Success Starts with the Right People

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.