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The Step Most People Miss on the Path to Success
Lisa Marie Platske • March 26, 2025
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.
By Lisa Marie Platske
•
March 23, 2025
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.
By Lisa Marie Platske
•
March 16, 2025
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.
By Lisa Marie Platske
•
March 2, 2025
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.
By Lisa Marie Platske
•
March 2, 2025
"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.
By Lisa Marie Platske
•
March 23, 2025
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.
By Lisa Marie Platske
•
March 16, 2025
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.
By Lisa Marie Platske
•
March 2, 2025
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.
By Lisa Marie Platske
•
March 2, 2025
"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.
Upside Your Business & Your Life!
