hard Knocks. You've got to believe you can achieve what you want -- and that you're worthy to have it. This determines what's possible as it's the seed that will produce delicious fruit or not. You can't choose actions and make decisions from a place of lack or scarcity. That only leads to negative results. To change the success cycle, you have to first see the outcome you want, and then believe it's possible because your mind can't tell the difference between what is imagined and what is real. This goes back to the body of work that Aristotle and Plato brought to the world. If you can start to envision what your life will be like putting in the effort and getting the results, you can change the momentum in your life. Most people only envision the result -- and not the work. They see the car they want to drive or the house they want to live in, and forget to envision what they are willing to do to put forth the effort, energy, and work to have what they want. I've learned the more I do the hard things, the easier my life gets. When I do the easy things, the harder my life gets. Believe in yourself and take the necessary actions. If you don't think what you want is possible, borrow my belief in you. The World Needs You and Your Brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to pick one area of your life where you've been making excuses or taking the path of least resistance. Identify the potential you have in this area that you have not fully tapped into if you were to do the work. Visualize in detail what it would look like and feel like if you put in the effort and achieved the success you desire. Let yourself believe at your core that you are capable of making it happen. Then, write down 1-3 small, specific action steps you can take this week to start making progress. They should feel challenging and actionable. Remember, the only limits on your potential are the ones you place on yourself. That's the power of Upside Thinking.
By Lisa Marie Platske 11 Mar, 2024
There's a simple daily practice that will increase your success, and you just may be undervaluing it. If you knew doing it would GUARANTEE ~ clarity, ~ happiness, and ~ meaning, would you ignore it because it was simple? I'm talking about the power of gratitude. Gratitude isn't an emotion. It's also not a "nice-to-do" practice. Gratitude is a habit that, when implemented, has the ability to remind you of your commitments and why they matter. There are studies that link it to emotional well-being. Regardless of what shows up to derail you and take you off track, gratitude has the ability to keep you on course. Start your day with it in the morning for clarity on your daily tasks. End your day by acknowledging all you did and expressing thanks, even for the challenges that popped up. Speak it aloud and tell someone. Gratitude practiced daily uplifts everyone around you. I spent the last week on the farm with my baby sister. Our time together was an immense blessing to me and my business. I'm deeply grateful for the people in my life, as well as having the ability to rest and refuel my tank before traveling to speak and see clients again. How about you? Who are you most grateful for right now? ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to start and end each day by writing down 3 things for which you are grateful. Take just a few minutes in the morning and before bed to reflect deeply on what you appreciate and why. Think about small joys as well as big blessings. Keep your list somewhere you'll see it often as a reminder to stay grateful. Speak it out loud and choose to share your list with someone. Gratitude shared multiplies its benefits. Remember, the World Needs You and Your Brilliance. 
By Lisa Marie Platske 07 Mar, 2024
Receiving is better than giving. This is something that took decades for me to learn, and I feel it’s deeply misunderstood. Most people struggle to receive, having grown up with the mantra, "It’s better to give than receive." Yet, if that’s true, where does what you have to give come from? Didn’t you have to receive something first – in order to be able to give?!? And if you are giving something, doesn’t someone else have to be open to receiving it?!? It’s incredibly important to be a receiver of goodness in life. A great example of this is... I’m a hugger. When hugging, you have the opportunity to do both. See, the effects of touch on the body are long-lasting. For children and adults alike, the physiological effects of positive touch are: ~ Reduced stress and anxiety ~ Stronger immune system ~ Increased circulation And research shows babies who receive affection have a greater chance of living happier, healthier lives. That’s why when I choose to hug someone, it’s an action I am deeply present for. I’m transferring my energy – my soul imprint – onto the person I’m hugging. Some people want to pull away because they haven’t yet learned how to receive and are uncomfortable with the giving that’s going on. Have you learned how to be a good receiver? For without receiving, there can be no giving. That's putting leadership into action. On a side note, 1.3 million social media messages have been about giving - while there are only 80,000 on receiving! ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to consciously practice receiving from others with an open heart. When someone extends an act of kindness, words of affirmation, a gift, or even just their presence - don't deflect or downplay it. Fully take in what they are offering you without judgement. Receive the love, guidance, and support that life continually provides. Being a generous receiver is just as important as being a generous giver. The world needs more conscious leaders who know when to step back and receive what is being offered for their highest good. 
By Lisa Marie Platske 04 Mar, 2024
Delicate times. That’s the best way I can describe the world today. My choice to remain upside with all that swirls around me and in me doesn’t mean I’m oblivious to the pain going on in the world. Most days I’m engaged in difficult, and often emotionally-charged conversations, and at times with people whose views differ from mine. Most days I experience bouts of uncertainty, questioning what I’m being asked – dare I say, called by the Holy Spirit -- to do with my life. Many days the conversations are with folks, ranging in age from 21-71, who are dealing with addictions, trauma, and grief. Usually, there is also anger associated with each of these situations. That doesn't mean they're raving lunatics. You probably couldn't tell as the anger, guilt, and shame are internal. I'm honored to do this leadership work because I understand it. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “ For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness. ” After 9/11, I was angry. Very, very angry. This anger was the culmination of years of anger, and until I learned where my anger came from and I shifted the way I saw the world, I rarely felt really happy. I see a lot of that going on right now. In 2001, I made the decision I didn’t want anger to be my operating system where I traded in my happiness for the pain that was behind the anger. There are things that are going on in the world right now that anger me greatly, and I focus my energy on taking positive action. And, I make room to grieve. Happiness is a state of being. While you may experience joy here and there, if your neuro-network allows anger to run the show, you stop yourself from choosing happiness and being happy. By holding on to anger for too long in any given situation, you harm yourself. There are certain techniques I use to release anger and grief. For starters, to release anger, I identify what it is I am angry about and why. I examine the content and the context. Then I decide to take the energy created by the emotion and consciously direct it into a constructive action. By taking positive action, I de-energize the situation, detach from the content to focus my action, and am freed up to move forward without baggage. I also do a forgiveness exercise. While simple, it's not a 'once and done' activity. You deserve to be happy. The best leaders get this. Not from a place of ignorance, rather from a place of choice. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to practice consciously releasing anger and choosing happiness instead. When you notice yourself feeling angry about a situation, pause and reflect : - What specifically is triggering this anger? Name it. - What past experiences or patterns may this be bringing up for you? - How might this situation look from the other person's perspective? - What constructive action could you take to improve things? Then, make a deliberate choice to release the anger and redirect that energy into positive change, rather than fueling negativity. Let go of what you cannot control. Forgive others and yourself. Finally, do something that brings you joy - listen to uplifting music, get outdoors, call a friend, play with a pet. Your leadership is defined not by an easy life. It is by how you meet adversity, wisdom, compassion and courage. The world needs beacons of hope that remind us happiness is a choice, in any moment. 
By Lisa Marie Platske 29 Feb, 2024
When I was prepping for my Upside Summit, I was relaxed. After 17 years, I've got a routine that centers around ease. Pretty much, it's the Divine Operating System at play. That doesn't mean that things don't go sideways, or they always work out the way I envision them. - My computer system crashed two weeks before the event, and I was piecing together handouts ... and two people on my volunteer team of 5 had to cancel a few days before the event for family or personal health reasons. Because I teach leadership, I want to model what courageous leadership with a healthy work ethic looks like. That means... ~ NOT burning the candle at both ends, ~ NOT being in reactive mode, and ~ NOT letting stuff that happens to me change who I am or how I interact with others. See, most folks are stressed out when they run events or when they run their daily life. They operate from a place of "churn and burn" energy, which only allows people to see them at their best when everything works out for them, which isn't very often. Years ago I lived like this. If you cut me off in line at Costco, I was gonna cut you down to size. At the time, empathy was not my strong suit. The leader I am today understands the value of peace that comes through ease, regardless of how many blows life gives me. People are counting on you. And, they're counting on you to show up FOR YOU and for THEM. Every action you take is a step in a direction that will lead you closer to the life you want or further away. People who reach their Summit don't just fall there. They take a million steps to get stand at the top. Yet, if you're not clear, you'll end up with a broken marriage, estranged relationships, lousy health, chronic pain, and/or unhealthy addictions. I promise you there is a better way. I'm living proof. And remember, the world needs you and your brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to practice responding to difficulties with ease instead of stress. Notice the next time something doesn't go as planned or there is a disruption to your routine. Instead of letting yourself get frazzled, overwhelmed or reactive - pause. Take some deep breaths. Get present. The more you practice this resilient, non-reactive mindset, the easier it becomes and you'll discover a deeper well of patience and centeredness within yourself. Prioritize your energy and operate from a place of slowed-down consciousness. The world needs you grounded in your full brilliance. 
By Lisa Marie Platske 26 Feb, 2024
There’s something for you to do right now. And you’re not doing it, -- and you know it. The most notable leaders of all time sought to make a difference. Men like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi. Women like Mother Theresa, Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. They didn’t seek a title or run for office, rather they stepped into who they were called to be. You are born for more. And that takes Leadership. You are being called right now to step into your divine mission and make a greater difference on the planet. To do that, you’ve got to be a leader of all areas of your life. You can’t be the leader of your work or your community without being 100% clear on the destination. Yet most folks don’t have a clue who they are, what they want, or why it matters. You get to create the map and go where no one else has gone. And that’s the catch. Your gifts, talents, abilities, and expertise are unique to you. No one else who has lived before or will come after you will have your life or your mission. There's no one to follow. You have to lead the way. Are you to sing? Write? Cook? Draw? Start a business? Grow an enterprise? Champion a cause? What one-of-a-kind contribution do you have to share with the world? What if you were to take a walk (I envision them being with God as my companion) and visualize what it would look like to lead your life fully expressing all of who you are? What if you took one action today? You can have Money and Meaning. You simply have to be willing to take action and commit to your divine mission every day. Remember, Orville Wright did not have a pilot’s license. You don't need one, either. It’s your turn to fly. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to spend some time in deep self-reflection and answer these questions: - What activities light you up and allow you to fully express yourself? - What causes or issues most stir your passion? - What life experiences have shaped your perspective in a powerful way? Next, envision one specific way you could start using those gifts to serve others and create more good in the world around you. This could be: - Offering your skills/services for free to a local organization - Starting a side project or business that solves a problem - Mentoring others who could benefit from your experience Identify one concrete first step you can take this week toward actualizing your vision for positive impact, no matter how small. Remember, you were blessed with extraordinary gifts for a reason. And the world needs you and your brilliance.
By Lisa Marie Platske 22 Feb, 2024
Life moves fast, yet I remember this as if it happened last week. It was 2015. And I was introduced to Frances through a mutual friend who lived just outside Tucson. It was a warm evening – about 94 degrees -- and she and I had planned on meeting up while I was in town speaking at a conference. When she asked if she could bring Frances along, I hesitated, as if you know anything about me, you know I prefer one-on-one interactions. Yet when I travel, I meet up with at least one friend in the area, and meeting their friends has allowed me to expand my billion-dollar database of connections. As it turned out, Frances was also an entrepreneur and had more than one business. When she spoke, she spoke with conviction and felt more like an old friend than a new acquaintance. The three of us talked about life, leadership, and the desire to leave a legacy. Frances shared she had one daughter and was extremely close to her. She didn’t talk much about her boyfriend, and so I didn’t ask anything about him. At the end of the night, I was thrilled I gave Maggie the green light to bring her, and knew it wouldn’t be the last time we would connect. Yet it surprised me how quickly she reached out – and for what. Frances called me 2 days after we met. I was getting ready to travel back to Alexandria, Virginia where I was living at the time. She asked if I was still in town – and I said “ Yes .” "I’d like to run something by you Lisa Marie, and want to see if you can help me." Unsure of what she wanted to talk about, I said, “ Sure thing. ” and told her to text me the address of where to meet up. When we were sitting down face-to-face, she opened up and poured out her heart to me. Her 8-person company (the one she was focused on growing) had been struggling from the effects of dealing with a toxic employee, and Frances was at her wits end. This one person’s behavior had spilled over and was now infecting the team. She had no idea how to fire the person or for what grounds. Yet more importantly, she didn’t know how to re-create a healthy culture within without starting over. It was taking up so much time and energy that her personal relationships were strained. Over the next year, I coached her through how to get create a healthy separation, implement a performance management program, and ultimately terminate the employee using tools from my Human Resources background. Then, I worked with her on how to rebuild her company from the inside out. We focused on a quarterly objective and wins around that one priority, using her core values as a guide. What she got early on was the importance of getting clarity on who she is, what she wants, and why it matters. Then we had to ensure it matched how she showed up every day. See, Frances had built this company with sweat equity. She was heavily involved and understood what to do. Yet she made a poor hire and didn’t take action fast enough, tolerating poor performance and poor behavior. That one decision derailed her forward momentum and had her get off track. I understand. It happens to all of us. It may very well be happening to you right now. You lose sight of the fact that your company will only go as far as your self-development goes. When you are dealing with a problem in your business, you're often personally stuck and not running optimally. How could the business excel when part of your energy is being hijacked?!? It’s easy to pour all of your energy into your company’s growth that you fail to take the time to pour into your own evolution and then can’t see how you’ve contributed to what’s not working. And gosh, I’ve been there, pushing so hard to grow my business that I forgot to focus on me – and my personal leadership development. I dumped cash into new marketing and branding systems and even fancy new signage and technology, and didn’t invest a dime in me growing as a leader. I helped Frances focus on herself and what she wanted, as well as why she started the business in the first place before taking action on the toxic employee. Once she was strong and thriving again, her company followed suit. Frances is doing amazing things in the world. We still connect a few times a year. And she even hired me to coach her daughter. Her company has grown and is filled with happy, healthy folks who are enjoying their own version of health, happiness, success, and meaning. This is what I love. This is what I do. This is my purpose. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to identify one area of your business or life where you are currently feeling stuck, derailed, or off-track from your vision. Get radically honest with yourself about what internal blocks or external influences may be hindering your progress. Next, make a list of 1-3 specific actions you can take to re-align and move forward again with clarity. Don't just consider business tactics, rather also any personal growth, mindset shifts, or behavior changes that may be needed from you as the leader. For example, it may mean having a difficult conversation, enforcing boundaries, recommitting to your core values, or simply pausing to reconnect with your "why." Remember, your business can only grow as much as you do. Once you identify those 1-3 actions, schedule dedicated time over the next week to complete them. Ask someone you trust to hold you accountable if needed. Staying stuck serves no one - you have too many gifts to share with the world. The path forward starts by getting brutally honest about where you are.
By Lisa Marie Platske 19 Feb, 2024
Most people approach how to get what they want as if they're walking through a forest with a machete, trying to chop away at anything that's getting in their way. While this may seem as if you should get the gold star for having a 'can-do' attitude, its really a lack of direction that results in wasted energy. I understand this well and it's why today's class was all about energy management. When you've got a clear plan, you're almost guaranteed to get to your destination. . Yet to get to the clear plan you've got to answer three incredibly important questions. 1. Who are you? 2. What do you want? 3. Why does it matter? Ask any of my clients why this is critical. See, there will never be anyone else like you on the planet. These questions clarify your mission and values which serve as a compass to shape your everyday decisions. And while understanding who you are is valuable, the what you want gets you to your future or compelling vision. . "For without vision, the people perish." That level of direction and guidance for your life requires you to have a vision in seven areas of well-being: ~ physical, ~ emotional, ~ mental/intellectual, ~ spiritual, ~ financial, ~ relational and ~ in your work or creativity. Identifying your "why" or your motivation will serve as rocket fuel for your vision, especially when you use it in partnership with your mission and values. And even when it seems you don't have the energy to move forward. This is a holistic way of approaching life. If you're in business, don't look at a goal as 'how to obtain a client', rather you seek to have a meaningful vision for how you interact with everyone who works with you. That's a huge distinction. And it's easier to stay connected to a grand vision, as temporary goals often lose their luster. Where most folks get stuck is believing they need to answer the question, "How will I get there?" Yet the 'how' is less important than the 'what'. When you answer these questions and have a compelling mission and values, you're able to easily break down your vision into smaller steps that lead to mile markers on your journey. You get to look back and celebrate creating winning habits with a little consistency. Invest in some time to write down who you are, what you want and why it matters. You'll be amazed by the outcome. The World Needs You and Your Brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to share your responses to the 3 critical life questions with someone important to you. First, take some time to really reflect on and articulate: 1) Who are you at your core - your values, strengths, purpose? 2) What is your vision for your ideal life across different areas? 3) Why does this vision and living authentically matter so deeply to you? Once you've gotten clear on your own answers, set up a time to have an open conversation with a trusted friend, family member, mentor or partner. Share your self-discovery openly and vulnerably. The act of vocalizing your core self, vision and motivations helps solidify them internally. And including others allows for greater understanding, accountability and support on your journey. Sharing it with someone important makes it all the more real and impactful. Your brilliance, unleashed through authentic living, can inspire those around you.
By Lisa Marie Platske 15 Feb, 2024
In 1927, Max Ehrmann wrote a poem I've been carrying with me for 30+ years - Desiderata . Desiderata is a plural noun meaning “things wanted or needed.” I adopted this as my personal manifesto and a piece of it hangs in my office. I imagine it's what St. Michael or one of God's angels would say to me if we were just hanging out. It reads... "Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." I've learned leadership wisdom is all around - and the best way to get tactical next steps and a strategic plan is to focus on the philosophical questions that allow you to see the world with a fresh perspective. Keep your eyes open and remember ... ... The World Needs You and Your Brilliance. ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to reflect on one line from the Desiderata that resonates with you deeply right now. Write this line down on a notecard or sticky note. Place it somewhere you will see it often like your bathroom mirror or computer monitor. Re-read it several times throughout your day. Reflect on how its wisdom applies to your life right now. Then, make one small change to embody that insight over the next few days. For example: Speak your truth quietly and clearly" - Have an honest yet compassionate conversation you've been avoiding. "Be yourself" - Do an activity that brings you joy, without worrying what others think. Let the words guide your thoughts, feelings and actions. See how living from this place changes your experience and relationships. The world needs your unique voice and vision. Let the Desiderata inspire you to live your highest values with joy.
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