Upside Thinking Articles

The Leadership Discipline Few Are Willing to Practice

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:15:03 GMT

Living moment by moment sounds as if it would be a natural thing to do.

Countless books have been written on the topic ... and there are seminars that tout the advantages.

Yet as someone who has been in the field of leadership for over three decades, living one moment at a time isn't celebrated.

The leaders I've worked with have been well-trained to plan for the future, and time block their life away.

Rarely do they listen to what they're being asked to do in this moment.

And because of it, they neglect their loved ones ... their spouses, partners, children, pets, and those they say they cherish most.

Watching this pains me greatly.

Even when I get to invest time working with someone and their family, I watch how easily they can be taken off course by an interruption like a phone call or social media ding on their phone.

Living moment by moment isn't a nice thing to do; it's an imperative.

It's a blueprint outlined in every religious text that exists.

When you live like this, you cast your fears aside and can see what is most important.

When you don't live like this, you run around from fire to fire, stressed out and at your wits end.

I've watched people I love tell me that this is the only way they know how to live.

And I understand.

For years, I thought I had to live like that, too, believing leadership was about who got the most done the fastest.

Leadership is about who you are being when you are doing what you are doing.

You cannot lead others if you cannot effectively lead yourself.

And you can't lead yourself anyplace good if your house is not in order.

Every. Single. Corner.

Internally and externally.

That's why the world is in such a shambles.

Folks read self-help, motivational books to feel good and tout off happy phrases rather than doing the hard work of looking in the mirror and seeing what may be out of alignment.

Leadership is about works, and the roots produce the fruit.

The only way to do this is to live One Moment At A Time.

One moment lived with intention restores order where chaos once ruled.

Choose this moment well, and you choose the life you were always meant to lead.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to own the first ten minutes of your morning.

Before you reach for your phone, your inbox, or the noise of the world, pause.

Breathe.

Notice the space around you.

Write down what truly matters today.

Start your day by leading this one moment intentionally.

Where Leadership Actually Lives

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:15:01 GMT

In September 1985 I started my junior year in high school.

While I didn't hang out with the most popular bunch, I wasn't considered an outcast either.

Perhaps that's one of the places where I learned how to build bridges.

Because of it, when I ran for Student Council, much to my own disbelief, I was elected to something.

This led to my first official initiation into formal leadership training.

While I had taken on roles in school running organizations or organizing projects, this felt like I was officially sanctioned as a leader.

I was "doing" leadership.

Only leadership isn't something you do, it's something you have to be.

You either are a leader or you're not.

Lots of folks with titles walk around believing they are a leader or have a lot of knowledge about the topic.

Leadership requires wisdom, and wisdom comes from experience.

Experience doesn't come from books or even doing.

It comes from an inner aptitude when you connect with a purpose that's greater than you.

It took me years to understand this ... and many more to be able to share how to get there.

That’s the thread that runs through everything I do, including the work we explore in the F Cadre.

It’s the work of being the kind of leader who moves life itself.

The world will always have opinions about who you should be and what you should chase.

And the work that matters asks only that you tune in and follow the pull of what truly matters.

Leadership shows up in the person who feels it all, and keeps moving forward.

That is where everything worth leading and living begins.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to make space for what truly matters—literally.

Declutter one small space today (desk, inbox, calendar) and use that as a literal reflection of making room for what truly matters

Let that small act remind you: real leadership, real purpose, and real growth always start in the space you choose to make.

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Are You Giving God Room to Move in Your Leadership?

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:00:30 GMT

I've had the tendency to idolize my mentors.

I would look past their imperfections, wanting only to see goodness in them.

Don't make the same mistake I did.

Mentors are just imperfect beings on the same journey you're on, and they've gleaned some wisdom from their missteps that can help you advance faster on your journey.

That's the benefit of private coaching.

And why I offer so little of it.

I used to think I wanted to help everyone ... and that everyone had a problem that I could help them solve.

That was a bit unrealistic—and dare I say, arrogant.

Today I've got clarity around who I will work with—and who I won't.

And it has less to do with their personal aptitude and more about their personal attitude towards God and a willingness to understand Divine Right Timing.

You can't outgive God.

I'm a living proof of that.

What I have today did not come from striving harder or positioning myself in the spotlight.

It came from obedience layered over time.

~ From saying yes when it was inconvenient.

~ From giving when the numbers did not justify it.

~ From trusting God with my pace, my work, and my future.

I own several hundred acres of land across three states—and grew up in a household where money did not flow freely.

My first year working in Federal law enforcement I made less than $25,000 a year.

There was no visible pathway from there to here.

And every time I’ve tried to outwork Him, outmaneuver Him, or rush what wasn’t ripe, I’ve paid for it in exhaustion and misalignment.

Yet, every time I’ve trusted Him, honored timing, and given from obedience rather than fear, the return has exceeded anything I could have engineered.

Yes, some things don't make sense, yet when you map out a God plan, you don't try to do all of the heavy lifting yourself.

And that takes a different kind of Leader.

Someone who doesn't need to be on center stage 24x7.

That’s the framework I lead from.

That’s the lens I coach through.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to give God room to lead.

Look at one area of your work or leadership where you’ve been forcing results.

Stop trying to control it.

Step back and ask God to guide your next move.

Take one real action: delegate, pause before deciding, or simply wait on His direction.

Watch how alignment show up when you stop doing all the heavy lifting yourself.

Lastly, share what you discover with me, your mentor, or someone close to you.

Speaking it aloud helps you see your next move clearly and step into it with confidence.

The Unseen Impact of The Work You’re Called To Do

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:01:18 GMT

Are you thinking of how your choices today are affecting future generations?

As someone who doesn't have kids, this used to rarely be on my radar.

Yet your choice to bring to life the work that you're called to do will impact the future of your lineage—and folks you've never met.

What story will you create based on the choices you make today?

See, you create your legacy with the choices that you make right now.

The long-lasting impact of your actions can leave behind creations that are innovative and impactful.

Take for example the 13-year-old kid who decided to leave a happy note in every bag at the grocery store, just to create a little more cheer in the world.

That's legacy.

Or what about the kid who practiced free throws every night after school for 3 hours—and then went on to lead his team to the championship in his senior year in college.

That's legacy.

I remember a few years ago, I hired someone to organize the SOPs and processes for my company.

At the time, it felt like a lot of extra work and I wondered if it was worth it.

Years later, that choice made everything flow smoother, less rushed, and allowed me and my team to focus on the work we were truly called to do.

That’s legacy.

Leadership is, as much about what you do in the here and now as it is about legacy for future generations to come.

Every one of these moments, big or small, ripples far beyond what you can see today.

Each day, each decision plants seeds for generations we may never meet.

Tend them with care, with intention, and with faith, trusting that what you do today becomes the foundation for what is possible tomorrow.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to build for someone you will never meet.

Choose one action this week that will not benefit you immediately.

It could be documenting a process so someone else can lead more easily.

Or speaking encouragement that strengthens someone’s confidence long after the moment passes.

Or making a decision that protects the future even when the present would prefer convenience.

As you do it, hold this prayer quietly,

“May this serve beyond me.”

Release the outcome.

This is leadership that thinks generationally.

When Was the Last Time You Stopped to Hear God?

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:45:09 GMT

Divine obedience.

I can't say for most of my life I understood what it meant.

To be in the listening to where God wants me to be requires choosing to have enough time and space to listen.

Yet I've always been rewarded by doing things quickly.

Time and space seemed unnecessary.

Or they were needed for folks who didn't learn or pick something up as fast as I did.

When I type that now, I almost cringe.

"Be still—and know that I am God."

It is in the stillness, the soft whisper, that I often get to meet God.

And that was elusive for big chunks of time in my life.

I'd be running from one event to the next ... running from one opportunity and experience, and often get there out of breath, only to head out again on what I told myself was the next adventure.

Rarely did I ever stop and consider where God wanted to lead me.

Rarely did my leadership include Him.

Rarely did I end up someplace refreshed and renewed—and at peace.

Looking back, I can see the patterns that ran my life, and how far away from divine obedience they were.

Yet that's what free will is about.

The ability to choose.

With intention.

When you listen to the world's ways, you'll always end up depleted because you're never doing enough.

Divine obedience has you listen, and carve out a path of peace and ease.

That doesn't mean everything will go your way.

Far from it.

It does mean that you get to walk every moment stress-free.

Even when it looks like everything around you is crashing down.

I've lived through fires, floods, and tornados ... and walked away unscathed.

I'm not sure the odds of doing this are even possible, let alone probable.

Yet here I am.

In the midst of the storm, and there will always be a storm, your leadership will ensure you walk on water or drown.

With divine obedience, the former is a guarantee.

And I gotta tell you that writing all of this out feels scary.

For decades, I've been celebrated for my left-brain business mind ... the part of me that doesn't let emotion or things like faith get in the way of building a business with a sound strategy, processes, and standard operating procedures.

I can—and have—helped scale hundreds of businesses to reach the elusive 7-figure mark in business, and I still do that in my work today.

Yet, today I don't do it without taking everything to prayer.

You may have met me when that wasn't how I operated, and my current business model doesn't work for you.

And I get that.

I just can no longer pretend that I'm somebody that I'm not.

I take a fierce stand for my clients and their success—and for me, that involves taking every problem and challenge they face to God first.

Together, we create a solution that is designed for the betterment of mankind —and includes everyone in their life.

Again, I don't love talking about this.

And, it's my Truth.

So, how often do you stop and listen to where God is trying to lead you?

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to create space before you create movement.

Choose one moment each day where you would normally push ahead.

And instead of doing, stop.

Sit in stillness for three minutes and invite God into the moment.

Ask, “What is mine to do right now?”

Wait.

Take only the next faithful step you sense.

This is divine obedience practiced daily.

Calm leadership that walks on water.

The Freedom That Comes When You Release the Plan

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 10:45:06 GMT

I wonder how much time I've spent trying to figure out how I'm going to get something to work.

I wonder how many hours I've tried to get something "right" or figure out how I'm going to do something.

I wonder how many minutes I've belabored what it would take to get what I wanted—and how it was going to happen.

And it's not just me.

Everyone wants to know "the how" of something coming together.

That's part of the danger of spending too much time in the thinking mind.

It wants answers.

Yet the mind-brain was designed to keep humans safe.

That's why there is a fight-or-flight mechanism wired inside each one of us.

Over time, man began relying on the thinking mind for more than God ever envisioned.

When I have a pressing problem, I used to believe I could think my way out of it, seeking the "right" way forward.

Now, I take it to prayer, trusting that there's probably something I can't see on my own that will lead to a solution with greater ease than I can see on my own.

Doing the heavy lifting myself is something I was accustomed to doing.

I can hustle and grind, and muscle and might my way through just about anything.

When others would give up, I'd still be standing because of my inner resolve to win.

Yet choosing to live and run my business this way led to greater struggles, heartache, and feeling overburdened than asking God to lead ever did.

This doesn't mean I get to abdicate responsibility and just surrender to whatever comes my way.

Walking with intention requires personal responsibility.

The how isn't any of my business as long as I stay the course, listening to where God's leading me.

And the same is true for you, too.

Most problems require stillness, presence, and an invocation of the answer that you can't see on your own.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to choose one thing you have been carrying in your head.

Before you do something with it, pause and invite God into the moment.

Then set a 15-minute timer and take one clear, practical action that is already in front of you.

Stay present with the work until the timer ends.

When the time is up, stop and release the rest back to God.

This is how trust becomes embodied leadership, one intentional step at a time.

How Presence Becomes Power in Leadership

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:45:01 GMT

In a world that is designed for you to have a plan and map out your every move, living moment-by-moment can be challenging.

You will likely be met with judgment by the folks around you, feeling you move too slow or are a bit directionless.

Yet the only way to experience peace is in this moment.

It doesn't happen when you focus on your past.

And it doesn't live in your future, either.

Years ago, I had someone who was well-known in the world of transformational leadership reach out to me, asking if she could hire me.

When I asked her what she wanted to work on, she shared that she wanted me to teach her how to be present.

Huh?

I didn't understand what she was asking or why it was an issue.

And at the time, I couldn't figure out how to put together a package or offering on something that felt so natural to me.

Over the years, I've discovered that presence is elusive for most folks.

They don't understand its power or grasp how to attain it, and live in the here and now.

Perhaps that's the reason Eckhart Tolle's book The Power of Now has sold millions of copies.

When presence eludes you, you run back and forth chasing moments you once lived in the past—or spending time wishing for tomorrow to get here.

The blessing of living in this moment means you get to see all of the gifts that are in your life right now.

~ The people you love

~ The places you enjoy

~ The experiences you cultivate

When you run around comparing what was or what you think will be to this moment, you miss out on the gift of life that God has given you.

And when you lead from this place, it's hard for others to want to follow you.

Leadership requires a commitment to the here and now.

And the best leaders are present to the wonder of life, living One Moment At A Time.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to practice leading from presence rather than a plan.

When something interrupts your schedule or pulls you off your agenda, pause and stay in the moment instead of rushing ahead or reacting.

Give your full attention to what is right in front of you and allow peace to guide your response.

Trust that honoring the present moment is an act of faith, clarity, and leadership, and that what truly matters will unfold one moment at a time.

The Vision You Shelved Is Calling You Back

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:45:13 GMT

What would happen if your vision, your wildest desire, became fulfilled?

Then what?

What if you were as successful, as impactful as your soul is nudging you to be?

What if?

Most folks never give themselves permission to answer those questions.

The idea that life follows a rote rhythm and then one day your time has come to cross the rainbow bridge sounds awful to me.

Yet I've met far too many folks who live their life this way, expecting very little—and giving very little in return.

Long ago, I noticed this conscious and unconscious sleepwalking where the hottest thing on the market was what would keep you comfortable and out of pain.

That trend, while appealing, seeks to remove all suffering from the human experience.

If you really want your vision to come to life, you're gonna experience some heartache.

That's reality.

Suffering stretches you to become better ... to defy the odds, pushing on your growth edges and inviting you to rise up.

What if you never sold out on yourself again?

What if you asked for the best seat in the house and were offered even better?

I believe you can, you will—and you must.

For without vision, people perish.

I believe in you.

Start asking for the best and keep asking until you get it.

That's the Upside Way.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to set aside ten intentional minutes this week and ask yourself this question and write the answer without negotiating it down.

What vision did I quietly place on the shelf because it asked more of me?

Let it be bold.

It may feel premature or it may feel like it asks you to be seen before you feel ready.

Honor it anyway.

Then take one visible step that tests the vision in the real world.

Share the idea.

Voice the invitation.

Signal your willingness to lead.

And remember, you are committing to obedience.

Is Your Life Reflecting Who You Were Created to Be?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 10:30:01 GMT

What may look like ordinary sameness to other people is often an exhilarating journey to me…

…when I choose to see it that way.

I celebrate:

My wins.
My losses.
My everyday actions.

Moment by moment, I’m grateful for the journey.

Because that’s what success looks like.

Despite what the world wants you to believe, success isn't perfection or acts of grandeur.

Success doesn't always come with a parade or accolades that get you on the cover of the magazine.

Success is the manifestation of your design.

You get to decide every day if you're the kind of leader that would be worth following—in your family, your workplace, and your circle of friends.

The key is to be honest about your thoughts, actions, and behaviors and what they are producing.

In many ways, you're told to turn a blind eye to shortcomings and bury them or numb them.

For example, excessive drinking can be excused when someone is under stress as it's deemed socially acceptable.

And what would be considered excessive in one area seems to be celebrated in another arena.

These moral conflicts impede the path to real success ... the kind where you look in the mirror and you're proud of every decision you've made.

Leadership can be complicated as leaders are often sought out for answers and their acumen in a particular area.

Yet that doesn't mean they're any more perfect than you are.

And when you haven't defined success for yourself, you will always come up short.

Success begins the moment you stop letting the world tell you who you should be.

Leadership starts within.

It shows up in the choices you make when no one is applauding.

You were designed with intention.

When your decisions honor that design, clarity replaces confusion and integrity becomes your compass.

This is what real leadership looks like... quiet strength, and a life that reflects who you were created to be.

That choice is available to you every single day.

And today is a powerful place to begin.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to notice one ordinary action you take that reflects who you want to be as a leader.

It could be how you respond to someone, how you follow through on a small task, or how you speak to yourself.

Acknowledge it.

Honor it.

Let it be proof that your design is showing up in real time.

Remember, success is in these conscious, everyday choices.

Leadership Doesn’t Bend You

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Sometimes you have an idea of how you believe something should be.

Your idea, however, is much grander than reality.

Because you don't want to give up on the grandness of that vision, you start to twist yourself into a pretzel—and do things that aren't really you to see if you can make what you want come to life.

People do this with relationships, their career or business path, and their God-given mission.

Looking at something and accepting it for what it is takes massive amounts of courage.

In a world that will give you a free pass if you make excuses for your behavior rather than encouraging you to look in the mirror, I see this path more times than I'd ever thought I would.

Someone recently asked me why most folks find accountability inherently difficult.

He was looking for someone to hold him accountable, and realized that no one in his friend circle had the strength or capacity to do it.

After a long pause, I shared with him that if someone were to hold you accountable for your behavior, they'd have to look at and acknowledge their own shortcoming and missteps.

It's just easier to ignore what you're doing, so they don't have to look at what they're doing.

Long ago, I made a pact with myself that I wanted people in my life who were committed to honest, transparent dialogue.

Over the past several decades, this has served me well—even when it hasn't been comfortable.

I'm not looking for a free pass.

Leadership is challenging, sometimes messy, and always uncomfortable.

Most folks just aren't interested in signing up for something that doesn't have them feel good 24x7.

When I got clear on the 7 Pillars of God-Centered Leadership, it was like something shifted in me.

I got that when I walked this path and took this journey, I didn't need to twist myself into a pretzel or spend time worrying about what other people thought about me.

As long as my heart is right with God, leadership is about His way, not mine.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to write down the qualities that would earn someone the right to speak into your life.

Focus on who they are and not what they do.

Choose qualities anchored in truth, integrity, humility, and alignment with your Divine mission.

Then pause and look at your list honestly.

Let your life rise to meet what you say you value.

What If You Believed The Best?

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:45:05 GMT

You can believe the best or worst about people.

It’s less lonely to believe the best in them, yet that's really hard to do, especially when you've been burned over and over.

When I think about leadership as a whole, this is one of the hardest elements to master because people are human.

~ They're going to get stuff wrong.

~ They're going to say things you don't like.

~ They're going to hurt your feelings, even if you don't want to admit it.

At some point, most folks give up trying or at least caring.

It's often easier to numb or ignore than to deal with a disappointment.

Yet numbing or ignoring doesn't change the body's reaction internally to the situation.

To get to a place where you are able to believe the best in folks takes work.

There is no leadership pill or shortcut.

At least not one that I've ever found.

One of the biggest flexes is being able to hold space for someone when they've wronged you.

I remember years ago reading an article about Richard Branson, and one of his employees who had stolen from him.

Branson told the manager to speak to him—and give him a second chance.

A second chance?!?

Are you kidding me?!?

That's a break in integrity and grounds for removal in any industry.

Reading this had me wonder what Branson knew about leadership that at the time I didn't.

To take it a step further, my curiosity increased and I wondered what would happen if I did something like this in my own life.

It felt awkward to try this idea on as I had long-rooted beliefs that certain behaviors were vehemently wrong—and should be punished.

Was it possible that leadership required unconditional love?

Now, this didn't mean being a doormat and letting someone walk all over you.

Anyone who knows me understands that's never gonna happen.

Yet this new perspective, this new lens, had me curious about what would happen if I led from that place.

Over the years, I can say it hasn't been the easiest thing to do—and it's been the most rewarding.

I still have folks come back to me who wronged me telling me how much they respect the way I handled the situation.

My greatest desire for folks is that they lead their lives in a way that honors the core of their being—their divine mission and purpose.

And it's really hard to do that when you're steeped in judgment, blame, or shame-inducing behaviors.

Love is the answer, regardless of the question.

Because you can choose to believe the worst in people.

Or you can choose to see the best in people.

It's always your choice.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to choose one person who has disappointed or frustrated you.

Take one step from your highest self that keeps your heart open.

Speak with calm.

Acknowledge something they did right.

And release the story you’ve been holding.

Lead from love today.

The Quiet Ways Life Speaks

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:45:03 GMT

Life’s little synchronicities.

Have you noticed them?

Something happens that was too meaningful to be a coincidence.

~ Meeting that person.

~ Getting that call.

~ Having the impossible become possible?!?

Perhaps you’re thinking about someone, and then they call.

How does that happen?!?

Or, you get a bill, and you've got no idea how you’re going to pay it.

And then, poof! ... the exact amount of money you need just shows up.

I’ve experienced countless events like these throughout my life.

And while some people believe they are random, I understand in the depth of my being that these experiences are signs from the Holy Spirit to get my attention or answer a prayer.

When you are in co-creation with all of Life, you get messages to confirm you’re on the right path.

When I’m in ease and grace, greater wealth, opportunities, and relationships flow into my life.

It’s magical.

However, you have to be open to notice the signs in the first place.

Every synchronicity carries wisdom for the journey.

When you lean into the whispers of the Holy Spirit, life opens in ways you couldn’t script on your own.

Stay open.

Stay expectant.

What you’ve been seeking may already be moving towards you in ways you can’t yet see.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to stay on the lookout for meaningful synchronicities throughout your days.

Each time one happens, jot it down so you don’t forget.

At the end of the week sit with your list and speak your gratitude aloud for every moment that aligned for you.

Don’t Wait for Permission to Do What Works

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:45:01 GMT

“You can’t quit your job to open a business. You don’t even know anything about business.”

I get it.

Taking a leap of faith doesn’t make sense.

That’s why it’s called faith.

So I took the leap of faith anyway.

“That’s not the way we do that here.”

I understand.

And I created a new way of doing business that is more effective—and fun!

“Why must you be such a troublemaker?”

I don’t know what you mean.

I get there are rules within the system—and I chose to create a new system.

“That’s not possible.”

Sure it is.

I just did it.

“You’re being reckless. You have responsibilities.”

It depends on how you look at it.

I see unlimited possibilities.

These are real-life conversations I've had with folks in different seasons of my life.

See, the rewards of courageous leadership are immense.

Questioning 'what if...' to create 'what is' has been my journey.

And it’s probably yours, too.

You can’t live out your mission by playing by the rules of a broken world.

Don’t let the “we’ve always done it this way” paradigm get in the way of making a positive difference on the planet.

Remember, there’s always a way.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to stop letting “we’ve always done it this way” slow your impact.

Take a process, workflow, or system that isn’t serving your mission and start redesigning it.

Remember, there’s always a way to make a bigger difference and it starts with your decision to do things differently.

When Staying Liked Costs Your Soul

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:00:39 GMT

You have been hard-wired for greatness so stop trying so hard to be something other than who you are.

I see it all the time.

Folks who tie themselves into knots, seeking the approval of others.

Oh, it's not conscious.

Most leaders would tell you that they're comfortable being their own boss, in charge of their time.

Behind closed doors, many of them have told me something different.

And that's because conflict, being misunderstood, and being vilified are pretty crummy.

Most folks want to be liked.

They want to be valued and appreciated for the effort they've put in.

Your greatest gift to the planet is to be fully, completely, and unapologetically who you are.

Doing that may come with some pretty harsh consequences ... which is why most leaders are willing to sell out.

The thing that isn't always self-evident about compromising your values and beliefs is that every night you're stuck with you.

You have to look at yourself in the mirror.

You are the only one who understands the choices you've made—right, wrong, or indifferent.

When the day is done, the truth always meets you in the quiet.

It asks whether you stood in integrity or traded pieces of yourself to keep the peace.

Leadership requires decisions that don’t win applause.

It often asks you to hold your ground when others want you to bend.

Living aligned with who you are may cost you approval or relationships.

Yet, it will never cost you your soul.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to name a decision you’ve been avoiding because it feels risky or uncomfortable.

It could be ending a partnership that no longer serves your vision, raising the standards for a client, or closing a door that keeps you from your calling.

Take one bold, aligned action this week that honors your integrity and the leader you were created to be.

The Joy of Living Your Divine Mission

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 10:15:00 GMT

"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."

~ Helen Keller

Purpose.

The dictionary definition is, " the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. "

You were put on the planet for a reason ... a purpose.

And, part of the joy of the journey is to be in the discovery and fulfillment of that divine purpose .

Perhaps that's why Helen Keller said what she said.

Too often, folks get sidetracked by fame and fortune, or comfort and easy.

While they each have their allure, they will never bring you happiness.

True happiness comes from meaning.

Over the decades, there have been countless subjects and research projects on the topic of happiness.

The results of all of them have pointed back to this truth.

When I think about the leaders that I've had the privilege of working with, the ones that were the happiest weren't the ones that had situations that were easy.

Actually, life came down pretty hard on some of them and they were in peril.

While they came to me seeking answers about how to right the ship, the journey rarely involved signing a multi-million dollar deal that got them to happiness island.

It was the ability to peel away each layer of their circumstances

and see it through the lens of their divine mission and purpose.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to notice where your influence thrive.

At times, we can lose sight of what truly matters.

So today, observe the work, conversations, and moments where you naturally make a difference.

Do more of those things, even in small ways.

Your purpose is revealed in the places where your leadership produces impact and meaning.

Where Focus Goes, Expansion Flows

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:21:42 GMT

Choice. Direction. Commitment. Consistent Action.

Rinse and repeat.

If you do this, a lot can change in a year.

There was a season where most folks in my industry started cutting back—and I did the opposite.

I doubled down on the number of hours I was investing in my business.

I created new programming for my live events, and I hired 4 new people.

At the time, I also chose to invest in myself and upped my personal commitment to excellence in every area of my life, getting up early and doing the work physically, mentally, intellectually, spiritually, financially, relationally, and creatively.

My business expanded, my relationships grew stronger, and at the time, I released 18 pounds.

See, most people are more committed to fixing what isn’t working that they can’t see what is working.

They stop being grateful for what's right in front of them .

They stop being able to see the miracles that are happening in front of their eyes.

I recently had a private leadership retreat day with a guy who said, "If miracles were happening in my life, I'd certainly see them."

He said it with conviction, bravado, and a tiny bit of arrogance.

I called him on it and pointed out three things that were miracles in the making that had just happened in his life.

When you focus solely on the problem,

you always lose.

Over the past year, when people were wondering what they were going to do over the weekend, I was thinking about this moment.

Right here and right now.

Today, I’m mapping out what’s going to happen over the next 12 – 24 months in my business—all while staying rooted in the here and now.

Commit to excellence and your life will change.

You will turn possibilities into realities.

I’m a living proof.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to look at where you’ve been relying on experience instead of intention.

Leaders sometimes can easily coast on what’s worked before, forgetting that excellence requires evolution.

Identify one area where you’ve been leading on autopilot.

It could be a system, relationship, or habit that could be sharper, more aligned, or more alive.

Then refine it.

Because you’re committed to mastery.

Holding It All Together Isn’t the Goal

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:45:01 GMT

No matter how happy someone may seem, they have moments when they question if they can go on.

And no matter how strong someone may appear, they have days when they feel like they're falling apart.

That's one of the most confusing aspects of leadership.

See, most leaders feel that because they're the one at the helm steering the ship, they should have it together and be "on" 24x7.

And that's unrealistic.

Yet that belief has caused many leaders to sink their ship because of the inability to reach out and ask for help.

No one can go it alone.

Every leader needs someone to lean on.

Phrases like "Only the strong survive." and "You gotta just 'man' up." do more damage than good.

I learned this when I was working in Federal law enforcement and 9/11 hit.

The superhuman requests to work hours that pushed the body to the limits were a recipe for certain disaster.

Men and women who may have needed someone to talk to themselves to process their grief were thrust into the grim reality that they were needed more than ever—and needed to be stronger than they knew how to do.

One of the NYPD beat cops that I had befriended was in the middle of a shift when he had a full-blown meltdown on 5th Avenue in New York City six months after 9/11.

The walk of leadership never has been—and never will be—a solo affair.

You need other folks around you that you can trust and rely on in good times and not-so-good times.

And I'm not talking about a friend, spouse, or family member.

I'm talking about a trusted advisor with whom you can turn matter what is working or on fire.

Because every leader deserves a space to be real, to be guided, and to be reminded of the truth of who they are .

The kind of space I’ve devoted my life to creating for those called to lead from purpose.

And when leaders have that kind of support, the moments that once felt too heavy begin to make sense.

They find the strength to keep going because they’re no longer doing it on their own.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to think and name one person who you can turn to when leadership feels heavy.

Reach out to one of them this week. Tell the truth about where you are.

Because even leaders need a place to lean.

Start the Year With a Clean Board

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:15:03 GMT

As I look at how to move forward with a new year...I’m tasked with identifying what to do to take action in the here and now.

It sometimes feels hard... which is why I’m grateful for friends who lend a listening ear.

It feels as if no matter how much I wipe the surface of my white board, my old writing shows through.

Leaders face this challenge all the time.

~ How to erase what’s holding them back...

... and how to embrace what will propel them forward without old stories seeping through.

I believe that’s why this time of year is confronting for people.

They’re faced with the dilemma of honestly facing whether they’ve taken action on what they said they wanted last year

... and looking at how much energy and effort they put into their commitments... while assessing what's still flippin' gettin' in the way.

Some people run and hide – and then lie to themselves.

Others play the blame game.

Only the courageous take personal responsibility for their shortcomings... with renewed energy to do better moving forward.

To do this, you’ve got to get curious.

Looking at where you’re at in this moment will determine how successful you will be tomorrow.

And, you can’t get to self-regulation without self-awareness so that’s also critical.

You’re born with a certain success set point and tolerance for risk...

... as well as a boatload of behavioral characteristics...

... some which serve you and others that get in the way of your success.

Over time, you can make adjustments or choose to step into old habits.

Blind spots are places we just can’t see on our own.

Upside Leaders was born out of my desire to walk alongside leaders in this very space... where the unseen becomes visible, and small, intentional shifts create lasting transformation.

When I spoke with a friend, he said perhaps it's just allowing for a small shift to the left or right, rather than an uncovering.

For me that 1% tilt has made all the difference...

... especially when I look through that lens with humility...

... which precedes personal and professional growth.

You cannot improve where you’re headed unless you improve yourself.

See this as a time to erase what is no longer relevant... put some effort into making sure the old writing on your "white board" doesn't seep through.

You are writing a new story.

... look in the mirror...

... and commit to doing better.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to look at your current goals and circle the one that feels the most familiar.

Challenge yourself to reimagine it and to stretch it by 1%.

Ask, “ What would this look like if I led with full conviction instead of comfort? ”

Then pause and listen for what you’re being asked to release so greater vision can unfold through you.

Where You Sit Determines How You Lead

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:45:00 GMT

Most folks are introverts at heart.

They prefer to hole up and live inside their cave vs. venturing out to try something new.

And most folks have a lot of excuses when you invite them to experience something that will require them to stretch their growth edges.

~ "I don't like to travel."

~ "Traveling is hard."

~ "I can't be away from my family."

~ "My business can't run without me."

~ "It's too much money."

The thing is ... you've got to escape your cave—and be with other people.

This isn't optional.

It's how your ideas and path gets challenged in ways that are easier than finding out you're one decision from going out of business because you didn't see that train coming.

When you do choose to connect with other folks, it's important that you're choosy with who you give your precious time to and where.

That means if you go someplace that's free or cheap, that's likely the depth of the conversations you'll have.

I get invited to lots of seminars, mastermind groups, and peer networking circles.

Most of the invites are for me to come for free because having me in the room is valuable.

I turn most of them down and go to the events that cost money.

Why?

Because there are TONS of free or cheap places to go to hang out with others in business ... and if that's where you spend your time and energy, you'll be stuck in the same place 5 years from now.

When you come to an Upside Thinking event, you notice the folks around you are a little different.

So if you're not showing up at least once a year at an Upside Thinking event, you're missing out on something important.

Personally, I go to about 5 meetings a year where I seek to NOT be the smartest person in the room, actively inviting folks to challenge everything I'm saying.

You should do the same.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to commit to attending at least one high-caliber event in the next twelve months where the investment of time, travel, and money feels like a stretch.

Choose a room where you expect to be challenged, not affirmed, and where the conversations push you to see blind spots you didn’t know you had.

Put it on your calendar now so it’s a non-negotiable.

Your Presence Is the Gift the World Needs

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:45:02 GMT

This message comes three days before Christmas, a season that calls us back to love and light, from a place of deep gratitude and a depth of humility that has me moved to tears.

From the Festival of Lights to the upcoming New Year's festivities, celebrations are all around.

Parties, gift giving and conversations about being merry and jolly seem to fill the air a bit more during this time of year.

Yet, this experience isn't true for everyone.

I am mindful that this time of year doesn't bring lightness and joy for all.

It is a time of year that can trigger memories of years gone by...

... broken dreams and longing for people you wish you could pick up the phone and hear their voice one more time.

If you have lost a loved one this year, or simply feel alone, even in a room filled with people, my heart goes out to you .

I have experienced this countless times in my life while trying my best to pretend everything was good in my world.

This past year has carried both challenges and triumphs, each one a reminder of how faithfully God shapes us through every season and strengthens us for what is next.

If you suffered a loss that feels paralyzing and sometimes feel like you can't breathe while everyone makes merry, I celebrate the richness and depth of your emotions.

You are appreciated.

For who you are.

For where you are at this moment.

For how deeply, and passionately you care about others.

And, for all that you are.

You, my dear friend, are loved right now, more than my words could ever express.

So, have courage, muster up the strength to pick up the phone and call someone if you need to.

Remember the world needs you and your brilliance.

And, yes, it’s possible to be both whole and gracefully broken open.

It simply allows more of your light to be seen.

Keep on shining brightly.

As Christmas draws near, may this season wrap you in peace and remind you of the love and light that surround you.

Whether this year has left you celebrating or healing, know that your presence matters and your light is needed.

Merry Christmas...

May the days ahead bring you strength, hope,

and unexpected joy that warms your heart.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify and celebrate quiet wins.

Before the year ends, name three wins from your organization that didn’t make headlines yet shaped growth.

Share them with your people to remind them that every contribution matters.

Leading From A Deeper Place

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 10:15:00 GMT

There are forces in the world that are intangible and unseen.

Yet most folks rely on their physical senses, relying solely on what they can see, touch, weigh, and measure.

I've often thought about Thomas in the Bible and what must have been going through his head to say, "Until I see His hands, feel the wounds of the nails, and put my hand to His side, I won't believe what you are saying."

Oh, I get being skeptical to what cannot be explained.

For safety's sake, I'm someone who wants a tangible, rational explanation for things in life.

When something goes up, I expect there's a down.

When something goes left, I expect there's a right.

When things don't add up in the way that I've been told life works, it's confronting.

When I look at leadership through this lens, I can better understand why my expectations of others haven't often been met.

The majority of folks don't have the ability to cope with things that don't seem to make sense.

Speaking about an intangible force that ensures the world keeps on spinning is more than just the universal law of gravity.

That's God.

And there's no simple explanation.

Try to wrap your head around how the ground beneath your feet is actually suspended in mid-air, circling around a sun.

Forces of nature like tornados and thunderstorms leave all folks helpless and feeling out of control.

Because they are.

It's not that most folks are ignorant about forces

that are unseen and intangible.

It's just they choose not to acknowledge their very power - and the amount of intelligence that is accessible when acknowledged.

When I opened my business over 20 years ago and got into teaching leadership, I thought there was a simplicity to the work, where if certain principles were understood you could thrive.

Over time, I've discovered that's just not true.

Much of what occurs on the planet and in everyday life is entangled with cosmic alignment.

People create all sorts of stories so they can wrap their head around that, so it's easier to digest rather than just understanding there are some things that you cannot explain.

And again, for me, that's God.

When I brought God into my body of leadership work, it started to make sense in ways that are hard to describe.

There are no expectations about this plus that equals something else, as with intangible, unseen forces, the equation can have exponential results that cannot be explained.

There is a way leadership comes alive when you make room for what cannot be explained.

The moments when reason falls short and human understanding runs out are often the moments when the most extraordinary answers arrive.

I have seen doors open that no strategy could have forced.

I have watched solutions appear in the exact moment they were needed.

That is what happens when you lead with an awareness of the One who holds it all together.

The results may not make sense on paper, yet they carry a power that shapes lives and outlasts you.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to choose one leadership challenge you are facing right now.

Write down what you can see and measure.

Then name what you sense is also shaping the outcome — a conversation that came at just the right time, a shift in someone’s openness, an inner knowing you can’t ignore, a divine alignment that placed the right person in your path.

Let both guide your next step.

Finding the Compass Back Home

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 10:15:00 GMT

Over the past decade, I've had some really big wins.

And because I've had success amnesia and struggle to celebrate my wins, my accomplishments never seemed good enough.

Fifteen years ago, all I could see was what I was getting wrong.

At that time, I stopped creating big goals (heck, any goals)—and my vision for my business grew smaller.

Then I didn't have to feel as if I was a fraud.

I would simply stick to what was working and not stretch myself any further.

Unconsciously, I chose to live in my comfort zone and stop taking risks.

To the outside world, everything looked good.

~ I had clients.

~ I had my own business.

~ And I had a comfortable life.

Yet, inside, I was dying .

Pieces of me were shriveling up and becoming unrecognizable.

When you understand you have a Divine mission and purpose to fulfill and you're not fully using your gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences for good, it's like having your life force being taken from you.

You start going through the motions without being present to the gift of life.

Over time, you become numb to the possibilities, awe, and wonder that are all around you.

Did you ever watch a little kid,

and how they see the world through the eyes of God?

Everything they notice seems to captivate them and bring them joy.

Somewhere along the way, you lose that as an adult.

Life becomes rote if you let it.

That's what happened to me.

And it's hard to lead yourself or others when you're in this place.

Sometimes when you feel like you're not winning, you get the opportunity to reflect on what winning looks like.

It's a compass that can lead you back home ...

... to a place where health, happiness, success, and meaning are ever-present.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify one part of your leadership or life that once brought you joy yet now feels routine.

Take one intentional action this week to breathe life back into it—whether that’s reimagining a goal, initiating a meaningful conversation, or revisiting a practice that once inspired you.

Even a single deliberate choice can reset your compass toward the place where health, happiness, success, and meaning grow strong.

Are You Still Looking for Something Greater?

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 10:15:00 GMT

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 ...

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:45:08 GMT

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

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:45:00 GMT

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

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:15:00 GMT

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.

The Unexpected Key to Leading Well

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:30:00 GMT

For years, Valentine’s Day has been my 2nd favorite holiday after Thanksgiving.

Every year, I notice people talking about love and being loving, equating it to what they got from their partner.

One year, I wrote a post where I joked around about asking Jim for toilets — which was true.

And some folks were horrified.

Valentine's Day hasn't been one of my favorite holidays for 4 decades because of the gifts I've received, although I have gotten some spectacular ones.

Rather, Valentine's Day offers folks a reminder to see through the lens of love, no matter where they're at or what they're experiencing.

LOVE is the vibration I want to operate on 365 days throughout the year.

It’s how I want to be REMEMBERED.

In a few days, Jim and I will celebrate 21 years of marriage.

Yes, 21 years.

That kind of time gives you a deeper understanding of what love really is.

And it’s not always grand or visible.

Being loving and kind isn’t hard to do.

And it's not easy, either.

It does require intentional choice in every circumstance and situation.

Once you set your mind that’s who you want to be, you’ll see opportunities to be loving and kind all day long.

Researchers have discovered that you also get what’s called the ‘helper’s high’ when you operate this way…

…because acts of altruism trigger the same endorphins as a ‘runner’s high.'

What does this look like?

Smile. At people you’ve never met.

Hold the door open for a stranger.

Give BIG hugs to the people you care about most.

Say “please” – and say “thank you”. You’d be surprised at how few people actually do.

Surprise a friend with a phone call or a gift of appreciation … for no reason other than they were on your mind.

Give back and volunteer your time at a colleague’s event, local animal shelter, or soup kitchen. (Yes, they still have those.)

Pay for someone’s cup of coffee at the drive-thru or the person standing behind you in line at Starbucks. When I lived in New Jersey, I used to pay for people’s tolls before EZPass came along and took away the fun of it.

Go through your closet and donate the clothing you still love, yet haven’t worn in a long time.

Look for opportunities to pay someone a compliment – and then do it. You just may make their day.

Text or call a loved one just to say, “I’m thinking about you…”

Bring your neighbors flowers.

Loving-kindness is just a way of being.

You don’t need a special day or any holiday for LOVE to show up.

And the best leaders get this.

So if you want to be the kind of leader who leaves a legacy...

Start there.

Lead with love.

Even when no one’s watching.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to practice one unseen act of loving-kindness.

Choose one person in your world — a colleague, neighbor, team member, or friend — and do something kind without telling them it was you.

It can be a handwritten note, a small gift, a thoughtful gesture, or an act of service.

Then notice how it shifts you — because powerful leadership begins in the places no one else sees.

What You’re Meant to Do Won’t Let You Go

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:30:01 GMT

When I was 6 years old, I understood there was something powerful for me to do on the planet.

A mission that was bigger than me.

Bigger than I could comprehend.

And I get that sounds crazy as I was simultaneously learning how to count, and add 4 + 6 to come up with 10.

What I can tell you that I'm clear about is that despite that inner knowing, I floundered over the years trying to figure out how I could really step into this Calling.

How could this possibly be mine to do?!?

From hiding it, burying it, and avoiding it, it seemed I kept running away from what I knew was mine to do in the world.

There is a shift that happens in a person’s life when they realize it’s time to step up and become the leader they are destined to be.

~ To make an impact

~ To be a force for good on the planet

~ To step into their Calling

See, God doesn't give folks little missions.

They're all big and designed for exactly how you're wired.

For me, it started with a grand vision as a little girl.

For others, it may reveal itself over time, perhaps after decades of transformational experiences.

Your mission matters—and the world needs you and your brilliance.

So, regardless of whether you are on your journey, it’s time to look at leadership from this lens vs. that of job positions and titles.

Now’s the moment to stop questioning whether it’s yours.

It is.

And the next step is yours to take.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to sit down and ask yourself: What’s one thing I keep feeling called to do yet I haven’t acted on?

Name it and just write it down.

Then decide how you’ll honor it in the next 48 hours.

Take one clear, intentional step.

Trusting the Timing You Didn’t Choose

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 10:30:00 GMT

Divine impatience.

This is what my spiritual mentor and I have been talking about quite a bit.

It's when you understand that lurking around the corner is the birthing of your new idea or new chapter, and God's timing is a little different than your own.

You feel you're ready and it's time, yet nothing seems to be moving.

This is very different than being stuck.

I've discovered that all leaders go through this season.

Some will put up a heck of a fight, and try to muscle their way forward.

And I can promise you that never works.

Others will throw up their hands and abdicate personal responsibility, excusing their lack of initiative and giving themselves a reason to sit back and do nothing.

Divine Right Timing is truly "a thing" and no amount of force will have a door open when it's not to be opened yet.

Yet that doesn't mean you step out of your life and wait.

Growth happens moment by moment over time, not in a flash or an instant.

You have a duty to keep moving forward while recognizing that your clock and God's may be set on different planes in the time and space continuum.

I've learned to see the Divine perfection in everything...

...even when I hope what I want would show up a little faster.

So much of leadership is learning to move in rhythm with Divine Right Timing.

It’s listening, trusting and leaning in even when you don’t see the full picture yet.

You begin to discern when to act and when to wait; when to take the next faithful step and when to let the path rise up to meet you.

That’s not something you master overnight.

It’s something you practice, in the pauses, in the tension, in the stretch between what is and what’s to come.

So if you're in that space right now, where you feel the stirring, the readiness, the knowing and yet, nothing seems to be shifting, take heart .

You're not doing anything wrong.

You're not being ignored by God.

You're being prepared.

And when the door does open, you'll walk through it with the clarity, strength, and grace you gained in the waiting.

That’s the Divine right on time.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to take inventory of what you’ve been striving to control.

Where are you trying to open a door that isn’t yours to open yet?

Is there a situation where you’ve confused momentum with force?

Write down three things you’re being called to trust, not fix.

Then choose one aligned step that keeps you in motion without pushing against Divine Timing.

Sometimes the wisest move is to walk in faith while the door gets ready for you.

Your Next Breakthrough Won’t Come From Standing Still

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:45:00 GMT

Jason struggled for years, trying everything he knew to do.

First, he rebuilt his website.

Then, he spent money getting people to listen to his podcast.

Next, he mapped out a social media strategy with a digital marketing agency.

Lastly, he went all in on paid advertising.

He was working long hours and missing out on time with his family.

And Jason’s bank account kept shrinking.

He couldn’t figure out why nothing seemed to be working.

That’s when we met.

Jason was the older brother of a friend of mine, and she thought I could help him see the missing piece.

I agreed to meet with him over Zoom.

He was direct and told me he wasn’t sure why his sister wanted us to talk.

I was direct with him, too, and shared that she had been watching him struggle in business, and believed the work I do could help jumpstart new opportunities.

I shared my desire to listen and be of service — if he was open.

Still a bit bristly in his demeanor, he said he wanted to hear what I had to say.

After I asked a few questions, in about 30 minutes, he softened and started to open up about what was really going on behind closed doors in his business.

I began putting the pieces together and could see that Jason thought he had to do business like everyone else — and it was killing him.

He had spent the last 24 months trying to grow the business with very little to show for it, and his confidence had taken a hit.

I saw through his bravado with a whole lot of tenderness — because I’ve been there.

When you don’t stack the wins, everything around you starts to feel like a loss.

You begin doubting your worth and value.

And when that happens …

~ it’s hard to build a great website ...

~ it’s hard to write on social media ...

~ and it’s hard to attract the people you’re called to serve.

Sometimes you can’t see what you need to shift, so you start chasing tactics trying to fix the problem.

Rarely are tactics the issue behind a stunted career or a stalled business venture.

If you don’t first figure out who you are, what you want, and why it matters,

none of those other things will work for you.

Then, you’ve got to get clear on your mission, values, and vision.

From there, I look at the patterns that have been showing up.

No one can see their own.

When you get that all dialed in, bigger opportunities start to show up.

Why?

Because you’re contributing to the world unencumbered.

And if you could see your own blocks, you’d already have removed them.

Jason realized he couldn’t walk this journey alone any longer.

The best leaders get that.

So to get the greatest ROI, focus on leadership.

Focusing on tactics, technology, AI, or other shiny objects won’t bring in the big paycheck.

Jason and I worked together one-on-one and got his leadership IQ dialed in.

Once he had clarity, I helped him write new marketing materials…

…and the results were astounding — a 23% increase in gross sales.

Today, he’s making a mark on the world.

Jason didn’t need another strategy.

He needed to remember who he was.

And when he did, everything changed.

This isn’t just Jason’s story.

It’s the story of so many leaders who are gifted yet weighed down by things that aren’t theirs to carry.

The world will always offer you another formula, another shortcut, or another distraction dressed up as the answer.

None of it works if you’re disconnected from your mission and you’ve lost sight of your value.

Leadership begins within.

And real, soul-deep success is built on purpose, not performance.

So if you’ve been chasing tactics and still feel like something’s missing, maybe it’s time to stop running and come home to yourself.

That’s where your greatest work begins.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to assess what’s driving your actions.

Are you doing this because it’s aligned — or because you think you should?

For this week, write down the top 3 things you’re doing right now to grow your business or leadership.

For each one, ask: Is this aligned with my mission or driven by pressure or expectation?

Circle the one that feels most out of alignment, and then pause it for the next 7 days and notice what shifts.

You don’t need to do more; you need to move with clarity.

Why Protecting Your Life Force Isn’t Selfish

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:30:02 GMT

Each person’s life force is different.

Some people move through life full throttle, operating at a level 10 every day and moving around at Mach speed.

Others max out at five—or even one or two reps per minute.

On any given day, you wake up with a certain amount of energy to work with.

And you get to make decisions about what to do with that energy.

Of all the actions you could possibly take, do you focus on what matters most to you?

As the day unfolds, your life force begins to decrease.

And when you’re not clear about what you say yes to, or what you say no to, you may discover there’s nothing left for what matters most.

How you arrange your days, rhythm, and relationships determines whether your life and business

will be sustainable over time.

Most people move through life as if they’ve got an endless supply of energy to pull from.

And when they don’t get everything done on their never-ending task list, they look around and assume they must be doing something wrong.

Playing the comparison game will never lead you to health, happiness, success, or meaning.

It won’t get you to peace or ease, either.

What it will do is drain you ... quietly and consistently.

Until you’re moving through your days exhausted, wondering why everything feels off.

You weren’t made to run on empty.

You wake up each day with a limited amount of life force.

And where you invest it determines what grows.

That’s the shift I help leaders make—honoring their capacity, aligning with what matters, and choosing to lead from a place of deep integrity and ease.

Because the world doesn’t need a burnt-out version of you.

It needs you and the brilliance only you carry.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to track your energy.

Grab a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle.

Label one side “ Life-Giving ” and the other “ Draining .”

As you go through your day, notice what energizes you and what depletes you.

Write it down.

Then, choose one draining item to shift, delegate, delay, or delete this week.

Your energy is sacred and make sure to protect it.

The Seeds You Plant Are Never Wasted

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:15:00 GMT

Everyone has seeds of excellence inside them.

When those seeds are planted in rich and fertile soil, they grow into something magnificent, something life-giving.

I see it as your brilliance coming to life.

When those seeds are thrown on rocky soil with the hopes of producing fruit, its chances of surviving are slim.

No matter what you're journey has been or what heartaches you may be experiencing now, you can always cultivate new soil.

Yet I'm clear that to do that takes effort, purpose, and intention.

Whenever I have conversations with folks who aren't happy with how they're life is going, they often bypass the little actions that produce big results over time .

The key words are over time .

Most folks want results yesterday ... and feel to see all of the ways that their current actions have gotten them right where they are.

Looking in the mirror with 100% honesty isn't all that easy to do.

I used to want to be the best or I didn't want to play.

I remember this clearly when I was on the cross country team when I was in high school.

It wasn't that others were more talented.

God had given me a runners' build, and I enjoyed running.

Yet I wasn't all that committed to practicing, and so when it was race time, I did poorly.

Today I'm clear that if I can't be consistent, it isn't something I really want.

Imperfect action is better than no action at all.

Stay the course.

The seeds you plant today may not bear fruit tomorrow.

That doesn’t mean the work is wasted.

What matters is that they’re sown with intention.

Keep tending to what matters most.

Keep showing up with courage and care.

The world needs what only you can grow.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to choose one part of your leadership that truly matters and pursue excellence in it.

Pick a task or responsibility that holds weight in your role.

Something that influences your business direction or shapes how your people grow.

Then, take time to explore the latest trends or shifts in that space.

Staying informed keeps your leadership relevant.

Staying intentional keeps it aligned.

Where Is Your Time Taking You?

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:15:00 GMT

Happiness, success, and meaning are drivers in my life.

This is why I've never liked chit-chat, and why small talk makes me uncomfortable.

It makes me feel as if I'm frittering away the precious minutes of my life.

I want to engage in deep, meaningful conversations where the exchange of my time and yours creates something of value in the world.

That and the ability to laugh at myself with someone who isn’t afraid of going deep while finding God funny, too.

Time waits for no one.

There are no extra minutes in your day.

I remember being a kid and thinking 15 minutes took f-o-r-e-v-e-r to pass.

Now, I feel as if I can blink and 15 minutes passes me by if I'm not intentional about how I invest it.

This level of consciousness in the leadership space means that you understand the value of every "yes" and every "no" in your life and business.

You don't have time to spend frivolously.

Every minute on the clock counts — and pulls you closer to what you want and what you're here on the planet to do ... or it takes you further off-course.

The choice is yours.

So be deliberate.

What you say yes to creates your future.

Make time for the people, the spaces, and the work that reflect who you are.

Because not everything deserves your energy.

And you were never meant to move through this life distracted or disconnected.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to track how you’re really spending your time.

Choose one full workday and log your time.

Not what you planned to do, track what you actually did.

Use a simple tool like Toggl, RescueTime, Clockify, or even just a notebook and a timer.

At the end of the day, review what you captured.

What aligned with your mission?
What pulled you off-course?
What never should’ve made it on your plate in the first place?

As a leader, your time is one of your greatest assets.

Treat it with the same intentionality you bring to your vision.

How you use your hours shapes the legacy you leave behind.

When Strength is Quiet

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:15:00 GMT

I grew up watching my mother handle any obstacle life threw at her.

I'm sure she cried herself to sleep many nights, yet she still got up every morning to raise me so I could grow up to be the person I am today.

I am strong like her because I learned from the best.

See, there are no handbooks for life.

You do the best you can every day no matter what the world throws at you.

When you do this, you develop an internal resilience that will have you handle more than you ever thought was possible.

When Jim and I moved to Summit Hills Farm, I thought that because this was a divine assignment, things would come together beautifully.

What showed up was nothing like what I would have created on a vision board.

~ The neighbors were less than friendly.

~ The previous owner didn't disclose lots of little things—that added up to some BIG things.

~ The house manager I'd worked with for 7 years left because of an arranged marriage, leaving me to figure out a lot of stuff on my own.

My list could go on and on.

Yet, I was pretty sure this was all designed for my highest and greatest good , no matter how it looked on the outside.

My mom taught me the subtle art of resilience—and no matter what life threw my way, I was going to win.

Because resilience doesn’t always look like a perfectly handled situation.

Sometimes, it looks like staying rooted when the ground beneath you shifts.

Sometimes, it’s in figuring things out when you feel completely unequipped.

And sometimes, it’s simply choosing not to walk away when it would be easier to quit.

Resilience is built in the small moments when no one sees you trying and still, you do.

And it’s in those moments that your strength becomes something unshakeable.

Just like my mother’s was.

And now, just like mine is too.

So if life feels heavy or messy right now, I want you to hear this:

This isn’t the end of your story.

You’re not being broken; you’re being prepared.

You’re being strengthened for something greater than what you see right now.

Keep showing up.

Keep choosing to rise.

There’s something in you this world needs and resilience is how it gets revealed.

You’ve got this.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance, now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to make a list of 3 situations you handled well even if they didn’t feel like wins at the time.

Think of moments when things didn’t go your way, yet you figured it out, stayed the course, or simply didn’t give up.

Write them down.

Then, beside each one, jot down what quality you showed—patience, resourcefulness, courage, faith.

Let this be a reminder.

The Lie of Productivity and the Truth About Peace

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:15:03 GMT

I've been doing "behind the scenes" coaching for over a decade.

Most folks who come to me seek to diagnose the wrong problem.

You don't need more information or another book to read.

You don't need more motivation or another podcast to fire you up.

You don't even need more self-awareness, disguised as 50 hypothetical questions to answer.

What most folks need is a little more quiet in their life.

They need space to hear their Yes and NO clearly.

They need the ability to pause before moving forward like a runaway freight train when making a decision.

And that’s part of why I created the Upside Warrior Men’s Retreat.

It’s not something flashy.

In fact, it's happening quietly right now—intentionally designed to be an unhurried space for men to breathe, reset, and reconnect with the voice inside that knows what truly matters.

See, most folks try to cram 25 hours or more into their 24-hour day, trying to win some imaginary productivity award.

They've listened to one too many "expert" who tells them that only folks that are unmotivated and unfocused sleep in past 4:30am.

If they want to be successful, they better know how to hustle.

I bought into this bill of goods early in my career, believing that rest was for people who were lazy.

What I've witnessed from folks who live this way is that they'll either: act out, burn out, or get sick.

And I've walked that same path myself.

When you give yourself space throughout the day, you begin connecting to an inner wisdom that will serve as a guide to making better decisions.

And you get clarity on the first step to take ... and then the next.

Life becomes more enjoyable and less of a marathon.

So, wherever you are today—whether you’re running fast or finally catching your breath—I hope this serves as a gentle reminder:

You don’t have to do more to be more.

You don’t have to prove your worth through motion.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause... to make space and to listen for what’s next.

That’s what this season has been about for me and for the men currently in retreat—creating space to hear what really matters.

The truest one.

And I want that for you too.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to pause instead of pushing forward. When you feel the urge to jump in, fix, respond, or say yes too quickly, choose stillness. Let presence lead.

Pause before replying to a triggering email. Take a breath before offering a solution. Hold silence in a meeting instead of rushing to fill it.

In those quiet moments, you may find that clarity, wisdom, and strength speak loudest when you do less, not more.

Growing Up Around Chaos Taught Me This One Thing

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 10:15:00 GMT

Years ago, I thought I had to be friends with everyone I met.

Growing up, I was told it was rude to exclude folks from your circle so I stopped being choosey and let EVERYONE in.

This led to me being around folks who were upsetting to my system ...

... folks who were out of integrity with themselves

... folks who weren't trustworthy, and

... folks who didn't honor who I was.

As a little girl, I spent time around folks who were like that and became numb to breaks in integrity.

Back then, I didn't have the ability to discern the difference which is why the relationship I had with my grandparents was important.

They lived their life honestly, despite the circumstances that often surrounded them.

See my grandparents lived in the not-so-good part of town.

My grandfather sat on the sofa with the police radio chatter in his ear all day long.

Robberies, burglaries, and drug deals were all too common.

They were woven into the fabric of the neighborhood.

You could hear gunshots and police sirens throughout the day.

Despite growing up with that all around me, my grandparents modeled having a strong work ethic and doing the right thing no matter what.

Because when that's in the background, you unconsciously don't see the world as a safe place.

My system was out of whack without me even knowing it.

That's what I love so much about living at Summit Hills Farm.

Every day, I get to spend time out in nature.

Research shows that spending time in nature improves your physical and mental health.

Being around the trees and walking on the land reduces stress, lowers cortisol levels, and reduces blood pressure.

It calms the mind and body.

See, I used to be an "All Are Welcome" kinda gal until I realized that wasn't healthy, and it didn't align with how God created me.

I'm built to challenge ... to confront ... and to push folks past their growth edges.

I'm not the kinda gal who's going to tell you what you want to hear.

I'm the kinda gal who's going to tell you what you need to hear.

So this I tell you...

It’s not about where you grew up or how much you’ve had to overcome.

We’ve all got stories that carry both beauty and ache.

What matters is whether you remember who you are in the middle of it all.

For a long time, I wore openness like a badge of honor, until I realized I was handing out access to people who hadn’t earned the right to hold space with me.

When you’re clear on who you are, what you want, and why it matters, you begin to choose differently.

That’s the kind of work I’ve been doing quietly behind the scenes for years—helping leaders return to themselves.

And it’s the heart behind the retreats like the Upside Warrior Men's Retreat

Because when you create space to remember what’s true, you lead with more courage, more clarity, and more peace.

And that changes everything.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to honor one aligned yes.

Choose one area of your life—your calendar, a conversation, a commitment—and ask: Is this aligned with who I am and what I value?

If it is, give it your full-hearted yes.

If it’s not, lovingly release it.

Saying yes to what aligns with you is how you build a life rooted in clarity, peace, and purpose.

The Strength in Slowing Down

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:15:00 GMT

Most folks understand the concept of rest.

When you expend "x" amount of energy, your body is going to require you to replenish.

Yet there's a certain type of weariness that no amount of sleep will produce the feeling of being energized in your body.

When you're exhausted to the core, and it feels as if you've been wrung out like a dish rag, that level of fatigue is only overcome by giving your Soul rest.

Living in a world where books about how to achieve more are plentiful, this isn't a conversation that's abundant in the business space.

You've got to know how to hustle and grind when things get tough.

I grew up hearing, "When the going gets tough, the tough gets going."

I never heard about The Power of the Pause, or refueling my Soul.

And so I pushed.

And pushed a little more.

And a little more.

And figured I was just doing life wrong as all I got was more and more tired

... and a little bit angrier on the inside.

Rest isn't about sleep.

It's about peace.

When you operate from this place, the trials that you face are easier to handle.

If you spend your precious minutes criticizing, worrying, or comparing yourself to others, you cannot live your best life and lead others effectively.

Out-of-control emotions fueled by fear or anxiety may make you feel as if there's more for you to do or you're not doing enough.

Yet that's just fear.

~ Fear of getting something wrong and messing up your life

~ Fear of not figuring out what you're 'supposed' to be doing

~ Fear of disappointing yourself and others if you do or don't do something

I could go on and on.

Just pick one.

And fear can be exhausting.

It steals your peace, clouds your judgment, and keeps you stuck in cycles that wear you down from the inside out.

This is why I’ve devoted my life’s work to walking alongside purpose-led leaders.

Because I’ve seen what happens when you try to push through that kind of soul-deep fatigue alone or to keep going because people are counting on you, even when you’re running on fumes.

And I also know what’s possible when you choose to lead from a place of alignment, when your soul is at peace, not just your calendar.

Because when you lead from real rest, you show up steady and with ease.

That kind of leadership is born from surrender.

So pause.

Set down the pressure to prove.

Rest.

Rest your mind from overthinking.

Rest your spirit from striving.

And most of all, rest in God.

Remember, the world needs you and brilliance now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to pause and realign before your next move.

In the middle of your busy day, before you jump into the next task, stop. Take a deep breath and ground yourself.

Ask this clearly: Is this the work I’m called to do right now? Does it align with who I am and the purpose I carry?

If it doesn’t, lean into the wisdom to delegate or let it go.

Leading well means knowing where to invest your energy and where to release control.

This pause is a moment to realign your body, mind, and spirit so you lead from peace, clarity, and strength.

You’re Not Here By Accident

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:15:00 GMT

Good things are waiting for you around every single corner.

One of my favorite movie lines comes from "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" when Dev Patel says, " Everything will be alright in the end, so if it's not alright it's not the end. "

There is a 2nd part of his quote that few folks remember - and that is, " The only real failure is the failure to try, and the measure of success is how we cope with disappointment. "

I get that it’s not always been easy for you.

It may feel like heartache and disappointment show up around every corner.

Yet I hope you can see how everything that happens to you can be turned into good.

I recently asked a client if they believed that God made mistakes—and they said "no".

So if God doesn't make mistakes and all is perfect, then every situation, time, and place you've been in has been given to you for a reason.

And they paused, sighed, and agreed.

This is why I believe so much in the sovereignty of your being, and your ability to live from a place of choice and intention.

When you get this, it makes you different than the many others on the planet who complain about their fate or circumstances.

Courageous leadership takes, well, courage.

You were never promised easy on your journey—and you can create ease and grace by remembering that you are the master of your fate and the captain of your destiny.

That’s the foundation I built my business on.

When I first began creating my programs and retreats, I didn’t do it because it was simple or convenient.

I did it because I saw a gap between where people were and who they were called to be.

I knew the pain of disappointment and the ache of untapped potential and I also knew there was a way through it with purpose, alignment, and leadership.

So I started small. One courageous moment at a time.

Each program, each retreat, each private session was designed to meet people right where they were and help them rise.

I believe you can rise, too.

There is more for you. There is so much more within you.

Good things are waiting for you around every single corner.

Go shine your light.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to stand tall—literally.

Each morning this week, before you start your day, stand up, roll your shoulders back, plant your feet firmly, and take one deep breath as if you’re stepping fully into your purpose.

Then do one round of box breathing:

Inhale for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts
Exhale for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts

Repeat this cycle twice.

Let your body remember:

You are the captain of your destiny.

You are walking in purpose.

You are ready for what’s next.

What Every Wise Leader Has That Others Don’t

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:00:07 GMT

Napoleon Hill wrote how thought was the source of all riches, material, physical, and/or spiritual.

Then, when I read an excerpt from his Positive Mental Attitude Success Course, I was reminded of the value of mentorship.

To multiply your mind power, you can’t go it alone.

He recommended having at least 4 types of talent in your life: a spiritual adviser, a financial adviser, a health adviser, and a personal adviser.

Without ever reading his curriculum, I recognize it’s how I’ve set up my life.

Because to get what you want ... you can’t do it alone.

Lord knows I've tried ...

Growing up, I was afraid of making a mistake or misstep.

I walked on eggshells every day.

This put an immense amount of pressure on me.

Imagine trying to be perfect!

Looking back, I could see that the grown-ups around me had made some big mistakes that led to some pretty unhappy results.

My little girl self didn't want to suffer through any unnecessary painful circumstances so I took it upon myself to try for straight A's in life.

This led to learning how to lie to look good and cover up the mistakes I made.

The harder I tried, the more I just couldn't figure out how to get it right 100% of the time.

By the time I got to my 30's, I realized I had to figure out how to get along with disappointment and imperfection.

Trying to live like this was stressful - and I was tired of trying to do life on my own.

I didn't have to be best friends with imperfection, however, we did need to hang out once in a while. :)

That's when I got my first mentor in Federal law enforcement.

He was the person I called when I just couldn't figure something out.

Looking back, he was like a secret weapon in my career path, steering me from potential minefields every week.

I'm not sure I would have survived some of my assignments without him.

Over the years, there have been countless guides, mentors, allies, and coaches that have advised me on different legs of my journey.

What most people fail to see are the dozens of folks that are standing behind the leader.

Mentorship is essential.

And it’s not just about strategy or success.

It’s about alignment and surrounding yourself with people who speak life into your purpose and hold you to the highest version of yourself, even when you’re in the valley.

You were never meant to carry the weight of leadership by yourself.

You may be the one out front, yet you’re not supposed to be the only one in the fight.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re the only one who gets it, this is your invitation.

Get your people.

The breakthrough you’ve been praying for might not come through hustle.

It might come through alignment.

This is the season to walk with wise counsel.

Because no leader goes it alone, not one who finishes well.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify who’s in your corner.

Take 10 minutes this week to reflect on the four types of advisers Napoleon Hill spoke about:

Spiritual
Financial
Health
Personal

Now, write down one name for each category, someone you trust or could reach out to.

If you come up short, don’t panic.

Instead, choose one category where you feel the most need and reach out to someone this week.

Ask for a conversation, schedule a coffee, or simply send a message of appreciation and curiosity.

You don’t have to build your circle overnight. You just have to start.

Because the path to wisdom, clarity, and strength begins with one brave ask.

Your Body Knows It’s Time for A Change

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:15:04 GMT

Fifteen years ago, a Chinese medicine doctor read my bloodwork and told me if things didn’t change I would have less energy in 5 years, and people would tell me it was just aging.

That one conversation has led me on a long journey with a singular desire: to be a more optimal version of who I am in all areas of my life.

Over the years, things would happen in my life that would take me off-course.

Behaviors and habits that once seemed manageable, at times felt impossible.

Inevitably, my long-time commitment to healthy living was something that got challenged regularly by the people around me, family and friends alike.

There have been several times on this journey where I will wake up, understanding something I'm doing needs to change.

Immediately.

I can't always put my finger on why, yet the signs are there.

Going through the motions without the incredible excitement I used to feel about my business
A growing task list
Questioning my ability

My answer used to be to ignore my physical health and just work longer hours hoping to push through what felt like a slump.

When I listen to the prompting that something needs to change, I re-commit to what matters most.

The longer I've done this, the more I've realized that I can only be healthy in mind and spirit when I'm healthy in my body.

And this is one of the reasons we talk about the brain and sleep in the Upside Leaders Program.

Because how you treat your body directly affects how you lead.

Now, I’m taking more breaks than ever before, and have plenty of space to take regular walks and trail hikes on the farm.

All of this allows me to move with intention throughout the day, living moment by moment.

What’s been fascinating is that since I've done this bigger opportunities continue to come my way.

It’s not the hustle that opens doors.

it’s being aligned with who you are, what you want and why it matters.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to stop and ask yourself: Where do you need to make a shift?

God often reveals the need for a shift long before we act on it.

It can be a strained schedule, a restless spirit, or a body that’s run down.

Then take one aligned action.

It can be clearing space on your calendar. Or going for a walk without your phone. Or going to bed earlier.

The action doesn’t have to be dramatic and you don’t need to overhaul your life.

It just needs to be intentional.

The One Leadership Trait You Can’t Skip

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:15:00 GMT

I was often annoyed when my cross-country coach would tell me to just believe in myself and envision crossing the finish line.

“You’ve just got to believe in yourself.”

Really?!?

That’s it?!?

If it were that simple, everyone would be doing it.

And yet… it is that simple.

Simple doesn’t mean easy.

True belief in oneself takes effort and energy.

It demands commitment and discipline.

It’s not a quick fix or a motivational phrase you tape to the mirror and forget about the next day.

It’s a muscle, a spiritual one and an emotional one that has to be exercised over and over again.

There’s a reason most people give up before they ever reach the vision they once felt called to pursue.

Somewhere along the way, their belief in themselves got buried beneath fear, fatigue, or comparison.

When I look back at everything I've accomplished in my life, it was never complicated to get to the finish line.

What it did require was consistent, often uncomfortable action, especially when I felt like I had very little left in my tank.

I had to get quiet and reconnect with the vision.

I had to remind myself why it mattered and I had to move forward even when the circumstances didn’t look favorable.

~ Some days I doubted my book would ever get published. (I’ve written 7.)

~ Some days I doubted if anyone would ever buy a ticket to one of my events. (I’ve hosted the Upside Summit for 18 years—and people kept coming back.)

~ Some days I doubted whether I'd ever get another client. (And yet, I’ve worked with over 100,000 leaders in the past 20 years.)

It’s easy to look at the outcome and assume the path was certain.

In each milestone, it was preceded by a moment of doubt—a moment that required me to choose belief over fear.

The doubts were real.

So was the belief that somehow, some way, the pieces would come together.

Some days, it was my faith in God that pulled me through.

Other days, it was a conversation with a friend, a coach, or a mentor.

Truthfully, sometimes I needed all three.

Because every great leader knows that no one goes it alone.

And you do have to believe in yourself—and believe that where you're going is worthwhile to keep going.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify where you need more belief in yourself right now.

Is there a decision you’ve been avoiding because doubt is louder than faith?

Is there a dream you’ve shelved because the finish line feels far away?

Whether it’s making a call, saying yes to help, or simply declaring out loud what you truly want…

Do it.

Remember, simple isn’t easy.

Yet it is possible.

And it’s worth it.

Choosing Purpose Over What’s Cool

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:00:47 GMT

Have you ever been stuck in a long line, wishing you could just march right up to the front?

When I was in my 30s, that’s exactly what my friends did at a local nightclub.

At the time, I was mortified.

Yet, deep down inside I thought it was the coolest thing.

They carried themselves like they belonged, like they didn’t need anyone’s permission to take up space.

I remember thinking… maybe that’s what leadership looks like.

Take the risk. Be bold. Do what it takes to get ahead.

It felt like confidence. It looked like power.

And I'll admit ... there are times in my life when I made decisions based on how cool I thought something would make me vs. whether I thought it was the right thing to do.

Over time, I’ve learned that what’s cool rarely aligns with what’s truly lasting.

Cool fades. Purpose endures.

It’s easy to be drawn to what turns heads or makes a strong impression and harder to stay anchored in what’s true, especially when it means standing alone.

Leadership asks something deeper from you.

It requires a willingness to listen for what’s real.

To live with alignment.

To walk forward even when no one’s clapping.

And that's one of the hardest lines to walk in leadership.

Every day you'll be confronted with decisions that will challenge you in ways that you never imagined.

They will put your moral and ethical code on trial or out for bid to the highest buyer.

If you make your decisions based on what you see others around you doing, or what the media says is "normal", you'll always fall short from what God has in store for you.

When I first started my career in Federal law enforcement, I saw the world through a lens of good and evil.

There was no middle or grey area.

And then, over time, I watched colleagues make decisions that didn't sit well with me. Behaviors that left me questioning what the "right" thing to do, has challenged my moral fiber.

We all carried the same badge. We all have the same set of credentials that read, " This officer possesses integrity. "

Yet one of my closest partners made choices that eventually landed him in jail and serving time for his choices.

Leadership will reveal what’s underneath.

This is why the people around you deeply matter.

When things get uncomfortable (and they will), you need to be surrounded by people who call you higher.

People who see you for who you are and who you're becoming.

That’s the sacred space we’re creating at the Upside Retreats.

So here’s the invitation:

Is it time to pause and look at the decisions you’ve been making?
Is it time to notice who’s around you and whether those voices are helping you stay grounded in truth?
Is it time to re-commit to who you are, what you want, and why that matters?

Because life has never needed more cool leaders.

It needs more aligned ones.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to step back from chasing what looks shiny and start leaning into what’s actually meaningful.

Begin by making a list of three things you’ve recently said “yes” to because they sounded impressive or exciting.

Then, identify the one that feels least aligned with your values or your calling and take one clear step back from it.

That might mean turning down the next opportunity, rescheduling a commitment, or resetting expectations.

Use the time and energy you free up to invest in something that may not be flashy yet fuels your deeper purpose.

When Money Costs Too Much

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:00:04 GMT

I consulted with a potential client who had started a business and was making gobs of money.

He shared with me that the downside was he has to deal with folks who don't do the right thing morally and ethically in running their business.

Because he knew it and it didn't align with who he was, he was struggling and it was keeping him up at night.

He was conflicted and wanted to talk it out with me.

While I understood the struggle he was having between his mind and his Soul, I'm not an answer machine.

I don't tell folks what to do.

What I did tell him was that there are 6 Leadership Stepping Stones that lead to mastery.

Make a misstep, and it may cost you your livelihood.

That's the best way I can explain the importance of listening to your Soul's deepest wisdom.

Years ago, I got myself in a jam not heeding this piece of advice.

Someone I knew through a friend of a friend wanted to sponsor my annual leadership conference.

Every time we got on the phone, I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that what they were saying just didn't add up.

Some folks would say this is intuition.

I've known it to be the voice of the Holy Spirit trying to give me direction.

Even though I knew something was off, I said yes to the money.

And it ended up costing me.

How many times have you made mistakes like that... just because the money seemed too good to pass up?

Listening isn't something that is always easy to do.

You've got to be clear about who you are, what you want, and why it matters.

After making one too many costly mistakes on my leadership journey, I decided that I was done trying to do it all on my own.

The level of clarity I now have is perplexing to most folks.

Yet this internal compass guides me throughout each day.

When you're connected to this type of wisdom, you don't waste your time making decisions that take you off course, even for a split second.

You move forward steadily with an ease that is hard to put into words.

And the money always follows.

There’s a cost to ignoring what you know deep down to be true.

Whether it’s a gut instinct, your inner voice, or the prompting of the Holy Spirit, when you override it, you pay.

I’ve paid. So has the leader I consulted with.

Success without alignment will always leave you restless.

And real clarity doesn’t come from grinding harder or checking more boxes.

It comes when you stop long enough to listen to what your Soul is trying to say.

It’s why I no longer walk alone.

Because every leader needs space to sort through what matters most.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to notice where you're choosing based on money and take one step toward alignment instead.

Maybe it’s a client you’ve outgrown, yet you keep them because they pay on time.

Maybe it’s an offer that feels off, even if it looks impressive.

Maybe it’s a deal you’re rushing into just to hit a number.

Pause.

Check in.

Then choose the path that brings clarity and is aligned, not just cash.

Notice what opens up when you trust alignment over urgency.

What 20 Years Taught Me About Leadership

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:00:36 GMT

Independence Day has just passed, and this year, it holds even deeper meaning for me.

Twenty years ago, right around this time of year, I made a decision that would forever change my life.

Back then, I believed leadership was about tactics.

~ How well you could communicate.

~ How skillfully you could negotiate.

~ How strategically you could build influence.

I threw myself into learning every tool, every technique, every system I could find.

I believed that if I mastered the tactical side of leadership, success would naturally follow.

For a while, it looked like it was working.

I traveled, I spoke, I trained leaders across industries. I had a seat at the table where big decisions were made.

From the outside, everything seemed to be lining up the way it should.

Inside, though, something was missing.

No matter how many tools I taught, no matter how many strategies people mastered, they kept coming back saying, "It’s still not working."

If I was honest, I felt the same way too.

It was not a tactical problem.

It was a spiritual one.

In the early years, I spent all my energy giving people what I thought they needed. I handed them the best "wineskins" the world had to offer.

The Bible talks about wineskins, and how you cannot pour new wine into old wineskins. If you do, the skins will burst and the wine will spill.

The old wineskin, the way of doing leadership without being deeply connected to your Divine purpose, was not producing fruit - not lasting fruit.

When I finally saw that, everything shifted.

It became clear that leadership was not about tactics alone.

~ It was about who you are, what you want and why it matters.

~ It was about uncovering the Divine purpose planted within you before the world told you who you should be.

Because if you are not aligned with your purpose, it does not matter how many tools you master.

The foundation will not hold and the fruit will not last.

Today, my work looks very different than it did twenty years ago.

I still share tools, and I still value practical skills. These are important.

They only make a lasting impact, when the heart-work is done first.

That is why I created the Upside Leaders program , the Upside Retreats , and the Upside Thinking Live .

Each one is designed to help you anchor deeply into your who you are, what you want and why it matters, so you can lead from a place of truth, not just tactics.

As I celebrate this milestone, I want to thank you.

Whether you have been part of this community for years or you just recently joined, you are part of the story that God continues to write.

And there is so much more ahead...

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to set a timer for 10 minutes and create a " Release and Receive" list.

Write down one habit, strategy, or belief about leadership that no longer aligns with who you are, then physically cross it off, shred it, or throw it away as a sign of release.

Immediately after, write one new action you will take this week that reflects the leader you are being shaped into and schedule it on your calendar.

Transformation does not happen by wishing for change, it happens when you move in faith toward it.

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The Slow Drift of Resistance

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:00:20 GMT

The greater something is to your personal growth and evolution, the more resistance or push-back you will experience from the world and the people you love.

Think about that.

You’ve got a force inside of you that works against your desire to be better.

In his 2002 book, “ The War of Art” , Steven Pressfield talks about this inner force as "the resistance".

This inner force or resistance you feel creates distractions to take you off-course from fully stepping into who you're called to be.

Activities like…

Scrolling through Instagram
Watching your favorite TV show or movie
Shopping for more cool stuff

… may seem fun yet they aren't designed to get you closer to what you want most in life.

They also won’t move you forward in every single area of your life.

And yet, you still find yourself doing them.

Why?

Because Resistance is subtle.

It doesn’t shout—it settles.

It lulls you into routine.

Resistance may pull you into a comfortable groove where you just keep doing what you’ve been doing, ... and someday you wake up wondering, “How did I get here?!?”

You’re not off track for feeling this way.

You’re simply at a pivotal point, one that asks you to decide who you’re becoming.

Moments like this aren’t meant to be rushed.

They’re invitations to rise, realign, and remember what matters most.

Resistance is where the growth is.

It’s time to push back against it.

What are you waiting for?

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to choose one area—leadership, relationships, health, or spiritual growth—and make one intentional move in that space.

Do it with presence.

Do it on purpose.

Here are a few ideas:

Begin your day by speaking one thing you’re grateful for.
Hold off on replying to that text until you can be fully present.
Take 60 seconds before a meeting to get still and set your intention.

You don’t need more tasks.

You need aligned action.

Is This Who You Want to Be a Year From Now?

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:30:01 GMT

You probably don’t want to be in the same place a week from now, let alone a year from now.

Yet, you keep doing the same thing over and over and over again, expecting different results.

You would never add 1 + 1 again and again — and expect your answer to be 3.

So, stop doing the same things over and over hoping that you’ll magically be where you want to be — and everything you want for your life and business will come to fruition.

Sometimes you need a new way of being, thinking, and living.

That was one of the hardest lessons I've ever learned.

Not knowing a lot about how to start a business, I relied on what I thought was the wisdom from other business owners.

I didn't make decisions based on whether the people I had hired and listened to were 1) where I wanted to be, or 2) who I wanted to be when I got there.

I looked at success as having a formula, and I just wanted to know what that formula was so I could get my piece of the pie.

As each week went by, I got further and further away from the values I held dear before I started my entrepreneurial journey.

I found that I was making decisions based on what seemed like I had to do versus what I wanted to do.

So much of my day was spent chasing "opportunities" that I darn near lost my way.

I remember one day looking up and thinking, " How the heck did I get here?!? "

From the outside, it looked like I've got a great business, yet on the inside, if I'm honest with myself, I don't like what I'm doing, or who I have to pretend to be to do it.

Every day felt like I added one more layer to the façade.

Over the years, I've bought into the belief that I needed to be something — correction someone — different than who God made me to be.

I can't tell you how many clients have come to me with that monkey on their back.

A new way of thinking, being, and living was an arduous journey.

I knew the path I was on.

It had become familiar.

And I was quite comfortable with the folks in my circle.

Yet this wasn't the place for me to stay if I was going to do what God had been nudging me to do all along.

I remember the first time I used the word Holy Spirit in one of my marketing pieces.

I waited for the backlash to come.

I waited for folks to call me out on who I was, and whether I had the right to speak about God.

After all, I wasn't a pastor, a preacher, or someone who held a degree in religious studies.

And yet, when no backlash came… when instead, I heard “ Thank you for saying what I’ve been feeling, ” something shifted.

I realized I didn’t need another strategy.

I needed alignment.

Both in my business and in my whole life.

The truth is, you already know when something isn’t working.

You feel it.

It nags at you in quiet moments.

It whispers that what you’re doing is no longer sustainable — and maybe never was.

So, let me ask you this:

If nothing changes, where will you be this time next year?

Because if you're still adding 1 + 1, you'll still be getting 2.

And maybe what you need isn't just a new plan, maybe you need a new path.

One that doesn’t force you to abandon who you are, and instead invites you to bring more of yourself into every space you lead.

If something’s stirring in you, don’t brush it off.

You weren’t made for surface-level success.

You were made to lead from the inside out.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to slow down before making any decision — big or small.

Ask yourself: "Is this aligned with who I am and where I’m being called? Or is this just what I’ve always done?"

Then choose from that place of awareness.

Becoming a purpose-led leader isn’t about doing more — it’s about being intentional with every step you take.

Let this practice guide you back to alignment, one decision at a time.

A Divine Invitation Hidden In The Silence

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 10:15:00 GMT

For a good portion of my life, I found it difficult to hear God's voice.

Mostly I heard just static.

Every so often, I'd listen to a song or get a nudge to do something, and mostly it was just quiet in my prayer time.

In 2020, something broke open for me.

I had been in a terrible place, working very hard in a few different areas.

Yet, overall, I felt my life was stuck - and I wasn't making any progress anywhere.

I looked at closing my business down and getting a job.

My head was hurting from running into what felt like stone walls, and I was plain tired, battered, and bloodied.

And I was embarrassed that I wanted to throw the towel in on things I had been working on for years.

While many of the leaders I was coaching were doing well, I couldn't figure out the missing piece for where I was standing.

And I was getting angry as it seemed my whole life was on the verge of one big meltdown.

On a walk in my neighborhood in Virginia, I looked up at my street sign.

I lived on Faith Court.

The irony of God bringing me there.

I decided that I would just start talking to God, and began asking Him questions as if He were walking beside me.

I'd often sent clients on God walks, and today I felt this was my last hope.

As fast as the questions came, so did the answers.

Pieces of my life became clearer and I got an explanation of what had been going on behind the scenes when I thought God had forgotten about me.

At the end of my walk, I had a re-commitment to going where God was leading even if it didn't make sense.

It was profound and has led me to where I am today.

Maybe you’ve felt that silence, too. That deafening quiet when you’re asking for direction, begging for clarity, and all you get is static.

And maybe you’ve also been tempted to quit—to let go of what once felt certain, just because the road got too hard, too confusing, too quiet.

Yet at times this silence isn’t a void, it’s an invitation.

What broke open for me didn’t come from striving harder.

It came from walking with God like He was right there beside me—because He was.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to ask God one real question today.

Just one.

Go outside. Take a walk if you can. Leave your earbuds behind.

Imagine Him walking with you, then ask.

Not with fear. Not with desperation. Just… ask.

And listen.

You might be surprised by what you hear when you stop trying to figure it all out and simply make room for Him to respond.

You don’t have to get it right. You just have to get moving.

Take a Leap of Faith

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 10:00:15 GMT

Have you ever struggled with taking action on what you really wanted?

Have you ever wondered if you’re not living up to your full potential?

Research shows most people regret the choices they didn't make and the chances they didn't take at the end of their life.

Yet, I get how sometimes fear can paralyze you from moving forward with what you want most.

Over the past several years, I've been learning how to walk by faith, moment by moment.

And when I look back at my life, I realize this has been a journey that began a long time ago.

I would never have left working in Federal law enforcement if I didn’t take the journey from fear to faith.

When I made the decision to turn in my resignation, my dad wanted to know why I was going to move from the steady income of a 6-figure government gig...

... to a zero-dollars-promised opportunity opening up my own business.

I had no business degree, knew no one who had ever owned a business, and

was living 3000 miles away from my closest friend or family member.

Still, I took the leap of faith and trusted a net would appear.

That's what most folks don't get.

You have to take the leap

BEFORE the miracle can show up.

The journey to get from there to where I am today wasn't a solo effort.

The people around me shaped my growth.

I chose to surround myself with folks who think differently — who have challenged me to grow and evolve way beyond what I knew.

The right leadership and different communities I stepped into gave me the confidence to move forward, even when the path ahead wasn’t clear.

That’s why I believe coaching and community are essential for anyone who wants to go beyond where they are at this moment.

See, every day you get an opportunity to decide what you are going to do with your life.

Moment by moment, time moves forward without regard to your answer.

Where do you need to take a leap of faith?

Remember, your life is simply the sum total of all of the choices you've made.

If you’re not happy with where you’re at,

make different choices.

It really is that easy.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to examine your decisions and see where you might be playing it safe.

Because comfort doesn't change the world.

What Would It Look Like to Choose Differently Today?

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:00:36 GMT

When I was at the bottom of the pit, I stood in the darkness wondering how I had gotten there.

It was so dark that I couldn’t even see my hand in front of me.

And, deep down I knew how I got there…

… yet to admit the truth would mean I had to look at all of the actions I had taken to get me to the abyss I was in.

It would require me to take personal responsibility and be accountable for my actions.

At the time, denial seemed easier.

Blaming others seemed simpler.

So I did.

~ My family history.

~ My background.

~ My genetics.

I traveled a long and winding road to discover that the light I was seeking was in me all along.

It takes me back to a widely publicized interview of two brothers.

One was wildly successful… a wealthy professional deeply respected by his peers.

Another was homeless… an alcoholic living from street corner to street corner.

When asked how they got to where they were, both of them credited their father.

“See… my daddy was an alcoholic…” yet they each took different roads.

One took the road of personal responsibility and accountability.
The other took the road of shame and blame.

The tale of two brothers was living out in my body at that moment in time.

One of my clients who I worked with over 10 years ago sent me a message after seeing one of my Facebook posts.

“I thank God for amazing people like you and for giving me the opportunity to benefit from your knowledge and guidance from the first day we met (even from a distance). Thank you for reminding us of the true meaning of life and for inspiring us to be our own person. “Go out and shine your light.” - Lisa Marie Platske. You can take credit for some of the positive changes I made in my life. May He continue blessing you and all the people around you. Biggest hug.”

She was in the same pit I was in years ago, and now she’s thriving using the tools I gave her.

Most of my clients are fighting for peace…

… for health

… for happiness…

… for success…

… for meaning.

They’ve sacrificed for others and been left bleeding by people who they called “friend”, lover, and even sometimes spouse.

Many of them have seen the worst of the worst, and have the battle scars to prove it.

And there is a piece of them that understands they too are destined for More.

That there is a reason they’ve lived through this.

I have had that same revelation and it’s why I’ve been to the bottom and am here now speaking about how to tap into your Divine Mission purpose and calling.

I was given those experiences to be of service to others.

There by the Grace of God go I.

That is MY story.

And, it just may be yours too.

So if you’re trying to make sense of where you’re at, and it just feels dark all around you…

... remember the light within you.

It’s there.

And then remember, you weren't meant to walk this journey on your own.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to think of a time you found yourself in a dark place, where it felt like everything around you was falling apart.

Name one choice you made that led you there.

Then, ask: “ What would it look like to choose differently today? ”

Your past doesn’t define you.

Your decision to rise does.

Find Your Strength: Embrace Life's Biggest Challenges

Mon, 26 May 2025 10:15:01 GMT

Have you ever had one of those days where it feels as if nothing went the way you planned?

~ You’re late for work or...

~ You spill something on your favorite shirt or..

~ You get in a fender bender.

Or, worse…

~ You get a call from your doctor and are diagnosed with something you wouldn’t wish on your enemies.

~ You lose your biggest client and/or you lose your job.

~ The love of your life says they don’t want to be with you anymore.

Let’s be real…

There are days when life can be heart-wrenchingly painful.

And, there may be days when you want to stay in bed and wait for tomorrow to come.

It's easy to forget that what we tell ourselves about these situations matters. The story we tell ourselves and others become part of our beliefs.

I get how easy it can be to give up on days like this, and how tempting it can be to give in to the feeling that you did something wrong to cause this.

I’ve been there.

In business…

… I’ve lost close relationships.

… I lost big opportunities.

… I lost my belief in myself.

And I’ve been lied to and betrayed more times than I can count.

There was a time, years ago when I lost sight of my Divine mission, and applied for a job when I had a full book of coaching clients.

My confidence took a beating and I didn’t know how to move forward.

The good news is that with the support of friends, family, and a strong coach - and leaning on the Holy Spirit - I got clear on what I needed and what was important to me.

And I practiced forgiveness, for myself and others.

I told myself through each challenge, that these were great lessons, full of learning that I could share.

And, I created a community where thinkers, leaders, and world changers could come to do their work.

You can focus on what you see as negative in the situation and make excuses for why you’re standing still.

Or you can find the upside and create solutions to get to where you want to go.

It’s really your decision.

You are where you choose to be.

So, if you’re going through one of those days in your life…

…or one of those weeks…

…or one of those months…

…or what feels like one of those years…

I get it.

Take a Godwalk.

Place your attention on where you want your focus to be.

Decide what the most constructive story to tell yourself that aligns with what you want would be.

Then, commit to taking action on what you truly want.

Make peace with anyone with whom you are out of alignment with in your life using the power of forgiveness.

The 1st person on your list may need to be you.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to practice the art of writing your life when things are hard.

Being aware of the story you are telling yourself with each experience.

What's the story that will serve you best so that you move forward productively?

If you get stuck, take a God walk, and then pick up the phone to connect with someone who appreciates who you are - and where you are on your life's journey.

The One Leadership Investment That Pays Dividends

Mon, 19 May 2025 10:15:00 GMT

Most people believe they're good at keeping commitments.

They wake up, show up, and do their best for others.

Yet that same desire to do good for the people around them can create limitations on the ability to keep commitments to themselves.

Everyone has an internal account that holds what I call integrity currency.

Think about it like this…

Every time you make a promise or break a promise to a client or someone you care about, you either add a coin, or you subtract a coin from your account.

The coins you deposit are made up of magnetic energy, making you less or more attractive to yourself and others.

The human body is an electrical body made up of charged particles - and has its own magnetic fields.

When you make a promise to yourself, like taking an afternoon off to rest, and you fail to honor it, it is a double break of your integrity and your account is withdrawn TWICE.

Why?

Being out of integrity with yourself causes internal stress, shame, and regret.

You didn't keep your word to the most important person in your life — YOU.

Because the coins act like magnets, when you make deposits in your account, your account grows and begins paying dividends.

The result is that you begin magnetizing opportunities with ease.

The opposite is also true.

As your account shrinks from being out of integrity with yourself or others, opportunities bounce off of you and seem just out of reach when once they were plentiful.

You may work hard and can’t seem to get further ahead.

When this is happening, I tell clients to check their integrity account.

~ Have you failed to honor commitments to yourself or others?

~ Are you depleted?

~ Is your account overdrawn?

Everything you do is creating a pathway in your brain to get you closer to what you want...or further away.

You choose in every moment

who you are,

what you want, and

why it matters.

Leading with integrity doesn’t just impact your life; it creates ripple effects in your business, your team, and your ability to lead at the highest level.

This is why the leaders in my Upside Leaders program learn to strengthen their integrity account and build a life that aligns with their values and vision.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to imagine yourself as a bank account.

Where are you spending? Where are you investing?

When and how are you making deposits?

At the end of the month, quarter, and year, what do you want your statements to look like?

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance now more than ever.

Healing The Past to Lead from My Whole Self

Mon, 12 May 2025 10:15:00 GMT

My mom and I had a rocky relationship growing up.

After my Daddy left, I suppose I was more affected than anyone understood.

This was the 1970's and 'divorce' was a dirty word.

Folks don't want to talk about the emotional carnage it leaves.

My mom was forced into a situation she didn't choose or want ...

... and me and my younger sister were left to deal with it the best we could.

In my teens, I blamed my mom for lots of things — and was disrespectful to her more than I'd like to admit.

Perhaps it was because we were more alike than not ...

... and I didn't have any tools to deal with how I felt.

Regardless, when I left home after college, I didn't leave on great terms.

And at the time, I was too stubborn to make amends.

Yes, there were seasons when I didn't speak to her or she didn't speak to me.

And I never felt good when those were going on.

At 55 years old, I have dealt with and healed the heartache, trauma, and pain that happened early on in life.

It's given me deep compassion and wisdom ... and I desire to be able to love like Mother Mary does.

This has helped me tremendously in my leadership coaching practice.

While my mom and I still have our bumps now and then, today she's one of my favorite people to spend time with.

Even when I'm frustrated or she pushes my buttons, I love who she is.

I tell clients you can determine what you value by examining where you invest your time, energy, or money.

My mom gets a lot of all three ... and I wasn't with her on Mother's Day yesterday.

And we've got plans next month to go to the Jersey shore together as a family — as well as four other getaways, and one just the two of us.

Whether you're close to your mom or not, or whether she's here or passed away, I hope you can reflect on one good memory today. Just one.

If you're a mom, I hope you had a happy Mother’s Day.

We don’t become strong leaders because everything goes smoothly.

We become strong because we’ve lived through what we thought might break us.

We lead how we heal.

The work I’ve done with my mom ... learning to forgive, to listen, to understand ... that’s the same work I bring into the room with clients.

You can't lead people well if you haven't faced your own stuff.

The more I’ve grown, the more space I can hold.

The more I’ve softened, the stronger I’ve become.

And the more I’ve healed, the more clarity I have when it comes to what truly matters.

That’s leadership.

It's the transformation more than the titles or the wins.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to reflect on one part of your story that shaped who you are today.

Maybe it’s something you used to hide or pretend didn't happen.

Ask yourself: how does this part of my journey still influence how I lead, decide, or relate to others?

The goal isn’t to fix anything — it’s to get honest about how your inner story is shaping your outer leadership.

Because the more whole you become, the more powerfully you can lead.

Focus on Leadership for the Greatest ROI

Wed, 07 May 2025 20:38:59 GMT

Siam struggled for years and tried everything he knew to do.

First, he rebuilt his website.

Then, he spent money getting people to listen to his podcast.

Next, he mapped out a social media strategy with a digital marketing agency.

Lastly, he went all in on paid advertising.

He was working long hours, missing out on time with his family.

And Siam’s bank account kept shrinking, and he couldn't figure out why nothing seemed to be working.

And that’s when we met.

Siam was the older brother of a friend of mine, and she thought I could help him see the missing piece.

I agreed to meet with him over Zoom.

He was direct and told me he wasn't sure why his sister wanted us to meet.

I, too, was direct with him and shared that she watched him struggle in business -- and believed the work I do would be valuable to jumpstart new opportunities.

I shared my desire to listen and be of service if he was interested.

Still a bit bristly in his demeanor, he said he wanted to hear what I had to say.

After I asked a few questions, over 30 minutes, he softened and started to open up about the business.

I began putting the pieces together and could see that Siam thought he had to do business like everyone else, and it was killing him.

He spent the last 24 months trying to grow the business with very little to show for it, and his confidence had taken a hit.

I could see through his bravado with a whole lot of tenderness because I’ve been there.

When you don’t stack the wins fast enough,

everything around you starts to feel like a loss.

You begin doubting your worth and value, and when that happens, ...

~ it’s hard to build a great website,

~ it's hard to write on social media, and

~ it's hard to attract the people you’re called to serve.

Sometimes, you can't see what you need to shift, so you start chasing tactics trying to fix the problem.

Rarely are tactics the issue for a

stunted career or a stalled business venture.

If you don’t first figure out who you are, what you want, and why it matters, none of the tactical elements for business growth will work for you.

You've got to get clear on your mission, values, and vision.

From there, you can look at patterns getting in the way.

We all have blind spots, and no one can see their pitfalls on their own.

When you get clarity, confidence follows.

Then, bigger opportunities will start to show up.

Yet, if you could see your blocks, you'd remove them.

Siam got that he couldn’t walk this journey alone.

The best leaders get it.

To get the greatest ROI, focus on leadership.

Focusing on tactics, technology, or other shiny objects won't get you the big paycheck.

Siam and I worked together one-on-one, and he got his leadership IQ dialed in.

I was also able to help him write new marketing materials -- after he got clear, and the results led to a 39% increase in business.

Today, he’s making his mark on the world.

Increase your leadership IQ because the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify the one thing that is draining your energy and not delivering results.

Maybe it’s a commitment that no longer aligns, a habit that is having you overwork, or a task someone else could handle.

Let it go.

Growth isn’t about doing more; it’s about making room for what truly matters.

When you clear distractions, you create space for divine opportunities to flow.

Today, remove one thing that’s holding you back and trust that what’s meant for you will rise in its place.

Your Purpose Doesn’t Come With An Expiration Date

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:15:00 GMT

According to MIT professor Pierre Azoulay, who analyzed 2.7 million people who founded companies between 2007 and 2014, a person who starts a company at age 50 is TWICE as likely to get acquired or go public than a founder at 30.

Here are some specific examples:

~ Vera Wang didn’t design a dress until she was 40.

~ Mary Kay Ash started Mary Kay Cosmetics at 45—the same age Henry Ford was when he created the world-changing Model T car in 1908.

~ Arianna Huffington started The Huffington Post when she was 55, and Louise Hay launched Hay House at 58.

~ Writer Harry Bernstein published his first book at 96—then went on to write three more before he died at 101, commenting that his 90s were the “most productive years” of his life.

You have opportunities all around you.

There will always be people who will tell you you're

~ Too old,

~ Too young,

~ Too inexperienced,

~ Too experienced, …

…and the list goes on and on.

Life happens in the here and now, moment by moment.

Don’t subscribe to someone’s timeline for your life.

Don’t let a fear-based approach put an expiration date on you or your dreams.

You only get one life.

I’ve had people tell me I should slow down, that at my age I should be content with what I’ve built.

And I know in my soul—I’m just getting started.

If you feel the same pull, a Private, Leadership Retreat might be the place to step away, challenge what’s holding you back, and step fully into what’s next.

Be clear about Who You Are, What You Want, and Why it Matters, so you can do what you love—and keep doing it—from a place of choice.

... Because that’s how you get to the health, happiness, success, and meaning that will give you an inner peace that few folks ever get to experience in this lifetime.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to examine where you might have bought into a commonly held belief about who you are that gets in the way and limits what you want.

Challenge it.

Then, defy it.

Choose an action step in direct opposition to that false belief.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Go shine your light.

And at 55, I am clear I'm just getting started...

The Cost of Complication in Leadership

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT

For years, I hung around with folks who told me I had to build an empire.

And to build an empire, I needed:

More clients
More employees
More products
More space
More revenue
More choices

Because this is what success looks like.

Yet, it really was just more complication.

And it made me dread doing the work that I once loved.

Over time, I got the "more" I really needed was focus… and belief in God's grace and favor.

I've been in a season of letting go.

100% of what I'm doing has been under examination for about 15 months.

I've been looking at all the areas that may be costing me money, time, and energy I don’t need to spend.

I've said good-bye to entire product lines, software, and processes.

I've also been purging what’s in my home and closet, examining the clothes in my wardrobe, and what’s in the garage and barn.

All of this has allowed me to untether from what I own.

None of these things define me.

When I left federal law enforcement, I remember feeling lost.

I turned in my badge, my gun, and what felt like my identity.

I am not my business, my sales, my revenue, -- or even my profits.

The focus has been to simplify — and not add more "stuff" to my life.

I've got folks who come to me with:

Complicated systems
Employee hassles
Warehouse worries ...
... and more line items than in a Senate appropriations bill.

And there's some value they get from having a business that looks like that.

What do you get from creating complexity in your life?!?

I promise you that you get something.

The questions I've been asking myself louder every day are:

~ "Does this get me closer to living out my Divine mission?"

~ "Does this allow me to be a greater force for good on the planet?"

If the answer is no, it's got to go.

I see too many leaders carrying weight they were never meant to carry, overwhelmed by things that were never theirs to hold.

They know something needs to shift, and they don’t step back long enough to make it happen.

That’s why I’m intentional about creating space for leaders to reset and realign.

Because clarity doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from stripping away the unnecessary.

If you’ve been feeling that nudge to step away from the noise and get clear on what actually matters, consider scheduling a Private, Leadership retreat at Summit Hills Farm.

I have a limited number of private retreat days available for 2025.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify one thing adding complexity without real value.

Ask yourself:

Does this align with my Divine mission?
Is it making a real impact?
Would letting go create more space for what matters?

If not, release it.

Less clutter, more clarity. Less doing, more purpose.

The world doesn’t need more of your stuff—it needs you.

Are You Ready to Lead with Clarity?

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 10:47:08 GMT

Hope isn't a strategy.

You can’t hope your way into a better job, career, or business.

You can’t hope your way into a better relationship.

And you can’t hope your way into a better life.

I've watched people who "hope" others will trust them enough to do business with them.

Or hire them for their dream job.

Or "hope" that the most talented people out there will want to work with them in their company.

Or "hope" that the man or woman of their dreams will show up on their doorstep and ask them out.

Hope is defined as a "feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen."

When invest time to get clear about who you are, what you want, and why it matters, it's more than just feeling your desire for something.

You spent time, energy, and money creating clarity for your soul.

This Upside leadership principle ensures you're not strong in only one area of your life - while being completely out of balance everywhere else.

It keeps you from burning out after a year, or even a few.

Because operating with clarity, confidence, and strategy ensures you get results that last.

And that requires more than just hope.

What kind of difference could that type of clarity make for you?

If you want to be successful and profitable all areas of your life, this is the work I do so perhaps you're being called to dive in deeper to this community.

Because the world needs you at your best.

And hope isn’t the way to get there.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify one area where you’ve been hoping instead of leading.

Where have you been waiting for a breakthrough instead of creating one?

Take one decisive action today to move forward.

Make the call. Send the email. Have the conversation. Do the work.

Because God moves with you when you do.

Step Away from the Noise to Gain Clarity

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 23:01:42 GMT

A few years ago, I felt as if I was on a hamster wheel in my business.

It seemed as if I was in the same place every morning - and running fast.

Maybe you can relate.

I knew I needed someone else to take a look and see what I couldn't because I was too close to it.

I sought out someone who would let me learn from their mistakes and not have to make them all on my own.

That’s one of the greatest benefits of leadership coaching.

Can you be a leader without it?

Sure.

Yet, the odds of you wildly succeeding are stacked against you for so many reasons.

And the biggest one is, you will be light-years behind your competitors if you have to make all of the mistakes on your own.

You can always benefit from wisdom gained through others' direct experience, thereby saving yourself a great deal of time and energy.

And, you never outgrow the need for coaching.

For example, although my leadership coaching and consulting give my clients insights into other industries and companies and have them consider questions they may never have thought about, I, too, have undergone gap analyses in my own business.

With the help of others, over 15 months, I examined every single activity that every team member did as well as scrutinizing where my time gets INVESTED.

I brought in someone to look at processes for operations, and had a firm conduct a financial audit.

We re-wrote SOP's (standard operating procedures), streamlined systems, and eliminated duplication.

Some of the questions that I asked were:

~ Is this the simplest way to do this?

~ Is this (action, system, app, etc.) truly needed to run the business?

~ Is everyone on the team committed to the mission, values, and vision of Upside Thinking?

~ What can be automated or done differently?

~ What am I missing?

While I talk to business owners almost every day with these questions in mind, it was an interesting journey to do this for me and my business and understand how important it is to ensure the people around me are involved in the process despite this being my area of expertise.

Sometimes you can’t see what’s in front of you on your own.

You have to be willing to see a new perspective.

And then you have to be willing to do something about it.

Sometimes, you need to step out of your current environment completely to gain the perspective you’re missing.

That’s why I create spaces where leaders can reflect, and recalibrate.

If this resonates with you, consider signing up for a Private, Leadership Retreat Day at Summit Hills Farm in Richmond, Kentucky. Our Spring and Fall Upside Retreats are already sold out.

And I have a limited number of private retreat days available for 2025.

Make a plan to reset, gain clarity, and step fully into what’s next for you.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to be committed to personal development, understanding you can't see what's getting in the way on your own.

So, where in your business or life do you need outside perspective?

Be open to taking action to get the answers needed to move forward with greater ease.

Remember, you’re here for a reason…

…and the world needs you and your brilliance.

Are You Settling or Stretching?

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:41:21 GMT

That’s the question, isn’t it?

If we’re connected, you’re probably not someone who settles.

You stretch yourself regularly, and you know there’s always more to do and be.

Yet even the most conscious leaders can fall into the comfort of what’s familiar.

It’s easy to mistake movement for progress,

busyness for impact, and

routine for purpose.

Settling doesn’t always look like giving up, it often looks like:

~ Saying “yes” to things that keep you busy and yet you don’t move you forward ...

~ Downplaying your vision because it feels too big or uncertain ...

~ Waiting for clarity instead of creating it through action ...

~ Feeling restless yet unsure how to break through ...

It’s not a lack of ambition.

Rather, it’s a lack of space to recalibrate, strategize, and listen to what’s next.

Stretching requires intention.

It means:

~ Surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to expand

~ Creating space for deep, strategic thinking

~ Taking bold action even when the path isn’t fully mapped out

~ Bringing God into the process so you’re aligned, not just accomplished

I used to wonder where leaders -- those who wanted to change the world -- went to do this kind of work, to breathe life into their vision and build their next level.

When I couldn’t find it, I built it.

A space for those who refuse to settle for “someday.”

Because when you decide to stretch

into your highest calling,

clarity follows.

And when you surround yourself with others who are doing the same, transformation happens.

Where are you stretching next?

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify one area where you’ve been holding back, whether it’s speaking up, taking a bold step, or committing fully to your vision,

Then take one action today to stretch beyond it.

Growth happens when you move past comfort.

And the miracle happens after you take the leap of faith.

The Step Most People Miss on the Path to Success

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:40:50 GMT

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.

When Was the Last Time You Pressed Pause?

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:49:34 GMT

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.

Success Starts with the Right People

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:06:14 GMT

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.

Breaking Free from Self-Doubt

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:58:06 GMT

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.

Overcome Doubt and Turn Challenges Into Growth

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:45:47 GMT

"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.

The Hidden Cost of Comfort in Leadership

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 10:30:00 GMT

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.

The Distractions Keeping You from Your Best Self

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 21:09:34 GMT

Cleaning and De-cluttering.

This seems to be the daily theme at the farm.

Since moving into the property, I’ve been releasing many things from my life:

~ Clothing I hadn’t worn in years

~ New pillows, bedding, and household items that never seemed right

~ Old electronics, including two laptops that a friend was able to re-purpose

~ Papers, papers, and more papers!

I’ve also been re-examining what still fits as I move into this new chapter.

Getting really honest with why I hold on to things (and people) when they clearly no longer fit in my life.

I even deleted hundreds—dare I say thousands—of names from my email list, making my list size the un-sexiest it’s ever been.

In the coaching world, this is seen as a fatal mistake—the kiss of death—as your list size is what makes you “cool.”

On this part of my journey, I’m much more discerning of the people, places, and situations that are part of my life. I’m examining the distractions that keep me from shining brightly.

And, after years of being told not to take things personally, that’s all I’m interested in, because life is personal.

You can’t be a leader worth following unless you can see and honor someone’s humanity:

~ What makes their heart hurt

~ What makes them laugh uncontrollably

~ What makes them wonderful and unique

That’s the kind of leadership I’m interested in.

The kind that’s personal.

And that just may take a little de-cluttering and letting go of what and who doesn’t allow you to be the best version of who you’re called to be.

Don’t let people, places, or things get in the way of you shining your light.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance, now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to reflect on what’s taking up space in your life?

Take 30 minutes today to identify one physical item or relationship that no longer serves you.

Whether it’s an old piece of clothing, a cluttered drawer, or an obligation you’ve outgrown, release it with gratitude for its role in your life.

Are You In Integrity With Yourself?

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:15:00 GMT

Are you in integrity with yourself?

That’s what the world is really asking when they see if you measure up as a leader worth following.

The deeper you are in relationship with yourself, the greater you’re able to serve others and make a positive difference on the planet.

You can’t be in integrity with yourself unless you’re able to access your emotions, to experience emotional well-being.

See, most people sidestep the things they don’t want to deal with in their life. They do it all day long.

They have hidden places, in dark corners, where they’d rather not look.

The actions can look like no big deal, like saying ‘yes’ to something when you really want to say ‘no’. I mean it’s just easier to go along to get along.

Yet when you do this, you’re out of integrity with yourself. And over time, the consequences are costly.

You can stack up all of the wins, and get external validation, yet the person in the mirror will still be staring back at you. You can’t really hide from yourself.

I’ve got a pretty tough exterior, and I was an emotional stuffer for years.

It’s taken me a lifetime to understand that your emotions reveal where you’re off-track.

When you choose to listen amidst the noise of the world, you can see what just may be getting in the way.

Only if you’re willing to.

Looking deep into your soul.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to pause and check in with yourself the next time you feel uncomfortable, frustrated, or out of alignment.

Ask yourself:

What is this emotion trying to show me about where I’m off track?
Is there a hidden “yes” or “no” I’ve been avoiding?

Once you’ve identified it, take one intentional step to honor what you uncover.

Maybe it’s setting a boundary, speaking your truth, or letting go of something that no longer serves you.

Your emotions are a guide, trust them, and see where they lead.

You Have the Strength to Move Mountains

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 10:15:00 GMT

When you aren’t willing to fully examine…

~ what you believe,

~ the size of your comfort zone,

~ and the operational effectiveness of your processes and systems...

… you stay stuck.

There is a hard cost to choosing to stay stuck.

~ Physically

~ Emotionally

~ Intellectually

~ Spiritually

~ Financially

~ Relationally

~ And to the health of your career or business.

Moving forward requires change.

And, change is uncomfortable for most people, especially when it requires letting go of what was.

It's not usually external waves that cause your boat to sink...

... rather it's the SMALL HOLE INSIDE your BOAT that YOU'VE BEEN IGNORING.

A little reflection goes a long way, along with conversations with someone you trust.

~ What have you been ignoring or putting off?

~ What haven't you been willing to look at?

Ignoring or delaying doesn't typically help because that small hole may be getting bigger...

The longer you delay looking at things, the sense of overwhelm grows too-- much like the feeling that the boat is filling up with water.

Pretty soon you may be swimming inside your proverbial boat.

What is the process for getting unstuck?

It starts with a commitment to make a clear-eyed assessment of where you are.

This requires both courage and vulnerability.

The costs to stay stuck are high.

Be willing to see where you might be off course without judgment.

Remember, judgment and discernment are different.

One is constructive, the other is destructive.

Next focus on what you want . What's your desired outcome?

Use your imagination to build the bridge in the gap between where you are and also from the goal ("end").

~ What do you need to do?

~ Who do you need to be?

If you can create it in your mind, you can create it in the world.

While it may look different as you build and take each step... you'll be moving forward...

Find the courage to take the first step.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to LOOK at where you are stuck and have been ignoring or delaying.

Examine the situation with a neutral eye from multiple angles.

What is your desired and designed outcome?

CHOOSE the first step ... which might just be reaching out to someone for coaching.

Have the courage to take that ACTION step.

If you need support or resources... reach out .

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Are You Walking Around with a Blindfold On?

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:11:23 GMT

When you move into 2025 without properly closing out 2024, it’s like trying to hit a bullseye on a dartboard with a blindfold on.

You might hit your target, yet your chances are slim that you’ll pull off a real win.

Why?

Because without a close-out process, you unconsciously bring things that didn’t serve you in the past into the future .

Most people want more out of life than they currently have:

More health
More happiness
More success
More meaning

Yet they fool themselves into thinking they’re winning by setting their sights on the bullseye. However, they never realize they’ve still got the blindfold on.

They rely on sheer effort, throwing enough darts in the air or working extra hours, believing that’s how they’ll get ahead.

So they keep hustling and muscling through.

Or they stack up a few random wins and foolishly build their foundation like a house of cards resting on unsteady ground, destined to crumble.

I’ve seen it happen over and over again…

Watching top performers in their industry rack up lucky wins—only to lose it all:

Burning out
Getting sick
Bankrupting their life physically, emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and financially

No one thinks it will happen to them.

There are four questions that can help you take the blindfold off and begin mapping out a real plan rather than relying on lucky shots.

With these questions, you’ll:

Get what you want with ease
See clearly what you’re building and why
Have the confidence to work smarter, not harder

We dive into these four questions at the Upside Summit — and on our bonus call before you even set foot in the room.

While it’s still early in the year, take the time to ensure you aren’t caught with a blindfold on in 2025.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the Week is to take time to close out 2024.

~ What do you want to leave behind?

~ What do you want to carry forward?

~ What do you want to create in 2025?

If you want to take a deeper dive and learn about the 4 powerful questions that will help you map out a solid foundation, sign up for my last Upside Summit at www.UpsideSummit.com .

Invest wisely by investing in yourself.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Taking the Leap of Faith

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 10:15:00 GMT

"I’m scared..."

~ “I’m scared to take the leap of faith.”

~ “I’m scared to dream big.”

~ “I’m scared to do what I get is mine to do.”

~ "I'm scared of what people will think."

~ “I’m scared to pick up the phone.”

~ “I’m scared my kids will hate me.”

And the list goes on and on.

I've heard the phrase "I'm scared" thousands of times in coaching sessions.

In other words, “I’m scared I’ll get it wrong or worse, I’m scared to FAIL.”

When it comes to doing what YOU'RE CALLED TO DO,

... what you're MEANT to do, ...

everyone gets the jitters.

Yes, even the BEST in their class get nervous.

Several years ago, I was asked to facilitate the annual conference for a community of global influencers where I was a board member.

After selecting a team, we created an agenda and mapped out the speaker line-up choosing experts that were seasoned stage veterans.

One speaker built -- and sold -- a 10-figure business.

One speaker had millions of views for her TedX talk and was in the middle of writing a book that became a NY Times Best Seller.

Another speaker had presented at countless Fortune 100 companies.

At the event, EVERY SINGLE speaker got offstage and asked me or someone on my team for feedback on how they did – and if their presentation was "alright", fearing they got it wrong.

I was shocked.

And yet, it's not all that surprising.

I've done the same thing, questioning my gifts and abilities.

When you are COMMITTED to your calling, you understand you’ll FEEL THE FEAR and do it anyway.

If fear has been holding you back

~ from a promotion, or

~ crippling you in your business, and/or

~ keeping you from making your mark on the world,

it just may be time to make a change.

One big thing to understand is that excitement and nervousness register very similarly in the body, and sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between the two.

Successful leaders recognize their commitments are more important to listen to than the voices or sensations of fear. They get that nerves are part of the calling.

Rising leaders can re-label fear to be excitement.

Allow yourself to envision with excitement and anticipation the possibilities that are waiting to unfold on the other side of an action.

Practice being fear-less by being pulled by possibility.

COMMIT to what's yours to do, your Divine mission and purpose.

...because the world needs you.

It needs what you have to say and what you -- and only you -- are called to accomplish.

Take the leap of faith.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to pick ONE action per day this week that stretches your growth edges.

Decide that fear is no longer an option ... because the world needs you and your brilliance, now more than ever.

See Upside.

Be Upside.

Lead Upside.

Move Forward Without Delay

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 11:00:05 GMT

If God gave you a mission, purpose, and calling, don't you think He also would have given you the time to fulfill it?!?

How often do you convince yourself that tomorrow will be more convenient to step into what you already understand you’ve been called to do?

You act as if time is on your side, and you can negotiate with the clock.

Yep.

Coming in hot today.

Maybe this truth stings—because deep down, you know it’s real.

You know how easy it is to fall into the trap of 'later,' thinking you’ll have endless chances to fulfill the purpose set before you.

Here's the thing: Time doesn’t owe you anything.

You’re given this moment, right now, with the capacity to make something extraordinary happen.

Don’t waste your precious minutes. Every second you put off what you’re meant to do is a second lost—forever.

And tomorrow? It’s not guaranteed.

What if the opportunity you delay today is the very thing that would change the trajectory of your life—or someone else’s?

What if the Divine mission you’ve been entrusted with holds the answer someone in the world has been desperately waiting for?

You’re here for a reason.

The world needs your brilliance, your vision, your gift.

That calling on your life isn’t accidental—it’s purposeful, and it’s waiting for you to step up.

So don’t put off for tomorrow what’s yours to do today.

Lean in, trust the process, and remember: You were made for this moment.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to identify ONE task that you've been procrastinating on—something that you know is important and have kept delaying.

It could be a project, a conversation, a decision, or even a personal commitment. Write it down.

Then, take action on it immediately. No overthinking, no excuses. Start with the smallest possible step today and commit to moving it forward every single day this week.

At the end of the week, reflect on how taking that step impacted not only the task but also your mindset and sense of purpose.

Remember: Your time is a gift. Use it wisely

From Bills to Brilliance

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:23:49 GMT

The desire for money often comes from a need to pay for a life you’ve probably already created.

This means most folks operate all day long in survival mode.

They've got bills to pay, and they only work so they can pay those bills.

The latest phone
Cable
Fancy hair products/lotions
Special rims
A sweet ride
Fast food and junk food
Shoes, shoes, and more shoes!
Designer duds

The life they’ve created has come with a cost that’s so great, they can hardly breathe.

How do I know this? Because I've been there.

When you're in survival mode, you feel like there's no way out.

I wanted to change my situation, yet it seemed everything that could help me felt like it was just going to be another bill.

So I stayed right where I was until my first coach challenged me.

I told her I couldn’t afford her coaching. She asked me if she should call me in a year.

I asked her why.

She said, " because we had this same conversation last year, and you're in the same place. "

Ouch.

See, like most folks, I was stuck in a cycle of poverty that had nothing to do with what I had and everything to do with what was going on inside of me.

So I signed up to work with her.

That was 18 years ago, and an $18k investment.

At the time, I felt like I was in a sinkhole, yet I made my money back in 3 months.

And not how you think.

See, most folks will work all day to make money to pay for a life they don't really love.

I have listened to thousands (not hundreds) of stories over the past two decades and given folks solutions to move forward.

Often, when I offer to help in a bigger way and show them how to remove their obstacles, I’ll get folks telling me they don’t have the money.

Sure, they’ll go on vacation or buy a new car, or go shopping, just not invest in themselves.

I didn’t have the money either.

And I found a way.

Over time, I’ve learned it’s never about the money.

It’s always about your habits, what you're truly committed to, and what you're willing to do to get what you want.

In order for me to move from surviving to thriving, I had to get into the right environment.

You don’t ever see eagles hangin’ out with pigeons.

And remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to take a close look at your spending habits.

Is there something you consistently pay for that doesn’t add significant value to your life?

It might be that daily coffee run, a streaming service, or impulse buys that feel good in the moment yet is not truly contributing to your growth.

Now, instead of just cutting back, challenge yourself to redirect that money toward an investment in your personal development.

For example, if you spend $50 a month on fast food, consider using that money to purchase a book that expands your thinking, sign up for a webinar, or put it toward coaching that helps you break free from survival mode.

The key is to shift your mindset from paying bills for things you don’t truly need to investing in experiences, tools, or education that will fuel your growth.

What can you give up today to make room for something greater tomorrow?

Are You Getting A God-Nudge for More?

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:15:00 GMT

What do you wish you had more of?

~ Time?

~ Energy?

~ Money?

~ Sex?

~ Intimacy?

~ Faith?

~ Organization?

~ Trust?

~ Love?

How you answer these questions gives you information about the next right action to take in your life

…because you can’t move towards what you want if you can’t clearly identify what it is.

You can’t fix what’s not working if you’re not clear on what is working or where you’re headed.

See, most people have a CLARITY issue(s) in their life or business.

This is the necessary superpower to build a VISION... which is one of the 3 elements of being a leader worth following.

Lack of it is also one of the biggest reasons why businesses fail.

Lots of people think they’re clear.

Phrases such as:

~ Make money

~ Financial freedom

~ Generational wealth

are ambiguous.

And you can't take action and be “mostly committed".

That phrase is an oxymoron. (interestingly, the word oxymoron is from the root word "moros" meaning, "foolish")

You are either committed or not.

Real clarity comes from doing the work to EMBODY what you want – after you decide what that is.

Live your commitment in the form of action.

For me, it's all about living out my Divine mission, purpose, and calling.

To create a focused plan to achieve what you want, you have to see it, smell it, taste it, hear it, touch it, and feel it.

Most people only have a vague idea of what they want.

Very vague.

And, from this place, they will create what I like to call a “loose strategy" or "lose strategy"... because you can’t win BIG when you're vague.

When pressed about where they’re headed, they give generic answers that sound like gibberish… or perhaps tell you a rote story they’ve repeated 100 times that means nothing.

Clarity is something that oozes out from you.

When you are clear on where you’re going, your level of FOCUS is very high...

... so that the WHY, the deep motivation that drives where you're going has you morph and integrate into what you’re moving towards before it becomes a reality. This is how your vision, when it comes to fruition, includes you in it.

That’s what happened last week when I was at the range.

I was clear about the outcome – and laser-focused on my why.

It also happens in my business every morning when I open my eyes...as I'm crystal clear on my target, ready to take focused action.

If there are items on your list right now that you want more of...increase your FOCUS to get CLEARER.

Identify your WHY and map out your strategic plan on how to get there – wherever your envisioned "there" is.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify some of your ambiguous language around what you want.

Get clear on what you REALLY want.

See it, hear it, smell it, taste it, touch it in your mind's eye.

Practice refining the vision daily.

Take steps accordingly.

Your time is now.

The world needs you and your brilliance, now more than ever.

Go shine your light.

Why Most Leaders Get Stuck (And How to Break Free)

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 07:00:00 GMT

What keeps most folks stuck isn’t what you’d expect.

When I talk to other leaders, fear doesn’t even make the top 3.

Did you know that lack of focus is the #1 killer of health, happiness, success, and meaning? Isn’t that incredible?!

You’ve got to have clarity, with a dose of courage, to create anything worthwhile. Ask me how I know.

I’d been on a merry-go-round, going in circles... until I chose to give 100% of my energy to my divine mission.

Then, things came together like gorilla glue and plastic.

And because I work with folks who are often standing at a crossroads, this realization can be debilitating, paralyzing, or freeing — yes, freeing.

Most leaders want to improve. And to do better, you also need to understand where your people feel stuck.

After focus is dialed in, the next hurdle is belief .

Many struggle with the confidence to trust in themselves and their ability to create success. Isn’t that crazy?!

It all comes down to trust.

Trust in the ability to learn something new and then go achieve it. Yet most people confuse a lack of belief with the fear of failing.

Very few people are truly afraid of failure.

Everyone fails at something every day. That’s not the issue.

The real challenge is believing and trusting that when you get it wrong, you’ve got the ability to try again and succeed next time.

And that it will be different.

That’s why I openly share my losses and wins with clients and on stage — because no one gets it right every day.

The courage to keep moving forward without shame is rare.

The third thing that keeps people stuck is a lack of connection . I’ve written several books on this topic.

Over the years, I’ve met so many folks who struggle with relationships.

They have too few friends or surround themselves with people who don’t challenge them to be better. Your immediate circle drives whether you’ll lose or win at just about everything.

As someone who minored in sociology in college, I’ve read countless studies on how your life outcomes are determined by the company you keep.

Lastly, lack of partnershi p quietly kills a meaningful life.

You’ve got to have a partner on your personal growth journey — someone you can rely on to be impartial and who’s got your back.

When I work with clients, I tell them they can borrow my belief in them whenever they’re struggling.

And, together, we move forward.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to take 15 minutes to identify one area where you feel stuck—whether it’s in your health, relationships, or career—and ask yourself if the root cause is really fear, or if it’s something deeper like lack of focus, belief, or connection.

Choose one of these areas to improve and take one bold step forward: remove a distraction if focus is the issue, remind yourself of a past success to boost belief, or reach out to someone who can support your journey if you’re lacking connection.

Notice the shift and see what breakthroughs follow.

Make Bold Decisions That Drive Success

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 22:16:19 GMT

When Jim and I lived in California, we would drive to San Diego to watch football and play poker on Sunday afternoon with his friends.

Watching a player go “all in” inspires me.

Witnessing that moment when their RESOLVE and DETERMINATION come together, and they put all of their potential winnings on the line fascinates me.

We all get the opportunity to do that every day.

When you wholeheartedly COMMIT to your MISSION and CALLING, just like that poker move, you take a stand for what matters most to you.

It’s a statement to the world that you’re willing to RISK IT ALL for the end result –> the fulfillment of your VISION.

“ It is always your next move. ” - Napoleon Hill

Regardless of your attitude or intention, the critical element in that statement is MOVE.

Take ACTION.

Going “all in” in poker is a BIG move - a POWER move.

It can be risky - and it’s also one of the fastest ways to grow your winnings.

Now, I’m not claiming to be an expert poker player.

However, I have grown into being a masterful RISK TAKER which has increased my WINNINGS and produced rich rewards in my personal and professional life.

Rather than saying “yes” to a comfortable life, taking the safe route, which would be easy-peasy, I often choose the ROAD LESS TRAVELED.

- Moving from a slow-moving suburban area in Pennsylvania to the hustle and bustle of the NY Metropolitan area

- Stepping out of a job in banking and creating a career in Federal law enforcement

- Accepting assignments in my law enforcement career in various states and Puerto Rico, as well as a detail teaching at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

- Leaving the safety net of steady income to open a business

- Uprooting every 5 years on average and never living anywhere longer than 9 years

My list could go on and on…

How about you?

When given an opportunity, do you take a RISK?

Are you willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES going “ALL IN” to live out your mission & calling and to step into your big VISION?

Risk-taking leads to GROWTH and POSSIBILITY – and diving into once-in-a-lifetime OPPORTUNITIES.

I’ve never looked back at what I’ve done and regretted making a move, even when it didn’t turn out the way I envisioned.

The truth is not whether you will die; it is whether you will decide to LIVE.

Accept life’s challenges and risks as opportunities and doorways leading to a life filled with HAPPINESS, SUCCESS, and MEANING.

Not sure where to start?

1 - Read a book outside your area of immediate interest.

2 - Hire the right coach to guide you.

3 - Accept an invitation to do something that makes you uncomfortable to expand your horizons.

Leading Upside is about finding the possibilities in EVERYTHING you do in life.

Practice saying “YES,” and then commit to going “ALL IN”.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to identify three actions that feel risky, uncomfortable, or bold.

Take one each week for the next three weeks. Seek support to follow through if needed.

Track the possibilities, opportunities, and outcomes that these actions produce. ( Suggestion: For tracking, you can use a spreadsheet, calendar, or journal. )

Remember, life is CHANGE.

Growth is optional.

Choose wisely.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Could Taking a Step Back Be the Key to Moving Forward?

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 22:29:49 GMT

We’ve all been there—those moments when life feels overwhelming, when no matter what we do, it seems like the challenges just keep piling up.

It’s easy to get caught in the spiral of thinking that the difficulty is never going to end.

Here's the truth: no problem is permanent .

Things will shift, evolve, and change—sometimes in ways we can't yet see.

In those heavy moments, it’s essential to give yourself space.

When was the last time you truly paused, to simply be?

There’s wisdom in allowing yourself a break. Whether you prefer quiet reflection or a peaceful walk in nature, creating that space for yourself is crucial.

One of the most powerful things you can do is take a step back from the situation and surrender it to something greater than yourself.

Sometimes, this means being still and allowing yourself to listen—to your heart, to your inner wisdom, or to God's guidance.

Whether it’s through taking a quiet moment of stillness or going on what I like to call a "God walk," spending time in nature can be incredibly healing.

Walking in the fresh air, surrounded by the beauty of creation, helps you reconnect with something larger than yourself.

It shifts your perspective, reminding you that life is fluid—that even the toughest storms will eventually pass.

So, if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, try this: go outside.

Take a deep breath, feel the ground beneath your feet, and just be.

Let the sounds of nature—birds singing, the wind through the trees—quiet your thoughts.

And in that quietness, listen.

Listen for what your heart is telling you, and listen for God's voice reminding you that there’s always a plan in motion.

There's a Divine plan at work in your life, one that’s bigger and more beautiful than you can ever imagine.

You have something unique to offer—something that no one else can bring.

Your brilliance shines brighter than you might realize, especially in times of difficulty.

So, even on the days when it feels like the world is heavy and your problems are too big, know this: the world is waiting for you to show up and share your gifts.

Take heart.

No problem is permanent.

God’s plan is bigger than your imagination, and you are exactly where you need to be.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to step back from the busyness and give yourself space to shift your perspective.

Spend at least 15 minutes in nature—whether walking, sitting, or just being still. Focus on being fully present.

Pay attention to what comes up—ideas, feelings, or a sense of peace. Trust that guidance is unfolding for you.

After your time in nature, jot down any insights or shifts you noticed. How has this helped you see things differently?

Remember, no problem is permanent—solutions often come when we give ourselves the space to receive them.

Unspoken Qualities that Create Partnership through Leadership

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:15:00 GMT

Pillar #3 in my 7 Pillars of Leadership is all about building partnerships.

Why?

Because connection is a form of currency – and partnerships give you the ability to leverage your gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences .

If you want to move through life with ease and peace – and make the work you do more fulfilling, you don’t go it alone.

The children’s story ‘Stone Soup’ depicts the concept beautifully, illustrating the skills and qualities of exceptional leadership.

I’ve added my commentary in parentheses to emphasize who he is being - and where the qualities of empathy, inspiration, compassion, generosity, and connection are all present. Read how he paints a vision ... and brings it to life.

“Once upon a time, a wise old man decided to go on a journey.

So he packed a small bag, said goodbye to his wife, and set off. He traveled all day without meeting anyone.

When it was evening, he came to a small village. “I think I’ll stop here for the night,” he said to himself.

Near the center of the village, he met a group of people.

So he introduced himself. “I’m a simple traveler,” he said, “looking for a safe place to sleep and a hot meal.”

(The traveler is wise, yet unassuming.)

“We’d be glad to offer you a place to sleep,” the villagers told him, “but we have very little food.

Our crops were very poor this year, and there’s not much to eat in the whole village. Most of us are just barely getting by.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” the old man said. “But you needn’t worry about feeding me. I already have everything I need. In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you.”

(He listens, soothes the villagers’ worries, and offers to be of help with a specific act of generosity that he can do.)

“Stone soup?” the villagers asked. “What’s that? We’ve never heard of stone soup.”

“Oh, it’s wonderful,” said the old man. “Best soup I’ve ever tasted. If you bring me a soup pot and some water, I’ll make some for all of us.”

(He is positive, generous, and offers a vision of hope.)

And so the villagers rushed back to their homes. When they returned, one was carrying a large soup pot, another had wood for a fire, and others brought water.

When the fire was going and the water had begun to boil, the old man took out a small silk pouch.

With great ceremony, he reached in and pulled out a smooth, round stone. He carefully dropped the stone into the boiling water.

The villagers watched eagerly. The old man began to slowly stir the pot, sniffing the aroma and licking his lips in anticipation. “I do like a tasty stone soup,” he said. “Of course, stone soup with cabbage—now that’s really special.” (He gently guides them, inspires them with what might be to come.)

“I might be able to find a bit of cabbage,” one villager said. And off she went to her house, returning with a small cabbage she had stored away in her pantry.

“Wonderful!” said the old man, as he added the cabbage to the pot. “This reminds me of the time I had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of salted beef. It was unbelievably good.”

(From his suggestions, individuals voluntarily step forward, taking action, doing their part to contribute to the effort.)

After a moment of silence, the village butcher spoke up. “I know where there’s a bit of salted beef,” he said. And off he went to his shop to get it.

When he returned, the old man added the beef to the soup pot and continued to stir.

(And, again, in reflection, an individual thinks of what he can offer, and goes to follow through on his commitment.)

“Can you imagine what this soup would taste like if we had a bit of onion…and perhaps a few potatoes…and a carrot or two…and some mushrooms. Oh, this would be a meal fit for royalty.”

(With each step, the wise man adds idea and paints details to the vision so that it becomes more clear and thus inspiring. He creates momentum.)

And before he knew it, the soup pot was filled to the brim with vegetables of all kinds— carrots and potatoes, mushrooms and onions, turnips and green beans, beets and celery—all brought by the men and women and children of the village.

Not only that, but the village baker came out with some fresh bread and butter.

And as the soup simmered slowly over the fire, the wonderful aroma began to waft over the villagers. And they began to relax and talk together, sharing songs and stories and jokes.

(Together, a magnificent meal is “built” seemingly from what had been believed to be, “little” to eat, and so many struggling to get by.

He reduced their sense of worry and impoverishment, showing them the wealth they had in working together. )

When the soup was finally done, the old man ladled it out into bowls, and they all shared a delicious meal together .

There was more than enough for everyone to eat their fill.

Afterward, they all declared that it was the best soup they had ever tasted.

The mayor of the village pulled the old man aside, and quietly offered him a great deal of money for the magic stone, but the old man refused to sell it.

(The wise man creates and enjoys the collective effort, and does not take unfair advantage of his leadership. He keeps to the initial contract – a request for lodging and a hot meal.)

The next morning, he woke early and packed up his belongings.

As he was leaving the village, he passed by a group of children playing at the side of the road. He handed the youngest one the silk pouch containing the stone, and he whispered, “It was not the stone that performed the magic. It was all of us together.”

(He passes along wisdom, giving it freely and joyfully so that others may benefit after he's is gone. He leaves behind a modest, empowering legacy.)

The qualities and skills demonstrated in the story of the Stone Soup are deceptively simple. Partnership, Connection, and Community.

Sometimes you have to unlearn what you've been taught ... and write a new story to remember the power of partnership

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to reflect on when and where you have made stone soup in your business or community.

Gather your partners up.

Decide on a recipe.

Make something delicious. Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

The One Bold Move You Need to Make Today

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 11:00:00 GMT

When you want to create something new or different, your mind is going to tell you no.

That resistance is an intrinsic part of being human.

It's your mind's way of keeping you safe, tucked away in the familiar, where things are predictable and comfortable.

Most humans love to be comfortable; it's our default setting.

Here's the catch: the comfort zone, that place where everything feels easy and safe, is also the place where dreams go to die, and opportunities pass us by unnoticed.

I used to believe that the goal of life was to reach a place where I had complete freedom—a destination where I'd finally "arrive" and everything would fall into place.

Over time, I realized that freedom isn't a destination; it's in the journey itself.

It's in the everyday moments of choosing courage over comfort, growth over stagnation.

If I truly want to move beyond where I am currently, I have to be willing to stand in a place that feels wildly uncomfortable ... where I'm a beginner.

It's in those moments of discomfort, of stretching beyond what I've learned, that true growth happens.

And although I don't particularly enjoy that feeling, I recognize it's a necessary part of the growth process.

You're here to create something extraordinary, something that only you can bring into this world.

I may not know exactly what that "something" is for you, yet your Soul does.

Deep down, you already have a sense of what you're meant to do, the legacy you're meant to leave behind when you depart from this planet.

The question is, will you serve yourself and cling to the comfort zone, where nothing ever changes?

or...

Will you choose to impact countless lives because you dared to step into the unknown, where growth and transformation reside?

The choice is yours, and it's a significant one.

Choose wisely, because the world needs you and the brilliance you have to offer.

Your unique gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences are elements only you can bring to life, and you do this by fully utilizing them.

So, while taking this journey may be uncomfortable, it's also where health, happiness, success, meaning, and fulfillment await.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify one area in your life where you’ve settled into a routine or comfort zone, whether it’s in your work, relationships, or personal development.

This week, challenge yourself to take one action that feels unfamiliar or slightly uncomfortable.

It could be initiating a difficult conversation, trying something new that is exciting to you, or making a decision that requires an added dose of courage.

As you stand in your discomfort, reflect on how this one action moves you closer to the legacy you want to create, remembering that progress only happens when you step out into the unknown .

Steps to Value Your Leadership Talents and Brilliance

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 02:10:37 GMT

I became fascinated with stars when I went camping as a little girl.

Some nights the sky seemed as bright and beautiful as the fireworks show on the 4 ^th of July.

After reading through my Encyclopedia Britannica at my grandparents, I learned each star is unique and different and emits a bright light. Yet as an adult, I understand it takes all of them to light up the sky.

If one star burns out, the night sky would be just a little bit darker.

That’s the way it is with life. When one person decides not to fully use their gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences at work or in the world, the planet is a little bit dimmer.

How can you practically implement this into your work and personal life?

First, acknowledge your value, your “(star)light”.

You have your unique gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences – and no one can do what you're able to do in the manner in which you're able to do it.

Some folks might say leadership is the same for all people.

I've learned that while all leaders may have similar skill sets, your personality, style, and experiences make the way you lead one-of-a-kind as no one else has walked your same path or had the full scope of your life's experiences.

The quality of your light is singular.

Be clear on who you are, the principles you stand for, and the values that guide you, or your light will be obscured ...

... making it harder for people to be guided or inspired by you and your work.

What actions allow you to acknowledge your (star)light?

1) Pay attention to your habits . Do you rely more on your inner wisdom or direction from others?

2) Pay attention to your beliefs. Do you operate from conditioning (in childhood, family systems, or cultural “norms”) or beliefs that are true to you? These are usually spotted by phrases such as, “I should be…”

3) Pay attention to who is in your inner circle. Be part of a community that is committed to your highest good. Find resources, like the Upside Accountability Circle, or Upside Leaders Program, or "Gateway to Greatness" Mastermind. Choose to hire coaches and mentors to positively guide and direct you. Spent time with friends that encourage, enlighten, and inspire you.

When you don't fully acknowledge your value, the world is a bit darker and the people who need you miss out.

Second: Trust in Divine Right Timing .

You can control your thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

That's it.

All other variables are out of your control, including the timing of something you may want or worked hard to get.

When I trust that everything happens FOR me, and not TO me ... and there is a divine order that operates in perfect timing, I trust there is a greater good for my circumstances.

If you spend time on what you can’t control, you can't be fully available to receive something better.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to put both in place in a tangible way by writing out your value.

Take a deep breath and be in the noticing every time you don’t understand why something is “happening” to you.

Choose to shine your light ... and ...

.... remember, the world needs you and your brilliance…now more than ever.

Living Your Values Out Loud

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 22:15:00 GMT

For a long time, I've been intentional about where I invest my dollars.

It doesn't matter whether I'm buying a product or a service; I've got to have a connection.

That's why I read labels and do my best to support small business owners.

It's also why I love the Estill County Farmers' Market and places like local flea markets.

The majority of my purchases are personal and connect to my values.

Years ago, my sister turned me on to a skincare and bath & body products company that wrote their brand philosophy on every label.

Most mornings in the shower, I'd read the label on their bottle:

philosophy®:

"One of the best tools for longevity and good health is not just taking a walk outdoors but taking your walk while holding the hand of God.

When we walk in gratitude for each and every moment, we empower ourselves by empowering our spirits.

When we breathe in nature through our eyes, ears, and lips, we become certain that not only are our souls eternal, but that God knows how to manage our lives, our troubles, our worries, and our days better than we do.

So today and every day, 'let go and let God.'"

Now that's a company I wanted to invest in.

Who says you can't wear your values on your sleeve?

Literally.

Who says you need to be 'politically correct' and vanilla?!?

> Be clear about who you are.

> Be clear about what you want.

> Be clear about why it matters.

And then tell folks.

The best leaders get this and they're unapologetic about who they are and what they stand for.

In addition to my core values, I have a Code of Ethics that I speak about and live by.

Don't go tradin' in a piece of your Soul to try to make more folks like you.

That kinda people-pleasing never works anyway.

Boldly show up as who you are and tell the world.

And remember... the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to challenge yourself to unapologetically speak your truth.

Start by identifying your core values and what matters most to you. Then, practice expressing these values in your everyday interactions—whether it's in conversations, at work, or on social media.

Communicate your beliefs with intention through your actions.

Is It Time to Re-Write Your Leadership Story?

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 10:15:00 GMT

I used to believe being powerful meant you had to have a forceful personality with a healthy ego.

I grew up watching John Wayne movies and revered sports heroes portraying a confident air about them, a level of self-confidence that seemed unshakable.

As the years passed, I learned self-image is simply a reflection of how we feel about ourselves.

It’s a perception that can keep you locked into an old pattern, belief, or story.

Over time, I changed my self-image from victim to victor rewriting my story of tragedy to one of triumph where I got to be the heroine.

Several years ago, I flew my business coach into town to work with me for 2 days.

When she and I were driving back to my house from having lunch, she said, “Stop telling that story.”

I remember exactly where we were in my neighborhood as the abruptness of her comment had me slow the car down.

“What story?”, I sheepishly inquired.

Yet, I knew.

It was an old version of me that had turned into a rote conversation producing the empty friction like getting your car tires stuck in the mud and going nowhere.

It didn’t serve me to repeat it, yet I found myself thinking back at the many conversations where I shared this “truth” more often than I realized – and she caught me.

While I wasn’t entirely grateful at the time, looking back I realize she brought me back to the present moment and had me focus on what is, not what was.

When you live in the present, the here and now, life moves about with ease, grace, joy, and in harmony.

When you focus on what was, life is less fluid and agreeable.

The best leaders ask the question, “ What is mine to do now? ”

They don’t second guess the decisions they made last year, last week, or even 5-minutes ago, trusting they did the best they could with the information they had in the present moment.

The best leaders are keenly aware of the history behind them -- and learn from it,

while also looking to the future to see what may be and how to develop,

living fully engaged in the present.

Rather than acting from boldness acquired by a big ego, it is from the spectrum of experience plus foresight that allows a good leader to be confident in the choices they make today.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to notice what story you are telling.

Is it constructive to the present moment or where you are headed?

If not, what will you do to re-write your story?

If yes, what will you do to speak it a little louder?

The world needs you and your brilliance.

See the Blessing in Every Break

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 22:59:15 GMT

When someone breaks your trust, it doesn’t just hurt your feelings; it complicates the parts of your life that should be easy, natural, and uncomplicated.

Trust is the foundation of so much of what we do—our relationships, our decisions, our ability to feel secure.

When that trust is shattered, everything feels a little bit more fragile, a little bit more uncertain.

You may miss out on opportunities that should feel joy-filled, like a new friendship or an exciting project, simply because you're looking at EVERYTHING through the lens of not getting burned again.

It’s like walking through life with a filter that turns all the bright, vibrant colors into shades of gray. Instead of seeing potential and possibility, you see danger and deceit lurking around every corner.

~ How do I discern if someone is being honest with me?

~ Can I trust myself when I missed the signs on this one?

~ Can I trust God if He allowed this situation to happen to me?!?

It’s a crisis of faith as much as it is a crisis of trust, making you wonder about the bigger picture and your place in it.

I get it. I really do.

I’ve been there, in that dark place where it feels like the ground has been ripped out from under you.

As I understand this all too well in my life, I know the pain and confusion that come with broken trust.

I’ve also learned, sometimes the hard way, that this level of skepticism—this constant questioning of everyone and everything—steals the joy from anything else good showing up.

It’s like closing the door to your heart, hoping to keep the pain out, yet keeping out all the love, joy, and connection that could be yours.

I’ve had setbacks.

I’ve wrestled with these questions and more, over and over again.

Often, my conversations with God are feisty, filled with frustration and tears as I try to make sense of what seems senseless.

Yet, I recognize I’ve gained deep wisdom from the deep cuts.

Painful experiences have shaped me, taught me, and ultimately led to great victories.

They’ve shown me strength I didn’t know I had and revealed truths I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.

If you’re dealing with something now, remember, you’re not alone.

This is just a small part of your story.

It’s a chapter, not the whole book. And while it may hurt now, it doesn’t have to define you.

Now, when someone breaks my trust, I see it as part of the journey—a detour, not a dead end.

I look for the gift in the pain, the lesson in the loss.

Because that’s the Upside Way.

The Way of the Upside Warrior.

Lighting the way for others.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to nurture trust in small, simple ways, starting with yourself and extending to others.

Begin by acknowledging your strengths and areas for growth.

Then, practice trust by doing small acts of kindness for others, saying ‘no’ when it doesn't feel like yours to do, and being honest in a gentle way.

These actions, though small, can make a big difference in strengthening who you are and your relationships.

Remember, trust is built one step at a time.

Turning Struggles into Leadership Strength

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 21:53:37 GMT

Every day, you wake up with voices that tell you who you are and who you're not, what you can have and what you can't.

Growing up, those voices were centered around green pieces of paper.

They challenged my worthiness and what I saw as possible for me.

I didn't realize how much they had infiltrated all areas of my life until I opened my business.

My money guy lives in Canada.

He's built and sold two manufacturing companies and has advised me for about seven years. I'm honored to call him my friend and admire how he lives his life.

Yet, I never fully grasped what he was teaching me until I got clear about who I was, what I wanted, and why it mattered.

There are certain principles of money that I adhere to, and the simplest has been to recognize and honor what I have.

Over the years, he's watched me grow and change and along the way, he's also pressure-tested every belief I clung to.

See, everyone has growth edges.

And when you get too close to the edge, ...

Most folks will fight for what they already have

rather than stretch to someplace new.

Dancing with discomfort isn't something I like, yet I like stagnancy even less.

I've learned the hard way that what got you 'here' can't get you to where you want to go.

You've got to uplevel your Leadership IQ.

That's another reason why I'm offering a Free Leadership Q&A Training in a few days.

Come and get your burning questions answered.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to take a moment each day to consciously recognize and honor what you already have in your life.

Start by listing three things you’re grateful for each morning—whether it’s your skills, relationships, or resources.

Then, reflect on how these strengths have contributed to your growth and success.

As you go about your day, keep these things in mind, and find ways to use them more intentionally in your leadership and decision-making.

This simple practice of acknowledgment will help you deepen your appreciation and discover new levels of insight and potential.

When Every Second is a Decision

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 21:47:41 GMT

When I was a kid, it seemed as if days were long, and it took forever to get to a holiday.

In my mid-20s, I remember sitting down with my grandmother and talking to her about how fast the day went. She shared that time moves quicker the older you get.

At that moment, I didn't understand it and thought it was an odd thing to say.

Now, standing here one month shy of 55 years on the planet, I finally get the wisdom my Grammy was offering me.

Time waits for no one.

She can't be borrowed, bought, or sold.

She just keeps moving forward without any concern about whether you're doing what you're called to do.

Most folks have regrets on their deathbed, or they fear time will run out on them.

What if you knew there was enough time to do what matters most to you?

Well, there is.

You have this moment.

Yet, when you're not clear about what matters most to you, and you're not ruthless about where to invest your precious minutes, hours, and days,

you'll likely end up somewhere you don’t want to be a few weeks, months, or years from now, let alone be happy when you put your head on the pillow tonight.

Ask yourself:

~ "Is this extra hour at work critical to what I want?

~ Is the trade-off one I want to make, and is it worth an hour away from connecting with my kids or partner?"

~ "Should I get organized and caught up on housework this weekend, rather than meeting up with a few friends to go hiking or just being present with those I love?"

~ "Is starting a business at this stage of my life more important than taking time off to create memories with my loved ones? Or can I do both?"

There are no right answers.

You get to define what success looks like for you, and that takes leadership.

Friends, career, family, travel, house projects, hobbies, business—when you say yes to one thing, you're saying no to something else.

Make every single yes count and get you closer to what you want.

Your life is a gift from God.

How you live it is your gift back to Him.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to identify your top three areas of focus and track how you spend your time for the next 24 hours.

Use a notebook or your phone to log what you do every hour.

Be honest and detailed.

Review your time log and compare it to what you say you value.

Are you spending your time in ways that reflect what matters most to you?

Commit to one specific, aligned action today, and reflect on how this choice impacts your focus and fulfillment.

Whether it’s spending more time with loved ones, focusing on a key project, or taking a break to recharge, make sure this action supports what truly matters to you.

Remember, every second is a choice—make each one count.

Are You Sacrificing Too Much for Success?

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 21:42:24 GMT

Early in my career, I had mentors tell me that I had to sacrifice short-term happiness for long-term success.

I could never reconcile why I couldn't have both, so I set out to blaze a trail, trading in the hustle and grind way of life.

Over the years, I've worked with folks who bought into the lifestyle that required them to give up sleep to work longer hours and to say "no" to anything fun so they could someday be successful.

The cost to their health was immense, and they became obsessed with getting the next win that they never stopped to enjoy what they had.

Some of these folks were walking time bombs, beaten down by stress.

I'm living proof that you can have health, happiness, success, and meaning and win in work and life.

The clients I'm honored to work with seek to accomplish big goals without sacrificing their most important values. Many were tired of being told they had to trade in pieces of their soul to get ahead.

You don't need to sacrifice who you are to have what you want

and get extraordinary results.

Get a vision of the life you want.

Picture it.

Literally see it.

Now, think about how it matches your present reality.

If there is a gap, let's talk, especially if your ideal future includes more free time, financial wealth, the desire to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle with deeper relationships, and greater success.

Our proven seven-step model will get you where you want to go.

That and Divine wisdom as God's direction is the best path to take.

Again, if this is you, let's talk.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to take 15 minutes to assess where you might be sacrificing your well-being for the sake of success.

Start by reflecting on these questions:

Are you consistently trading sleep, health, or joy for work?
Do you find yourself postponing happiness, thinking you'll enjoy life "someday"?
Are you neglecting important relationships or activities that bring you meaning?

Commit to making a change this week—whether it’s setting boundaries around work hours, prioritizing sleep, or scheduling time for something that brings you joy.

After making this change, notice how it impacts your overall well-being and productivity. If you feel a positive shift, consider what other areas of your life could benefit from similar adjustments.

It’s possible to achieve your big goals without sacrificing what matters most.

Very few people can do this on their own, which is why my door is always open.

Let's have a conversation on how to bring more ease to your life.

The Steps You Can Take to Cultivate Lasting Peace and Presence

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 21:36:13 GMT

I worked hard to gain wisdom in one area of expertise. I went to school, studied, read books, and took countless classes on leadership, investing over ten thousand of hours of my time. When I started receiving requests for coaching, I expected that I would be sharing what I had learned in my studies.

Yet, over the past decade, what clients have asked for has been more about how to lead themselves to acquire the intangibles in life—freedom, ease, peace, and presence—what I see as health, happiness, success, and meaning.

These are the desires that come up indirectly in almost every coaching conversation I've ever had.

Here's what I've learned about how to obtain these intangibles:

When you make a decision, do it with intention . Invest all of your energy focused on what you want, not on what you don’t want.

Study your emotions with as much intensity as you study what you're most interested in. This will allow you to understand how you're feeling about a situation and whether that’s getting in the way of your decision-making. Remember, emotional intelligence mastery is way more valuable (in the 90th percentile) than just your IQ.

Don’t look outside yourself to figure out what’s best for you. That’s why I don’t give clients answers. I ensure they ask great questions and then guide them to get clear on what they want. Ultimately, they are the authority on what is best for where they want to go.

Understand your value. Treat your gifts, talents, and abilities as priceless because they are—especially when you use them to make the world a bit better each day.

Choose to live in service to your God-given mission . That doesn’t mean life will be easy, but it does mean it can be filled with ease. Remember, hard comes in different packages, so don’t judge someone else’s journey.

None of this has anything to do with your bank balance, your debt-to-income ratio, the number of sales you made last month, or any other measurable that feels like it’s going to lead you to health, happiness, success, and meaning.

These intangibles grow from the inside out, not the other way around.

A recent example of how I lived this out was deciding to attend the annual Herb Society of America EdCon 2024 with my mom.

My decision wasn’t made by looking at my responsibilities or even my personal preferences—it was made from my values.

I chose to register and attend with my mom from a place of who I am, what I want, and why it matters.

I value relationships and am clear on the ones I want to cultivate and grow in the world, including a greater connection with my parents.

I can feel when something is important to do, regardless of all I have on my plate at the time.

Be clear on who you are.

Be clear on what you want.

Be clear on why it matters.

And remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to embrace your inner authority and trust yourself to make decisions that align with your true path as that's real leadership.

Begin by tuning out the outside noise. Instead of seeking advice or validation from others, take a moment to listen to your inner voice.

Think about a recent decision you made—was it really what you wanted, or were you swayed by what others thought?

Next, ask yourself some real, honest questions. What do you truly want? What’s most important to you? Are you living according to your values, or are you following someone else’s path?

Then, take one step to reinforce your trust in yourself. It could be making a decision based on your gut feeling or choosing to ignore what others might think.

Remember, no one knows what’s best for you better than you do.

You’ve got the wisdom within you -- and may just need a guide on your journey to light the way.

When the World You're Living In Feels Upside Down

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 21:02:47 GMT

Early on a Saturday morning decades ago, a local minister was trying to prepare his sermon.

However, his wife was out shopping, and his young son was restless and bored because it was raining outside, so he kept interrupting.

Frustrated, and in a bit of desperation, the minister picked up an old magazine and thumbed through it until he came to a large, brightly colored picture that showed a map of the world.

He tore the page from the magazine, ripped it into little bits and threw the scraps all over the living room floor.

Then he said,

“Johnny, if you can put this all together, I’ll give you a quarter.”

The preacher thought this would take Johnny most of the morning.

Within ten minutes there was a knock on his study door.

It was his son with the completed puzzle!

The minister was amazed to see Johnny had finished so soon, with the pieces of paper neatly arranged and the map of the world back in order.

“Son, how did you get that done so fast?” the preacher asked.

“Oh,” said Johnny, “It was easy. On the other side there was picture of a man.

I just put a piece of paper on the bottom, put the picture of the man together, put a piece of paper on top, and then turned it over.

I figured that if I got the man right, the world would be right.”

The minister smiled, and handed his son a quarter.

“And you’ve given me my sermon for tomorrow, too,” he said.

“If a man is right, his world will be right.”

With all of the tumult in the world right now, there's no truer statement.

If you are unhappy with your world, the place to start is with yourself.

If you are right with you, your world will be right, too.

And remember ... the world needs you and your brilliance.

Story from an excerpt in "Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude" by W. Clement Stone and Napoleon Hill

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to identify and cultivate one positive habit that will improve your daily life.

Inspired by the story of the minister and his son, focus on the idea that getting yourself right will positively impact your world.

Choose one habit you believe will enhance your well-being, whether it's exercising for 20 minutes each day, practicing gratitude, eating healthier meals, or reading a book for personal growth.

Commit to this habit daily for the entire week.

By focusing on this single, positive change, you are aligning yourself with the principle that when you get yourself right, your world will follow.

At the end of the week, take a moment to observe any positive changes in your life and share your journey to inspire others in our community.

Remember, your commitment to personal growth makes a difference in the world around you.

How Will You Invest in Your Leadership Journey?

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 21:51:01 GMT

I grew up on South Delaware Street where kids played outside.

There were no video games back then, and life was about who could ride their Big Wheel down the hill and not crash.

Dented bikes and broken arms all from calculated risk taking.

Back then, when something went sideways, you could hear a half dozen "It wasn't my fault's" reverberate throughout the neighborhood.

It was natural to blame other kids when things went wrong.

Almost 50 years later, the blame game is still very much alive and well in workplaces and companies around the world.

Humans are wired to point the finger at someone else when they're disappointed and tend to overlook their own shortcomings.

This happens because we all want to be valued more than we want to be accountable.

And if we're the cause of disappointment, the stakes are greater that we won't be accepted, let alone appreciated for who we are.

So the story goes: "It's not me. It's them."

Yet no one gets it right all the time.

Research of millions of leaders shows that over 80% have blind spots about their skillsets that cost their organization's time, talent, and money.

Eighty flippin' percent.

The same research shows that those who overstate their abilities are 6.2 times more likely to create an internal wreck than those who are self-aware, the first element in emotional intelligence.

So what does this mean?

Your career grows at the speed in which you grow.

Your business grows at the speed in which you grow.

Look, we're all a work in progress, yet to really move the needle in your life, you have to be willing to invest in yourself and be accountable for who you are and how you behave.

This brings me back to my leadership coaching contract with Carlos.

Carlos grew up in South Florida.

By the time he was 13, he and his folks had moved 37 times.

When he first told me that, I thought I heard him wrong.

Growing up, he fought for everything he had. He got involved in more dangerous activities like gun running and selling white powder and had a "come to Jesus" moment where he knew he had to make a change -- or he'd be dead like his two best friends.

Taking a good look in the mirror can rarely be done as a solo venture.

Back then, he sought out a coach he had in little league to steer him in the right direction.

Carlos loved everything cars and decided to open his own detailing service.

He hustled and soon he owned a half dozen car washes along with a concierge service that provided a higher level of service for a handful of celebrity clients.

We met through a mutual friend who introduced us at a business networking luncheon.

When he asked for my business card, I handed him my contact info never expecting to hear from him, as most people who ask for your business card simply add it to their collection.

The next day, my phone rang and it was Carlos. "Leeza Marie, this is Carlos. Can we set up an appointment to talk?"

When we met up for lunch, we had two full hours of interesting dialogue on leadership.

I hadn't a clue why I was there and was enjoying myself.

When coffee came, he leaned back in his chair and asked, "Can I share something personal with you, Leeza Marie?"

Carlos proceeded to tell me how he was struggling with growth.

--> First, he blamed it on the benefit package.

--> Then he blamed it on the hiring process.

--> Then he blamed it on the guys he hired and their attitude.

And now, he was starting to wonder if it wasn't them and whether it may be him.

After sharing for a while, I heard that his business was like a house of cards and it could all come tumbling down at any moment.

He hired me for a six-month contract to come in and work with him directly to create a culture that would allow him to achieve sustainable long-term growth – with ease.

Carlos changed how he invested his time with his team. He learned how to shed some of his machismo and open up in a way that rallied his team and had them step up their service.

And he had a positive effect on the guys he worked with and created an internal mentorship program in partnership with a local community college system.

Blame often shows up when we don't want to take responsibility for situations we've created.

Read that again.

When Carlos saw that his leadership got them where they were and couldn't take them to new heights, he understood he needed to hire a guide to steer him in a new direction, just like he did with his little league coach, and then he was off to the races, growing every quarter.

Today, he's settled down with a family and spends treasured time with his kids who will one day inherit his enterprise.

Our ability to look within, take responsibility, and actively work on ourselves is the key to unlocking our full potential as leaders and individuals.

Facing our shortcomings and admitting when we need help isn't easy, yet it leads to profound transformation—not just for ourselves, but for our teams, businesses, and families.

True leadership isn't about blaming or being right all the time. It’s about having the courage to confront our weaknesses, the wisdom to seek help when necessary, and the dedication to continually evolve.

As you progress on your leadership journey, embrace these principles and see where they lead you.

Remember, the world needs your unique brilliance.

Keep growing, keep learning, and keep leading.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to celebrate your unique strengths by creating something meaningful that reflects your inner passions.

Think of a project you've always wanted to start and felt unsure about, like writing a short story, painting a picture, or starting a garden.

Take the first step this week—set aside dedicated time, gather your materials, and begin with enthusiasm and an open heart.

After completing your first step, reflect on the joy and fulfillment it brings you. Share your creation or the experience with others to inspire them to honor their own passions.

Understanding Your Worth Through Unconventional Experiences

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:41:25 GMT

A few nights ago, I decided to treat myself to a dinner at a restaurant.

Going alone was not an unusual choice for me, but it always brings a mix of reactions from others.

As I walked in, the hostess greeted me with a warm smile and asked if I’d mind sitting in the bar area.

I politely declined, saying, "Yes, I'd mind. I want to dine in the main dining room."

She looked surprised, and I noticed a few raised eyebrows among the staff.

I’ve learned not to let such reactions bother me. And it’s fascinating how often I find myself in situations where I challenge the norms of how people think and operate.

Resorts like the Gaylord usually cater to larger business groups, families, or couples celebrating special occasions.

I was in neither category, and I understand why it might have seemed unusual.

When I sat down at my table, I realized I would likely be the only person dining alone in the room that evening.

This can make some folks uncomfortable, yet I was there to enjoy my own company and the experience.

At first, my server seemed to rush through the meal.

My appetizer arrived before the bread service, and my beet and burrata salad was brought out immediately after I finished my lobster bisque.

It felt like a hurried plate swap.

I gently told her that I would appreciate having some space between courses.

She apologized sincerely and promised to check with me before putting in the entrée.

In the end, it was an exquisite experience.

I spent two and a half hours savoring exceptional food, enjoying wonderful service, and engaging in great conversation with myself.

The evening taught me something valuable:

Understanding who you are and what you want, and being willing to ask for it, is a secret to a fulfilling life.

This principle is something the best leaders understand.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

And as a sweet conclusion to my evening, the Black Forest dessert was heavenly.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to honor your worth by stepping out of your comfort zone and embrace an unconventional experience that truly resonates with you.

Identify something you've always wanted to do and have felt hesitant about, such as dining alone at a high-end restaurant or taking a solo day trip.

Plan and set your intentions to fully enjoy.

Then, reflect on how it made you feel, and consider sharing your journey to inspire others.

Planting Your Seeds for Growth

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 12:25:10 GMT

Planting is a lot like leadership.

After examining various possibilities, you make a selection. You choose where your selection will best fit in.

Once you've decided, you gather the best resources: the right soil, the right spot, the right garden tools, and more. Then, you add fertilizer and water.

Over time, you check in, weed, and continue to water, trusting it will grow.

Sometimes, you'll be amazed by the results. At other times, you may be disappointed.

What I've learned is how important my individual preparation is to ensure healthy growth in the planting season.

This principle is especially true for the best leaders.

When folks don't internally prepare, invest in their team, and care for themselves, the members become restless or stagnant.

They may act out, burn out, or get sick, halting the growth of the organization.

That's why it's critical to commit to your personal growth and evolution.

Here are practical ways you can do this:

Start small.

Just as you wouldn’t plant an entire garden in one day, don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to perfect your leadership skills overnight.

Begin with a single habit or practice that can improve your leadership.

For instance, set aside 15 minutes daily for self-reflection or learning something new. This can be reading a chapter of a leadership book, listening to a podcast, or even meditating to clear your mind. Small, consistent efforts lead to significant growth over time.

The first skill I worked on almost three decades ago was how to actively listen and to do so without interrupting others, despite my noisy thoughts. Over the years that one action has paid big dividends.

Engage with your team.

Much like checking on your plants, regularly check in with your team members. Understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. This only helps to address issues early on and also fosters a sense of belonging and value within your team.

This is why I have bi-weekly team meetings even though many of my team members are part-time, work across 5 time zones, and are contractors who own their own businesses. It keeps us closely connected and we are better able to problem solve quickly.

Reflect on your journey.

A gardener takes note of what works and what doesn’t, which is why I recommend keeping a leadership journal. Document your experiences, what strategies were effective, and where you faced challenges. This reflection will guide you in refining your approach and celebrating your progress.

If you went into my work closet, you would find dozens of leadership journals each one capturing various experiences within Upside Thinking - and my own personal leadership journey.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to dedicate time in learning something new that can enhance your leadership skills and knowledge.

Choose a skill that you believe will benefit your leadership like improving your communication skills, learning about new industry trends, understanding team dynamics, or mastering a new technology.

Then, dedicate at least 30 minutes to learning this skill through a mix of resources like books, podcasts or articles and journals.

Afterwards, think about how you can apply what you’ve learned to your leadership role and keep a journal of your learning journey.

Rebuilding After Life's Deep Hurts

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:13:54 GMT

Have you ever drawn a line in the sand, defining life by before and after a deep hurt?

~ A rough chapter.

~ A conversation that took your breath away.

~ An unexpected heartbreak.

~ A divorce or devastating breakup.

~ A death that leaves a void so big you feel empty inside.

~ A phone call that turned into a hateful conversation.

~ A remark so stunning that it just keeps replaying in your head.

The moment when everything changed.

Life before that moment... and life as it is now.

Is it even possible to move on when you experience something this painful?

Can you create a life that’s beautiful again?

This kind of defining devastation has been part of my life and the life of my clients.

It's what gets me up in the morning and drives me to offer my brand of leadership coaching and mentorship.

Yet sometimes, my load is heavy, too heavy for me to carry alone.

Over the past three weeks, I've been dealing with the loss of three dear friends and clients, and so much more.

While I wish I didn’t have an intimate understanding of hard experiences, I'm humbled to walk this path.

Now, if you wake up each morning seeking to do the "right" thing, you may find yourself standing in front of the mirror pleading with God or wailing because it isn't supposed to turn out this way.

I understand.

A defining moment means your life will never be the same.

This big experience will forever be etched in your mind with a before and after stamp. When your heart has been crushed and broken into a million smaller pieces, then reshaped into something that no longer feels normal inside your own chest, the best thing for me to do is to leave it a t t he foot o f t he c ross.

ATF.OTC. Repeat.

Over and over again

Uttering that phrase has me remember I alone don't have to carry the burden.

Now, you may not have the same Christian belief system so, how do you navigate these defining moments?

Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a professional counselor. Sharing your burden with others can provide comfort and new perspectives.
Establish a Routine: Creating a daily routine can provide stability in times of chaos. Include activities that bring you peace and joy, whether it's a morning walk, journaling, or a favorite hobby.
Lean on Faith: If spirituality is important to you, engage in practices that strengthen your faith. Prayer, meditation, or reading spiritual texts can provide solace and guidance.

Remember, the journey through pain is unique to each individual.

Be patient with yourself and trust that, in time, you will find what's best for you.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to address life's challenges by writing a letter of forgiveness. If you're a Christian, take it to the foot of the cross. If not, share it with someone you trust.

Forgiveness is an act of faith and compassion. It's a way to release yourself from the chains of the past and step into a more peaceful and empowered version of yourself.

Write a letter to someone you feel you need to forgive (you don't need to send it), expressing your feelings and forgiving them.

Start by honestly expressing your feelings and end with an intention to forgive, and a positive message focusing on your growth and healing.

What If I Make the Wrong Choice?

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 15:27:53 GMT

What if I make the wrong choice?

That's what I heard Serena say over and over again without ever saying it.

"What if" can become a paralyzing phrase in the mind's eye.

What if I mess up?
What if folks judge me?
What if I don't get it right ... again?

What if? ... What if? ... What if?

Serena was smart. And not just book smart. She was street-savvy and had a heart the size of Texas. With boots to match.

Yet, when it came to her decision-making muscle, she no longer trusted it.

Over the past 18 months, she'd been faked out by people and their empty promises, and she felt her ability to discern well had been impaired.

Oh, I understand.

You wonder how you could have trusted when the signs were all there.

Then, your mind swirls as you move forward, so you start making a pros-and-cons list.

You read it over and over and over, and end up too exhausted to choose a direction so you do nothing.

I've been there.

And it's not that Serena hadn't been wildly successful, either. She walked out of college to open a sweets shop and turned it into an $8MM enterprise before she was 30.

She just stopped believing in her ability to see clearly and forgot she didn't have to do all the heavy lifting on her own.

Here are some practical steps to regain your confidence and clarity:

Go on a God-Walk : This was the first action item I gave Serena. A God-walk is when you go on a walk with a solo intention and ask God to give you clarity.

When you're overcome by decision fatigue, this is one of the fastest ways to get answers.

Serena was mentally exhausted, and this one first step gave her the clarity to take the next step because the answer to her question came quickly. God.

Make Use of a Trusted Guide: The best leaders reach out to get the resources they need to get where they want to go.

This might mean hiring a guide, mentor, or trusted expert to lead the way.

Serena and I worked together for two years, and what she accomplished exceeded her vision, both personally and professionally.

She achieved better overall health, stronger cash flow, deeper connections, more health, happiness, and meaning. And we brought God into every decision.

Decision-making doesn't have to be a lonely or paralyzing experience. By incorporating practices like a God-walk and seeking guidance from mentors, you can regain your confidence and clarity.

So, don't let the "what ifs" hold you back. Embrace the resources and support available to you -- if only you ask -- so you can step forward with faith and determination.

The world is waiting for your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is intentionally make small decisions without overthinking or seeking external validation.

Start with low-stakes decisions (e.g., choosing a meal, selecting an outfit) and gradually progress to more significant choices. The key is to make these decisions quickly, trusting your instincts, and not asking others for their opinions.

Keep a record of these decisions and any outcomes or feelings associated with them.

Reflect on how this practice is impacting your self-trust and decision-making confidence.

Exercise Your Freedom Wisely

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:12:03 GMT

I’ve heard people blame what’s going on in their life on just about everything.

~ The government.

~ The weather.

~ The economy.

I’ve also heard people tell me how “lucky” I am. Luck has nothing to do with where I am today.

I do the work – the good, the bad, and the ugly. That’s what courageous leadership is all about. You get to make choices every single day.

Thursday was the 4th of July.

Like every morning, I took my morning walk and watched the sun rise.

While other people hosted bar-b-ques and partied it up, I chose to work, as the 4th of July seems like the perfect day to honor the values of Freedom, Fun, and Flexibility that had me open the business in the first place.

Working seemed like the best way to express my gratitude to the brave women and men who made it possible for me to have the freedom to make this choice.

As I sat outside in my red, white, and blue tank asking myself, “ How can I be a force for good on the planet today? ”

I ask myself that every morning and doing so allows me to move about the day with intention.

How about you?

Do your daily choices get you further or closer

to the life you want?

Pause to think about it next time you mindlessly do anything.

What you eat, speak, and do has a long-term effect on your life.

The actions you take today, even the small ones, bring you closer to your destiny.

Before you do anything, ask yourself, “ Does this choice or decision allow me to make a positive difference in the world? ”

If the answer isn’t a resounding “YES!”, it may not be yours to do.

You are here for a reason, and whether you realize it or not...

...the world needs you and your brilliance.

Let Freedom Ring!

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to challenge yourself to make one intentional choice each day that aligns with your core values and contributes to your sense of freedom.

First, spend five minutes reflecting on how you can honor one of these values

Then throughout your day, consciously make one choice that aligns with your values. If you value fun, this could be engaging in a creative activity you love.

Finally, at the end of the day, take a few minutes to reflect on the choice you made and consider how it made you feel and how it contributed to your sense of freedom.

When Small Signs Bring Big Messages

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:52:37 GMT

Over the past few years, I've faced a series of hardships that have tested my resilience—tornadoes, floods, injury, fraud, chimney collapse, no heat/hot water, loss, and betrayal.

These events have hit me hard, - and because I'm resilient by nature and trust in God's grace and favor, I have managed to withstand these big blows.

Earlier this year, however, my spiritual mentor remarked, "You really are in a season, one of being under attack, and I've never seen anything last this long."

Initially, I brushed off her comment, trying to focus on moving forward.

Yet her words resurfaced during a conversation with a colleague from a 'Memos from the Head Office' conversation who said, "You were built for firefights, Lisa Marie."

While I didn't love her message, deep down I knew she was right.

Throughout my life, I've been a warrior, overcoming one hard thing after another, and standing firm for the Light.

Overall, I'm good with it.

Yet sometimes, the weight of standing in the fire becomes overwhelming.

Despite my efforts to leave my burdens at the foot of the cross, there are moments when I feel overwhelmed.

This week, in a moment of vulnerability, I asked God for a sign that I'm on the right path and that my work matters.

The response I received was nothing short of miraculous.

First, I found a dollar bill.

If you know where I live, you'll understand how incredibly random and unexpected this was. The bill bore the inscription, "In God We Trust."

This small yet significant find felt like a direct message from above, reassuring me that I am not alone and that I am supported. He chose to send a dollar, when He could have sent a penny, symbolizing material abundance and divine provision.

Later that same day, a double rainbow appeared over our event center. In the Bible, the rainbow is a sign of God's promise and His favor.

Seeing two rainbows was a powerful affirmation that I am on the right path. Times two.

Just wow.

Message received loud and clear.

These signs have reinvigorated my spirit and renewed my determination to stay the course. They reminded me that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. We are guided, supported, and loved.

Here are a few practical insights I've gained from this experience that I hope you find helpful:

1. Seek Signs of Encouragement: In times of doubt, ask for signs of encouragement. Whether through prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection, open yourself to receiving guidance from the universe or your higher power.

2. Trust in Divine Timing: Sometimes, the answers we seek don't come immediately. Trust that everything happens in divine timing, and stay patient and open to receiving.

3. Celebrate Small Victories: Finding that dollar bill and seeing the double rainbow were small yet significant victories for me. Celebrate the small wins in your life as they often carry profound messages.

4. Lean on Your Community: Share your struggles and victories with your community. We are all in this together, and supporting each other through tough times can make a world of difference.

5. Stay the Course: No matter how tough things get, remember that you are built for these challenges. Stay strong, keep moving forward, and continue to shine your light.

I encourage you to keep shining your light despite the hardships.

The world needs you and your unique brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to create a victory log to cultivate a habit of recognizing and celebrating small victories in your daily life.

At the end of each day, take a few moments to reflect on your day and identify at least one small victory. These victories can be anything that brought you joy, made you feel accomplished, or represented progress in any area of your life.

Then, at the end of the week, set aside some time to review your Victory Log. Read through each entry and reflect on the progress you’ve made and the positive moments you’ve experienced.

Becoming More of Yourself

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:27:43 GMT

I told someone today that I'm More of me today than I was yesterday ... because every day, I am growing and becoming a better version of myself.

~ It means I've got more courage to try new things and step outside my comfort zone.

I'm less afraid of the unknown and more open to possibilities.

~ It means I've got more compassion - for myself and for others.

I'm kinder to myself when I stumble and quicker to extend grace to those around me.

~ It means I've cultivated more patience to truly understand different perspectives.

I'm less quick to judge and more willing to see the world through the eyes of others.

~ It means I've got more passion for what I do - that passion that drives me forward has been greater.

With experience comes wisdom, and I've got more wisdom from the times I've failed or gotten things wrong. Those tough lessons have shaped me into who I am today.

~ It means I've got more resilience to overcome the hurdles that life inevitably throws my way. I don't get knocked down as easily.

I've nurtured more emotional well-being to navigate the twists, turns, and things that go sideways, as they often do. I'm better able to roll with the punches.

~ And it means I've gained more humility to ask for help when I need it, instead of stubbornly trying to go it alone.

Above all, I've found more love - for myself and for those in my life. I accept myself more fully, flaws and all. And I appreciate my loved ones more deeply every single day.

Yet none of this would have come without me spending time in quiet contemplation, and investing in my own personal development.

Attending retreats
Investing in coaching programs
Traveling to connect with coaches
Participating in group mastermind experiences

So I have to ask - how about you?

Where in your life do you have More of you today than you did yesterday?

Celebrate those traits, characteristics, and qualities

that make you more "you."

And where do you need to invest more time, energy and money into growing More of you?

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to unplug to recharge by taking a break from technology for certain periods this week.

Use that breathing room to go for a walk, meditate, journal, or just be present and reflect on how you've grown, even if it's in small ways.

Do you have more patience? More courage? More self-love?

Embrace growth as the journey of as you choose to become More of you everyday.

Finding Time for Reflection on Fridays

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:09:43 GMT

As another week draws to a close, I always look forward to my Friday ritual of sitting outside and reviewing how I showed up across the different dimensions of my life.

It's a chance to pause, take a step back, and reflect on how I've made progress or fallen short over the past seven days.

I examine my week through these lenses:

Physically - Did I take care of my body through exercise, nutrition, and rest? How can I nurture myself better next week?
Emotionally - How was my emotional landscape this week? What brought me joy or triggered difficult feelings that need to be processed?

Intellectually - Did I continue learning and growing my mind? What new insights or ideas expanded my perspectives?

Spiritually - How did I nourish my soul and sense of purpose? Did I live in alignment with my core values and beliefs?

Financially - How did I steward my resources this week in terms of earning, saving, and spending? Am I on track with my financial goals?

Relationally - Did I nurture my key relationships through quality time and meaningful connections? Where can I be a better friend, partner, family member?

Creatively - How did I flex my creative muscles through projects, hobbies, or self-expression? Did I make space for play and creative renewal?

While this weekly review prompts me to look at specific areas for growth, it's not about striving for some impossible standard of perfection.

Many cultures celebrate unhealthy obsessions like getting the least amount of sleep, not asking for help, working long hours, or denying our human imperfections.

That's not what my journey is about at all.

I'm focused on the sustainable path of being 1% better every single day across these important dimensions of life.

Some weeks I'll made great strides, and other weeks I may regress in certain areas—and that's part of my lessons learned.

The key is having the humble self-awareness to acknowledge where I'm struggling without judgment.

Where I'm winning is cultivating the wisdom to not need the path to my vision of success and fulfilled potential to be perfect.

Imperfect action that keeps me headed in the right direction is far better than no action at all.

That doesn't mean, I make excuses for poor performance. I own my missteps fully, accepting responsibility and the natural consequences that come with them.

Then I reconnect with my coaches, advisors, and mentors to get realigned and map out a better strategy for the coming week.

So as you wrap up your own week, I hope you can celebrate your wins while compassionately resolving to level up in any areas that fell short.

The world truly needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to start making a weekly review and take time to pause and review how you showed up across the different dimensions:

Physically - Did you nurture your body? Where can you do better?
Emotionally - How was your emotional landscape? What needs processing?
Intellectually - Did you continue learning and expanding perspectives?
Spiritually - Did you live aligned with purpose/values? How can you nourish your soul more?
Financially - How did you steward resources? Are you on track with goals?
Relationally - Did you invest in key connections? How can you nurture relationships better?
Creatively - Did you make space for creative expression and renewal?

Approach this review with self-compassion, not judgment.

Celebrate wins, own missteps, then plan adjustments for an even better upcoming week.

Cherishing Our Most Precious Commodities

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 16:10:47 GMT

My time and energy are my most priceless commodities .

They are finite, sacred, and deserving of deep respect. I no longer give them away lightly, valuing every exchange and every interaction.

And you should do - as research shows the best leaders measure their moments.

In the past, I was quick to say 'Yes' without considering the consequences of every 'yes'. I operated under the illusion that my time and energy were boundless.

Every 'yes' is a 'no' to something else.

And every 'no' is a 'yes' to something more aligned with my true purpose.

With this understanding, I have become extremely discerning about who gets access to me, when, and how.

This is not about exclusion rather about honoring my integrity and staying true to my divine mission.

I am crystal clear about what it takes to live in alignment with my values and goals.

A few afternoons ago, I took some time with my trusted friend to plan a few new adventures for the second half of 2024 and beyond.

These aren't just dates on a calendar; they are intentional experiences that resonate with my deepest values and aspirations.

As I embrace this clarity, I urge you to remember that not everyone deserves full access to you.

Guard your time and energy, for they are sacred.

The world needs your brilliance, and it also needs you to be whole, fulfilled, and connected to what matters most in order for you to make the biggest difference you can make.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to make an audit of how you are investing these priceless commodities.

Track your time closely for 3 days, noting exactly how you spend each hour. Include work, chores, entertainment, etc.

Then, ask yourself: Which activities/people energized you? Which drained you?

Allocate more time this week towards the energizing activities/people and say "no" to the asks that don't value your time.

Overcoming Excuses and Living Courageously

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:55:00 GMT

This is the continuation of my story...

I had to alter my life when I released 30 pounds several years ago ... and first look at all the places where I made an excuse about my daily choices and habits.

I'm doing that again right now as I walk with my clients.

Most folks don't want to face the heartache of failure or disappointment so they don't even try.

You can't transform your life in a day.

That's why the journey is a long one with very small daily steps ... and a massive payout.

I'm more interested in focusing on what's the next best step in front of me. The one small win. Because 1,000 small wins equal a BIG win.

For example, read 10 pages a day, you will read 30 books a year. And if you walk 10,000 steps a day, you will have walked 70 marathons a year.

That's how I built the business assets and connections I've got.

Here's the thing ... don't get started like I did ... after having a life-altering accident.

Everyone believes they will have more time to handle what is important.

Yet, if you're like me, you get what it's like to have an overfull calendar, a messy desk, and more things to do than you could ever get handled in a 24-hour block of time.

When you live this way all the time, you will act out, burn out, or get sick.

Feeling like you're spread too thin, trying to cram 25 pounds into a 10-pound bucket is a SIGN.

It's a sign that your life is out of balance.

Read that again.

Don't ignore your 'Check Engine' light.

It's flashing red for a reason.

Understand that life can slow you down any time it wants to ...

~ just ask the person who got the call from the doctor that their cancer is back.

~ Or the visit from the police that their loved one was killed in a drunk driving accident.

~ Or, me ... who had a collision with a retaining wall and a tractor trailer ... and is fortunate to live to tell the story.

What's critical is to honestly assess where you're at if you're not living a perfect "10" life.

Sometimes telling yourself you CAN'T do something is really true.

An honest assessment and a bucket of clarity will get you further than any positive affirmation ever will.

Sometimes you can't ... at least not on your own.

However, here's where it gets tricky.

When making a commitment, most folks will race out of the gate, and jump over the 1st challenge like it's no big deal.

And, after a few days, weeks or even months, they become weary - and bam they hit the wall.

So they give themselves a pass.

Their internal voice says - 'It's been a hard day, a hard week, and a hard life' ... and they 'deserve' a break.

That's why you need folks around you to hold you accountable.

Who is your Who?

This is where "I can't" will get in the way.

If you never begin ... or you give up along the way, you fall short of living out your Divine mission and purpose.

So, remember, everyone fools themselves sometime in their life.

You've got to identify what you really believe about who you are, what you want, and why it matters ... and then seek out who you need in your circle to help you get there.

Every great leader gets this.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to answer the following questions and really be honest with yourself:

Is there a lie you've been telling yourself?

Are you telling yourself you can do this on your own ... and it's not working?

How can you live a more purposeful, honest, and courageous life?

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Committing to Your Personal Summit

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:01:18 GMT

Every day, there are folks who take actions that pull them away from what matters most - their Divine mission and purpose.

They delay the activities that are critical to take in order for them to have what they want, and they convince themselves that they can wait until 'tomorrow.'

Actions like:

Calling loved ones
Learning a second language
Making healthier choices
Moving your body
Investing in your future
Addressing patterns that get in the way of health, happiness, success, or the ability to live a meaningful life

When you're clear about who you are, what you want, and why it matters, you are choosing the direction of your life, where you're headed.

When you're clear where you're going, you can then step into the commitment phase.

The equation I use is:

Choice + Direction + Commitment + Consistent Action

as it guarantees success.

When you're fuzzy, you flounder, focusing on the demands of what's urgent vs. focusing on what's important - your Divine mission.

The actions you take today determine whether you'll ever get to your personal Summit.

And, I get how hard this can be.

Change takes time and effort. And risk.

It requires you to give up the current version of who you are.

In a world where instant gratification is celebrated, it's often hard to make those changes.

In my next email, I will share with you more about my personal experience and a life-altering accident that got me started.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to identify one area where you often delay learning, a new skill that could propel you forward in fulfilling your Divine mission.

Remember: Choice + Direction + Commitment + Consistent Action = Success

For instance:

If your Divine mission involves writing, commit to writing 100 words every day.

If it involves public speaking, commit to practicing speaking for 5 minutes each day.

If it involves coding, commit to completing one coding tutorial this week.

Remember, small steps towards learning a new skill can significantly contribute to your progress.

Live with Intention, not Complacency

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 14:13:47 GMT

No amount of security is worth suffering through a mediocre life.

The kind of life where you're chained to a routine that numbs your soul and kills your dreams.

Yet, there are folks who live like this.

While every day is a chance to do more, see more, and be more, many folks will go their whole life without fully living each day to its fullest.

Stuck in a monotonous grind, settling for an existence that feels lifeless and unfulfilling, they wake up, go to work, eat, and go to sleep, only to do it all over again the next day.

Don't let that be you.

Choose to fill your life with things that uplift your spirit and nurture your dreams.

Oh, I get how hard that can be when you have bills to pay, projects to complete, and responsibilities that feel like the whole world is resting on your shoulder.

There are days when I wake up and wonder how it will all get done.

And yet the sun rises again in the morning - and life moves on, regardless of how many emails are in my inbox and how much laundry is left undone.

When I started to wake up every day and envision it was my last day on Earth, something shifted.

I began leading my life from a place of intention.

Do you see each day as precious? An opportunity to truly experience life?

It's the best way to honor God and your Divine mission on this earth.

The best leaders get this.

... the ones who inspire and leave an indelible mark understand the value of honoring their divine potential.

Because they get the world is a bit better when you fully live each day so they don't waste their brilliance merely going through the motions.

Start making changes today.

Not next year, not next month, not even next week.

No amount of security is worth suffering through a mediocre life.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to take practical actions to start living in greater alignment with your mission and purpose.

Reflect on areas of your daily life where you feel most "stuck" in a routine or where you feel a sense of complacency.

Get clear on one specific ways you can disrupt that stuck pattern this week and introduce more aliveness, putting leadership into action. For example, taking a different route, trying a new activity, expressing yourself more freely etc.

And, you owe it to yourself and those you love.

How to Align Your Daily Actions with Your Divine Mission

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 15:56:55 GMT

One of my greatest desires is to have ease in all areas of my life, which is why I've done thousands of hours of research on tangible, implementable tools.

At the Upside Summit, I speak about Covey's Time Management Matrix and refer to the Eisenhower Matrix, one of the greatest prioritizing tools out there.

Both are essential for living out your divine mission as this tool can save you time and give you clarity.

Most folks struggle with setting their priority for the day in the short term, and figuring out what they want in their life for the long-term journey.

That's why we spend a 1/2 a day on Pillar #4 at the Upside Summit so you can dive into what it looks like as a leader living your priority.

When you don't choose wisely, you can waste your precious minutes on mundane activities and petty distractions.

To invest your time and energy on what matters most,

you've got to live what is important, not urgent.

Too often, folks get sucked into things that are neither, like social media, multitasking, and watching videos, not because they don't understand what's urgent (time-sensitive) or important (of the greatest value).

Where do you need direction on how to handle your to-do list differently?

That's the value of the Eisenhower Matrix:

1. Urgent and important: FOCUS on getting these tasks done because they are time-sensitive.

2. Important, not urgent: SCHEDULE them today so that they have a spot on your calendar—don't put them off because they tie into your divine mission.

3. Urgent, not important: DELEGATE, outsource, or automate so that you aren't working on them.

4. Not important, not urgent: AVOID these tasks. Simply don’t do them.

It's been 50+ years since this matrix was introduced, and these four principles are just as valuable today as they were back then.

As you live your priority, you build a bridge from your divine mission to your daily actions.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to apply the Eisenhower Matrix to your to-do list.

Make a full list of all the tasks, projects and commitments on your plate currently - both personal and professional.

And then decide what will you choose to:

- focus on,

- schedule,

- delegate, and

- avoid this week?

The goal is to ensure you are investing your precious time and energy into what truly advances your divine mission and priorities.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance. Now more than ever.

Embracing Your Inner Compass

Mon, 27 May 2024 16:22:36 GMT

It was 1981 and "Under Pressure" by Bowie and Queen climbed the charts.

Maybe you weren't born, or maybe you remember the words; either way, the message still rings true.

There are external pressures that influence your identity, your lifestyle, and your values.

When you neglect to heed the tiny whispers of your soul, your inner guidance, what I feel is a nudge from God, you may find yourself disconnected from what matters most to you.

It's like you forget who you are and do things solely because you feel it's what is expected of you:

~ By your family

~ By your friends

~ By the world

This disconnection creates a sense of unhappiness, and most folks can't put their finger on why. It's a chronic ache that just won't go away.

Freedom isn't a destination; it's a pathway. When you chase freedom, it will lead to unfulfillment.

I'm practical and work with leaders who want to be productive - AND - integrated in their faith walk. That means spending time in the 'Messy Unknown.'

Yet there is a way to reduce the internal pressure.

When you tune into Divine wisdom, you align with the deepest part of your being. This connection to your vocation takes pressure off of you as you live your life with integrity.

And this alignment allows you to cultivate a life filled with purpose, well-being, and joy and happiness.

Yet how do you do this?!?

When folks feel stagnant or dissatisfied with something in their life, I tell them the first place to begin is to practice the power of the pause - and just listen.

While that sounds a bit weird, most folks are so busy they don't hear or see what's right in front of them.

When you follow your internal compass, the destination is:

》health,

》happiness,

》success, and

》meaning ...

... and greater joy than you ever imagined.

To further develop your ability to listen to this voice, get out in nature.

That's one of the greatest benefits living on the farm has given me.

And why I recently went on a retreat for myself.

It's also why I offer 4 of these every year as part of the Upside Thinking programming and offerings.

You just may be surprised by what you hear when you are quiet enough to actually listen.

Remember, the World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for this week is to get honest about where you feel misaligned.

Where do you notice areas of dissonance or misalignment? (This is a great exercise for the workplace.)

Are you taking actions at the cost of your own needs? Going through motions based on "shoulds"? Make note of those.

Have an honest conversation with yourself or someone you trust about 1-2 of those misalignments and identify what you can do to live with greater integrity.

Dare to Dream Bigger Than Ever Before

Mon, 20 May 2024 17:24:52 GMT

I'm not interested in "playing it safe." It's why I never liked someone asking me about my "realistic" goal(s).

Comfort and realism, I've found, will never truly bring happiness.

They might offer temporary solace, but in the long run, they can lead to a sense of stagnation. And it will have you fall asleep and miss your life.

I've always believed that to truly thrive, one must be willing to embrace struggle and adventure. It's through facing challenges head-on, pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible, that we discover our true strength and depth.

That's why I'm grateful for what I got being raised by a single mom who struggled because my daddy didn't take care of his financial responsibilities. She lived paycheck to paycheck, often struggling to make ends meet, wanting to give us the best life possible.

You're never going to find meaning in your comfort zone. You need risk and pushing out your growth edges to engage the depths of your Soul.

Research shows that the difficulty and seeming impossibility of our goals can actually increase our likelihood of achieving them.

Think about it - no one talks about taking a leisurely stroll around the block every day. Instead, they proudly share stories of conquering ultramarathons or scaling the heights of Everest.

It's the courageous goals, the ones that push us to our limits and beyond, that light our passion and drive.

Risk stirs fear, frustration, doubt, and perhaps even discouragement.

It is like a siren call to rise to the challenge before you, a challenge that will help you remember you can do hard things and you are capable of far more than we often give ourselves credit for.

And in rising to meet the challenge, we not only prove our resilience but also discover a deeper understanding of our own capabilities.

We all carry within us a narrative - stories of who we are, who we're not, what we can do, and what we can't.

And every day presents an opportunity to reinvent ourselves, to push yourself to new heights every single day.

So, I urge you - don't play life safe.

Dare to dream big, to set courageous goals that scare and excite you in equal measure.

It will lead you to new places, better ones even.

Because comfort doesn't change the world.

And the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week to get clear on your own personal courageous goal that ignites your passion.

Think about what it would mean to set a ‘summit’ goal for yourself in your life or in your work right now. Imagine an experience or achievement going significantly beyond the next level.

Next, imagine a picture of what this would mean – what would achieving this goal look like, feel like, what would it mean to you and to those around you, and excite yourself about it.

Make sure to share this goal with at least one or two people you trust to hold you accountable, whether it’s your significant other, a close friend, or a family member.

Simply saying it out loud helps, and creates opportunities for you to gather insights from them as well.

Remember, don't play life safe, because comfort doesn't change the world.

How Aligning Your Actions with Purpose Accelerates Success

Mon, 13 May 2024 16:54:23 GMT

You have a Divine mission that is all yours – a unique purpose that is yours alone to fulfill.

This mission is not something that can be stumbled upon by chance or achieved through mindless activity.

It requires a laser-like focus, a willingness to channel every ounce of our time, energy, and resources toward what matters most.

Yet today modern day conveniences have most folks fooled into thinking they are taking action, when really they're distracted doing lots of busy work that makes them feel a little like they are accomplishing stuff.

They're really just circling around on a hamster wheel.

I've been there.

And I know that choosing where to invest your time, energy, and money require unwavering focus on what matters most.

When we align ourselves with this Divine mission, something remarkable happens.

We move with purpose and clarity, cutting through the noise and distractions that once held us back.

~ Your progress accelerates,

~ Your results compound.

~ Your success becomes inevitable.

But how do we discover this mission? How do we gain the clarity and focus required to pursue it with dedication?

The first step is to decide what you're truly willing to dive deeply for – what cause or passion ignites your soul and demands your full commitment.

Once you've identified this, the path becomes clear:

1. Choice : Consciously choosing to prioritize your Divine mission above all else.

2. Direction : Charting a course that aligns with your deepest values and aspirations.

3. Commitment : Having a steadfast determination to see your mission through, no matter the obstacles.

4. Consistent action: Taking purposeful, focused steps every day, building momentum and compounding progress.

Rinse and repeat, allowing this cycle to become your way of life, your guiding force.

The best leaders get this. They understand that true greatness is not born from aimless activity but from a relentless pursuit of what matters most.

If you find yourself feeling fuzzy or uncertain about your Divine mission, know that you are not alone.

My door is always open to those seeking to discover their brilliance and make a lasting impact on the world.

Remember the world needs you – your unique gifts, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to your Divine mission.

The questions is, will you answer the call?

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to ruthlessly prioritize and align your time and energy towards your Divine mission.

Start by asking what cause or passion ignites your soul and demands your full commitment.

Next, make an audit on how you currently invest your time, money and energy.

Identify which of these actively support and accelerate your divine mission and which are misaligned distractions circling the hamster wheel?

Then, take steps to ruthlessly cut out or deprioritize anything not aligned with your mission. Double down your focus on the few core mission-critical areas.

Remember true impact comes not from aimless activity, but ruthlessly devoting yourself to your unique world-shifting purpose.

The Leadership Required to Stay the Course

Mon, 06 May 2024 15:45:58 GMT

When you commit to doing something, you're going to get to a point where the excitement will wear off.

Too often, your commitment will start to feel like a chore.

See, maybe the progress you envisioned doesn't happen as fast as you wanted.

Or perhaps the journey has you feeling boxed in.

Or maybe you're jumping hurdles questioning whether it's really worth it to stay the course.

You're going to face hardship on the trek to the Summit.

That's why you need Leadership .

That means being clear who you are, what you want, and why it matters.

You've got to have a set of core values that you use as drivers when the going gets tough.

Your values are simply an invitation to be a better version of who you are right now.

When you remember that your commitment is less about what you want and more about who you become, it's easier to stay engaged despite the obstacles.

For example, I value protection.

My daily commitment is to do push-ups in the morning. Doing push-ups allows me to be physically and emotionally stronger each day, so I can protect myself and those I love from harm.

Connecting who you are with who you want to be will allow you to re-energize your commitments and motivate you to keep moving forward.

Neurobiology professor Andrew Huberman coined the phrase "micro-sucks." It's when you do things you don't want to do to build your perseverance muscle.

Like getting out of bed and going for a run before work.

Like going to the gym after a long day at the office.

Like saying "no" to dessert.

To stay the course, you've got to build your tenacity muscle, the one that ensures you're going to take action on your commitment regardless of how you feel or any internal or external obstacles you may face.

You need that muscle to get to the Summit.

People lose their way when they lose their why.

That's why I share the A.C.T. acronym at the Upside Summit and have clients at retreats do visual-action exercises.

If you honored all your commitments this year, what would be different for you?

How would you feel?

What would be the compounded results for your overall well-being in 3 years? 5 years? 10 years?

What would be different in your health, your relationships, and your work?

What about if you gave up?

What would life be like next year if you stayed the same or got worse?

And if your life continued on that trajectory 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years later?

I did that with my health to stressful consequences.

We all have missteps.

Yet, when you see the consequences of your actions and what you could lose, you'll find the strength to honor your commitment/s.

To stay on the path when your commitments seem less bright and shiny and less exciting, you've got to connect back to your core values, build your get-'er-done muscle, and remember who you will become if you give up.

The world misses out when you don't shine your light.

Keep moving forward one day at a time.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is reconnect with your "why" and recommit.

Reflect on a key commitment or goal you've been struggling to stay consistent with lately. What originally inspired you to make this commitment?

Then get clear on your core values underneath the commitment.

For example, if the commitment is working out - is it tied to values like health, strength, self-discipline?

Write down how staying committed allows you to live those values fully.

Remember, an inch of progress can lead to a mile of achievement when sustained over time.

Don't Go it Alone - Why You Need a Circle of Guides

Thu, 02 May 2024 17:12:03 GMT

Today, I'll be diving deeper into the vital role that coaches, mentors, and supportive friends play in guiding us through times of transition and growth.

When you find yourself in the midst of change, uncertainty, or a major life transition, it can be tempting to try to go it alone.

We may feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness.

The truth is, we all need guidance and support at various points in our lives and careers.

Think about a time when you were faced with a significant challenge or decision.

How did you navigate that situation?

Did you try to figure it out on your own, or did you reach out to trusted friends, family members, or professionals for support?

I can attest from my own experience that having the right people in your corner can make all the difference.

When I was going through the twists and turns of growing my business and figuring out my next steps, I leaned heavily on my coaches, mentors, and close friends.

One of the coaches who has been particularly impactful in my life is Ryan Stewman .

Ryan has helped countless entrepreneurs and sales professionals break through their barriers and achieve greater success.

Through his coaching and guidance, he's helped me gain clarity on my vision, improve my sales and marketing strategies, and stay motivated and focused even when the path ahead seemed unclear.

Another invaluable resource has been Lumenaria E. Goyer , a fellow coach and healer.

Lumenaria has a unique ability to help people tap into their deepest truths and unlock their full potential. Her insights and support have been instrumental in my personal growth and development, enabling me to show up more authentically in my business and in my relationships.

And then there's Neville Joffe , a business and cash flow strategist who has become a trusted mentor and friend.

Neville has a wealth of experience and a keen analytical mind, and he's helped me navigate complex challenges, make difficult decisions, and stay grounded during times of rapid change and expansion.

Finally, I have to give a shout-out to my dear friend Cody Toussau .

Cody is a fellow entrepreneur, and he's been a constant source of encouragement, wisdom, and accountability for me. He's the one I turn to when I need a fresh perspective, or a gentle push to keep moving forward.

These are just a few of the incredible people who have helped me find my way through life's roundabouts.

I know I'm not alone.

We all need that kind of support and guidance at various points in our lives.

So, the question is, who are the people in your life that can help you navigate the twists and turns you're facing?

And if you're not sure where to start, feel free to reach out to me.

I'd be honored to listen to your story, offer my perspective, and connect you with resources and people who can support you on your journey.

Because the world needs you, and your light deserves to shine brightly.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to evaluate and strengthen your personal circle of support:

Reflect on the major decisions or growth edges you currently have in your life and work. Honestly assess any gaps in the support and wisdom you require.

Then, make a list of the coaches, mentors, friends and advisors who currently provide guidance.

Also, reach out to potential new mentors, join a mastermind group, explore coaching programs, or get vulnerable with friends about needing their perspective.

Invest effort this week into building up your personal circle of guides - the diverse voices who can provide support.

The world needs your brilliance, shining even brighter from walking alongside these lights.

Finding Your Way with the Help of Others

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:49:01 GMT

Have you ever found yourself driving through an unfamiliar town, only to come across a peculiar intersection - a roundabout?

I remember the first time I encountered one when I was living in New Jersey.

At first, it seemed completely foreign and counterintuitive to me.

Instead of a traditional four-way stop or traffic light, you simply entered this circular intersection and had to navigate your way around it, exiting onto the road you needed to take.

The experience of driving through a roundabout is a lot like the journey of life itself.

You're moving forward, but not in a straight line.

It can feel disorienting, especially when you're not used to it.

Just like navigating a roundabout, life is full of twists and turns, moments where we have to make decisions and change direction.

You may find yourself asking questions like,

~ Where am I going?

~ Where am I called to be?

~ Who am I called to be?

~ How do I get where I want to go when I can't see clearly?

It's in those times of uncertainty and change that we need people in our lives who can help us see what we can't see for ourselves.

That's why I'm so grateful for the coaches, mentors, and friends who have walked alongside me, especially during the times of transition and growth in my own life and business.

So, who are the people in your life that help you navigate the roundabouts?

The world needs your brilliance, your light, your unique gifts. And you don't have to shine that light alone.

Surround yourself with people who can see what you can't, who can offer guidance and support as you navigate life's roundabouts.

In my next newsletter, I'll be diving deeper into the vital role that coaches, mentors, and supportive friends play in guiding us through times of transition and growth.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to identify the guides who can help you through life's roundabouts.

Identify 1-2 people (coaches, mentors, friends) already in your life who can provide that guidance. Commit to leaning on them this week.

If you lack key guides, take action to find them - research coaches/programs, join a mastermind, get honest with a wise friend about needing their perspective.

Remember, the world needs your brilliance, and you'll shine even brighter with the right people illuminating the path beside you.

Take steps this week to surround yourself with guides for this season.

Living With Passion That Changes the World

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 15:58:10 GMT

As I wandered the serene paths of the farm, my mind couldn't help but drift to the profound words of Kahlil Gibran in his masterpiece, The Prophet.

The soft glow of the moon illuminated the vibrant wisdom echoing through my soul from his lines:

"Do not live half a life... and do not die a half death.

If you choose silence, then be silent.

When you speak, do so until you are finished.

If you accept, then express it bluntly. Do not mask it.

If you refuse, then be clear about it, for an ambiguous refusal

is but a weak acceptance.

Do not accept half a solution.

Do not believe half truths.

Do not dream half a dream.

Do not fantasize about half hopes.

Half the way will get you nowhere.

You are a whole that exists to live a life, not half a life."

Gibran's words resonate deeply, compelling me to ask myself...

~ What are the ways in which I have been living half a life?

~ Have I truly been using 100% of my gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences?

~ Have I expressed myself fully in all areas of my life?

Gibran's wisdom compels us to confront ourselves honestly. We cannot delude ourselves with half-truths or fantasize about half-hopes.

To live authentically demands complete commitment - a wholehearted embrace of our purpose and passion.

The great poet reminds us that such an approach leads nowhere. We are meant for greatness, to live lives that shake the universe.

Each of us carries our own brilliance.

When we show up halfway, the world loses apiece of the mosaic it longs for.

So let this be your charge - to live with such passion that the world cannot help but be forever changed by your presence.

For in the end, that is the greatest measure of a life well-lived.

Remember... The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to choose one creative project or expressive outlet and devote concentrated time to it with your full self.

Whether it's writing, painting, dancing, singing, building something with your hands - pick a creative pursuit that lights you up.

Make it your priority practice.

Block off 2-3 hour time chunks to immerse yourself completely in the creative flow without distractions or multitasking.

Show up 100% focused and express yourself boldly through this medium.

When you naturally start to lose momentum or inspiration, stop and reflect in your journal. What did this experience of whole-hearted creating teach you? How can you apply that energy to other areas of your life?

Your brilliance shines through full creative expression.

Upholding Grace in the Face of Disagreement

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:21:01 GMT

Are you capable of disagreeing without contempt?

Very few people truly are.

One of the greatest flaws inhibiting great leadership is not being capable of having a civil disagreement.

As Utah Governor Spencer Cox stated when he became chair of the National Governors Association, "Our country is deeply divided. We are facing a toxic debate unlike anything that we've seen since the Civil War...we have to find a better way."

Cox didn't tell Americans to simply agree with each other.

Instead, he acknowledged that healthy debates are "essential to a functioning political system."

The critical point he made is that we must learn to disagree with less hostility.

The ability to do this boils down to three key factors :

1. Separating Leadership from Title

True leaders don't let their position or authority make them think they are above disagreement or criticism.

They understand that honest debates and differing perspectives are vital for growth, innovation and credible decision-making.

True leadership is a calling, not a title.

2. Mastering Emotional Intelligence

The best leaders have mastered this.

They don't take criticisms or opposing viewpoints as personal affronts.

They can engage debates without getting emotional or lashing out defensively.

3. Raising the Level of Discourse

The greatest leaders understand the vital need for respectful disagreement.

They can passionately argue their stance without devolving into contempt for those who disagree.

They stay focused on the issues instead of making it an ego battle over who is right or wrong. Through their example, they raise the level of discourse.

Now, why are all these so important?

Because despite our differences, the world desperately needs each person's unique brilliance and contributions.

So take a look at how you handle disagreement and criticism.

Do you fight contempt with more contempt?

Or can you maintain poise and discuss opposing views rationally and respectfully?

If we sat down for just 10 minutes, I could show you what to look for and how to develop this skill yourself.

Because at the end of the day, you get to control how you respond when disagreements arise.

Always check yourself before you wreck yourself.

Control your emotions; don't let them control you.

The best leaders get this.

Remember... the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to practice disagreeing without contempt.

Notice when you find yourself in disagreement with someone - whether a close relation, colleague, public figure, etc.

Before reacting, pause and get grounded. Check your emotional state and get in control of your reactions.

State your differing view respectfully and try to understand the other perspective.

Afterwards, reflect on how well you were able to disagree without devolving into bickering or hostility.

What can you learn?

Practice this critical skill this week.

Taking Inspired Action for Your Greater Purpose

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:44:08 GMT

I talk and write about the pursuit of your mission, purpose, and calling.

Most folks feel when this 'shows up', it will come with a marching band, balloons, and a parade of unicorns.

Life will somehow become magical from this day forward.

Not exactly.

Your Calling is:

"... an urgent and divine inspiration to accept responsibility to do hard things ."

Yep.

You heard right.

Hard things.

That means you've got to train and gear up, and be prepared in all areas of your life so you are strong enough to handle what will come your way.

- Physically

- Emotionally

- Intellectually

- Financially

- Spiritually

- Relationally

- Creatively

The best way for me to do that is to

~ pause each day,

~ take inventory, and

~ reflect on all I have been given.

Enjoy your life... and remember, you are designed for More.

And the World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to take one clear action moving you closer to your Divine mission and calling.

Take time each day to pause and prepare yourself in all areas of life so you are strong enough to handle what comes your way.

As you deliberately prepare yourself, you'll be ready to boldly step into the next chapter of your life.

Remember, you are designed for more.

And the world needs you and your brilliance.

Why Your "Comfort Zone" Is Really Limiting Your Potential

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 18:06:24 GMT

Most folks don't run out of the gate towards hard things.

It's easier to take the path that feels safe, which is why it's called a "comfort zone."

Yet, struggle and challenges are what bring the greatest level of personal satisfaction.

This is a dilemma for most folks... my clients and myself included.

When I began asking myself the question, " What will allow me to be incredibly uncomfortable today? " and running towards that, my life shifted.

That doesn't mean I go out of my way to create pain or discomfort. Rather, I push my growth edges understanding their purpose and their value when hard shows up in my life.

To do this, I make what matters most to me visible -- something so it's top of mind -- and continue moving towards it.

The saying, "out of sight, out of mind" rings true.

When you have a physical reminder of what matters most, it serves as a beacon reminding you of who you are and the importance of why you need to shine the light you have inside you brightly.

This invitation is to ensure you remain aligned with who you say you are.

In my recent prayer time, I heard the Holy Spirit instructing me to "organize my day." Yet this message was not only about putting one task in front of another, but rather the value of me walking the journey of life with intention.

You don't have to see all of the steps to get what you want or where you want to go.

You do have to identify the first step to take. And then the one after that.

When you're clear on the next right thing to do, it's easier to jump into action.

Over time, I've discovered that my actions are often messy, and while imperfect action is better than no action at all, I could have avoided some pitfalls along the way.

Again, I'm not interested in creating discomfort, but I'm interested in orienting my next steps so that when hard does show up, I'm prepared.

Make your list. Start with one action.

~ Write who you are.

~ Write down what you want.

~ Write down why it matters.

Leave yourself notes or calendar pings. Remind yourself you can do hard things.

Because... the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to identify one "growth edge" area of discomfort that you have been avoiding, and take a small step towards leaning into it.

Maybe it's having a difficult conversation, putting yourself out there in a new way, or starting a project you've been procrastinating on.

Get specific about what growth opportunity has been lingering in your comfort zone.

Once you pinpoint the area, schedule a dedicated 1-hour block this week to take one small, imperfect action towards that uncomfortable growth edge.

Repeat this "leaning into discomfort" practice weekly or monthly. The more you make discomfort a chosen ally for growth rather than a threat, the more your brilliance expands.

The world needs courageous leaders like you who walk towards their edges.

The Path from Complacency to Committed Leadership

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 19:20:19 GMT

I once preached the virtue of courage while living a life that screamed otherwise.

Sure, I believed in the idea of courageous leadership, being your own boss, and achieving success independently.

Yet, I'd never experienced it.

During my 24x7 government job days, I enjoyed the perks of a steady paycheck, job security, and benefits.

I spent time thinking about my next pay increase, how much leave I could save, and when I'd be promoted again.

My life was in someone else's hands.

After getting married in November of 2004, I stood at a crossroads with an opportunity to decide what I wanted to do for my career all over again.

I enjoyed working in Federal law enforcement. It was familiar and had job security and all the overtime I wanted.

When I decided to walk away, folks thought I was crazy.

Why leave the comfort of a steady paycheck to the unknown?!? To nothing?

Over time, I learned why entrepreneurship is not for everyone.

Early on, I struggled with believing I could do this business. Every day felt uncertain, and I had many sleepless nights wondering if I wouldn't take us to the cliff of financial ruin.

Jim got tired of talking me off the ledge so one day he put his foot down and said, " This is the last time we're gonna have this conversation. Either do it or get a job. "

Eeek.

That moment created a shift in me. A fundamental transformation of heart and mind.

Why am I sharing this with you?

Some things you have to experience and live through.

Understanding a truth that is heard - and told to you by someone else - is not always the same as a truth that is lived.

When you choose experience over what you've heard, it's a different life.

Have you experienced all that you tell yourself and others that you believe? Or, are you simply an echo chamber of what you've heard others say?!?

Evaluate your beliefs. Evaluate where they come from.

Evaluate them based on who you are.

Base your truth on personal experience because when you live what you believe, your life will change. For the better.

And that's when you'll discover what and who are trustworthy.

Go shine your light.

Because The World Needs You... and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to identify one core belief or value that you have simply inherited from others rather than cultivated through personal experience.

Spend some time in honest self-reflection.

Which of your stated beliefs around relationships, career, spirituality, etc. have you truly put to the test of real-world application?

Where might you be an "echo chamber"?

Once you pinpoint an inherited belief you want to validate, make a plan to put it into practice through direct experience this week.

For example, if you believe strongly in generosity and have not practiced radical giving - donate time or money in a way that stretches you.

The world needs more leaders like you willing to walk their talk with empowering beliefs and values.

When Your Plan Fuels the Fire of Your Deeper "Why"

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:32:22 GMT

Do you have a clear plan for your life in place?

Most folks don't.

They wake up every day and run on auto-pilot -- and it's often a bit like Groundhog Day.

~ Brush teeth. Check.

~ Comb hair. Check.

~ Go to work. Check.

~ Make dinner. Check.

~ Go to sleep. Check.

The world is filled with folks who will go their whole lives and not live one day.

And, for those that have a clear plan, it's not always aligned with their values or mission.

See, your plan for life operates as a roadmap. It ensures the destination has clear steps mapped out so you get where you want to go in the short-term and long-term.

A clear plan is more than an idea. It's written down with a core why and answers the questions:

- Who am I?

- What do I want?

- Why does it matter?

And that's also the foundation of the Divine Operating System.

Over the years, I've had folks ask me how I've been able to do so much. Understanding the answers to these questions is how.

And here's a real-life example...

One of my clients wanted to climb Mount Everest. When I asked why, his answer moved me to tears.

"To save lives."

He was doing it as a fundraiser for those who couldn't ever reach the peak, and as a way to inspire and challenge those in his life.

It's that level of clarity that fuels the fire of the passion that is your Divine mission.

Some days it feels as if life is coming at me from all angles, and I can't keep up.

Yet, when I go back to what's most important - my Divine mission -- I am able to refuel and take the next inspired action.

Answer those three questions and let your light shine brightly.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to identify one passion pursuit that ignites your "Divine mission" and plan how to devote more time to it.

Think about what interests, hobbies or causes light up your deeper "why" - the motivating reason you want to make a difference in the world.

Once you've chosen this passion aligned with your Divine mission, block off 2-3 hours this week dedicated solely to engaging in that activity. Treat it as an important step towards realizing your vision.

Afterwards, reflect on how you can proactively make more room for this activity in your regular schedule going forward.

The world needs more leaders like you operating in full alignment with their brilliance and life's deeper "why".

The Choice to Believe in Yourself

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:04:31 GMT

"You're never gonna get it right. You should just quit."

Sometimes I hear the voice of my former co-worker echoing in my head, trying to hijack my day.

He would say mean things to me every day, hoping to see me break.

Yet he had no idea that the words he spoke were no match to what I dealt with as a kid when it felt as if I was at war with myself.

"Maybe I just need to try harder.

To buckle down.

To focus.

Then again, why bother?

You'll never get it right anyway."

Today, the lies in my head that were designed to keep me from believing in the life I saw as possible,

the one that I'm already living, have less power over me.

Those voices are the daily battle many of my clients and colleagues face.

It was exceptionally challenging for me.

I asked myself the questions I often ask them:

"Is this the thing that you'll let take you out?

Or, will you stand strong, and rise yet again?!?"

Because it's always a choice.

And despite all stacked against me, I chose the latter.

Remember... the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge this week is to challenge yourself to catch and replace negative thoughts with affirmations.

Whenever you hear a critical voice in your head like “ you never do it right ” and

“ just quit ” stop and notice that thought.

Once you've acknowledged the negative thought, consciously reframe it with empowering affirmations such as:

~ “I have the strength to keep going.,”

~ “I’m moving forward one step at a time.”

This practice reprograms your mindset from limitation and lack to one of opportunity and faith.

Your brilliance shines brighter when you build an unshakeable positive mindset.

Do this - and be a bit kinder to yourself.

Embracing the Exploratory Path to Purpose

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:51:49 GMT

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.

Pursuing Inner Calm in a World of Outer Chaos

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:06:51 GMT

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.

How to Find the Next Best Step to Move Forward

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 18:17:12 GMT

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.

When Life Crashes, Kindness Restores

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:12:54 GMT

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.

Visualize Your Success to Unlock Your True Potential

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 18:55:05 GMT

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.

The Transformational Power of Daily Gratitude

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:08:03 GMT

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.

Receiving Opens the Door for Giving

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:18:29 GMT

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.

The Courage to Forgive in Difficult Times

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 20:44:11 GMT

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.

Staying Grounded When Life Goes Sideways

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:39:09 GMT

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.

Finding Your Unique Path to Create More Good

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 17:14:47 GMT

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.

Staying True to Your "Why" When You Feel Stuck

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 19:38:47 GMT

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.

Blazing Your Trail with Clarity, not Force

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 22:13:16 GMT

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.

Being at Peace in an Anxious World

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 21:55:14 GMT

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.

Turning Your Vision into Reality

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 21:48:36 GMT

If you want to bring more peace of mind into the chaos of the world, you've got to increase your awareness.

》Noticing the thoughts that float through your mind ...

》Noticing the beliefs that you hold ...

》Noticing the attitude that you carry ...

Most likely, you've unconsciously created where you are and what you have in your life.

As you look back, what vision do you want to turn into a reality?

After you answer that, the looming question still remains, "And how am I going to get there?"

When you set up the right actions to take, it's important to consider how you're wired.

See, there is no "one size fits all" formula for success.

They play on your biggest fears just like the charlatan who sold snake oil to the masses years ago.

Only you can decide what you need.

That's why my work is systematic, not formulaic.

You have to decide what works best for you.

Along the way, I've found that two actions fuel the fire and get me to my destination quicker.

1. Gratitude:

This lets me remember how I will benefit when my vision becomes a reality.

2. Service:

This lets me remember who else will benefit when my vision becomes a reality.

Increase your awareness.

Do it through Gratitude and Service.

And with great friends who walk beside you.

I promise you'll thank me for it.

Feel Like You're Pushing Boulders Uphill Every Day?

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 17:45:00 GMT

Ronnie was a seasoned business owner.

He had been doing his thing for years and had a masters in Hustle & Grind.

Known as a "wheeler and dealer" he was admired by his peers.

Ronnie was "the guy" everyone aspired to be.

He reached out and confided that he felt like he was on a runaway train headed off a cliff.

We hopped on a Zoom call, more for me to listen than to do anything.

He talked about "pushing boulders uphill every day" and how he didn't feel like he ever got anywhere.

Oh, I understand.

I've been there and told my 1st biz coach that while I knew how to "work hard" there had to be a better way.

She told me to ask questions. Evaluate. And stop trying to do it all myself.

And here I am ... 15 years later.

Sitting with Ronnie, I had come full circle.

I listened and told him he would have to change how he ran his business.

After giving him a few suggestions on what to take action on first, he asked about my leadership coaching programs and whether it would help him change and handle the pitfalls.

I promised it would do all of that and give him peace of mind.

See, again, I get it.

You start off with visions of grandeur when you open a business.

》》Freedom.《《

☆ Time freedom.☆

☆ Money freedom.☆

Then you feel shackled down to keep it goin' as it takes more and more of your time and energy.

You keep feeding the machine and start wearing hustle and grind like a badge of honor figuring this is how winners win.

This brings me back to Ronnie.

Ronnie knew real estate and roofing. He was a born deal maker.

Yet Ronnie didn't know how to lead himself ... or anyone else.

I don’t care how smart you are, no one can take this journey alone.

You may feel rudderless wondering, "Is this all there is?!?"

The Summit feels like a gazillion miles away.

Yet, it will be easier to get to the top with the right guide and mentor.

For Ronnie, that was me.

For me, it was my mentor Nancy.

The brave ask for help, and get the skills they need.

Then they take action.

((No one likes a faker ...someone who pretends the 'hustle and grind' life is all that and they’ve got it all figured out when secretly they're overworked and have unhealthy coping mechanisms.))

Ronnie was so used to handling it all, I had to chase after him to get on my calendar.

Fast forward, and eight months later, Ronnie finally has a team that can hold their weight.

The business brought in more money. A lot more money.

And Ronnie finally started to have time freedom.

His leadership skillset sets him apart from peers in his industry.

You don't have to do it alone.

With the right guidance, coaching and mentorship, it’s easier to remember who you are – and what you’re called to do.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify one area of your life where you feel stressed, overwhelmed or on a "runaway train."

This could be related to work, finances, relationships, health, or personal growth.

Once you've pinpointed this area, ask yourself:

Why do I feel out of control here?

What support or resources do I need to feel more balanced and empowered?

Who can I reach out to for guidance, coaching, or accountability?

You don't have to figure it all out alone.

We all need mentors and companions on the journey.

Take one step this week to get the support you need.

Whether joining a mastermind group, hiring a coach, or having an honest conversation with a wise friend, you'll gain perspective.

Have courage to take off the mask and be vulnerable.

The summit is closer than you think.

Committing to Justice, Mercy and Protection

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 14:22:40 GMT

"I think I'm realizing I'm guilty of doing to him what I don't like him doing to me."

That was a direct quote from one of my clients recently.

They acknowledged they want full blown acceptance for who they are as a leader, ...yet struggle with accepting folks for who they are.

And it was a HUGE a-ha moment for them.

You probably don't think you're judgy.

Most people don't.

Yet judgment creeps into your life when you're not clear who you are.

I follow a Code of Ethics as adapted from Napoleon Hill.

I read my Code aloud almost every morning.

"I will forgive those who are unjust toward me, with no thought as to whether they deserve it or not, because I understand how forgiveness strengthens my own character and wipes out the effects of my own transgressions in my subconscious mind.

I will be just, generous, and fair always even though I know that these acts will go unnoticed and unrewarded and I understand that my character is the sum total of my actions.

Whatever time I may have to devote to the discovery and exposure of the weaknesses and faults of others I will devote, more profitably, to the discovery and correction of my own.

I will slander no person no matter how much I may believe another person may deserve it because I wish to plant no destructive suggestions in my own mind. "

WHY?

Because I want to love folks for who they are not for who I see they can be.

And I'm committed to Mercy, Justice, and Protection.

》Be clear who you are. Write it down.

》Be clear what you want. Write it down.

》Be clear why it matters. Write it down.

Read it every day.

And then act accordingly.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to write your own personal Code of Ethics.

Define 3-5 core values or principles that are most important to you.

Describe how you aim to embody these values in your daily life.

Keep your Code of Ethics concise and meaningful.

Place it somewhere you will see it often. Read it aloud frequently as a reminder of who you strive to be.

When you are clear on your ethical code, you can act from a place of integrity. You'll be less swayed by the judgments and expectations of others.

And then stay grounded in your own values.

Experiencing the Mastermind Principle

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 13:55:11 GMT

I n 1937, Napoleon Hill wrote Think and Grow Rich which is the #1 best-selling self-help book of all time.

With over 80 million copies sold , Hill talks about ONE PRINCIPLE for SUCCESS that is more powerful than all of the others.

Unfortunately, few people ever take action on it…

…and that’s The Mastermind Principle.

It’s where two or more people are actively engaged in the pursuit of a definite purpose with a positive mental attitude.

He demonstrates how utilizing this principle creates an unbeatable force because when you join together with others on the same path as you.

You become stronger, wiser, and more available to opportunities to create success on your terms.

It’s hard to describe how doors of opportunity open when GROUPS of people who are partnered together on a shared mission meet regularly.

Maybe you’ve heard of this principle before…

…yet have you ever LIVED this principle?

Have you ever had a community behind you that was STRONG and SUPPORTIVE of your efforts to build a life you love... that you knew that failure was impossible and success was assured?

This is what I offered at the Upside Summit.

And I don’t want to leave you out just because you weren’t in the room.

I want to be your partner on this journey in 2024 …

…and walk beside you on your journey to you accessing the health, happiness, success and meaning you are destined to have…

…to becoming the most optimal version of yourself that you can imagine...

… so you fully live out your divine purpose.

Our Gateway to Greatness Mastermind, Commitment Conversations and Upside Leaders program are POWERFUL because they offer opportunities to meet together every week to learn, share, and grow together.

The transformations, and insights we experience as a group have produced long-lasting results.

So, if you're tired of going it alone and working harder and harder, join the Upside Community and discover how you can increase your influence, income and impact without trading in pieces of your Soul.

It's Your Turn to Fly

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:54:32 GMT

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.

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 step out into the leadership space and 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?

((This is some of what we dive into at the Upside Summit and in my Leadership Coaching programs.))

What if you were to take a God walk 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.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine what conversations you need to have in order to fully live out your dream.

This isn't a solo journey ... and time waits for no one.

Take action today.

Experience Your Most Successful Year Yet

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:44:47 GMT

Have you ever encountered an experience so profound that it left you changed forever altering the course of your life?

That's precisely what transpired at my recent Winter Upside Retreat in Treasure Island, Florida.

I was surrounded by a remarkable group of leaders all driven by a shared mission to positively impact the planet.

It's a challenge to articulate the essence of those three transformative days.

When I began hosting these retreats 15 years ago, I couldn’t have foreseen the moments that would unfold in Treasure Island, Florida.

Conversations around:

~ Money.

~ Family patterns.

~ Relationship dynamics.

~ Legacy wealth.

~ Strategy.

~ And so much more.

Folks shared their stories and wrote new ones defining what success looks like and a plan to achieve it.

If you were contemplating attendance and missed this profound experience, there's still time to join me at the Upside Summit ( www.UpsideSummit.com ), January 25 - 27, 2024.

I get it's next week and I'd move mountains to be in a room like this.

When you show up at the Upside Summit, you get to cultivate partnerships and enhance your leadership presence alongside a room filled with purpose-driven leaders.

You'll get to create a customized plan tailored to what you want, focusing on the next steps of your journey forward.

I learned a long time ago that you've got to build a strategy to harmonize your life around your work if you want a purpose-driven existence.

And because I want your innovative ideas to flow, there will be plenty of opportunities to connect and share your insights.

We only have two more seats available.

If you've been on the fence, message me -- and let's get on a call.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to recognize when opportunity is knocking ... and be willing to take action.

Let 2024 be your year.

Let Go of What's Weighing You Down

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:10:39 GMT

When you examine your behavior and commit to being better, you start to see patterns.

Over time something changes in you.

》Maybe the change came because you wanted to do something.

》Maybe the change came because you wanted to stop doing something.

》Maybe the change came because you got an internal God-nudge whispering to you and you could no longer keep doing what you were doing.

》Maybe the change came because you had something happen TO you that turned out to be FOR you.

As you change, you recognize some of what you’ve picked up along the way is excess.

Now is a great time to start a list of what’s been weighing you down so you can begin the process of letting it go.

That's what happened at the Upside Retreat.

The next chance to do this work is at the Upside Summit.

Get your ticket now ... Jan 25 - 27th in Tucson, Arizona.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify the habits, thoughts, and patterns that have previously stopped you from getting what you want.

Unfortunately, if you could have seen this on your own, you probably would have taken action to stop doing it.

If you want 2024 to be different, even if it doesn't make sense, plan on getting in the room next week at the Upside Summit.

It's an action that will pay big dividends.

Finding Peace in the Chaos

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 20:58:47 GMT

When I was in law enforcement, I had conversations with guys about how to stand strong when dealing with crappy people ....to not let the chaos around me take me out.

Yet sometimes the chaos is inside.

You’ve probably got countless voices in your head ... telling you what you “should” want for your life.

This time of year, they may be louder, having you play the comparison game, fighting to prove or questioning your worth.

You probably wear busy as a badge of honor.

I hear folks talk about their “hustle and grind” all the time.

Then there are those folks who’ve decided to opt out and forgot what a healthy work ethic looks like.

In today's world, teaching clients how to create unoccupied moments in their life can be a monumental task.

Thoughts of:

~ Do my kids like me?

~ Have I gotten fat?

~ What if I can’t pay my bills?

~ Did I do enough this year?

… challenge your peace when they run incessantly.

Giving yourself space without technology, without activity, and without noise to imagine, create and be changes how you move in your life and how much ease you have.

I get this struggle as busy was an obsession for me.

I was addicted to an overfull schedule and looked like I had it all together and was a hot mess inside.

I completely turned my life around by questioning where every second was being spent.

Now my head and heart have space unoccupied ... that allow me to breathe life into myself and those around me.

The farm has been the gift that keeps on giving.

Clients who come to this sacred space walk away better for it.

Just like on all of our properties.

Busyness is a disease where folks speak about their frenetic life and how much they accomplished more than any other topic.

Equating busy to productivity, power and status leaves you feeling like you’re never doing enough.

Be still … and know that I am God.

Not be busy and prove to me how good you are.

I’ve found peace in the chaos amidst the noise around me and that’s allowed me to stand strong ... and not get swallowed up by the chaos of the world.

That’s the power of the pause.

Try it.

Because The World Needs You And Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine the distractions in your life.

If you're feeling a frenetic energy from the start of a new year, determine if the chaos is external or internal.

Then, look at potential distractions that detract from your time, energy and money.

The best leaders get the importance of having a technology fast and choosing to be present which often requires spaciousness and slowing down.

Are You on the Right Track?

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 17:19:03 GMT

Every day you make thousands of choices.

These choices are based on what you value.

If you choose wisely, you’ll be on track to fulfill your Divine mission and purpose.

Alan Cohen once said, "Every choice before you represents the universe inviting you to remember who you are ... and what you are here for."

Each choice is an opportunity to learn more about who you are, what you want, and why it matters.

When you stop, notice, and ask questions, you uncover what’s most important to you.

Then I see the journey as:

》Choice.

》Direction.

》Commitment, and

》Consistent Action

to get what you want.

When you pause and reflect, you can see the choices you’ve made have gotten you to exactly where you are today.

Whether that's closer to what you want or not.

Each choice you make is a fork in the road inviting you to take a journey.

Your choices are the threads of your destiny, woven moment by moment.

And what I've learned is that it's hard to see the future consequences of these choice points on your own.

As I've asked myself the hard questions, examining what I've achieved, where I've fallen short, and what lessons I'm taking from the past year...

.... I celebrate how I've chosen to have a team of people around me -- coaches, mentors, and teachers -- to shorten the learning curve.

How about you?

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine whether you're fully prepared for the new year, guaranteeing it will be your best year yet.

Who do you have on your team?

Who is missing?

Choosing to Lead the Way

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 15:17:55 GMT

It was 15 years ago when I first read Steve Jobs quote…

“Here's to the Crazy Ones…

The round pegs in the square holes.

The ones who see things differently…

Who have no respect for the status quo.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.

But the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.

Because they change things.

They push the human race forward.

And while some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.

Because the people who are crazy enough

to think they can change the world,

are the ones

who do.”

That was years after he said it.

This was Apple’s way of letting you know that his product was for folks who think differently.

Over time, Apple’s played on this message ... dividing the camps into those "cool enough" to use their products and those who don’t.

I chose to take the path that was least traveled and took it as a call to arms to go deep into all things NOT Apple.

A round peg in a square hole, I learned how to adapt and create better using a variety of products.

Over time, colleagues told me I didn’t "need" the iPad (I have one) or the iPhone.

The bottom line is being someone who is able to think for themselves has always been a value of mine.

I’m not good with the status quo, scraping by like everyone else.

I’ve always wanted more.

》More opportunity.

》More money.

》More impact.

If that’s you, let’s travel together.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine and utilize everything that has you challenge the status quo.

What got you here cannot get you to where you want to go.

Where do you need to innovate and make a change?

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Keep on Shining Your Light

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 12:13:46 GMT

This message comes on this December 25th from a place of deep gratitude and a depth of humility that has me moved to tears.

From the Festival of Lights to the upcoming New Year's festivities, celebrations are all around.

Parties, gift giving and conversations about being merry and jolly seem to fill the air a bit more during this time of year.

Yet, this experience isn't true for everyone.

I am mindful that this time of year doesn't bring lightness and joy for all.

It is a time of year that can trigger memories of years gone by, ...

... broken dreams and longing for people you wish you could pick up the phone and hear their voice one more time.

If you have lost a loved one this year like I have ... or simply feel alone, even in a room filled with people, my heart goes out to you.

I have experienced this countless times in my life while trying my best to pretend everything was good in my world.

This past year has been filled with downs and ups, some of which took my breath away - and I'm still picking up the pieces.

If you suffered a loss that feels paralyzing and sometimes feel like you can't breathe while everyone makes merry, I celebrate the richness and depth of your emotions.

You are appreciated.

For who you are.

For where you are at this moment.

For how deeply, and passionately you care about others.

And, for all that you are.

You, my dear friend, are loved right now -- more than my words could ever express.

So, have courage, muster up the strength to pick up the phone and call someone if you need to -- and remember they world needs you and your brilliance.

And, yes, it’s possible to be both whole and gracefully broken open.

It simply allows more of your light to be seen.

Keep on shining brightly.

S.N.A.P. Out of It

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:46:43 GMT

In a recent video for my class on the Divine Operating System course, I said, “The best way to speed up is to slow down.”

Several folks commented that a lightbulb went off.

If you’re a person who likes to take action or you get tons of downloads every day with your brain firing off ideas like fireworks on the 4th of July, you may struggle to slow down and process.

Yet a tornado of mindless activities gets created ... and a ton of energy gets wasted when you don’t slow down and listen.

Did you ever have a day where you sat at your desk, plugging away at your computer and you got up from your desk and felt utterly exhausted with nothing to show for it?

Been there, done that.

Being in action doesn’t mean you’re productive.

Yet most folks have been taught that a tornado of activity is good.

Not so much.

If you need a creative idea or solution, the worst place to find it is at your desk.

Get up ... and go for a walk.

Movement allows you to have more innovative ideas by turning on the creative receptors in your brain.

If you can’t go out, find a quiet place and write down whatever comes into your head.

Breathe.

Then just write.

Don’t try to make sense of it.

Lots of times you react to what is in front of you.

When you can’t focus, and you feel as if you need a mind-numbing activity, that’s a cue to SNAP out of it.

S top.

N otice.

A sk.

P ause. P ray. P ivot.

>Stop what you're doing.

>Notice how you feel.

>Ask questions for clarity.

>Pause to breathe. Say a quiet prayer. Pivot if necessary.

Slow down to speed up.

Stop the frantic activity and get intentional about what you’re doing - and why.

After you walk, write down what you want to accomplish.

Then do it.

Ask yourself throughout the day, is this the most important thing for me to do or just the next thing on my long list of things to do?

There has never been a time when it’s possible to accomplish so much in so little time.

You just need to be intentional with your precious minutes and run your day instead of letting the day run you.

Take the first step -- and get outside.

That's where I'm headed ...

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to commit to increase taking intentional action.

Set a timer if it helps to ensure you stop, notice, ask, pause, pray, and/or pivot.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Getting Closer to Your Summit with Each Step

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:39:18 GMT

I remember it like it was yesterday.

Kiki* reached out to me for career advice.

She had been working at a mortgage brokerage for about two years and told me she felt unqualified to do her job.

She wanted to know if I could help her succeed.

We agreed to meet at a local coffee shop where she shared that she applied for the promotion to get the experience of interviewing, not thinking she had a chance of getting the position.

Now here she was ... terrified to walk through the door every morning as she 'didn’t have a clue' what she was doing.

Oh, I understand that feeling.

I had that same experience when I got my first supervisory promotion working in Federal law enforcement.

One morning I came to work and hid in the bathroom stall and called my mentor.

I told him I had no idea what the heck I was doing and maybe I should quit

or give back the promotion.

He told me "... if God didn’t want you to be in that position, you wouldn’t have gotten the job. Now get the f* out of the bathroom and go and figure it out.

Put in extra hours. Ask questions. Do whatever it takes... "

So pretty much, stop hiding out.

He was loving – and firm.

At the corner table at the coffee shop, Kiki continued to talk about her concerns, and wondered if I could help her or if she should ask for her old job back.

I listened and told her she was smart enough to do this job.

I also said that my leadership coaching could help her navigate the pitfalls, and give her peace of mind and practical tools for her toolbox along the way to lead like a seasoned expert.

When I said that, she breathed a visceral sigh of relief.

See, I get it.

When fear shows up and rears its ugly head, it will tell you that you don’t have what it takes to do great things …that you should just pack your bags and stop lying to yourself and everyone else around you.

This conversation goes back centuries.

If you’ve ever read Exodus in the Bible, you may remember that Moses had the same conversation with God.

Moses was minding his own business, tending to his flock on Mount Horeb, and a burning bush appears with God telling him his plan ... that he wants Moses to go to the Israelites and Pharoah to do all sorts of things.

I. Can’t. Even. Imagine.

Moses doesn’t feel worthy and begins arguing with God (been there, done that).

God tells him his brother will help him, and that He has his back.

Now, come on.

This brings me back to Kiki.

Kiki was chosen for this job and there was a reason.

Yet, for Kiki, like most folks including me, it’s easy to look at the shortcomings we’ve got and say, “Find someone else.”

Yet if no one stepped out on a limb and took a risk, there would be no great leaders in the world.

I don’t care how smart you are,

you’re never qualified when you start anything new.

The Summit may feel as if it is a gazillion miles away.

At least now.

And, it will be closer as you take each step on your way to the top.

Along the way, you’ll meet folks that can make the journey easier and lighter.

For Kiki, that person was me.

For me, it was my mentor Tony.

And along the way, at some point, EVERYONE feels like a fraud and an imposter not well equipped to do the task.

The brave reach out, ask for help ... and get the skills they need.

Then they go and do it.

Folks appreciate the person who is humble enough to know they don’t know something and are willing to ask for help.

No one likes a faker ... someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, and pretends they’ve got it all figured out.

Kiki stepped up and did what needed to be done.

She accepted the challenge in front of her and got the help she needed.

Early on her journey she struggled.

She made mistakes … and our work together shortened her learning curve.

Fast forward, and eight months later, Kiki got an opportunity to join a larger team with even more pay and with the ability to make a difference in a new market.

More money.

And more autonomy.

It was an easy YES.

The skills she took with her allowed her to open doors with ease and she was often praised for her ability to problem solve and innovate, which is pretty hard to do in an industry that is heavily regulated.

Yet her leadership skillset set her apart from her colleagues who were often twice her age.

Never forget that you can do anything

you set your mind to accomplish.

You will always have the voice of fear lurking around the corner.

With the right guidance, coaching and mentorship, it’s easier to remember who you are and what you’re called to do.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify where you are struggling.

Then, reach out, ask for help, and get access to the skills you need to go where you want to go -- your personal Summit.

If you realize you don't want to go it alone, call or email me. I'm happy to get on a call and be of service.

When to Take a Leap of Faith

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:11:29 GMT

Everything I worked for …

Everything I planned out …

Everything I envisioned …

… fell apart.

I stood at a crossroads and like a set of dominoes, pieces of my life came tumbling down.

It felt as if I had fallen in a pit and couldn’t see a way out.

Looking back, I can see how I took a leap of faith yet at the time, it didn’t feel like that at all.

Maybe you understand.

You stand at the crossroads and know that if you take the easy path, nothing will change.

You stand at the crossroads staring ahead, terrified that if you take the path less traveled sure enough, it will be filled with thorn bushes and rattle snakes, and while things will change – you may just get eaten alive.

Still, you are 100% clear that you’re not willing to keep going on the way you’ve been going.

That's the conversation at the September VIP day with my client Eddie when we were talking about next steps in his business.

And that’s also what happened to Elton.

We met at a conference through a friend of a friend. I don’t really remember the details.

What I do remember is that Elton, like Eddie, although for vastly different reasons, became one of my favorite clients.

Elton was a certified John Maxwell presenter and loved leadership.

He’d read more books than anyone else I’d ever met and could talk your ear off about all of it.

Heavily involved in his community, Elton was loved by people wherever he went.

When I was living in Miami, he hired me to come to his hometown to deliver a presentation on Connection: The New Currency .

And he was the consummate connector.

Forgetting to look at the weather, I arrived ill-prepared for the cold front that blew into town.

Elton made sure I got what I needed, and he told others to check in on me

throughout the day.

While he lived on the outskirts of town, he owned a brick and mortar telemarketing service business.

He had the best laugh, the big personality that made you want to quit your job or close down your business to work for him.

Yet, despite all of that goodness that I saw, when Elton and I talked during our first coaching session, I could hear how much his heart was hurting.

While he had hired me to grow his business so he could sell it, a more pressing issue was staring us both in the face.

In a destructive marriage, Elton suffered from an abusive and narcissistic wife

who lashed out at him regularly.

On one of our calls, I shared with him that he didn’t need to stay.

While we worked on building his business, I became a lifeline to what would be possible if he had the courage to leave.

Standing at a crossroads, I remember him asking me what it would take

for him to take the leap.

I said, “When the pain of being where you are becomes greater than the discomfort of the unknown.”

And the next day, I got the call.

He had packed his bags and walked out.

Now, I’m a fan of marriage, and I’m also a believer that when you have done everything possible and the situation is no better, your best option is to take a leap of faith.

I warned him that this would not be easy and he was likely to walk through the valley of death before seeing the sun rise on the other side of the horizon.

I also assured him he would rise again, and if he stayed the course, his life would be better than he could have imagined.

Elton did just that and then, like in my life, everything seemed to crumble around him.

》His best employee quit.

》His kid got sick. Very sick.

》His wife put him through hell.

Elton questioned whether he made the right decision and called me just about every day.

Fast forward, and three years later, he met a wonderful woman whom he later married.

They traveled all over the country, and created beautiful memories.

The business we restructured stood the test of time, and he ended up selling it

to one of his employees.

Yet, Elton couldn’t have known back then what was possible and today, he’s grateful for having taken the leap of faith.

I remember being in the same place, and how I slowed myself down by running back to what felt safe more times than I can count.

Looking back, I wish I had someone I could have leaned on who saw what was possible for me – someone who would have reminded me of where I was going.

The good news is like Elton, I made it to the other side, stronger for the journey.

I often wonder what would have happened if I had a strong coach by my side.

Someone who could see me and remind me who I was ... and what I was capable of doing.

Someone who understood Divine wisdom, and blended business practicality with spirituality.

If you’re on a journey or ready to take one, let’s talk.

I’d love to work directly with you ...

... to carry a lantern ...

... and walk beside you ...

... to map out the path,

... to lay out the plan,

... to set the strategy and,

... to create greater health, happiness, success and meaning in your life.

~ That's what I did.

~ That's what Elton did.

~ That's what Eddie is doing.

Every journey looks different.

Don't wait until things fall apart.

Again, if you’re on a journey or ready to take one, let’s talk.

Just message me.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine what's not working - and what is.

Be honest.

Then, identify what action you will take now to ensure you let go of what's getting in the way of your greatest health, happiness, success, and meaning.

Examine, Evaluate and Envision

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:26:44 GMT

Did you ever wish you had more time to do what you wanted?

The best way to make a change is the E3 method.

》Examine.

》Evaluate.

》Envision.

Examine your past.

Evaluate the present.

Envision your future.

This is a tool I use during my morning reflection and God walks.

Several years ago, I was using the E3 method focused around connection.

I had written several books on the topic and wanted more of it in my life.

I realized while I spoke about it on stage when I looked in my calendar,

my words didn’t match my actions.

You can tell a lot about a person by where they invest their time, energy and money ...

... regardless of what they tell you.

It was clear to me that I didn’t have enough connecting in my daily life.

At the time, my days were overfull and while lots of tasks got handled, there wasn’t enough real, authentic connection.

I felt like a fraud speaking on the topic, having little connection time in my weekly life.

I had been burned several times the year prior and if I was honest with myself, it was that I didn’t want my heart to be trampled on again.

When I began opening myself up to connect again, was amazed by the connections that grew from my intentional practice.

One of them was with a grade school friend.

She was an elementary school teacher working in the neighborhood where my grandparents used to live.

And while I didn't live there, it's where I went to school and spent most of my childhood.

The school is located in a lower socio-economic area which means budgets are even tighter and there's less money to go around to give kids what they need.

She put out a request for classroom supplies to supplement the little the school district gives her.

For example, each kid is entitled to ONE pencil per semester.

I think I lost one each day when I was a kid.

Three years ago, the Holy Spirit put it on my heart to sponsor her classroom.

Last year, I began looking for additional ways to give to the students who were hungry to learn.

If you're interested in helping out with my winter coat drive and mid-semester school supply fundraiser, just message me.

And much to my surprise, I got a package last week from her students and their cards moved me to tears.

》Examine.

》Evaluate.

》Envision.

Take inventory on your life every day.

If something is missing, be willing to do something about it now.

Don’t wait until the new year, or for 'someday' to come.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to set aside 15 minutes each day this week.

~ Five minutes to examine.

~ Five minutes to evaluate.

~ Five minutes to envision.

Take notes on what you hear and see in your quiet time.

You just may be surprised.

On day five, get out a piece of paper and write at the top of it: This Is My Plan: Then, add an extra five minutes to the E3 Method -- and write down what you will do after a week of listening to what you were seeing and hearing.

Again, you just may be surprised what shows up.

Remember, action, not goals, produces results.

And, the world needs you and your brilliance. Now more than ever.

This is the Sign You've Been Looking For

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:52:50 GMT

Can you feel that?

The gentle nudge that has been softly whispering that it’s time.

Yes, it's time.

See, you can procrastinate what you’re called to do because of the storms around you.

You can put off what you know is yours to do.

And when you do, it never feels good.

Oh, and I get that the fear of stepping in can be terrifying.

Let me remind you of how Powerful you really are.

You just have to take a stand for what you want.

… what you REALLY want.

Because you’ll always be going into a storm, going through a storm, or

coming out of a storm.

That's life.

Ask me how I know.

Don’t be too busy to do what you know in your heart

is yours to do.

Your brilliance has the ability to light the world.

And just one spark can brighten an entire room.

Yeah, you're that powerful.

If you have been looking for a sign to unbury that dream that you put away a long time ago, this is IT.

You are being called to something greater and the world needs you more than ever.

Your circumstances can be overcome.

Your old patterns and beliefs can all be traded in for new ones.

Just get into action.

Not sure how to do it alone?

Message me.

I've got your back.

It's time.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify your top three commitments for 2024, and which one you're going to take action on today.

What have you been wanting to do that you've been putting off?

Your time is now.

Action, not goals, produces results.

And the world needs you and your brilliance.

Leadership Starts with YOU

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:57:27 GMT

Success looks different to everyone.

When you’re not clear what it means to you, the journey to achieving success can get distorted and you may find yourself someplace you don’t want to be.

That’s what happened to Cassie.

We met after a speaking gig at a national organization she was involved in.

After the event, we had a brief conversation about her business and exchanged business cards.

Yet I never expected to hear from her so soon.

Cassie called me three days later, wanting to know more about what I do.

Sharing what I do is complicated, so I listened.

She spoke about how she felt overworked and overwhelmed most days.

It seemed as if for most of her business life, she was running around in circles.

When I asked her about the details of her day-to-day, she said she was an “amateur firefighter” as she put out fires all day long.

After taking a brief look into her business, she was right.

She put out fires ... All. Day. Long.

Others' needs always came before her own.

She also chased ghosts.

The ghosts of success.

Other people’s visions and ideas for who Cassie was and what she needed to do to get there.

Answering the questions of

》Who Are You?

》What Do YOU want?

and

》Why Does It Matter? ...

... were simple, and elusive as she never arrived at her destination and the target seemed to move every day.

To have a business that created health, happiness, and meaning Cassie needed to first redefine how she measured success.

See, folks start businesses for many reasons.

When you do it because you see a problem or a need and want to make a difference and don't answer those three questions – and define what success looks like, you waste lots of time.

When you’re clear, you can focus on what matters most to you and do it with ease.

After our initial conversation, Cassie could see a bit clearer that she was all over the place and needed some one-on-one guidance ... someone to partner with her and hold her accountable to make decisions she had put off for way too long.

We began working together and it took her several months to get clear on

why she was in business in the first place.

She vacillated between wanting to close down the insurance company that she had inherited from her Dad after his sudden passing and get a job to wanting to expand her company and license in all 50 states.

She looked at job opportunities and running a non-profit and simultaneously signed up for a course on how to 10x your business.

I get it.

And I've been there.

After several months of going round and round, she committed to going all in

on the leadership coaching she hired me for.

When I asked her to do something after that, she was dialed in.

~ 7 Pillars of Leadership. Check.

~ 7 Areas of Well-Being. Check.

~ Accountability Structures. Check.

~ 10-10-10 Connection Plan. Check.

~ Positioning Statements. Check.

~ Cash Flow Clarity. Check.

Cassie grew the business because she chose to grow.

Leadership starts with you.

Whatever you sell, you are the ultimate product and relationships with vendors, partners, customers, colleagues, and employees open doors because of your leadership.

Leadership changed my life … and it’s changed the lives of countless clients.

How to Gain Clarity and Receive Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 16:56:23 GMT

Clarity.

It’s insurance that pretty much guarantees you will be successful and happy.

Think about that.

When you are clear about what you really want it’s easier to have the confidence to take the first step to getting it.

Research backs this up and it’s why I speak about commitment, not goal setting.

When you’re not clear, it feels like things in life happen TO you vs. FOR you.

Even things that feel or seem crummy have the ability to teach you something wonderful.

The three most important questions you can answer are:

~ Who Am I?

~ What Do I Want?

~ Why Does It Matter?

These answers are more than listing your titles or credentials.

Clarity also allows you to make the choice to move forward in the direction of your choosing.

When I want an answer to something, I take it to God.

This doesn’t mean I run off to church.

Where I go is on a walk … a God-walk on the farm. (I took three today ...)

Scientific research backs up the physical, mental and emotional benefits you get from being outdoors.

Spending time in nature calms the thinking mind and increases your ability to problem solve.

It also allows you to hear Divine wisdom - your pure truth.

When you do this, you lift the internal fog.

With practice, you’ll often get a tangible and visceral feeling about what you want … and how to move forward.

You can’t get the best answer to a problem when you solely use your thinking mind.

Did you know your gut brain sends more signals to your thinking mind than the other way around?

Often trying to simply think your way to a solution or through a problem will create more stress.

To make a full bodied decision, take the issue to nature.

Being in nature releases happy hormones.

You get to see, hear, smell, taste, and experience the world around you.

And asking those questions on a walk ...actually any questions ... will get you different answers than sitting in an office space with artificial lights.

So take a walk and just listen.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to increase the amount of time you spend outdoors and in movement.

If you have a pressing problem or situation you’re dealing with, this is especially important.

What Question Do YOU Need Answered?

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:52:42 GMT

Have you ever held yourself back?

You recognize you’re stuck … yet, you’re afraid to ask for help, feeling you should have things figured out by now?!?

I understand as that used to be me .

I would beat myself up inside because I felt I wasn't smart enough to know how to grow my business.

And that’s how Annabelle and I met.

After delivering a keynote for a national organization she was a member of, Annabelle waited to speak to me.

There is often a line of people wanting to connect after I present and after 10 minutes, Annabelle talked herself out of her question, and left the room.

About 30-minutes later, I walked in the women’s restroom and recognized her.

“Weren’t you standing in line to ask me a question?”, ... I inquired.

She said, “Yes … and I chickened out.”

Curious, I asked her what I could do for her and we ended up in a l-o-n-g conversation about where she was in her business at the moment.

See, Annabelle believed that good things were meant for other folks and not for her.

She had an old tape in her head that she wasn’t good enough and it played loudly on a daily basis.

And although her business grew from 5-figures, to 6-figures, to 7-figures, Annabelle still struggled to see herself as the leader of the organization.

She didn’t feel worthy to do what she was doing …felt like a phony ... and had programmed 'hard' into all areas of her life .

She also thought she had to go it alone and rarely asked for help.

Annabelle knew all too well how lonely it was at the top.

Because I understood how she felt, I offered to have a longer conversation

just to lend a listening ear.

When I was working as a new supervisor in the government, I would often tell my best friend that someday they’re going to find out I’m a fraud and take my promotion away from me.

Looking back, I can now see how ridiculous that was.

My business coach says that, “NOBODY would accomplish anything daring or great or start a business or a church or start a band or a restaurant or invent anything.

Nobody would take charge of any job they weren't already qualified to do.

Cuz hardly any of us are qualified when we start.

That mountain IS bigger than you. It is bigger NOW. It won't be LATER.

Because YOU are going to grow.

EVERY GREAT PERSON IN THE WORLD, IF THEY ARE HONEST WITH THEMSELVES, feels like a fraud. At least for a while. "

You've got to step up and ask for help.

Annabelle decided to hire me and her business is thriving.

She's created ease in her processes and just got a legacy award for her leadership.

Her inner game now matches her external one and she's got a whole team of leaders around her that have her back.

Yet, it all started with her willingness to ask a question .

One question.

What question do you need answered right now that would propel you in an entirely different direction?

All you need is the courage to ask.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to write down the one question that would make a positive difference in your life right now.

Then reach out to someone you trust and ask it.

Be courageous enough to get the support you need.

That’s great leadership.

Are You Accessing Your FULL Potential?

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:38:44 GMT

Tomorrow is my 19 ^th wedding anniversary … and we’ve been planning out where we’re going to celebrate.

I want to stay close to home as I’m on fire with the work I’m doing right now with purpose-led, mission-driven leaders.

See, there is a reason you’re here.

A reason you’re on the planet right now.

Think about that.

The bigger questions are: ...

~ Are you FULLY living out your Divine mission and purpose? ~

~ Are you FULLY living out your reason for being? ~

See, research shows most people live their life as a 6 – 7 ... or maybe an 8.5 out of 10 ... never fully doing what they are Called to do.

And that’s because to do so may feel mildly uncomfortable.

While folks say they want adventure ... they secretly desire safe.

Having their own "safety" net.

And while many folks also say they want to live an extraordinary life that is a "10", steeped in their Divine mission, they settle for familiar - and/or - ordinary.

I've had people tell me they want all of the benefits that come from living life as a "10" ... experiencing perfect health in body, mind, and spirit.

I've had people talk to me about wanting to be physically fit, emotionally sound, and wise beyond their years.

I've had people talk about wanting to have great relationships, access to money and financial freedom, and a connection to God that goes deeper than offering up a prayer or two here and there.

They talk about wanting work that makes a difference to others .

Yet they haven't TAKEN ACTION to live as a "10" in all areas of their life.

Have you lived as a full-blown 10?!?

That’s what it looks like when you live out your Divine purpose and it is the personal leadership journey I take with my clients.

Why many people unconsciously choose to stay at a 6 or 7 is because when you live as a "10", you can be under attack from the people in your

life who prefer you stay a 6 or 7 - or – well, average.

You may have even been told that being a 10 isn’t possible in a world where you have to hustle and grind to pay the bills.

Yet I’m living proof.

And it's the reason I’m always in awe of the leaders who show up at the Upside Retreat.

Their commitment to connect to their Higher consciousness or Divine wisdom is inspiring.

I create the space and facilitate the experience and each person chooses how much they want to lean in.

It's been a few weeks since the last retreat and I'm still hearing stories of

where shifts have happened.

That weekend, I witnessed 10 years of transformation happen in less than 24 hours.

And it's not the first time.

I watched clients tap into who they are, choosing to feel lots of emotions, including anger, sadness, grief, and pure joy.

You are incredibly powerful …

… and the Upside Retreat is about accessing your Divine potential in ways that may seem unfathomable to you right now.

If you want in, the first step is to mark your calendar as the next retreat is on December 1st – to - 3rd in Treasure Island, Florida.

The 2nd step is to get registered.

We have 12 spots – and 9 are already taken.

Yep.

That means only 3 are left.

Don’t miss out on this experience to bring your Divine mission and purpose to life.

Email me for details.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine where you’re at in closing out 2023.

You’ve got about 7 weeks left.

If you want to ensure you close out strong physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, financially, and relationally … and put a clear plan in place for 2024, join me at one of my upcoming leadership events.

Don’t go it alone.

Shining Light in Dark Places to Find "More"

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:15:14 GMT

It was clear that Justine wanted More.

》More Influence.

》More Income.

》More Impact.

She spent most of her waking moments growing the number of people following her so she could grow her business.

She marketed a-l-l d-a-y long and was darn good at it, too.

Everything was about how she looked online, and while it was effective, Justine had mean critics, and the worst ones were those that lived inside of her mind which is why she reached out to me for a consultation.

See, Justine thought she needed a tweak to her operation, not to her heart.

We talked -- and I told her that I stand behind my leadership work for the results it gets, and understand it is only for meant for the Courageous.

If she and I were going to work together, she may need to shine light in dark places, places that she’d not likely looked at in a very long time.

At first, Justine seemed offended, and then, in an instant, she got it, admitting she didn’t really know how to lead.

And if she were to be 100% honest with me, she was feeling a bit like a fraud.

She was tired of watching folks who weren't any smarter than she was race past her.

I felt great tenderness for where she was ... because I’ve been there.

When you've been told to 'fake it 'til you make it', you start to feel like a fraud,

a fake, or an imposter.

You begin doubting your worth and value and when that happens, it’s hard ...

... to attract great team members,

... write on social media, and

... connect with the people you’re called to serve.

Struggling with how to fully honor your mission and Divine purpose so that you make money and inspire your team will keep you stuck chasing tactics all day long.

If you don’t first figure out your signature offer, what makes you different, and answer who you are, what you want, and why it matters,

none of the tactical strategies will produce the ROI you want.

Justine and I did a private VIP day and mapped out a plan which included meeting once a month for a year and participating in my group coaching program.

The comprehensive plan reenergized her entire global team.

When you get your leadership dialed in, everything else – the messaging, the clients and/or the team, the income - will all be drawn to you.

Why?

Because you’re contributing to the world in the biggest way possible, with All of you, so your work begins to pay big dividends.

Yet for most folks, it’s easier to focus on tactics, technology or other shiny objects rather than doubling down on your leadership – and being honest about what’s been getting in the way to get you where you want to go.

When Justine and I worked together, she got her systems dialed in, too.

I was able to help her outline the company's direction, offering up fresh copy after she got clear.

The copy led to a 23% increase in sales (!).

Her leadership message is clarified, her team has grown and she’s making a mark on the world with greater ease than ever before.

To sum it up, she’s gotten

》Clarity.

》Confidence.

》Connection.

And Money with Meaning.

On a side note, she just paid for a Mediterranean cruise for her entire family.

That’s putting leadership into action.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to take a look at where you’re currently investing your time.

Have you been more concerned with increasing your tactical skillset or your leadership IQ?

Where have you been struggling or hiding out?

Not sure? Let’s talk.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Improve Yourself, Improve the Situation

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:37:15 GMT

Truth telling.

It's what I'm most known for.

On a client call today I shared how I wished what they were going through

would get better ...

... and, it wasn't likely to shift any time soon.

See, I've walked with clients as they were ...

~ overcoming addictions to:

○~○ gambling

○~○ pornography

○~○ alcohol, and

○~○ drugs ...

I’ve walked beside them as they were

~ going through bankruptcy ...

~ dealing with divorce ...

and

~ traversed toxic business partnerships.

I've stood beside them as they navigated ...

~ mental health challenges

~ spousal abuse / domestic violence

~ kids that were being bullied or suicidal

and

~ life-threatening medical diagnoses .

I've also mapped out customized strategic plans to:

~ sell a business

~ grow a business

~ get a promotion

~ change careers ...

... and much more.

My own journey has been filled with much of this as life and leadership

have their ebbs and tides and I've walked a long and twisty road the past 54 years I've been alive on the planet.

You are often getting ready to go into a storm,

going through a storm, or

coming out of a storm.

I shared with my client that it’s not about the situation getting better, it's about YOU getting better, stronger, and ... wiser.

The best leaders get this.

I hope you do too.

And if you need help navigating the journey, please reach out. My door is always open.

Remember, The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify one action you will take this week to ensure you are getting better.

It doesn’t have to be complicated.

Again, because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Are You Standing in Your Own Way?

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 21:11:34 GMT

You’re far too smart to be standing in your own way.

When people say they’re Stuck what they’re real-l-ly saying is that they’re MORE COMMITTED to DOING SOMETHING that DOESN'T WORK than changing.

Read that again.

Oh how I understand this because I’ve been there, unwilling to be honest about how I was getting in my own way.

And that was what was going on with my client Allie.

What she had been doing served her well for years … until it didn't.

And then her actions started getting in the way of her health, happiness, and success.

Maybe you understand this, too.

Yet, Allie wasn't sure how to make a sustainable change to get what she wanted on her own, so that’s where I came in.

My Upside Retreats and leadership coaching programs aren’t for people who want to stay where they are.

☆ Or, for people who want lukewarm results.

☆ Or, for people who only want to talk about hard business tactics.

☆ Or, for people who want to pay money ...

... and think results magically show up with minimal work.

My programming is designed for successful leaders, like Allie, who are willing to put time, energy, and effort into my proven system to create IMPACT and make a positive difference on the planet.

Allie wanted more ... and was tired.

She came to me wanting to fully tap into her God-given mission, purpose, and calling.

And, that REQUIRED heaps of courage and a willingness to GO ALL IN – Mind, Body, and Spirit.

So what did we do?

We worked on...

~ Getting clear on her mission.

~ Getting clear on her values.

~ Getting clear on her vision.

~ Creating a plan around her 3 commitments.

~ Identifying her non-negotiables.

~ Building an effective action plan in 7 areas of well-being.

~ Outlining her connection plan or 10 – 10 – 10 list.

~ Mapping out her social media strategy.

~ Outlining her 5-5-5 morning routine -- and 5-5-5 evening routine.

~ Teaching her how to position her expertise.

~ Crafting her quarterly plan.

~ Keeping her focus on the 7 Pillars of Leadership.

~ All of this… and more ...

Today Allie is thriving.

She no longer questions her value or gets caught up in what everyone else around her is doing.

I feel sometimes that’s the hardest part of the leadership journey.

She was nominated for Business Woman of the Year in her community and has created lasting impact for generations to come.

==>> Want someone who's been there to have your back on the journey?

Message me.

You’re far too smart to be standing in your own way.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to do an inventory on your time.

Examine your morning and evening routines.

Are you taking intentional action based on the kind of leader you’re wanting to be in the world? Or are there places where you’ve gotten comfortable and lax in your schedule?

As you reassess, remember you have a divine mission that’s all yours to fulfill.

And, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Where Are You Investing Your Time?

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 20:32:52 GMT

Does time fly when you're having fun?!?

The average American spends 37 minutes per day on Facebook.

If you do the math, it equates to 37 minutes / day x 7 days a week, which = 4.3 hours a week.

If you break it down further, you’ll see that 4.3 hours / week = 17.2 hours per month.

And if you look even closer at the numbers, you’ll calculate that 17.2 hours/ month x 12 months = 207 hours per year on Facebook, totaling a whopping twenty-five, (25) 8-hour workdays a year!

When people tell me they don’t have enough time to invest in their kids or their marriage, or their physical well-being, or their business, I ask them how much time they spend on social media or watching television or engaged in any sort of media.

Their time is often “lost” due to mini-distraction moments -- or poor planning.

Even folks who post content to build their business can get sucked into the black hole of "social" media or other forms of media.

All of those little pings add up.

They remove focus on what matters most and teach you how to be distracted.

And if your disorganization or your media addiction costs you an average of 90 minutes a day, you miss out on 70 FULL WORKDAYS a year!

Think about it.

You’re missing out on TWO FULL MONTHS OF WORK EVERY YEAR.

That’s precious time that could have been invested ...

... in improving your health,

... in bettering your relationships,

... in growing your business or

... in living your upside LIFE.

Rachet that up if you’re spending time with activities that don’t honor your sacred mission and purpose.

That’s why I’m dialed into being intentional every single moment of my life.

》What am I exchanging it for?

》Who am I investing it with?

Because I’ll never get it back.

The best leaders get this.

How about you?!?

Remember ...the world needs you and your brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to do a time study.

Where are investing the most precious moments of your life?

Who is getting the majority of your time?

Is it honoring your leadership mission and divine purpose?

Experiencing a Hero's Journey

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:56:47 GMT

When I think about the story of my life it reads like a grand adventure.

Lately, I've been on an expedition of sorts -- and a deeper exploration of my mission.

This is similar to traveling to new cities and countries, meeting new folks along the way.

To better understand what I’m talking about let me refer to Joseph Campbell who wrote about The Hero’s Journey.

It is the story of a hero on a quest.

Mythology across cultures and over the centuries has told this same story

over and over and over again.

You can find the same formula in

~ Star Wars,

~ the Wizard of Oz, and

~ the Harry Potter series

because years ago a Hollywood movie studio exec summed up Campbell’s book and circulated it in the film industry.

When I first heard about it, I thought of my own life, and the times I’ve been a hero in my story, complete with the highs, lows, and turning points.

That’s just like I imagine the passage of your life has been, too.

It's also a component of the Divine Operating System.

See, the hero has to face the thing that he / she has been avoiding …

… the thing that he / she doesn’t want to acknowledge and deal with, and it’s only when they do that they are richly rewarded.

Today my quest is quieter and the grandest adventures I have are often internal ones.

Maybe you relate.

Life at the farm has brought peace and surrender.

Not the kind of surrender where you give up and wave the white flag, rather the kind of surrender that allows you to become more alive.

When I take a God walk, I ask myself the same clarifying questions I encourage my clients to explore .

~ Who Am I?

~ What Do I Want?

~ Why Does It Matter?

My goal is to FEEL deeper than I’ve ever felt before, which can sometimes be scary … the exhilarating, roller-coaster scary, not the being-chased-by-a-bear scary.

I had a conversation with a client who is in the midst of his latest and greatest hero’s journey and has been in a place of feeling deeply.

I am humbled to stand witness to his experience and I'm grateful for every day

that I get to stand next to heroes who are on their journeys, seeing and acknowledging all they’ve endured and the gloriousness of who they are at a Soul level.

From my vantage point, it’s the most breathtaking view on an awe-inspired adventure.

Remember ...

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to look at your own leadership journey through the hero’s journey lens.

~ What is the high – or working well and worth celebrating – right now as you lead yourself and others?

~ What has been the low over the past year in how you’ve been showing up leading yourself and others?

~ What has been a turning point or could be a turning point for you?

You are either going into a storm, coming out of a storm or in the midst of a storm and the Hero’s journey gives you a framework to recognize where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going.

Being Honest with Yourself About Your Commitment

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:19:57 GMT

You probably want what you want when you want it.

And when you want it is probably ... Now.

When you don’t get what you want, which is ultimately in your timing, you may doubt whether it was meant for you.

I’ve heard clients say, “God must have a better plan for me …,” or, “Clearly, it wasn’t meant to be or it would have happened.”

Yet ... what if that isn’t really true?

What if the clarity you felt about what you wanted was the Truth …

… and you weren’t ready to receive what you said you wanted?

Read that again.

Sometimes the experience you want takes time to show up because you aren't as as clear as you thought you were.

Hear me out on this …

See, I listen to people who talk about wanting “more money” or “financial freedom”, yet they're not sure about how much money, nor do they understand the level of responsibility that comes with what they want, in this case money, when they get it.

Just like I also hear people talk about wanting a business that is highly profitable that gives them time freedom, yet they’re unaware of the depth of the work that goes into structuring it well -- and their past performance doesn’t demonstrate they’re capable of being a good steward of a successful business, either.

This equation is true with relationships, too.

I hear people talk about wanting loving relationships, yet they walk around guarded unwilling to fully open their heart to others.

I understand what it looks like to struggle with clarity as that’s what happened to me with owning Summit Hills Farm.

See, I held the vision of expansion and creating a work / live retreat center.

Jim and I had talked about it and even looked at land in Eagle, Idaho, and Scottsdale, Arizona six years ago.

Yet the vision we both held took years to manifest … as I wasn’t ready.

I didn't take care of my physical health and well-being, and I was sloppy with my commitments.

I wasn't able to receive all God had for me.

How could He trust me with massive wealth if I wasn't intentional about what He did bless me with – a healthy mind, body, and spirit?

When you say you want something, you have to do your part.

That's leadership.

You have to live as if it is here, trusting the experiences you’re having are

exactly the preparation you need to have what you want.

Ultimately, that’s your hearts deepest desire. The one you may not speak aloud, yet you’re clear it’s what you want.

And you have to be flippin' honest with yourself about your Commitment.

Most people lie to themselves all day long about how much integrity, and focus they have to build what they want.

When you choose to live authentically one day you’ll open your eyes and realize you’re living your vision, and every step of the work you’ve done was exactly what it took to develop the pieces of you that could bring that vision to life.

Be clear.

And trust the process.

That’s the Divine Operating System put into action.

That’s Purpose-led Leadership.

Want to learn more how to tap in and create more money, more time and

loving relationships?

Message me.

…Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to write out who you are, what you want, and why it matters.

Be clear.

Be specific.

Be honest.

And then take one action to get you closer to what you want.

Gaining the Light of Clarity

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 20:28:57 GMT

If something has been keeping you from your Brilliance, it’s likely fuzziness or a distraction.

You might think it’s because you don’t know HOW to do something or WHERE to go next……however it is often not the how or the where that stops you.

... Rather it’s the WHAT..

Most people don’t have CLARITY on their path .

You can’t fully step into what you're called to do without it.

Clarity is LIGHT ...

... that shows you it’s safe...

... to KEEP MOVING FORWARD ...

... on your path.

To turn it on and see clearly, you’ve got to be STILL.

And for someone who likes to move and be in action, this has been a difficult part of my everyday journey.

Yet, the best answers always come after I choose to be QUIET.

Perhaps that’s why the most brilliant minds - guys like Einstein - invited silence into their life.

So, if there’s too much noise going on around you and you’ve been feeling “off” a bit lately, go for a God-walk.

Spend time just listening to the wonder of life.

That's the beauty of living on Summit Hills Farm.

May you carve out your own place of wonder this week.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to seek a moment of quiet each day this week.

Just for you.

It doesn’t have to be for a long period of time.

Even a few minutes can give you much needed clarity.

So. ... let your light shine ... because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Choosing to Become a Leader Worth Following

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:44:03 GMT

Rocco* was used to being #1.

Struggle wasn't part of his life.

At least not in public.

He ran with a fast crowd and was used to being the life of the party.

~ Cars.

~ Two homes.

~ A beautiful wife.

~ And a weekly payroll that ran him more than most people made all year.

His employees called him as Mr. R., and when he walked in a room, you leaned in as you just knew he’d have something important to say.

Yet Rocco was on the verge of burnout when we met, afraid to tell anyone what was really going on in his life.

Our paths crossed when I consulted for a board where one of his employees was a volunteer -- and she had arranged for one of their meetings to be held at his office.

We met in the hallway and had an interesting conversation which led to setting up a time to meet at a local coffee shop to continue our conversation.

I was thinking it was a "getting-to-know-you" meeting and had no idea Rocco would tell me about his struggles.

Despite his air of confidence, Rocco’s life was spinning out of control and he couldn’t figure out how to make it stop.

I understood because I’ve been there... unsure of who to trust and too afraid tell anyone about the mess I'd created in my life.

When you don’t stack your wins, everything around you starts to feel like a loss.

You begin doubting your worth and value and when that happens, it’s hard to

attract the right opportunities, be in loving relationships, or enjoy peace of mind.

When you are afraid to be vulnerable and just keep doing more of the same thing louder or harder, you'll stay stuck or worse, as you'll risk losing it all.

And that's where Rocco was.

The charade he was playing was like a house of cards about ready to crumble.

~ His wife was threatening to leave him.

~ He was close to personal bankruptcy.

~ And he was having trouble sleeping.

Rather than get clear about what was going on inside his business and doubling down on his leadership, he trusted a few wrong people and got in a bigger hole.

Rocco and I worked together -- and he got himself dialed in.

See, Rocco lost his way ... like we all do.

He was a brilliant businessman who had a series of missteps that caused him to lose money to people he trusted.

This eroded his confidence and he began doubling down on everyone and everything outside of himself.

~ I helped him remember who he was.

~ I gave him permission to go after what he wanted.

~ And we restructured his debt ...

... and then stacked wins centered on his original why for getting into business, getting him out of the hole he was in.

We worked on his marriage too, starting with having him read 'The Love Dare.'

He and his wife are celebrating their 23rd anniversary this year.

And he told me he now sleeps like a baby.

All from the courage to be vulnerable.

That's purpose-led leadership.

So, if you're wanting to learn more about how to be a leader worth following or just leadership in general, just reply to this email for details.

This is my purpose

This is my calling.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to assess where you’re at and vulnerably share your truth with someone you trust.

You can’t make the difference you’re called to make if you don’t dial up your leadership.

And again, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Are You Honest with Yourself About Your Commitment?

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 16:49:37 GMT

You probably want what you want when you want it.

And when you want it is probably ...

Now.

When you don’t get what you want in your timing, you'll doubt whether it was for you.

I’ve heard clients say, “God must have a better plan …” Or, “Clearly, it wasn’t meant to be.”

Yet ... what if that isn’t really true?!?

What if the clarity you felt about what you wanted was the Truth ...

… and YOU weren’t ready to receive what you said you wanted?!?

Read that again.

Sometimes the experience needed to take time to show up as you really weren’t as clear as you thought you were.

See, I hear people talk about wanting more money or financial freedom, yet they're not really sure about how much money, nor do they understand the level of responsibility that comes with what they want when they get it.

I also hear people talk about wanting a business that is profitable and gives them time freedom, yet they’re unaware of the depth of the work that goes into structuring it well -- and their past performance doesn’t demonstrate they’re capable of being a good steward of a successful biz.

This is the same equation with relationships.

I hear people talk about wanting loving relationships, yet they walk around guarded, unwilling to fully open their heart to others.

I understand this journey well as I’ve had similar experiences in my life.

When I reflect on them, I can see that’s what happened with the acquisition of Summit Hills Farm.

I had long held the vision of expansion and Jim and I had spoken about owning a work/live retreat center for years.

Yet that vision never manifested as I wasn’t ready.

I didn't take care of my physical health and I was sloppy with my commitments.

Every time we would discuss the possibility something would get in the way.

Looking back, I can see that I wasn't able to receive all God had for me.

How could He trust me with massive wealth if I wasn't intentional about what He did bless me with?!?

When you want something, you have to do your part.

That's leadership.

You have to live as if what you want is here, trusting the experiences you’re having are exactly the preparation you need to get what you want.

Your hearts deepest desire.

And you have to be flippin' honest with yourself about your Commitment.

Most people lie to themselves all day long about how much integrity and focus they have to build what they want.

When you choose to live authentically, one day you’ll open your eyes and realize you’re living your vision.

You can see how every step you’ve taken was exactly what it took to develop the pieces of you that could bring that vision to life.

Be clear.

And trust the process.

That’s putting the Divine Operating System into action.

That’s Purpose-led Leadership.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine where your words don’t match your actions.

Consistency matters more than intensity or desire.

The world is waiting for you … and needs you and your brilliance.

The Value of Taking Action Now

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 14:23:06 GMT

"To each, there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them, and fitted to their talents.

What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour."

~ Winston Churchill

When Churchill spoke these words many years ago, he was referring to the journey people fail to take when they get a God-nudge.

Some people call it their inner wisdom, or their intuition.

Imagine being a kid and dreaming about being an award-winning concert pianist or being drafted first-round for the NFL or making the Olympic running team.

Years of work and preparation would go into turning that dream into a reality, understanding that call to greatness.

Talent alone only gets you so far.

Many folks have gone to their graves with unrealized dreams and untapped potential.

If you get you are being called to lead and make a bigger impact seeking to step into your Divine birthright, don’t go it alone.

Let's talk ... sooner than later.

Message me.

Yes ... now.

Because when you put this off, you miss out and so do those you are called to serve.

Don't let fear stop you from doing what you are called to do.

Let your light shine.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to write down what you want – and one simple action you will take to get you closer to your end goal.

Choice + Direction + Commitment + Consistent Action always deliver.

Trying to Do it All on Your Own?

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:19:37 GMT

Sid struggled for years and tried everything under the sun.

First, he rebuilt his website.

Then, he worked on growing the number of people following him.

Next, he mapped out a social media strategy with a digital marketing agency.

Lastly, he went all in on building a “funnel” sending paid traffic to his website.

While he worked on improving the technical pieces of his business, Sid forgot to work on himself so the only thing that happened was Sid’s bank account got a little lighter.

And that’s when we met.

Sid was the brother-in-law of a dear friend and she thought I could help him out.

I agreed to have a conversation with him, making her no promises, clear that my leadership work gets results, yet it requires someone to be all in.

Sid and I met at a swanky restaurant.

You know … the kind with the dark wood and tiny prices on the menu.

He was direct and got right to the point, unsure of why we were meeting.

I was upfront with him and shared with him that Sheryl thought the work I do might be of value and my only goal was to see if I could be of service in the here and now.

We ordered an appetizer and over lunch, he started to open up.

By the time we got to the end of the meal I got what was going on.

See, Sid didn’t really get how to lead.

And because he spent the last 18-months trying to grow his business using different online programs with very little to show for it, his confidence had taken a hit.

I could see through his bravado and felt great tenderness for where he was at because I’ve been there.

When you don’t stack the wins …

everything around you starts to feel like a loss.

You begin doubting your worth and value and when that happens, it’s hard ...

... to built a website,

... write on social media, and

... attract the people you’re called to serve.

Struggling with how to fully honor your mission and Divine purpose so that you make money and inspire your team along the way will keep you stuck chasing tactics all day long.

If you don’t first figure out your signature offer, what makes you different, and answer who you are, what you want, and why it matters, none of the tactical will work for you.

Sid and I spent 2 days together and met once a quarter for a year.

We mapped out a comprehensive plan that was simple and included his team.

When you get your leadership dialed in, everything else – the social media, the clients, the income - will all magnetically be drawn to you.

Why?

Because you’re contributing to the world in the biggest way possible with All of you so you’ll get the greatest return on your investment.

Sometimes it’s easier to focus on tactics, technology or other shiny objects rather than doubling down on your leadership.

Sid and I worked together and he got all of that dialed in, too.

I was able to help him write fresh copy after he got clear and the results were astounding.

A 37% increase in sales (!) ... and he had hoped for 8%.

Today, his brand and message are unified and he’s making a mark on the world with greater ease than ever before.

While he still has a bit of bravado ... it comes from clarity, confidence and connection to what matters most.

He just got back from three weeks off and only checked in with his team once a day because he wanted to ... not because he had to.

Oh... and his girlfriend sent me a 'thank you' card.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine where you’re struggling and trying to muscle through a problem vs. asking for help or getting guidance.

Commit to create greater ease for yourself by not trying so hard to do everything on your own -- and recognize the value of a receiving direction and mentorship.

Creating Positive Leadership Results with Second Chances

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 14:51:10 GMT

Slowly, I walked into my supervisor’s office, not sure what to expect.

To my surprise, he didn’t look angry.

“Go make it right.,” were the words he spoke firmly, yet with kindness.

He got that I would punish myself greater than he ever could

for making that mistake … when I was on probation starting my career in the United States Customs Service.

While many years ago, I remember feeling the shame from screwing up that day while on temporary assignment at the Contraband Enforcment Team.

Because of walking on eggshells at home because of a violent and explosive stepfather, I was used to harsh punishments -- and waited for a long time to walk into my supervisors office to tell him what I had done.

Afraid of losing my job, or to me worse having him reem me out in front of my colleagues, I stood in front of his door petrified to share that I had accidentally sent our law enforcement intel to one of the steamship companies.

Getting that second chance was a turning point in my life.

I never forgot his act of kindness … and made the commitment to do better – and extend grace to others.

Leadership.

Being human means there are going to be days when you

need a second chance.

There will be moments when you need to extend mercy and graciousness to others because of their failings.

When someone is compassionate to you, you’re more likely to extend the same to others.

The best leaders reframe … and let it go.

When you’re tested or trying something new,

there’s got a higher probability that you’ll make a mistake.

How you handle yourself after a misstep is what matters most.

Some folks see it as a failure …

The best leaders get it’s just information.

When you look at it from this lens … you get an educative experience ... that builds confidence and competence.

Perhaps that's why my leadership training and and coaching often includes forgiveness work.

Humans are designed for safety and self-preservation, yet you only get to happiness, success and meaning by taking a risk and exposing your frailties to others.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to ask yourself where you need a second chance in your life right now.

And, who in your life do you need to extend a second chance to right now?

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Focusing on the One Thing

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:47:35 GMT

Leadership impact questions are ones that attract money and build wealth.

~ Who are you?

~ What do you want?

~ Why does it matter?

My three faves.

Yet when you are clear about what you want, it's easy to have your brain immediately jump to 'how do I get there?'.

Or worse yet, to have the answer to your 'what' question be defined by 'how' you will get it to happen.

When what you want feels like a big dream that's out of reach doubt can creep in and you can unconsciously let go of what you really want and settle for something less.

Or if you do claim the big dream when you start trekking up the mountain you can become so uber-focused and fail to see the resources at your disposal to make it easier like the ski lift beside you.

Been there, done that.

To fulfill your mission and move forward with a vision you've got to let go of the how and focus on the now.

Yes, let go of the how - and focus on the now.

What is the one thing you can do right now to get you one step closer to what you want?

When I wake up, I often ask the Holy Spirit,

~ ‘What is mine to do today?'

~ 'What is the one thing you want me to do that will get me closer to my vision?'

Then I focus on the one thing.

Sometimes it makes sense.

Other times it doesn't ... and it is revealed over time.

The biggest thing is for me to not get attached to the how - like how I'm gonna get there - and stay connected to the now - the present moment.

Every time I get lost in the how my mind races and I get overwhelmed with tasks and minutiae and it often leads to busy work or inaction.

Sigh.

When you want to create a meaningful and happy life filled with wealth and wisdom, sizeable income and impact, start with those three questions:

~ Who am I?

~ What do I want?

~ Why does it matter?

Then ask yourself... ... What is mine to do today?

Be open ... tune in ... and listen.

You may be surprised at what shows up when you do.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to give yourself space and time to focus. Ask yourself three times a day, "Is this the most important action to take right now?"

This will ensure you put what is most important to you at the forefront of each day.

A Responsibility to Do Good in the World

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:49:48 GMT

When life demands a lot from you, it's hard to imagine setting aside time to invest in your Divine mission.

Even though you realize you're being called to take action on what's been laid on your heart, you've got bills to pay and responsibilities to handle.

While starting a podcast or writing a book have been in the back of your mind, you have no idea where you'd find the time to take on a project like that.

Or maybe there's been an idea stirring in you for years ... and just haven't given it the time or energy it would need to make it happen.

Oh, I get it.

More than you may realize.

And I lived with the pain that came with inaction, understanding there was something for me to do that I was avoiding creating.

I tried bargaining.

I tried overworking.

I tried overexercising.

And I tried pretending that everything was good with me when deep down I had a God-shaped hole in my heart that came from lack of faith, and an unwillingness to step into my Divine purpose.

When I took the leap of faith in 2017, I've never looked back... and what has transpired on this journey has been miraculous.

You have a responsibility to do good in the world.

Use your gifts fully ...because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Knowing Who You Are and What You Truly Want

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 20:39:55 GMT

Most people don't get what they want, because they aren't clear on what they want ... or they don't want to acknowledge what they really want.

When you were a kid there were probably times when you wanted something that you didn't get.

~ Maybe it was out of reach because your parents didn't have the money.

~ Or maybe it was because they didn't see the value in it.

~ Or maybe you didn't get it because you didn't have a certain skillset.

When you don't get what you want over time, you start pretending that you don't want anything.

It's easier to tell yourself that lie than to be disappointed or hurt when you don't get it.

Lack of clarity on what you want is often a protective measure to keep your heart from being disappointed or hurt.

Only when you hide your deepest desire for too long you lose sight of what it truly is because you lose sight of who you are.

That doesn't mean external success is elusive.

However, as you achieve goals and others see them as impressive you may feel underwhelmed, empty, and disappointed.

Roy T. Bennett said, ...

... "If you don't know who you truly are, ...

... you'll never know what you really want.”

That's why when we dive into the leadership work at Upside Thinking we start with who you are, what you want, and why it matters.

That's even part of module one in the Upside Way: Accessing the Divine Operating System ... part of our Upside Leaders program.

In a world where it's easy to get distracted these 3 simple questions can be incredibly challenging to answer.

Yet understanding what you want is crucial to creating a life that's driven by purpose and meaningful impact, ultimately a life worth living.

Simply put, before you get to what you want you have to be clear about who

you are.

When you use the key to unlock the door to your authentic self, you open the door to unspeakable riches.

It's there that you'll discover what you really want.

Understanding Next Level Receiving

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:39:24 GMT

"You don’t need a lot of money to make money. You simply need to become the person worthy of receiving a lot of money."

(Lean in because this is gonna be a good one ...)

I remember my business mentor telling me that 15 years ago and me not having a clue what she meant at the time ...

… as every book I read said the opposite -- that it took money to make it.

And I was annoyed as I couldn't figure out where I was gonna get it.

Today, that quote is a big piece of my leadership work at my Upside Retreats, VIP Days, and Upside Summit.

What I call Next Level Receiving .

~~~~~~

Recently, I had someone misunderstand what I do in my coaching ...

... assuming that I teach people how to get close to God …

… and that money doesn’t matter.

I'm not sure what he meant when he said that but I literally choked on my sweet tea and snorted out loud.

He was taken a back a bit so I apologized -- and let him know I wasn’t laughing at him, I simply found his comment to be hilarious and wondered where it came from.

Anyone who has spent time with me knows that I like money and enjoy luxury experiences despite living on a farm, ...

.... and see the money I’ve made as a gift and blessing from God, as well as a tool to help me grow -- and bless others on their journey.

Money is what is exchanged for goods or services received, and it’s an amplifier for who you are.

If you’re someone who seeks to make a positive difference, you’ll use it to do good in the world – and end up giving a lot of it away to do so.

To this day, I have no idea why so many people see the concept of spirituality and poverty as going hand in hand.

Back to my leadership work …

I don’t actually teach people how to get close to God.

And sometimes that happens.

I teach a lot of facets of leadership evolution including how to tap into the Divine Operating System which is a literal system …

… and how to partner with God, Source, your Higher wisdom, your intuition, consciousness (whatever you call it) in your career, business and/or life so that you experience greater ease in all you do.

The goal is for you to have opportunities, influence, and yes, more money, -- and to have it show up without all of the hustle and grind.

Does that mean that there’s a magic money fairy that makes deposits in your bank account every day?

Well … kinda sorta.

Money shows up with ease and in unexpected ways.

When I was sitting outside on a bench near the yoga field at the farm today, there was a small butterfly that came to visit me numerous times.

After the 8th visit, I said, “Alright. Why are you here? What do you want me to understand?”

And what I got was that my clients are like that butterfly.

They are in the chrysalis when they meet me and go through an incredible transformation when we work together.

When they come out the other side, their life is simply better for those who have the courage to stay the course.

And not all clients who start this journey are willing to continue moving forward allowing something, often their "head trash" to take them out.

It can be dark in the cocoon … and I’m a partner to walk beside them and guide the way.

In life, there are many roads to travel, and summits to climb.

You stand at a crossroad countless times on your life’s trek.

And often it’s hard to travel those roads alone.

Each time you want to get to the top of the next Summit, it requires you to be made anew.

That's what leadership evolution is all about and why so many people stay where they’re at for decades, and tell themselves they’re progressing yet they’re just moving on the hamster wheel a little faster, …

… is because of the fear of being made anew.

For anyone who knows me, Lisa 2.0 is very different than who I was just 5 years ago.

Heck 5 hours ago.

Again, you don’t need a lot of money to make money.

You simply need to become the person worthy of receiving a lot of money, …

… and to do that means you’ve got to be on the journey of personal leadership, willing to evolve, grow, and transform.

That’s the work I’m honored to do because the leader you need to be to be able to make and keep $10,000 per year, vs. $10,000 per month vs. $10,000 per day vs. $10,000 per hour is different.

Most people don’t get that and trade in pieces of their Soul to get there, trying to hustle and grind their way to 6, 7, 8, and 9-figures.

True wealth requires a different skillset, mindset, and value set.

If you want more of that with a side of ease in your life, let’s talk.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to remember you don’t need a lot of money to make money.

You simply need to become the person worthy of receiving it.

What action will you take to ensure you’re moving forward on your leadership evolution journey?

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Are You Wanting More?

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:32:19 GMT

More.

I find that to be an interesting word, especially with the work I do.

Wanting More.

~ More confidence.

~ More opportunity.

~ More wealth.

Most people see More as requiring Expansion when really it require Contraction.

Yes, you heard me.

Contraction.

To Have More Requires Being More.

Very few people ever get what that means.

On the last call in our Spring Upside Leaders program I celebrated the wins – and miracles -- that were created by 3 of the participants in their last week.

~ Deal making.

~ Business expansion.

~ Opportunity attraction.

Well over a million on the table in one week ... yet each person had to shed, un-attach, and let go of something within themselves to have these wins show up with ease.

That's what my step-by-step system is all about.

Yet you've got to be willing to FULLY listen body, mind, and soul to Divine wisdom vs. your ego.

The Elusive More.

To have it means you have peace in your life.

Want More of that?

Let’s talk.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to reflect upon where you’ve been pushing hard to expand, and examining where you need to contract and let go.

What action have you been putting off doing that would make a difference in your forward movement?

Have the courage to take action now.

How Current Is Your Map?

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:20:29 GMT

Before having access to a GPS was a thing I never left home without a Johnson map.

I remember pulling off the side of the road when I was in law enforcement trying to find street addresses.

When I would prep to go on a road trip with friends, I'd look at the map before I got in the car so I knew which direction I needed to go.

Every year a new addition came out with updates that made traveling smoother.

((Yeah ... I realize some of you can't quite wrap your head around this ...))

Without realizing it ... you carry around a map in your head every day.

This internal map guides you on determining which direction to go in life ...

... as well as how to avoid the potholes and construction zones ...

... to experience health, happiness, success, and meaning on the journey.

Unfortunately some people are carrying around maps that are outdated.

The landmarks are off and certain roads have closed or aren’t there anymore.

You have to update your map ...

... with new beliefs ...

... in order to get what you want ...

... and where you want to go... i.e., your final destination.

See, your thinking mind creates your reality and whether you are set up for success.

Paraphrasing what Lao Tzu once said ...

~ Watch your beliefs as they inform your thoughts.

~ Watch your thoughts for they create your words

~ Watch your words for they inform your actions.

~ Watch your actions for it forms your habits.

~ Watch your habits for they become your character.

~ Watch your character for it is your destiny.

☆ Where does your map lead?

☆ What do your beliefs say about your destiny?

☆ Are you on the right path to get what you want?

Years ago, I talked about health, happiness, and meaning, yet when you looked at where I spent my time, money and energy, I was off course.

I chose to re-examine how I was living my life and began putting measures in place so I was intentional with my precious minutes, dollars, and spirit.

When you travel somewhere and you're just one degree off ...

... you can be 100's of miles away from your destination ...

... wondering what happened.

Don't let that be you.

Take a look at how current your map is ... and act accordingly.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to review "your map" and most specifically, the route you are on.

~ Is it aligned with your values and commitments?

~ Is it true to how you want to live and work?

~ Is it taking you closer to your goals?

If you're finding yourself of course, then, take a step to self-correction.

Can you make a bold pivot or do you need to adjust by a single degree over time? Or somewhere in between?

Remember the world needs you and your brilliance.

Ignoring the Naysayers

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:15:53 GMT

At some point in your life, perhaps someone told you that you would never make it.

They said you didn't have what it takes or that maybe you just weren't smart enough or strong enough.

And you heard "not good enough" or some other judgment/opinion ... and listened to them instead of yourself.

That happened to me more times than I can count.

In grade school, I was told because my parents were divorced that I would be someday too.

So I carried that with me ... and stayed away from serious relationships, feeling they were doomed to fail.

In high school, my guidance counselor told me I wasn't smart enough to get into a good college and I shouldn't bother applying.

So I only applied to schools I thought I could get into vs. applying and potentially going where I wanted.

After my car accident, I was told I wouldn't ever be able to exercise, let alone touch my toes.

So I didn't bother trying for a long time - and ended up 30 pounds overweight.

Today, the naysayers or doomsayers show up less frequently ...

... and when they do, it's like they're on a different channel ...

... one that I choose not to hear.

I have nothing to prove to others ...and I understand my value and worth.

Nothing and no one can take me off course from fulfilling my Divine mission, purpose and calling ...

... so I'm gonna keep shining my light.

And you should do the same.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify if you have old "naysayers" in your head or around you that prevent you from taking action and shining.

Practice changing "the channel."

Listen to your truth.

Be inspired by your mission.

Stay on course.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Developing Your Emotional Intelligence

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:04:57 GMT

Are you willing to have difficult conversations, or do you avoid having conversations that make you uncomfortable at all costs?

Even as a challenger I used to cringe thinking about addressing situations that required a confrontation.

When you grow up with physical abuse ... you do a lot of people pleasing and walking on eggshells.

Not wanting to rock the boat ...

... there were times as an adult where I would self-sacrifice ...

... vs. speaking up about what mattered most to me.

Whether it was with a family member or a less-than-stellar-performing team member, it just felt easier to avoid than figure out how to inspire better performance.

Over the years, I've really worked on this, ...

... and today I am able to have difficult -- ...

... and simultaneously transformative -- ...

... conversations with greater ease in my business and life.

This is critical to your success when you are serious about wanting to be the best version of you.

The best leaders get this.

See, whether it's

~ vendors,

~ contractors,

~ team members,

~ suppliers,

~ business partners,

~ parents,

~ siblings,

~ your life partner,

~ anyone you are in a high-stakes relationship with

... there is the possibility for conflict.

To have crucial conversations where both parties win and the situation is made right you've got to be willing to put your ego aside, manage your emotions and speak your truth.

Many people can do these.

Very few people can do them all -- and at the same time.

You can't practice this in the heat of a moment.

Emotional intelligence must be worked on every day and it's tested in the fire when the cost is greatest.

Don't get burned.

Do your work now.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to assess your level of Emotional Intelligence or EI.

IHHP offers a free assessment tool so you can do it with ease, and then put a plan in place.

Not sure how to move forward on your own? Reach out to me any time and we’ll hop on a call.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Inspiring the Right People

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:06:34 GMT

Not everyone is meant to go where you’re going or understand your path.

If you've got a big mission then likely you'll have well-meaning folks along the way dump their opinions, concerns, and fears on you.

Over 18 years ago, I traded in a steady paycheck for the uncertainty of owning a business.

A few people in my family questioned my decision, concerned I wouldn't be able to pay my bills or eat and there were a few times over the years where I questioned my own abilities.

Yet, giving up on me never felt like a viable option in either situation.

If you are taking action on your Divine mission, purpose and calling ...

... you'll likely be confronted by people who don’t get it ...

... because your success makes them uncomfortable.

Yep.

You read that right.

Success makes a lot of people uncomfortable.

Yet your success will inspire the right people.

That's where your precious minutes belong.

Invest your time with those who get you and want to see you win.

Be willing to say goodbye to the folks who don't get your bigger purpose and calling.

And find a private mentor or a coach.

Look for someone who is a truth teller, who will guide and inspire you along the way.

Pick someone the same, yet different from you ... similar in what they value -- and different in their expansive thinking.

This has made all the difference for me.

Finally, listen to what your God-voice (at least that's what call it) is telling you ...

... as it's the voice of your inner wisdom ...

... and it will always lead you to the right experiences.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to practice listening to your "God-voice" or inner wisdom.

What is it telling you? Journal about it or write it out in some way.

Notice if others create doubt in you or share opinions that make you question your inner wisdom.

If you get confused or succumb to doubt, reach out to a truth teller or trusted person who is committed to your whole well-being.

Remember the world needs you and your brilliance now more than ever.

Re-igniting Your Inner Fire

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:00:11 GMT

Thousands of years ago in Greece, just like at the start of the Olympics today, each runner was given a torch.

Before the race began, each torch was lit.

The runners would take off understanding that the only way to win the race was to cross the finish line with their torch still lit.

If your fire went out, ...

... even if you finished first ...

... you were disqualified.

As the torchbearers ran, they knew they had to protect their flame and shield it from wind, rain, or anything that might snuff it out.

Throughout the race, they would check their torch to make sure their fire was still burning.

You have that same flame burning inside you ... and it's easy to have it disappear.

When you do work that isn't part of your Divine mission, purpose or calling ...

... your light gets dimmer.

When you hang out with people who don't value you ...

... your light fades.

When you experience a setback or disappointment ...

... you may forget who you are ...

... and allow your fire go out.

Over time, pushing yourself to the extreme equates to burn out.

Why do we call it that?

Because your inner light is no longer burning.

I've seen it a lot ...

... people who are going through life running on empty ...

... and their torch is no longer lit.

If you're feeling that right now let me remind you of the importance of reigniting your fire.

~ No one else has your unique set of gifts, abilities, talents and experiences.

~ No one else can make the difference on the planet you're called to make.

You are here for a reason and the people you are called to serve need you.

If you need a match, some wood or a little fuel to restart your fire -- and ensure that it burns bright and stays lit -- just reach out - as I've got plenty to share.

See, that's what my leadership coaching programs are all about ...

... so you shine a little brighter ...

... and the fire inside gets bigger ...

... and you take action - and create the impact that's yours to make.

And I'll also take a stand for what you may not be able to see.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine if your flame is burning bright and true to you.

It you are running on empty and your light is dimming, hold the awareness with compassion and tenderness.

Tend to your fire by taking initiative.

Call a coach or confidente so you can re-ignite or re-fuel.

Take that one step.

Your light is unique and needed. It makes a difference.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Go shine your light.

Trusting the Outcome

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:58:36 GMT

Over the past few months, I received several major disappointments.

Sometimes it was just a few lines in an email.

Other times it was a few words in a conversation.

And sometimes it showed up as something physical.

Each time it landed like a gut punch.

Moments like these hurt.

I was looking forward to each opportunity and the creation of something new.

Some happened when we were at the finish line and seemed like a done deal.

Some never got very far.

When a door slams shut ...it feels crummy.

My old patterning would have been to bury my head in work ...

... and pretend it wasn’t a big deal ...

... stuffing any real emotion down as far as I could.

In the quiet, I would have shamed myself for not being good enough for these opportunities.

Today I allow myself to feel disappointed ... understanding that I care deeply ...

... and when my work is affected, the disappointment feels greater as I’m unable to make the difference I've set out to make.

And then I ask:

Can I trust that, whatever the outcome, these things are happening FOR me ...

... and FOR my greatest good?

In the deepest part of my Soul ...I answer yes, I choose to trust.

In trusting, I can hold the belief that whatever the situation and outcome, this is for me.

For me.

I like the sound of that.

I have evidence that shows me that I am on the planet right here, right now for a Divine mission.

That's the both/and of life.

To allow myself to feel a disappointment -- and still experience gratitude for the Divine perfection of Life ...

... remembering the world needs me and my Brilliance.

Just as The World Needs You and Your Brilliance, too.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to allow yourself to feel what you feel about situations while still holding to the belief that what occurs in life is designed for your growth.

For you.

It's an opportunity for you to practice trust and discernment.

Because you are here for a reason and... The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Do You Question Your "Enough-ness"?

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 16:21:21 GMT

When I grew up, "not enough" seemed like it was part of my daily life.

My dad left when I was 6 years old and at times there was a struggle for enough money, food and clothing in our household.

My mom was amazing at stretching a dollar seeking to care for me and my sister on her limited pay -- without my father's support/income.

Despite an abundance of attention and love I often felt God forgot about me or that the financial hardship was punishment for something I did wrong.

As an adult I see where the “not enough” mindset ...

... has reared its ugly head ...

... sneaking into some of my business interactions.

When I face challenges in my life, sometimes I have again fallen back into that wondering about whether God has forgotten about me or if somehow I'm "not enough" to be remembered.

This only happens for a brief moment ... and it’s something I’ve noticed clients experience, too.

Looking back, when I have had a need, whether physical, emotional, or a spiritual need for wisdom, it’s important to remember that everything happens in perfect timing.

My responsibility is to trust, not judge, the value of my inherent worth so I don’t get off track, and can fully use the gifts, abilities, talents and experiences I have.

This isn't always easy ...

... yet I'm committed to stay the course ...

... and notice when "not enough" shows up and why.

So if you are questioning your enough-ness ... look into the old belief patterns and ways of reacting.

Choose to see them in a new light to bring light and love to yourself... and

... take it from me, you're all that and more.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to notice your thinking and your energetic response to it. Notice when your thinking is an old "habit" that doesn't help you have greater understanding or move you forward.

What takes you "out" and thwarts you?

Dig in to understand it's origins.

Have compassion for yourself and what was. Decide what will be. Commit to the new thinking.

Choose to live on the Upside...

And remember the world needs you and your brilliance.

Modeling Courageous Leadership

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 14:57:13 GMT

Someone recently asked me to describe my business Upside Thinking in two words.

While I could have chosen countless phrases, I chose "Courageous Leadership.”

Courage is defined as:

“the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful instead of withdrawing from it; the quality of being fearless or brave; valor.”

The kind of leader who willingly faces whatever comes their way is a leader worth following.

Let's get real.

Sometimes life doesn't go as planned.

~ The stock market tanks.

~ A loved one gets sick.

~ You get in an accident.

~ You lose your biggest contract/client.

It’s easy to fall into the victim role in which mindset, attitude and commitment is dependent on circumstances.

If you are living the path of Courageous Leadership, you seek the lesson -- and find a solution.

Over the past 6 months I've been tested every day.

~ My house still doesn't have furniture from the initial flood.

~ I lived without heat and hot water for 7 weeks.

~ The caretakers cottage ended up being a gut after 14 pipe breaks and we're only 1/2 way to completion.

~ I lost 300+ personal items worth tens of thousands of dollars and much of it can't be replaced for sentimental reasons.

Three months in, we had 2 tornados, causing 1/2 of the event center to cave in and part of the roof on the new house and barn to peel off.

Almost every day, I have a contractor at my home.

And through it all ...

... I've been running my business, hosting leadership retreats, and working with

private coaching clients ...

... modeling Courageous Leadership.

Often, there’s a focus on problems, difficulties, and lack when it comes to leadership.

Courage lets you move beyond challenges with grace and gratitude.

And that's much easier to do when you partner with a higher power every step of the way.

Courageous Leadership.

Where every step matters.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to view the challenges of your life and business as opportunities for courageous leadership.

Whether you are the leader of a company, your family, or yourself... focus on strengths and solution.

Because the World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Listening to Your Deepest Wisdom

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 21:23:08 GMT

Have you ever found yourself struggling to make a major life decision wishing you had a crystal ball that would tell you which way was the "right" way?

Or perhaps the "right" direction would appear as a neon light, pointing the way?

One of the reasons big decisions can be challenging to make is because there are often different voices vying for your attention.

First, there is the message you hear in the quiet - that of your deepest wisdom.

Then, there is what your thinking mind tells you is the right way to go.

Often, these are different than what the people in your life think is best for you.

It can be challenging to figure out which voice to listen to, which is why learning how to tap into the Divine Operating System in order to tell the difference between your thinking mind and divine wisdom is critical in order for you to have ease show up on your journey.

Your thinking mind is driven by fear and often leads you down the "safe" path.

Your deepest wisdom is your inner guide ...

... and leads you in the direction that will allow you to fulfill your divine mission.

Because your thinking mind often chooses what to do based on fear,(i.e. fear of rejection, failure, or loss), vs. your spirit mind which makes decisions from a place of love and abundance, when you pause, it's easy to differentiate between the two.

Yet most people move so quickly that they can't hear the difference.

Your deepest wisdom chooses its course from a place of ethical alignment while your thinking mind seeks to please others, gain approval or feel good.

Although the decisions that come from your inner wisdom don't always make sense they always lead you to a place of joy vs. a place of regret.

If you find yourself struggling to make a decision, stop, notice, and ask yourself, "Am I making this decision out of fear or love? ...

... Is this decision in alignment with who I am and my core values?"

That's what the Upside Leaders program is all about ...

... how to connect to your inner wisdom ...

... use the Divine Operating System ...

... and bring this energy into every moment of your life.

When you do that, you overcome fear and self-doubt, and connect with the deepest part of you, allowing you to make decisions with ease that align with who you are.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to pay close attention to how you are making your decisions.

What is the true motiviation? Fear or love?

If you have trouble discerning, try writing or having a conversation with yourself-- ask "Why am I doing this?" followed by, "Is that true?"

Keep asking until you hear the answer that fully resonates.

Remember the world needs you and your brilliance.

Being an Example of More...

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 21:43:57 GMT

Money and success don’t change people; they merely amplify what is already there.

See, most people don't struggle with failure.

They're scared of success ... and having to be responsible for MORE ...

... coming face-to-face with who they really are.

When you ask for MORE - and get it, MORE is required of you.

That's the piece most people often forget ...

... or don't want.

See, you have a contract with God that says you'll care for what you have and be a good steward of it ... or it will be taken away.

The "More" requires more of YOU ... which means if you open the doors to wealth, money, and success, it will magnify who you are.

If deep down you don't feel good enough to have all of what you say you want you will unconsciously self-sabotage and risk losing it all.

If you really believed you had something incredible inside of you ... and that you are called to make a bigger positive difference on the planet you wouldn't hide from those you are called to serve.

You wouldn't hide from your destiny.

If you really valued yourself, ...

... all of you, ...

... no matter what you've done or failed to do ...

... nothing would stop you from having the success or money you desire.

You would not let anything, or anyone, keep you small.

Be the example of being more .. and remember money and success are just amplifiers.

That's the leadership work I'm honored to do.

If you get that you want more in your life, let’s talk.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine your willingness to be more-- more YOU.

Are you hiding out, playing small, ignoring your inner call?

As you do this reflecting, if you have "growing pains" on your path to MORE, remember this truth:

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Leadership in the Dark

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 16:02:13 GMT

So you feel like there’s more you’re being Called to do?

Or perhaps that there are pieces of the work you’re doing ...that aren’t getting you closer to what you want?

Oh, I get that as I’ve so been there.

Being in that place cost me

~ physically,

~ emotionally,

~ financially, and

~ relationally.

And I don’t want that for you.

I want your life to move from having it feel it’s turned upside down to living in the Upside of Life.

The Upside of Life is one that will allow ease to show up every single day.

Nelson Mandela said,

"There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

To access the health, happiness, success, and meaning that the Upside of Life brings, you’ve got to tap into your Divine Wisdom.

Yes, you are a divine being of light – and you have wisdom that has been given to you.

Actually, it has been entrusted to you.

Are you accessing it fully?

See, utilizing your Divine potential may not be what you think it is.

~ When was the last time you pushed yourself?

~ Stretched yourself?

~ Got deeply uncomfortable?

I don't mean taking risks in business, ...

... I mean looking at places inside of you about how you connect and relate to others.

That's the work we did at the last Upside Retreat.

Now, I'm not a counselor or a therapist.

I simply have learned throughout the two decades of doing this work that Leadership starts with self.

You've got to look at how you operate - and what information you're accessing.

Is it getting you the results you want?

When you take action on the foundational elements of your Divine mission and see what has been holding you back with a fresh perspective ...

... you unlock untapped possibilities.

And that will allow you to step out of the dark and into the light.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine if you are living your calling and living the Upside of Life.

If not, what is it costing you?

What could you do?

What are you willing to do to change that?

Regardless of where you are on your journey ... the world needs you and your brilliance.

Shine your light.

Are You Ready to Break Out of Your Shell?

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:42:48 GMT

When I look back at all my Mom went through as a single parent in the 1970's ... I have a deeper appreciation for who I am and how I got here.

While brain science researchers have studied the trauma triggers that bring on the fight, flight or freeze response, I'm keenly aware of how the hardships my Mom faced triggered a "fight" response in me later in life.

I walked around with a hard shell and tough exterior ... despite really wanting to love on people.

The truth is I was simply terrified to get hurt.

Pretending I was strong and tough seemed to serve me well at various times in life, yet over the years it did more harm than good, pushing good people whom I deeply cared for away from me.

My fear of being vulnerable because it might make me look "soft" ...also had me become gifted at the art of sarcasm.

When I was angry, I had a look that felt like 1000 daggers just pierced your heart.

Coupled with silence ...

... well, let's just say those two things said more than my words ever could.

18 years ago, I founded Upside Thinking, an international leadership evolution organization, designed for leaders called to make a bigger difference in the world to have a confidential space to examine, evolve, and transform their thoughts, beliefs, ideas - and lives.

At the time, I didn't realize how much I needed my own programs.

While my clients got results early on, I thought I had to "get it right" 24x7, so I did my best to be perfect.

This got exhausting ...and my business stalled.

When you are able bring your humanity and experience to every conversation, you are powerful beyond measure.

I hired people smarter than me ...

... learned how to lower my defenses ...

... got real with myself ...

... and began showing up as Love.

The results?

~ Doors to BIGGER opportunities opened.

~ New friendships formed.

~ Amazing clients showed up.

And, I was finally at peace.

I still seek to improve every day ... just 1% better ... and it's the work I am honored to do with my clients.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

And no one goes it alone.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to see if you are operating from a "hard shell" version of yourself or from your humanity and experience.

Notice each day how the way you are being has results you may never have expected.

Are You on Success Street? Or Taking a Detour?

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:37:05 GMT

When you don’t define what success looks like to you, you wear working “hard” as a badge of honor.

You tell yourself (and anyone else listening) that waking up early, going to the gym, and hustling throughout the day…is just what successful people do.

You tell your kids that you don’t have time to attend that game …

… as you’ve got to stay the course and do this for “x” amount of time …

… and it’s for their greatest good.

You tell your spouse the payoff is coming …and when you get to Success Street, you’ll have all the time in the world for them.

On the journey, ... your stress is so high that you need a coping mechanism.

You take a look at the people around you ...

... and see they all have something to help let off steam …

… and you deserve the break from all of your “hard” work.

So enter in one or more of the following coping mechanisms:

~ Overeating

~ Overexercising

~ Scrolling mindlessly and endlessly on social media

~ Smoking weed

~ Excessive alcohol consumption

~ Drug use

~ Pornography

~ Vaping

~ Energy drinks

~ Binging on Netflix

You tell yourself it’s not that bad …and you can stop any time.

Yet when you look at yourself in the mirror deep down, you get it allows you to numb vs. feel what’s going on in your life.

Over time, pushing, hustling and grinding will take a toll on you and you’ll act out, burn out, or get sick.

I've read this storyline …

… and been the lead character in this play …

… numbing so I didn't have to look at myself and my life closely.

Yeah…

… I’ve experienced my own personal hell and back with this one ...

... trying to run and hide ...

... yet everywhere I went …

… there I was.

The most painful part of this cycle is that you were promised happiness when you became "successful."

So you spent all of your time chasing Success … only to be left standing looking at the pieces of what was once your life

... wondering what the heck just happened? , feeling empty, like something is missing.

When you understand you have a Divine mission – and you can have Success with ease you may just have the courage to seek out working with someone like me ...

... so that you can live that out.

Health. Meaning. Contribution.

These are the categories to look at so you can best define what success is and looks like for you.

Commitment and the actions that you take in these areas of health, meaning, and contribution are what it's like to actually live on Success Street.

Anything else is a distraction.

What are you waiting for?

Get on my calendar and let's have a conversation.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine if you have a clear definition of what success and living a successful life really is in the areas of health, meaning, and contribution.

Are you living on track for that vision for your life?

If not, first, get clear on your definition of Success.

If something gets in your way, ask why.

And reach out ... so you start to take action and keep taking it.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Focusing on Light Versus Shadow

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:46:09 GMT

Where there is light, there will always be shadows.

This was what one of my friends reminded me of today.

I choose to focus on the light ... and at times this has been dangerous.

He recently called me "stubbornly empathetic" ...

... unwilling to look at what is, focusing instead on what "should" be ...

... unwilling to look at the predators or evil in the world ...

... and those who consciously -- or unconsciously -- seek to create harm.

He's challenged me to figure out what it would look like ... for me to increase my awareness of the hidden motives of others.

I'm not sure what that version of Lisa would be as...

... it's not that I don't always see it ...

... rather it is that I don't want to see it.

He calls that arrogance ...

... refusing to learn the lesson God has tried to teach me more times than I care to admit.

Maybe.

And that's why God sends me people like him ...

... to remind me that we live with dogs...

... not wolves ...

... for a reason ...

It’s important to keep your eyes open and your awareness tuned in to reality, …

not just what you wish it would be.

And you need to be aware of the difference between light and dark forces and the behavior that shows which is which.

God gave you your senses and reason, and it's important to use the gifts you have been given --- to be alert to evil, to steer clear of harm if possible, and stay bright.

Be a Light -- and Stay bright.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to see where you may have been too naive and have been harmed-- that harm coming through another person or situation.

Choose to see clearly so that you can care for yourself, treasuring your value and worth, and thereby honoring the good and true within yourself. Step away from harm.

Stand in the light that you are.

The Power of Forgiving Yourself

Mon, 29 May 2023 17:53:24 GMT

Accept you are responsible for both the illness and the cure.

Renounce all negative self-talk and love your body as it is.

That was the lesson I learned when I studied psychosomatics.

And it was really hard.

I remember my instructor telling me there was no book for the master’s program …as that our physical bodies were the coursework.

Ugh.

Annoyed that there was no real text to study ...and simultaneously anxious, I wondered what would show up as my classmates examined (I heard ‘judge’) EVERYTHING about me through the lens of my body, …

… I was forced to pause and take a close look at every single hard experience in life.

~ The traumas

~ The grief

~ The missteps

~ The abuse

~ The neglect

Some of it caused by others.

Some of it caused by me.

At the time, when I looked at myself through the lens of the negative things I’ve done in my life, I saw myself as ugly.

Errors in judgement were viewed as character flaws …which led me to beat myself up, -- and defend, deflect, or protect.

This meant I no longer saw myself as a beautiful child of God.

It’s easy to see imperfections when you focus on them.

Being on a personal leadership journey for the past two decades I’ve witnessed the power of forgiveness.

There’s no way to get life 100% perfect.

Leaders that are worth following extend mercy and grace because they understand experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.

Oscar Wilde penned that one a long time ago.

In the Upside Leaders program recently, the theme was Your Body’s Wisdom ... as it is a key to unlocking the Divine Operating System.

Your body serves as a guide and communication channel to hear what's yours to do.

While I don’t hang a shingle as a practitioner for this body of work it’s an important element in my leadership coaching programs.

Remember you are responsible for the illness – and the cure … and sometimes that requires looking in places that you’d rather not look …

... places that may be unconsciously blocking you from getting the results you want ...

... physically, relationally, and financially.

In order to shine your light brightly you’ve got to take the lampshade off and remove whatever is blocking your glow.

An important "must do" during this process is to forgive yourself...

Forgive yourself for the decisions and choices you'd make differently today. For the actions and reactions. For the lumps and bumps on the inside that showed up on the outside.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to examine with forgiveness. How can you see your experiences, those that shaped you through the lens of love?

Write it all out.

Lead yourself and others even better and with more compassion.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Stay the Course on Your Journey

Thu, 25 May 2023 17:46:26 GMT

Focusing on me.

Doubling down on all 7 Areas of Well Being.

Sitting in the quiet uncertainty.

Believing God will use the fire and floods (literally) for His greatest good.

Yes, my life looks different than I ever imagined at 53 …

… and it’s better than I could have planned.

That’s the thing about God.

He gives you the next turn …nnot the whole map.

Because if you knew the totality of what you were going to come up against …

… you'd probably default on your promise to stay the course, as it would be too much to imagine you could bear.

And it is … if you try to rely solely on your own strength.

Now, this is not a religious post.

I’m simply sharing what I’ve seen as I’ve been studying leadership for the length of time I’ve been on the planet.

Wherever you are on your journey …

… You Are Going To Make It.

He didn’t bring you this far to have you crash and burn.

And you’re not going to bare-knuckle fight and crawl into the next chapter ahead either.

You’re going to RISE so tall ...

... that the people around you are going to look at you with awe and wonder ...

… seeing the miracle that was just performed in front of their very eyes.

That’s the power of God’s goodness.

That’s the power of honoring your Divine mission, purpose, and calling.

That’s the power of choosing to use your gifts fully to make a positive difference in the world.

So stay the course.

You’ve got this.

And I’m here cheering you on.

That’s putting leadership into action.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to lean into faith.

Faith is “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.”

Lean into faith in that which is greater and more powerful that you ... and lean into the faith that you are strong enough to handle whatever comes your way.

Put faith in action.

Moment by moment.

One step at a time.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Start Blazing a New Trail

Mon, 22 May 2023 21:36:33 GMT

It's taken me a lifetime to learn how to have fun being me.

It's taken me a lifetime to trust in my genius.

And it's taken me a lifetime to really get just how flippin' brilliant I am.

Here's the thing ...

You.

Are.

Too.

You came equipped with a God-light within you -- and a one-of-a-kind, divine mission and purpose.

And if I can course-correct from where I was ...

... and end up where I am today ...

… you can, too.

Yes, you can be, do, and/or build anything you want.

You have the ability to create the life of your dreams and generate massive wealth.

Recently, I was speaking to a client who had built a successful business.

Financially, she didn’t want for anything …

… and was the envy of all of her friends …

… as from the outside it looked as if she was living the perfect life.

She was living large – and had gotten everything she ever wanted.

She attended one of my leadership events – and hired me for private leadership coaching.

She didn’t hire me because she was struggling …

… rather because she was on a quest for happiness and meaning.

After working together, …

… she examined her life and why she thought she wanted what she had …

… and made the decision to burn down everything she had built …

… and start all over again.

We spoke last week …

… and I’ve never seen her so completely filled with joy.

So ...

... if where you're at isn't working for you ...

... or you're not over-the-moon happy as soon as you open your eyes every morning ...

... choose a new path.

And remember, no one goes it alone so hand-select mentors and guides for the journey.

Then, make the commitment.

Start blazing your new trail -- now.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to recognize how you can have what you want – and how you are unique with a divine set of gifts and experiences."

Make a list of what makes you brilliant. And, make a list of descriptors about the life you want to live.

Make the commitment to close the gap from where you are to where you want to be.

Make the decision to hire a mentor to guide you. Reach out this week – and make it happen.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

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Learning to Honor All of Who You Are

Thu, 18 May 2023 21:14:43 GMT

"There" is not better than "here."

Being present takes energy and a connection to what is.

In business and life, there are countless lows and highs ...

... projects that crash and burn ...

... and those that work out better than anticipated …

… opportunities that seemed like a sure thing and go sideways …

… and ones that unexpectedly land in your lap.

To accept what is you've got to honor all parts of who you are.

This has been a long, slow journey for me.

Growing up, I was often called a drama queen, ...

... a bit too much, ...

... a whole lot bossy, ...

... and all of the other not-so-nice names that you call those who speak up.

And perhaps my speaking up wasn’t always done in a healthy way.

Yet rather than having been given the tools to step into my powerful voice, …

… it was often squashed ... or mocked.

Over time, I began hating that part of me ...

… the part of me that didn't know how to just be quiet, smile, and pretend as if everything was alright.

The part that pointed out the elephant in the room that everyone wanted to just throw a blanket over and pretend it was another piece of furniture.

While at times I still struggle with that part of me, overall, I've learned to value who I am and what I bring into relationships …

… understanding I’m a born challenger.

And I see what needs to be addressed in order for a positive change to occur …

… and produce results.

Recently, I had a conversation with a client about the value of using your voice for good in the world ...

... vs. seeking to make others comfortable.

I reminded him that comfort doesn’t change the world …

… and it was his responsibility to speak up.

How he chose to do that might look different than those around him …

… yet he was the one who had the ability to effect change.

When I see the gifts I have as treasures to be honored, amazing opportunities show up for me.

When I don't, I get less than I deserve ...and so do the people around me.

Give the world the best of you ...

... by remembering who you are ...

... and staying connected to the here and now.

Because the world needs your brilliance.

And, it needs mine, too.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to identify if there are parts of yourself that you are hiding.

How might those parts be valuable assets instead of something to be hidden away?

Consider bringing them out to share.

Embrace, and truly love every single part of yourself. Remember you are "wonderfully made..."

Tapping into the Divine Operating System

Mon, 15 May 2023 18:06:44 GMT

So … the conversation went a little like this …

Me: “What do you do?”

Them: “I’m a __________.”

Me: “Oh … I don’t mean what do you do for money …I’m asking what do you do for the world? Why are you on the planet right now?”

See, I’m interested in your Divine mission, purpose, and calling.

The "what you do" that has you excited to get out of bed in the morning… the "what you do" that has you feeling as if there aren’t enough hours in the day to move the needle forward when your head hits the pillow at night.

That calling.

While you recognize the difference you’re making, you seek to have an even greater impact.

Too many people overcomplicate this journey.

Getting clear on your Divine mission, purpose, and calling doesn’t happen when you think about it or in one sitting.

It is revealed to you over time …and comes when you are finally able to feel into all of the experiences in your life.

There is a process to tapping into the Divine Operating System.

I teach how to access this living, breathing system in my Upside Leaders program … and share how the answers aren’t ever found in your head.

When I was in my 20’s, I spent a lot of time thinking, wondering why I went through hardships.

I’d look back at the list of things that felt like punishments from God.

~ Having a deadbeat dad who served jail time for beating his kids.

~ Being the recipient of physical harm from the 2nd man my mom married.

~ Sexual harassment on the job

I wanted to hide experiences like this as I saw them as strikes against me … as if it was me who caused them.

Yet, everything I’ve gone through has served a purpose …

… as I get to do leadership coaching and training every day with leaders who have a story and see themselves in my story.

Yes, they each have a past that has formed a tapestry from the pains they have lived through … and the countless ways in which they have triumphed.

All of them answer the "what do you do" question the same way I do, …

… seeking to use their experiences and be a force for good on the planet.

So the next time someone asks you "what do you do?", don’t get caught up on answering by telling them what you do for money.

Build true connection.

And tell them who you are, what you do for the world, and why it matters.

That’s the Upside Way.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to reflect on how you speak about what you do and why.

Ensure your answer best shows others a holistic picture of you.

Remember, you are not just your job and what you do for money.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Understanding the Seasons of LIfe

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:56:10 GMT

My gal pal, Jessica Stroud and I were talking ...

... and our conversation helped me to see something I couldn't recognize on my own.

One day after an amazing day at a live event we were both speaking at ... I woke up feeling sad.

Then I was angry that I felt sad.

Maybe you get this.

I started thinking, "Why don't I feel incredibly grateful right now?!?"

Well ... actually, I did feel grateful.

What I noticed was that while I was grateful, I felt grief too. Washing all over me in that moment.

You see, it’s possible to experience grief and a whole range of emotions such as anger, frustration, even joy-- all while simultaneously being grateful.

What had occurred was, I had stepped away from my farm. And, because at my farm (my home), I’d been living in a season of divine destruction.

It felt like “fires” all around me – well, actually it was more like floods. Multiple pipe bursts that caused massive damage necessitating a total re-do of the house I had JUST finished remodeling and decorating.

I’d been so busy handling each wave that I'd not had time to grieve the significant losses. Loss around my sense of identity, my home, my loved ones.

It was important to recognize and to take a little time to care for myself in light of all that grief.

I needed to bring to light what was operating in the background for me to be able to release that energy of feeling devastated. And, feel gratitude even more completely.

In talking to Jessica, I could feel it all. It reverberated deep in my soul.

You may think when things go well ... they will always stay that way. Not true.

The best leaders understand that there are seasons to everything.

The best leaders get the value of feeling emotions, the whole range.

The best leaders understand that when they allow the feelings to be felt and processed, then they don't get stuck in your body. (More on that for another day.)

And the best leaders understand that they can feel…

... do the right thing, and take actions when dealing with challenges and the daily responsibilities and realities of life.

Authentic, courageous leadership put into action starts with You.

Feel the feelings without letting them take you out of commission as a leader.

Choose to pause, and take care of yourself. Remember, pausing is a critical action to being a leader worth following.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge of the week is to allow yourself room to feel. Allow it to move through you… and past you.

Recognize what the feelings “tell you.” Incorporate that wisdom.

Be the leader you are called to be.

Go shine your light.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

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Success Operates Through the Looking Glass

Mon, 01 May 2023 20:44:03 GMT

For most people the journey to Success looks like this:

You work “hard,” hustling and grinding, ...

... telling yourself you’ve got to do this for “x” amount of time ...

... until you become successful.

On the way to Success Street, you realize you are overfull and overworked and you need a coping mechanism to deal with the side of stress along the way.

The coping mechanism you pick varies from ... substance abuse, drugs, alcohol, energy drinks, binging on Netflix, overeating, mindless chatter on social media, overexercising, pornography, etc.

... all served up on a menu where you pick your poison.

Literally.

You tell yourself it's not as bad as if you did "fill in the blank" ...

... or operated like "fill in the blank " ...

... and it’s really alright as you deserve the break.

Deep down you know it’s just a way to numb vs. deal with the truth of your life situation.

(Note: I’ve had people tell me they are too scared to work with me because I will ask them to look in the mirror.)

After being on this treadmill for a long enough time, your system will do one of three things: it will either cause you to 1) act out, 2) burn out, or 3) you'll get sick.

I understand this well … as this too was my journey.

~ Overeating

~ Mindless scrolling on social media

~ Angry outbursts - and a breast cancer scare

Oh ... and there's more ugly that goes along with this ... as I did my best to hide from myself.

Yet everywhere I went, there I was.

See the most painful part of this cycle is that you were promised happiness ...

when you become 'successful.'

So you spent all of your waking hours seeking Success, only to be left standing at this intersection in life wondering what happened ... feeling empty, as if something is missing.

Much like Alice in Wonderland going into the "looking glass" when we really look at ourselves, it can be daunting and feels wild, wonky, and can turn things seemingly upside down.

And it takes courage to stay the course instead of dodging the work to be done -- that ironically starts with acceptance and love instead of the punishing "stick" we may expect...

When you understand you have a Divine mission, purpose, and calling, and you can have Success with a side of ease ...you may just have the courage to do everything in your power to live that out.

Health, meaning, and contribution yield success.

Anything else is a distraction.

The best leaders get this.

Your time is now.

What are you waiting for?

Look in the mirror.

And commit to shining your light.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to look with love and acceptance at the person in the mirror. Who do you see?

What is needed?

What is the first step to take?

Each step IS the journey.

Have the courage...

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

The Gift of Self-Transformation

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:46:50 GMT

If you want to awaken all of humanity,

then awaken all of yourself.

If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world,

then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself.

Truly, the greatest gift you have to give

is that of your own self-transformation.

~ Lao Tzu

This has been my journey to fully honor my God-given gifts, abilities, and talents.

~ Awakening of Self

~ Turning Up the Wattage on my Brilliance

~ Transformation of Self

... in order to awaken humanity, ...

... eliminate the suffering of others, and

... make a Bigger positive difference on the planet.

One step at a time.

One percent better every day.

In attending to my own transformation, I better understand myself. This involves loving the whole of me before even taking the step to improve.

I meet myself where I am. Which is also a good reminder of my humanity and keeps me humble.

In attending to my own transformation, I discover what is in the dark corners and thereby bring light to them. I heal what's hurt and feed what's truly hungry.

In attending to my own transformation, I strengthen and use my gifts in order to meet the challenges presented to me and thereby improve my capacity to guide others to do the same.

Over time I’ve discovered it’s the small actions – the moment-by-moment decisions – that have the greatest effect on our life, and those around us.

Recently I took a walk on the farm where I witnessed the newness of Spring and the interconnectedness of the plant and animal kingdom.

Nature can’t be rushed – and neither can we.

Yet the choice to be awake and open to the possibilities all around you ensures the people in your life get the best of you.

That is what courageous leadership is all about.

One day, one person at a time.

I'm on a mission. You are too.

So stay the course – and remember, in order to awaken humanity, you must first awaken yourself.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to commit to your own transformation. It's the greatest path to the greatest reward that benefits you and everyone connected to you.

What is one daily action that you will take with this idea of self-transformation in mind?

One thing. Every day. Put it in your calendar.

Get an accountability partner to ensure you do it.

Go shine your light.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Inner Battles and Outer Mastery

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:10:39 GMT

When you master or defeat the enemies you cannot see, ...

~ Anger

~ Arrogance

~ Cheating

~ Conceit

~ Gossiping

~ Greed

~ Intolerance

~ Lust

~ Lying

~ Self-centeredness / Selfishness

~ Slandering,

... only then will you truly be ready to battle the enemy you can see ...

... only then are you the Master of your Fate, and the Captain of your Soul.

Sometimes you meet a leader that inspires you.

It may be because of what they don’t do.

Or sometimes it is because of what they do.

For me it is always because of their unwavering desire to do what is right ...

... their strength and courage as they take the road less traveled ...

... and their willingness to conquer whatever is getting in their way ...

... seeking to co-create with the Divine.

Where are you on your personal leadership journey?!?

ACTION : The Upside Challenge for the week is to examine if you are conquering the enemies within so that you are better able to be the Master of your Fate or Captain of your Soul.

Which battles are you determined to win?

Remember, The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Finding Humility and Grace in Failure

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:54:59 GMT

~ Please forgive me.

~ I’m genuinely sorry. How can I make it right?

~ Thank you for extending grace.

All three of those phrases require a posture of humility …and you have no idea how many times I’ve said them.

Early on in my life, I hid my mistakes ...and rarely, if ever, apologized for my behavior.

This made me almost impossible to be in a relationship with …and I owe a lot to the men I dated over the years for putting up with my arrogance.

Internally, I would move from a place of pride ...

... to self-flagellation, shaming myself for my imperfection …

… yet never acknowledging my mistakes publicly.

It’s taken me a lifetime to become friends with failure …

... and seek to be more honoring of others than worry about how I look …

… or whether I got something wrong.

This hasn’t been easy.

I grew up in a family system where you didn’t talk about the things you got wrong.

Whether it was substance abuse or teen pregnancy, poor choices or errors in judgment were swept under the rug, hoping if it wasn’t discussed that no one would notice.

Because when it was, you were fodder for the family gossip, which for me felt worse than being tarred and feathered.

So this never had me want to admit the times I got stuff wrong.

Comfort doesn’t change the world which is why I’ve taken this leadership journey.

Recently, I was in a situation where I sent information to someone’s work email that they would have preferred not to have disclosed at their place of employment.

When they shared this with me, I was aghast.

Oftentimes, I deal with someone’s personal email, and in this situation, I didn’t think to ask.

Unsure of what to do to make it right, ...I took a deep breath, humbly apologized, and asked them how I could make it right as forgiveness without restitution is still arrogance.

They extended grace – and did so, forgiving me in a way that had me feeling relieved.

And I've created a process so this doesn't happen again.

~ Please forgive me.

~ I’m genuinely sorry. How can I make it right?

~ Thank you for extending grace.

These phrases are what make leaders great.

They foster connection and the realness of being a perfectly imperfect human in the world. Because in being humble, you open the doors of your heart.

These phrases are the difference between being confident and self-aware, and prideful and self-important.

And they allow room for mistakes to be made with accountability and personal responsibility.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to review moments when you failed. Did you use these phrases (or some variation)?

What if you had?

And when you encounter moments today and tomorrow when you don't get it right, practice these phrases:

~ Please forgive me.

~ I’m genuinely sorry. How can I make it right?

~ Thank you for extending grace.

Notice what happens in you and with the other person.

Go shine your light.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

How to Discover the Blessing in the Storm

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:47:39 GMT

Right now, my house is empty.

Yes, empty.

And some of my favorite things have been burned.

Yes, burned.

And my faith is stronger than it’s ever been.

It would be a very long story …if I were to fully share what’s going on in my world today.

And someday I will share it all.

So, why am I telling you this part now?

Because most people have the notion that they will get to a place in life where

it will be magically easy.

That if they uncover the SECRET to life …then no hardship will befall them.

As someone who places All of my trust in God and made Him the CEO of my company a few years ago, … I can tell you this is a myth.

Hardship and challenges aren’t because you did something wrong.

They are often tied into your Divine mission, purpose, and calling.

They are to be used by you to model His strength, not yours.

Here is a short list of things God has blessed me with:

~ An event sponsor who committed murder after my conference

~ An event sponsor who texted all of my attendees and told them NOT to work with me

~ A client who called me to tell me she tried to sabotage my business – and now felt bad about it, and wanted me to forgive her

~ A client who took all of my marketing materials and launched the same program

~ A collapsed lung – and then the 2nd, and given 24 hours to live

~ A diagnosis of epilepsy at 6 years old

Over the years, I’ve been sued, stolen from, and lied to by “friends”, colleagues, and clients alike.

I’ve had clients stop paying me and break contracts just because it was convenient to do so.

As a child and teen, I was physically beaten, emotionally battered, and abused by men that didn’t have tools to deal with a strong-willed child.

I've been harassed by men on the job who just thought they had the right to do so.

And the list goes on and on …

Yet, every single thing that has ever happened in my entire life …

… was a gift that blessed ...

... and I wouldn't change a thing.

Each hardship, each upset, everything has been designed to strengthen my relationship with God and to learn and grow spiritually.

My story has changed and saved lives.

What I have lived through has made me the woman I am today.

So right now ...as I stand in the middle of this storm, I am incredibly aware that God will use this as a way to bless others and simultaneously bless me.

See, that’s how it works.

Everything you’ve had happen that you’ve survived has the ability to bless others.

It is the KEY to unlock your Divine mission, purpose and calling.

So if you’re going through a storm, keep going.

If you just got through a storm, have you looked at all of the ways God kept you safe?

Are you clear on what you will do to use the experience to make the world better?

Oh, and if you’re not just getting out of a "storm" or currently in one, hold on tight, cuz it’s coming.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to examine a recent or current storm in your life.

What are the lessons?

What gifts might it bring you and others when you examine it from the perspective of your divine purpose, mission, and calling?

Wherever you are, you have a responsibility to shine your light.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Lead in a Way that Cultivates Connection

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:07:15 GMT

When I was asked to speak to a group of 350 entrepreneurs and business owners, I was entrusted to talk about my expertise.

While I often go into organizations and speak on stages about leadership, I prayed about what to talk about -- and got Connection.

When I heard that answer, part of me was a little irritated and a little doubtful.

I didn’t really want to speak about connection. While it’s a topic I have spoken about and even written books on, I had thought that for this event, that somehow it wasn’t “sexy” enough.

And I'm obedient.

God says speak on Connection ...

... and that's what I will do.

So, I put my presentation together and continued to listen to what God wanted from me. I outlined what I would say and created my 1st ever QRCode which summarized my presentation and emailed my PowerPoint to the team.

When I prayed about whether to have notes on stage ...

... I got a clear Yes, ... and thought, "That's weird," because I had prepared and had the PowerPoint presentation. And again, I'm obedient.

I got to the event venue early and prepped in the green room. I had a beautiful intro and stepped on stage.

As soon as I walked out there, I could feel something was off. I just couldn't get grounded ...

... and there was a voice inside my head telling me that what I was sharing wasn't valuable ... and that no one wanted to hear from me.

Maybe you get that ... and how that can happen. Perhaps you’ve even had a similar experience and heard the same voice.

Well, I continued talking, moving through my speech, all the while having this internal situation. After I shared a little bit about what I wanted to give the audience, I took a breath.

In that breath, I returned to myself and got vulnerable.

I took another breath. And decided to share honestly “where” I was in that moment. I explained how when I walked onto the stage, I had lost my connection to God.

And I took another breath and recognized, ahh, yes, when I lose my connection to God is the only time that voice shows up. That’s when that voice swoops in.

As I felt connected and tapped in, I went to click for the next slide.

... and it wasn't there.

Sigh.

This time, I stayed present and connected ... and leaned on God.

As someone used to speaking on hundreds of stages, I knew this wasn’t my best presentation. For an audience that I really, really wanted to do well for…

... and I beat myself up for it after the fact.

I had dozens of people congratulate me and tell me it was a great presentation, and even so, in spite of all the acknowledgment, in my heart I was upset.

It felt like I fell short, and I went back to my hotel room and had a conversation with God. Without going through all of it, here’s the cliff notes version of what I heard:

I wanted you to model connection, not perfection.

You were not just giving a performance; your work and this presentation was about you showing up fully as who I created you to be ...

... and I had your back the whole time. Why do you think I told you to bring notes?!?

Lol.

It was a good reset. It reminded me that when I do what God tells me, I can trust and ignore that nasty voice that shows up.

And, as I reflected back on the end of my presentation, I recognized I was able to do just that. The doubt and heaviness in my heart lifted away.

I’d shared the truth that,

If you want help with reels, that ain't me. If you want help with crypto, that ain't me. If you want help with digital marketing, that also ain't me.

If you want to lead in a way that cultivates connection ...

... to get bigger Opportunities, Influence, Income, and Impact -- that's all me ... especially if you want to do it and partner with God.

When you stay connected, you do your best work. The work you are designed to do.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to see where you are listening to “that voice” that tells you are not enough.

Choose to ignore it. And remember it isn't true.

Breathe. Breathe again. Breathe one more time.

Connect with God, Source, Holy Spirit, Higher Power, Inner Wisdom... LISTEN

Choose to take the next action required of you and your work.

Trust.

Keep track of your success through connection.

Have You Learned How to be a Good Receiver?

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:14:59 GMT

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 – on to 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 for the week is to practice receiving!

Practice receiving so that other's may give, and so that you can be resourced, and for an occasion in which you might be the giver.

Jot down what you notice about the situation and how it felt.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Making Love Part of Your Operating System

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:37:53 GMT

I Love.

Period.

My love is not dependent on the object I choose to love.

It is dependent on me and my beingness ...

... and is part of:

~ My code of honor ...

~ My personal leadership and ...

~ My God contract.

When someone in my life changes how they interact with me ...

... and now starts treating me differently ...

... becoming cold or aloof - or turning against me - or cancels our friendship ...

... it doesn't matter, as I am clear Who I Am.

My love is not dependent on them; nor will it ever be dependent on them.

I couldn't say that years ago.

Back then, I wanted revenge.

I wanted to take them out.

I wanted to hurt them more than they hurt me.

Not anymore. Because I have always been committed to growing and becoming better, I did dedicated work.

I spent time discovering what was underneath the revenge. What was the behind the impulse to hurt?

And discovered my own hurts that needed addressing and then found... the love. The love that had always been there.

Love is part of my operating system ...

... and in every cell in my body.

It's the core of my state of beingness.

It's how I choose to live and lead.

I Love.

It's that simple.

How about you?

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to get down to your core. What is your core designed to do?

What does it look like in your daily life?

How is it embedded in your mission, vision, and values?

How does it impact each interaction you have this week?

Take notes. If you don't like what you see, change something.

Can't do it alone? Reach out.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Tapping Into The Hidden Element of Great Leadership

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 14:01:22 GMT

"May you find yourself the bullseye of an easy target.

May you be publicly flogged for all of your bad choices.

And may your noses be rubbed in all of your mistakes."

This quote from the movie Runaway Bride, was said by one of the main characters to the friends and family of the other lead character at the rehearsal dinner. He was in essence rebuking them in his toast after they had openly humiliated her, making fun of her mistakes and embarrassing moments from her past.

Every time I come across it ...

... it evokes a visceral response in my body.

The same response I feel when I read ...

"He that is without sin among you ...

... let him cast the first stone at her."

The movie shines light on behavior that is unkind, and clearly unconscious, all in the name of getting a good laugh at the expense of someone else.

It demonstrates that love is not cruel. While love is honest, true love is about speaking the truth while also being conscious and keenly aware of the impact of one's words and actions.

Love goes hand in hand with empathy.

Because what you say and how you say and why you say it, all

have an effect on others around you.

Recently I had a conversation with a friend where Love was tangibly present ...

... like a third entity in the room, ensuring that what was said was for the highest good.

She and I had an honest dialogue ...

... and because we both showed up choosing to lead with love ...

.. unattached to the outcome rather than "pushing" for what we personally wanted, something greater than I could ever have imagined showed up.

That "surprise solution" is only possible when you lead with compassion and love and hold the commitment to solution above personal gain.

The best leaders get this. That's how they lead teams of people. That's how they create synergy and collaboration.

And that's why it's important to...

... check yourself before you wreck yourself.

Because there's always collateral damage.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to tap into empathy as a leadership skill.

Practice leading from love and compassion in every conversation. (Even, and especially, the difficult ones.)

Notice the outcomes and the effect on the culture of your workplace and home.

Now, go shine your light.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Want Greater Freedom? Take This One Action

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:56:02 GMT

You can't achieve anything new ...if you're still focused on yesterday's junk.

~ Regret.

~ Hurt.

~ Guilt.

~ Shame.

~ Anger.

~ Fear.

Staying in the "spin cycle" of yesterday's issues and emotions keep you stuck and are some of the greatest vision stealers.

Ten weeks into the new year ... and most people are back to the same ole patterns ...having given up on any new "resolutions" they may have written down or visions of this year being the year that would be different for them.

Lemme tell it to ya straight ...

... no one is coming to change your life for you.

You get a choice point every moment.

You are the sum total of every decision you've made regardless of

the hardships you’ve faced.

No matter what you want, to win at life...you've got to commit to:

Keep.

Moving.

Forward.

Step.

By.

Step.

No matter what comes at you.

I have had my back up against the wall for weeks at home and work ...and everyone who hears my story is left speechless or brought to profanity with WTF?!?

Despite the chaos, challenges, and swirl ... I understand the Divine Operating System and get that God's greatest Warriors will be (not may be) tested.

Does this mean you need to go it alone?!?

Heck, no.

That's a fool's game.

I've got an army of friends around me.

I'm breathing in deeply. I am consciously releasing the emotions that come up with each challenge so that as I take the actions required of me, live free and fully present to this moment, and be ready for where I'm heading!

And the one "place" I'm staying "stuck in" on purpose is gratitude.

Yep, gratitude -- as I take it ... step by step.

I mean look at that sunset ...

... ain't she a Wow?!?

Oh, and I've also read the end of the story ... and remember Light always wins, regardless of what storm may come my way.

The best leaders get this.

So, go shine your Light today.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to see if you are staying stuck in old stuff that's blocking your future.

Examine each area physically, emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, financially, relationally, and in your work.

What do you need to let go of so you can move forward with greater freedom and joy?

What do you need to add?

For Upside Leaders, A Setback Isn't the End of the Road

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 21:20:33 GMT

~ “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 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 …

… and then a voice creeps in, ....

... validating every doubt you tried to squash that told you what you wanted just wasn’t possible – For You.

Ouch.

For You.

Yeah, it can feel as if everyone else can have that sweet taste of success and you, somehow, were forgotten by God.

For most people, this is the end of the story.

Game over. The skeptical inner chatterbox wins again.

The setback takes you out and the chatterbox convinces you that the setback is simply evidence that other people are really more talented … or favored …and what you want isn’t attainable.

So you choose to shrink a little and simultaneously puff out your chest and tell 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 understand this concept very keenly right now ...as I've been channeling my Upside Warrior for the past month, facing some big challenges and mustering massive amounts of courage and stoking the fire of my commitment.

Several friends have even shared they are in awe that I'm still standing after witnessing what I've faced.

You may ask yourself the question:

>> ☆ >> What makes the difference between someone who is taken out by a setback and one who takes it as a detour?

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 action(s).

~ 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 was grateful for three things:

1) I had a spare.

2) A stranger saw me, pulled over, and offered to help.

3) 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 day in spite of setbacks?

Setbacks are part of life and part of being human.

The best way to bend and not break when unexpected challenges confront you ... is to stay the course.

One of the songs at the Upside Summit goes, “And I’m taking it step by step, day by day, mile by mile … “

People with an Upside attitude see opportunities, not roadblocks.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to practice seeing every setback as: a side-step, a detour, or a challenge to rise up to meet and learn from.

Record how you transform each "roadblock" and stay the course.

Build your leadership muscles and learn to quiet the "chatterbox" that keeps you from shining because...

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Is Your Definition of Success Crystal Clear?

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:14:54 GMT

Just because I’m winning doesn’t mean you lose.

It also doesn’t mean I want you to lose.

If I seem disinterested in you, that's not the case. The truth is I'm focused on winning and am determined to stay focused rather than be distracted by what you're doing.

And when I win ...

... it doesn’t mean I took a win from you.

Just as your wins aren't taken from me either.

See, I can be successful and you can, too.

How I define winning doesn't have to be how you define it.

~ We can value different things, prioritize differently.

For example, I like to fly first class and enjoy making my business successful financially.

Others may choose to buy coach tickets and then spend time and money on their hobbies or cars.

My preference for first class doesn't mean I have negative opinions about the people who are in coach.

~ Comparisons, such as our definitions of what success is, are usually not accurate and often not helpful either.

All it means is that we've defined success differently.

I've learned that real winners don’t hate on "losers" they simply respect those who work hard.

They understand that just as it is in all lives, sometimes things don't work out so a loss is a temporary defeat and a lesson gained.

Real winners and leaders understand and respect where

every person is on their journey.

When you want others to fail, you will always lose.

When I was younger, I didn't get this...

I tended to simultaneously wish I would win and someone else would lose... "ensuring" my win.

Over time I've learned you can't really be successful until you put ALL of your energy and attention into "winning".

When you're secretly hoping others fail, you're sealing the deal for your own loss because where your focus goes, energy flows. You see, if you're splitting your attention, your energy is greatly reduced... drawn away from your own victory.

I want you to win, to be successful as you define it, and I’m cheering you on.

It's a daily process towards success.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to:

1) get very clear on your definition of success.

2) practice focusing ONLY on the actions and efforts [things] associated and aligned with that success.

3) If you notice your attention and actions drift (to others and making comparisons), re-focus.

Keep a daily log.

At the end of the week, celebrate how you've been training your focus for reaching your personal summit.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Be a Leader Who Chooses to Make a Difference - Even When Others Try to Get in Your Way

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:26:07 GMT

~ Not everyone is going to like you.

~ Not everyone is going to see your value.

~ Not everyone is going to be able to go where you’re going.

I wish I had understood these simple truths early on in my life.

What I did get is the importance of understanding who you are and acting accordingly.

I am kind to others because of who I am.

That doesn’t mean I’m not going to hold people accountable.

That also doesn’t mean I’ll tolerate bad behavior -- or -- poor performance.

It does mean I love people for who they are and am going to love on them in the best way possible, doing my best not cause undue harm or pain in the world.

If you find yourself walking on eggshells around certain people, they’re probably not contributing to your life in a healthy way.

When you shrink yourself, you diminish the good you can give

and also the good you can receive.

When you choose to have standards of excellence …

,,, you don’t have to settle for low quality experiences or people who don’t value you or what you have to offer.

Be forewarned …

… when you live this way, ...

... your light will be so great it will expose shadows - the shadows in the world or people.

You may find some people tell you that you’re too bright ...or

“not all that” ... or resort to any amount of ugly that makes

their “less than” be about you.

Sometimes people resort to this so they don’t have to feel guilty about how they operate and justify bad behavior.

Read that again.

Remember to shine your light brightly …despite the shadows. Despite what others may say or do--- because this never was about them anyway.

Recognize when reactions aren't about you.

Create distance where you need to.

Refuse to shrink.

Make the commitment to CREATE MORE LIGHT.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to recognize if you have been shrinking or hiding yourself.

Who are you and who do you want to be?

What do you need to do for yourself so that instead of shrinking, you shine?

Do it. Every Day. Every Hour.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Upside Leaders Are Designed for More

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:21:48 GMT

When I started to talk about God in leadership, some people took a step back.

How can you tell the difference between the ego speaking or egoic mind and that of Divine wisdom – or a God voice?

When you listen to Divine wisdom…you will notice it’s about the Highest and Best version of who you’re called to be. It's not the territory of the typical "thinking" of the mind.

You also may not believe that you can have whatever is bubbling up as Divine wisdom.

You may encounter doubt and fear. A LOT of it.

You see, your thinking mind is designed to keep you safe. It's collected your own life conditioning plus ancestral archives of experiences: how to not get hurt, how to evade a wild animal, how to stay warm, how to fight, how to hide, how not to burn yourself, etc. etc. All of it wired for security... yet limitation.

What we tend to forget and fail to remember is that we are also given a mind that is capable of imagining and creating... and thus imagining possibility.

What if life just got better and better?

Do you believe you deserve more and more – that you could have it ALL?

Well, that’s what’s possible.

I’ve worked with hundreds and hundreds of clients on their life’s purpose… their Divine mission... and read their charts -- and seen their designs - seen their magnificence and their tremendous potential.

Not one was designed for abject failure.

See, you are hard wired to survive, to succeed, and to grow.

YES. Read that again... you are hard-wired, divinely designed... t succeed.

To expand and to grow.

You are designed for MORE than your current beliefs may allow. So much more can be yours.

Just not by mere chance.

It takes choice, direction, commitment and consistent action, fueled by focus, desire, trust, honesty, forgiveness, and community.

And love.

Always love.

There is specific work to be done, starting with addressing your current mindset and beliefs. Then, and only then, can you start to take the many small action steps.

Otherwise, you're likely to be walking into a walk or in the wrong direction of your greatest and highest version of yourself.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to choose one belief that you recognize is holding you back from following a dream and making it a reality. Interrogate that belief.

Is it designed from a place of avoidance and fear?

Is it helping you BE better and living INTO your POTENTIAL?

If not, discard it, and actively choose a replacement that encourages rather than discourages you.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Are You Running Towards What You Want?

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:14:53 GMT

“Pray to catch the bus, then run as fast as you can." ~ Julia Cameron

Prayer is the divine communication channel to speak directly to God.

While many people wait to pray until they're in dire straits ... (I get it as that used to be me), today I pray about and for EVERYTHING.

My life is literally one continual prayer.

And that doesn’t mean I sit in my office cross-legged ... and wait for opportunities to show up.

Prayer without work(s) is meaningless.

You have to run as fast as you can towards what you want.

Earlier this week I had a conversation with a client who said when I asked everyone at an Upside Retreat to examine where they were lying to themselves...

...she was confronted.

And I get that.

Yet she did that examination, took action, and is reaping the rewards.

Others that were at that retreat ...

... ran towards easy street, avoiding doing the hard work of being really honest with themselves and truly examining why they were stuck, and now are paying the price for their paralysis.

See, this is a journey of truth telling to oneself ...

and honestly assessing if you’re doing your part. or me asking God for something without taking action feels ... not right. As if it's a wish to be granted like in a fairy tale... not to mention asking with an expectation is a tad arrogant.

It’s your job to move past fear, and fully use your gifts, abilities talents and experiences to live out your Divine mission.

Period.

~ If you don't feel capable to do it on your own, get help.

~ If you don’t understand something or need additional skills, go and get them.

~ If you experience doubt, reach out and find a way to dispel it.

Pray.

Ask.

And do the work, running as fast as you can, choosing to become 1% better every day.

Be open to receive success because you’ve done your part and honored what has been given to you.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to look in the mirror.

Are you:

~ Seeing clearly?

~ Willing to look honestly?

~ Examining the places you've been stuck so you can actually figure out how to shift and move forward?

Are you doing your part?

If not, reach out to a trusted person...

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

How to Get Clear on Your Vision and Purpose

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:20:49 GMT

When people come to me wanting to get clear on their purpose and tap into the Divine Operating System, they often have a vision that their life will change overnight, believing access to what has felt elusive will allow them to live the life they’ve always wanted.

Your purpose simply allows you to remember who you are – on a soul level.

When you recognize your true self and the purpose you were divinely made for, you are better able to honor your gifts, abilities, talents, and genius so you move through your life with less strain.

You will attract opportunities that are miraculous.

What most people don’t get is that this new way of being doesn't mean your life will get easy in an instant.

Nor does it mean it comes as one big download with the yellow brick road all laid out neatly for you.

The experience of living "on purpose" deepens layer by layer … and more is revealed over time.

There are ways to shortcut the process by having a guide which is where I come in.

Clarity does not magically remove all doubt or difficulty.

Look, I don’t like to be uncomfortable and neither do any of my clients.

When you do this work, it can be challenging, messy, and sometimes it downright sucks.

When the stakes are high -- it's daunting. If you're at a pivot point or about to take on something huge, the fear of losing what you have worked so hard for is confronting to say the least.

It's the reason most people only take action when the thought of staying where they are is more painful than making a change.

Read that again.

Inspired action always produces better ROI.

See, some people actually think they will somehow be magically transformed into a being that can fly past any struggles.

What I’ve learned is the tests and trials get greater, which is why it takes massive amounts of COURAGE to do this type of leadership work ... and it’s only for the strongest, most incredibly brave Upside Warriors of the Light.

Courageous leaders that are worth following are hard to come by.

And if you're thinking about taking this journey ... let's talk.

Fear doesn't ever go away. If you are a courageous leader, you just get better equipped to deal with it. You grow into a bigger version of yourself.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to take the time to return to your vision and purpose.

Are you on your path?

Are you avoiding a challenge or an important action?

What resources and skills do you need to do what you need to do?

Don't back away. It's important.

The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Checking in With Your What, How, and Who...

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:17:22 GMT

One of the biggest decisions in life is figuring out when to HOLD ON and WHEN TO LET GO of something or someone.

Because I’m committed to IMPROVEMENT and taking INTENTIONAL, PURPOSE-LED action, My formula is designed with those commitments.

Each day I ask myself:

--> What?

--> How?

--> Who?

In answering these, I get more clear on how to improve. And, I take action with that clarity and purpose.

Rinse and Repeat.

~ WHAT commitments and situations get my time?

~☆~ So then, WHAT needs to be changed?

~ I examine HOW I use my time.

~☆~ HOW does what I’m doing need to be changed to get the results I want? How can I be more effective?

~ I examine who are the people with whom I’m investing my time. Are they participants in my journey, integral to getting me where I want to go? And who I want to grow into becoming?

~☆~ WHO has the expertise to guide me so I get the desired outcome I’m looking for? Who is impeding that progress or being a distraction?

In answering the "who questions" I look to understand if the "who" is - me ... or is it someone I'm connected to?

Lately, as we continue the remodeling process for the farmhouse, I’ve been looking at when to hold on to something and when to let go.

I want to keep the history intact and yet many things need to be changed, released, and updated.

Understanding what to keep the same and what to change

has been part of this journey.

Sometimes the questions I ask myself aren’t enough to provide me with all the information needed to make a good decision…which is why I have advisors to help me along the way to see what I can’t see.

With Summit Hills Farm it’s been…

~ A contractor.

~ An interior designer.

~ A plumber.

~ An electrician.

~ A woodworker.

~ A metal worker.

~ A handyman.

And more...

With my business Upside Thinking it’s been…

~ A business coach.

~ A financial mentor.

~ A spiritual advisor.

~ A chief of staff.

~ A digital marketing genius.

Sometimes you’re just TOO CLOSE to see what you need to keep and what you need to let go of on your journey.

it's vital that you don’t go making excuses for experiences and people who are no longer a fit.

When you try to make something work that’s not in your best and Highest good, you get stuck.

Some of the actions you’re taking right now can’t get you what you need and/or the people you’re spending time with just aren’t capable of going where you’re going.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to check in with your What, How, and Who. What actions do you need to take in answer to those three questions?

Have the courage to change something or let go of someone.

What and who do you need?

Get as clear as you can...

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Go shine your light.

Where Are You Still Hiding Out?

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 14:13:25 GMT

A few weeks ago, I was talking to my friend Lisa Hope Austin who asked if I was going to attend the awards ceremony for our mastermind group.

I told her “no” as I had too many deliverables -- and would be attending the workshop the next day, just not the awards ceremony.

Lisa said something that had me stop in my tracks and re-evaluate my decision.

She said, “ Chad and I are going because we love to celebrate other people. “

When she said this, I thought, Whoa. That’s powerful.

Later that day, I took a walk on the farm and reflected on her statement.

I challenged myself to think about whether I was someone who likes to celebrate others.

Do I want other people to win?

And, I thought YES!!! So why would I tell her I’m not going to go?!?

The truth hit me between the eyes, having me realize this is how mediocre shows up and how I can let fear win.

Despite putting myself out there over and over again, I am socially awkward and struggle attending events.

Ad yes, I get that sounds weird as I get paid to speak at events all over the world, and I've hosted my annual Upside Summit 3-day leadership conference for the past 17 years ... oh, and three Upside Retreats each year.

<☆< Some of you have attended the Summit and/or retreats - and from the bottom of my heart, thank you. >☆>

Back to the story...

It takes a lot of energy for me to walk in a room, and what most people don’t get is I’m often in my hotel room having a pep talk with myself ahead of time.

See, I’m not a blazing extrovert… and I struggle with feeling like I’m never doing enough.

As if that wasn't enough to take me out of goign to a social gathering, evening events especially wear me out as I'm often in bed by 9pm.

And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked back after I've opened my mouth in a conversation and thought, “That was a really stupid thing to say.”

Dan Miller , I think that's how we met. Lol.

So, after all this reflection and inspired by Lisa Hope Austin's intentions around going to events, I made the decision I was going to attend .... I realized, it was a way to love on the people in Apex who mean so much to me.

Then, I found out I was nominated for not one - but two awards BY MY PEERS, and I was surprised.

See I’m not the obvious choice for content creator -- or connector in this group of amazing deal makers.

I bring up God a lot in business conversations and don’t own a sports car or Rolex (maybe someday Zac Castillo ) ... and. I live on a farm in Kentucky - without internet. When I have wifi, I share photos of tractors and trees.

What I do have and bring to the table is a LOVE for people, and an ability to see who they are at a Soul level.

I can see the unseen.

When the Holy Spirit brought me to the organization a year and ½ ago, I didn’t understand.

I do now.

Apex is an organization where you can show up and be who you are ... and grow into the best version of YOU.

Ryan Stewman , the founder, takes the journey seriously and is committed to ever evolving just like me.

That's what I appreciate most about being part of the community.

In my body of work, I offer a confidential space for leaders to evolve, do their work, and make a bigger difference on the planet and I have gotten to participate and do mine, with some of the most incredible people I've ever met.

There’s a part II to the story – and I’ll save it for another day.

Today's message is really about challenging yourself to assess ...

1) whether you are someone who really wants others to win and ...

2) where "life" or your own thoughts have shown up to take you out – and you’ve not rallied back.

When you look at your calendar and see where you spend your time, energy and money ... do you selflessly celebrate the people around you and help them be their best? Or do you connect solely hoping to get something in return?

Where are you still hiding out?

It's time to make a commitment to you …

… to the people you’re called to serve …

… a commitment to shine your light a little brighter …

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to make the effort to show up to celebrate someone each day.

How can you let them know you see them and their unique light and celebrate their successes?

In the process, notice how you feel and whether you are shining more (and hiding less).

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Being the Best Version of Who You're Called to Be

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:02:54 GMT

Over the years, I’ve limited who is in my inner circle.

That may sound arrogant, yet it’s been for my own good.

The PEOPLE who you spend the most time with AFFECT your BEHAVIOR, MOOD, and ENERGY level.

When you’re with people who are rude, negative, or dishonest, it takes a toll on how you live your life.

You can't BE THE BEST VERSION OF WHO YOU'RE CALLED TO BE hangin’ around with the uninspired or unkind.

Clear out the clutter from your circle of influence.

And if you can’t completely remove someone, limit your engagement with them.

Make it short.

Don’t waste your precious minutes trying to change them, wishing you could change them, or engaging in their crazy-making.

Most people say they can’t let someone go because it’s their fill-in-the-blank relationship.

What they’re really saying is:

~ What will people think?

~ Will I be alone?

~ Isn’t it my responsibility to take the high road?

I walked away from a relationship with my dad when I was 17.

My DAD.

It was a hard decision, and I did it for me – and the people who I knew were to be in my life today.

God rest his Soul, my father died 8 or 9 years ago.

We never had a conversation after I made that decision walking out of my high school graduation.

When I hugged him, I knew it was final because as much as I loved him, I knew the man he was couldn’t be part of the life I was called to live.

While I’m committed to mercy, justice and protection -- and loving people, it goes for both sides... each person in a dynamic is considered. AND I also believe in TAKING A STAND FOR YOURSELF – and for your mission, purpose, and calling.

You deserve to have an amazing life filled with people who bring happiness into your days,

choosing wisely with whom and how you spend your days.

Do what brings you true joy.

So, BE BRAVE.

Say good-bye to who and what is getting in the way of you being the best version of who you’re called to be.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance now more than ever.

I put this into practice and can tell you, I am soooo grateful for the friends who love and appreciate me as I am. The hard decisions pay big dividends.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to notice who brings you joy and happiness when you share time together.

Notice who does the opposite.

Limit the time with those who bring angst, upset, anger etc., into your precious hours.

Choose to stand for yourself and your well-being.

The world truly needs and wants you at your best...

Are You One of the 30%?

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:56:47 GMT

Are you one of the 30%?!?

Or...

Are you doing the bare minimum?

Shirking your responsibility?

"Quiet Quitting" is the latest work buzz phrase... and it's because it's

a real thing.

Quiet quitters do nothing extra – and actively disengage from their work.

The crazy statistic is that 70% of all workers in the United States are “not engaged” …let alone passionate about their work.

This means only 30% -- or 3 out of 10 -- are doing their work with care, commitment and passion.

What the what?!?

And these numbers have held steady for a decade.

Meaningful work and money can go hand in hand.

To be committed, passionate, and focused on work you love, start with your end in mind. What does that kind of work and life look like to you? How would it feel?

Then, look at your mission, values, and vision.

Joy + wealth doesn’t have to be for “other people.”

To have them does require contribution.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to

be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only

way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet,

keep looking." ~ Steve Jobs

If you’re struggling with this ... and are seeking greater health, happiness, success, and meaning … let’s have a conversation because this requires you increasing your leadership IQ.

Leadership IQ begins with understanding yourself first-- recognizing how you're wired, being aware of your strengths, and having clarity around what inspires and motivates you.

Leadership starts as an "inside job."

What are you waiting for?!? 70% of the population is looking for you... needing you to show up, shine, and turn the tide of disengagement and apathy.

There is work to be done. Good work that can make a positive difference.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to examine with honest evaluation-- if you are doing the bare minimum.

Where do you need to re-engage and find your passion?

If you are having trouble with this-- reach out for a conversation.

Because...

The world needs you and your brilliance now more than ever.

What Are You Choosing in Your Life?

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:24:32 GMT

~ You choose the Chaos in your life.

~ You choose the Stress in your life.

~ You choose the Overwhelm in your life.

And you do it because you get something from it.

Ouch.

Early on in my business, our slogan was "You Are Where You Choose to Be."

Of course, I wasn't and am not talking about the things that aren't under your control... such as war, death, etc, etc. ...

... and, I can’t tell you how many people fought me on this... telling me they didn't choose the ugly things that showed up in their life.

I've learned over and over that wherever you put your energy and effort…that's where you'll see results - or lack thereof.

Your energy, actions, and attitude attract what shows up

whether you like it or not.

I can look back at every messy season and see the choices that got me there.

So, if what you’re currently choosing in your life right now doesn’t truly serve you …

See the steps that may have led you this place...including the steps you didn't take ... take a closer look and choose something different.

Remember, YOU are, and get to be, the author of your life.

You get to choose where you focus your attention.

You get to choose the attitude you hold in your heart and mind.

You get to choose what you do-- and how you do it.

Sounds simple... and while I get simple ain't always easy, in the end, you are where you choose to be.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to see if you are actively "choosing where you are" in your business and life.

Are you unhappy with your choices? Identify where you have been shirking your duty to be the author or your life.

Decide to make your life as beautiful as you can...

CHOOSE ONE ACTION to take every day that is directly focused on making the life you are capable of living...

Notice the results-- internally and externally.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Upside Leadership Requires Courage

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 12:17:25 GMT

The butterfly is only beautiful because the caterpillar is brave

I’ve been feeling a lot this week.

~ Heartache and loss in my life.

~ Listening to friends share the pain they are experiencing.

~ Client conversations filled with grief.

When I start to feel overwhelmed, I remember I am here for a purpose and reason at this time of evolution on the planet.

This understanding allows me to soften and surrender vs. control or cling to "should's."

- How I “should” feel.

- What I "should" be doing.

- How others "should" behave.

Breathing into Divine Right Timing takes me out of striving energy and into the flow of life.

It also removes the unreasonable expectations I can at times place on others.

And myself.

When I'm in this place, my focus is turned inwards and I accept who I am and where I am without judgment.

I pause and ask myself how I can show up differently and how I can be a greater force for good on the planet and do it without engaging in knee-jerk energetic reactions.

It's not claiming energy or surrender energy.

It's resting in the arms of the Divine.

Doing this is an act of COURAGE.

As someone who likes to have a plan and clear direction I'm learning how much being in the "here and now" really matters.

The butterfly is beautiful because the caterpillar is brave.

The caterpillar has no concept of what is to come.

It does its work. It lives the stages of its transformation without guarantees.

It goes through "messy" phases...it goes through what appears to be dormancy, hanging in external stillness while tremendous metamorphosis occurs internally...

...and we would never judge it as wrong or insist that it "should be different."

We accept it for what it is... an amazing creature on the planet.

As we all are.

Capable of the miraculous.

Despite uncertainty.

Despite challenging conditions and situations.

Despite fears and doubts.

Yes. Allowing "what is," allows the emotional and spiritual space for what is to come.

It starts with love. And requires love at each step.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to get into a state of true loving acceptance of how things are, who you are, and how you feel.

Can you be brave in the face of uncertainty?

Can you relax into this moment and its perfection?

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

The "Secret" to Success

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 12:13:19 GMT

Want to guarantee your success?

Well, there is ONE SECRET that gets you closer to the finish line than anything else so you may want to take notes as you read this.

On day one at my Upside Summit, we dive into Pillar #1 and the steps it takes to build an effective written PLAN. And of course, there's a good reason.

If you set a goal, you’re only 10% (Eek!) likely to complete the goal.

For many years the stepfather of a dear college friend of mine was invited to Good Morning America every New Year’s Day to talk about this phenomenon. Turns out...

Once you decide to take action, you’re 25% likely to get to the finish line.

And if you put a time frame around it, you become 40% likely to turn that goal into a reality.

When you map out the PLAN for reaching that goal, you increase your odds to 50%.

And, by telling someone that you’re going to achieve what you want, you are 65% likely to succeed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What I think is even more INCREDIBLE is that when you have REGULAR ACCOUNTABILITY you become 95% (!!!) likely to do what you set out to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is why I have something called Upside Commitment Conversations in my coaching programs that pair with check-in calls and a weekly Success Tracker .

In my own professional development, I could never find a course or program that offered regular accountability and often felt as if I was getting further and further behind with more things added to my long to-do list.

>> I like simplicity and value implementation over education. <<

That’s why today I read less and take action on more.

After analyzing how I utilized my time, I found that trying to read too many books slowed down my ability to put into action what I learned...

... and often had me feeling frustrated and a little panicky.

I intuitively understood, I needed to be less in my head and more in action.

I'd had done a tremendous amount of research, study, and lived experience already.

I’m guessing you’ve learned a lot in your years on the planet.

And, there are things you understand you should be doing that you’re not doing.

When I look at the clients who have been faithful to showing up for weekly accountability, I’ve noticed that they’ve achieved more of what they’ve wanted.

They're clear where they’re going.

They stay focused because they understand they’re going to be held accountable for their progress and my team is going to check in with them.

I’ve been on the cutting-edge of the coaching industry for over a decade.

My leadership programs are backed by research and proven to deliver results and I'm passionate about sharing this information and coaching people to success.

Interested in learning more? DM me. We'll have a conversation about you and where you're headed.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to examine where you aren't in action. Do you have a clear commitment, plan, and accountability?

Boost your odds for success from 10% success to 95%.

Close the gap.

Make it happen.

Whether it's taking the action you understand you need to take or finding a resource of support and accountability.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Where Are You Working on Being 1% Better?

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 20:43:19 GMT

Do you take responsibility for what you say when you speak?

Do you pause before you open your mouth and check your motives ensuring what you have to say is life-giving?

Do you listen to people before you respond without formulating your answer while they're still speaking?

Because these are ways in which the best leaders communicate.

Back when I worked in Federal law enforcement, I began my journey of seeking to be 1% better every day so I worked on how I listened.

Previously, I would be distracted easily and lose focus on the conversation I was having.

My mind would be filled with inane thoughts like,“I have to pick up broccoli on the way home.”

And, I would interrupt people A LOT ... without giving them a chance to finish their thoughts, treating them as if they were wasting my time.

Feeling I could just “speak my mind” often said whatever I felt -- regardless of the cost or how it might be received.

To say I was insensitive back then is being nice and giving me more credit than I deserve.

Today I’m often told I’m a really great listener.

And, it’s taken decades of work to get here.

See most people see the end result and think it must come easily to you.

They don’t see the years of purposeful intention -- practice and effort, AKA "the work".

The Chief Emotional Intelligence Officer of my company is masterful at yoga.

I’d like to be masterful at yoga as well because of the grounding and centering it would give me. Yet to be that masterful takes work.

Years ago I found it easier to quit than to consistently work on something that didn’t come easy to me.

For now, I work on being 1% better, starting with standing in tree pose for 10 seconds (it used to be 1 second...).

I've been building up my ability with daily practice, encouraging self-talk, and the commitment to improve and gain mastery.

Leaders look to what they want to develop, why it makes a difference to do so, and then they create a commitment and take the actions consistent with that commitment.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to identify an area or skill you want to develop.

Be clear as to why it's worth the effort it will require.

Create a commitment and plan of action that aligns with that commitment.

Find a system of accountability to keep you on track.

Be 1% better.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Go shine your light. Maybe try tree pose :-)

Understanding Where to Invest Your Time

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 20:36:21 GMT

The work that takes the most effort... usually takes the longest to see results.

Read that again.

This means you get the least near-term gain with things that take a lot of work.

Yet the benefit of doing them is they also have the highest payout.

Pillar #4 in my 7 Pillars of Leadership Success gives it to you straight... Live Your Priority.

This means you've got to UNDERSTAND where to invest your most precious commodity - YOUR TIME.

Actions that are Important, Not Urgent (thank you, Dr. Stephen Covey, re: Quadrant II) are just that - Important. The important actions are a good investment of your precious time.

And, they often get pushed out of the way by the URGENT or the fires brewing all around you.

When you take time to do what is IMPORTANT like getting in shape, writing articles, managing social media or building relationships ... you'll find that the payoff is gonna be SLOWER than you think it should be.

I speak from experience as there have been more times than I can count over the past 18 years in business... when I thought what I was doing "should" have produced results faster than I expected for all of the energy and effort I put in...

... which is why my invitation is for you is to stay on your course.

Take action.

Be consistent.

Live your highest priority. Invest your time, don't just spend it.

I had 5 conversations last week urging people to be clear about where they're going and see it from a 30,000-foot view... and then commit to doing what is boring and unsexy...

... trusting the payoff will come and it will be BIGGER than if they were to focus on what feels URGENT.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to examine where you have been spending time handling urgent matters and forgetting what your bigger priority is.

Re-focus.

Invest in what's important - the long-term.

Remember, the world needs you and your brilliance.

Commit to Doing Better in 2023

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 20:31:10 GMT

As I look at how to move forward with a new year…I’m tasked with identifying what to do to take action in the here and now.

It sometimes feels hard… which is why I’m grateful for friends who lend a listening ear.

It feels as if no matter how much I wipe the surface of my white board, my old writing shows through.

Leaders face this challenge all the time.

~ How to erase what’s holding them back...

... and how to embrace what will propel them forward without old stories seeping through.

I believe that’s why this time of year is confronting for people.

They’re faced with the dilemma of honestly facing whether they’ve taken action on what they said they wanted last year… and looking at how much energy and effort they put into their commitments... while assessing what's still flippin' gettin' in the way.

Some people run and hide – and then lie to themselves.

Others play the blame game.

Only the courageous take personal responsibility for their shortcomings... with renewed energy to do better moving forward.

To do this, you’ve got to get curious.

Looking at where you’re at in this moment will determine how successful you will be tomorrow.

And, you can’t get to self-regulation without self-awareness so that’s also critical.

You’re born with a certain success set point and tolerance for risk…

... as well as a boatload of behavioral characteristics…

… some which serve you and others that get in the way of your success.

Over time, you can make adjustments or choose to step into old habits.

Blind spots are places we just can’t see on our own.

When I spoke with my friend Carson Porter he said perhaps it's just allowing for a small shift to the left or right, rather than an uncovering.

For me that 1% tilt has made all the difference...

... especially when I look through that lens with humility…

… which precedes personal and professional growth.

You cannot improve where you’re headed unless you improve yourself.

See this as a time to erase what is no longer relevant… put some effort into making sure the old writing on your "white board" doesn't seep through. You are writing a new story.

… look in the mirror…

… and commit to doing better.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to look with humility and love at where you are and where you want to be.

What's the gap?

Commit to closing it by 1%.

What's the first step you need to take?

Take it. If you're hesitating, reach out to a coach or ally.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

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What's Your Vision for 2023?

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 20:57:17 GMT

Q4 is almost over and 2023 is breathing down your neck.

Are you headed off a cliff?

Or are you on the adventure of a lifetime?

Your VISION is what allows you to see clearly in order to answer that question.

It’s the most important concept to having long-lasting success.

It’s the lighthouse that guides and directs you to where you want to go…vs. waking up and landing someplace you were trying to avoid.

Without vision, it’s difficult to make decisions to get where you want to go because you won't have a direction and a focal point to determine if you're still on track or veering from your desired destination.

Yet if you’re buried in work with oodles of stress…

... thinking about all you have on your plate...

… you may think vision is a waste of time...

... as you’ve got more to do than you’ve got time to do it.

Let me assure you it is a necessity...and a clarifier.

A Must-Have.

It does take a moment of removing yourself from the to-do of today.

You need a little space and time for vision and envisioning.

That's what I love about the farm.

It gives me a place to solidify my next steps. The physical space helps me think big, and the rhythm of a rural setting provides less distraction.

I literally mapped out the rest of 2022 - and all of 2023 in one single download.

Thank you, God.

So if you haven’t written down where you want to go by the end of the year… put that pen to paper and do it now.

And if you don't have a farm...find an outdoor space where you can be present and away from your work space.

And then listen.

You’ll thank me for it.

... when everything you SEE comes to BE.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to designate time in your schedule for this important effort.

Find a physical space to spend envisioning...

Where do you want to go?

What do you want to do?

How do you want to get there?

Get clear... VISION.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

Shifting from Fear-Filled to Fearless

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:28:03 GMT

"I’m scared..."

~ “I’m scared to take the leap of faith.”

~ “I’m scared to dream big.”

~ “I’m scared to do what I get is mine to do.”

~ "I'm scared of what people will think."

~ “I’m scared to pick up the phone.”

~ “I’m scared my kids will hate me.”

And the list goes on and on.

I've heard the phrase "I'm scared" thousands of times in coaching sessions...

In other words, “I’m scared I’ll get it wrong or worse,

I’m scared to FAIL.”

When it comes to doing what YOU'RE CALLED TO DO...

what you're MEANT to do, everyone gets the jitters – even gold-medal Olympians.

Yes, even the BEST in their class get nervous.

Several years ago, I was asked to facilitate the annual conference for a community of GLOBAL INFLUENCERS where I was a board member.

After selecting a team, together we created the agenda and mapped out the speaker line-up, choosing experts that were seasoned stage veterans like we were.

Some had built 9-figure businesses.

One speaker had millions of views for her TedX talk and was in the middle of writing a book that became a NY Times Best Seller.

Another speaker had presented at countless Fortune 100 companies.

At the event, EVERY SINGLE speaker got offstage and asked me or someone on my team for feedback on how they did – and if their presentation was "alright", fearing they got it wrong.

I was shocked...and yet, when I think about it, it's not really surprising.

I've done the same thing, questioning my own gifts and abilities.

When you are COMMITTED to your calling, you understand you’ll FEEL THE FEAR and do it anyway.

If fear has been holding you back

~ from a promotion, or

~ crippling you in your business, and/or

~ keeping you from making your mark on the world, ...

... it just may be time to make a change.

One big thing to understand is that excitement and nervousness register very similarly in the body, and sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between the two.

Successful leaders recognize their commitments are more important to listen to than the voices or sensations of fear. They get that nerves are part of the calling.

Rising leaders can re-label fear to be excitement. Allow yourself to envision with excitement and anticipation the possibilities that are waiting to unfold on the other side of an action. Practice being fear-less by being pulled by possibility.

COMMIT to what's yours to do...your Divine mission and purpose.

...because the world needs you.

It needs what you have to say and what you -- and only you -- are called to accomplish.

Commit to shifting from Fear-filled to FEAR-LESS.

Being fear-less doesn’t mean you aren’t SHAKING IN YOUR BOOTS ...when you step into a VISION SO BIG you have NO IDEA how it’s going to happen.

Fearless means you’re willing to MOVE BEYOND what may scare you in order to live out what is uniquely yours to do...

…to fully use your gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences...

… choosing to be seen and heard.

What Fear-less action will you take today?

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to pick ONE action per day this week that you will take in fear-less-ness.

Choose it.

Do it.

Celebrate it.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance, now more than ever.

See Upside.

Be Upside.

Lead Upside.

How Do You Define "Success"?

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 20:24:18 GMT

The topic of “Success” keeps showing up in my conversations lately.

~ What is it?

~ How do I get it?

~ What do I do to keep it?

Earl Nightingale, the great American speaker and author, defined it as "…a PROGRESSIVE REALIZATION of a WORTHY GOAL or IDEAL."

What I love about this definition is that there is no such place as Success-ville, or Success-land.

It’s not a destination by which you arrive once you own “x” - or - do “y”.

Success is moving forward – progressing – on the path of your Divine mission, purpose, and calling.

That’s exactly why when you’re stagnant, it feels crummy.

You were DESTINED for success and that requires steady progression.

My husband and I have a Couples Commitment Conversation several times a week. It's part of our commitment to being 1% better each day... as individuals and for each other.

~ Where have I / we moved forward?

~ How have I / we improved – as individuals and as a couple?

Asking and answering those questions keeps us focused on the progress of our journey towards our goals.

So, how do you know if your end goal is truly “worthy”?

A goal that is worthy to you is dependent on what your vision of success is based on your God-given mission.

How I define success is unique to me. How you define success is unique to you.

And it’s different than how my husband, clients, and many of my friends define it.

As long as I’m moving forward on my journey and towards something worthwhile as it relates to my Divine purpose... I experience success.

For me success is about progress – or "progressive realization" and taking action on the work I'm called to birth at this moment in time.

When you feel off-balance it’s because the INTERNAL BAROMETER is STRONGER than what the EXTERNAL MEASUREMENT shows.

Read that again...

Stay the course. Understand success happens one word - and - action at a time. Keep on moving... so that when you measure externally, you're seeing the needle move towards the goals on your God-given mission.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to review your definition of success while keeping in mind your unique purpose.

Design a simple way to measure your progress. Put that routine of measuring in your calendar.

Refuse stagnation.

The world needs you and your brilliance now more than ever.

Moving Through the Bumps in the Road

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:20:20 GMT

When I made the decision to take a leap of faith -- and at the time make the biggest investment I’d ever made in my business -- my life turned UPSIDE-DOWN.

I was super excited about investing in a business coach who was getting massive results, and before I knew it my excitement turned into terror.

~ Bills I didn’t expect came out of nowhere.

~ One of my star clients decided to tear down everything we had built together to work in her husband's business -- and now wanted out of our contract.

~ And, I tweaked my back and was experiencing pain like I’d never felt before.

(This was before I began studying psychosomatics allowing me to understand messages from the body.)

At the time, it didn’t make sense to me.

Everything seemed to be going so well and now it felt as if my foundation was being rocked to the core.

I was confused, scared, and pretty angry at God at the time.

I had listened to Divine guidance -- and took a HUGE leap of faith…a big risk -- and now I felt as if I was being punished.

I wanted to ask for a refund … but I didn’t.

It’s just not who I am.

Instead, I got on one of my first coaching calls with her in a bit of a mood and dumped my garbage on to my new business coach.

She patiently listened and understood what I was experiencing -- and why.

At the end of our call, she gave me a simple tool – one I still use today -- to move through the bumps in the road.

She also challenged me to take a stand for what I wanted most… reminding me that I had gotten to where I was with my current internal hard-wiring...

… so now that I was making changes, my subconscious wanted no part of my bold moves. It wanted to keep me safe.

In order for me to go to where I wanted to go, I needed to expand my growth edges.

This was creating an internal battle with the part of me that wanted to be safe, secure, and small (or at least prevent me from growing bigger).

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen clients create breakdowns that stop their progress so they stay where they are.

Do they do it consciously?

No.

And, at the time neither did I.

When you make the decision to have a new relationship with your business, wealth, and what you ultimately want…you may have things go sideways.

This is precisely the time to surround yourself with people who will remind you of who you are – and what you said you want.

It’s not a time to run and hide - or - retreat; it’s a time to reach out and get coached.

It’s time to double down on your commitment so that you get STRONGER in order to expand and succeed.

I get that now more than ever.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to:

1) to notice what might be going sideways in your life.

2) Commit to double down on growing in that area even if it's uncomfortable. In fact-- if it isn't uncomfortable... you're not likely at a growth edge. Keep going...until you find it.

3) Connect daily with people who lift you up or inspire you.

4) Reach out to a coach to get tools for the bumpy road and to design some accountability structures.

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

The Process of Getting Unstuck

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 20:16:25 GMT

When you aren’t willing to fully examine…

~ what you believe,

~ the size of your comfort zone,

~ and the operational effectiveness of your processes and systems...

… you stay stuck.

There is a hard cost to choosing to stay stuck.

~ Physically

~ Emotionally

~ Intellectually

~ Spiritually

~ Financially

~ Relationally

~ And to the health of your career or business.

Moving forward requires change.

And, change is uncomfortable for most people, especially when it requires letting go of what was.

It's important to remember that it's not usually external waves that cause your boat to sink...

... rather it's the SMALL HOLE INSIDE your BOAT that YOU'VE BEEN IGNORING.

A little reflection goes a long way, along with conversations with someone you trust.

~ What have you been ignoring or putting off?

~ What haven't you been willing to look at?

Ignoring or delaying doesn't typically help because that small hole may be getting bigger...

The longer you delay really looking at things, the sense of overwhelm grows too-- much like the feeling that the boat is filling up with water. Pretty soon you may be swimming inside your proverbial boat.

What is the process for getting unstuck?

It starts with a commitment to make a clear-eyed assessment of where you are. This requires both courage and vulnerability. The costs for staying stuck are high.

Be willing to see where you might be off course without judgement. Remember, judgment and discernment are different. One is constructive, the other is destructive.

Next focus on what you want. What's the desired outcome?

Use your imagination to build the bridge in the gap between where you are and also from the goal "end"). What do you need to do? Who do you need to be?

If you can create it in your mind, you can create it in the world. While it may look different as you build and take each step... you'll be moving forward...

Find the courage to take the first step.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to LOOK at where you are stuck and have been ignoring or delaying.

Examine the situation with a neutral eye from multiple angles. What is your desired and designed outcome?

CHOOSE the first step.

Have the courage to take that ACTION step.

If you need support or resources... reach out.

The world needs you and your brilliance.

Leadership is About Living the Life You Want

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 20:11:57 GMT

Boundaries are a feel-good buzzword... and I’m not a fan of them.

I hear people say you must build boundaries to “protect” you.

Yet, the way I see it, when you are strong in leadership, you don’t need protection "from" others.

As a leader, you and your work are allowing others to follow you, so it wouldn't make sense to keep them away.

If by "boundaries" you are talking about instances of saying “yes” to commitments you clearly knew you shouldn’t take on, that situation is more about understanding how to increase your inner resolve and focus as a leader than setting a boundary to keep others out.

Too often, people fail to say “no” or speak their truth because they don’t like confrontation, or they don't want to disappoint anyone. Saying "no" isn't really a "boundary." It's a decision based on your values, commitments and needs.

By valuing others more than you value yourself, you will always take on more than you can handle.

Living this way allows fear to be the greatest driver… and it ultimately runs your day -- and you.

If you can’t lead yourself, how can you possibly lead others?

I’m honest with myself when I just can’t imagine adding one more thing to an already full plate.

I say “no” to things I want to do...

... with heapings of love and compassion for myself...

... understanding I may disappoint someone I care deeply about...

... and this choice may have consequences.

Yet, to say YES would create more harm than good.

Many of the leaders I've met believe that if they want it bad enough, they will be able to do what it takes to make “x” happen.

This is a lie – and a misinterpretation of how things work. Believing it's all up to you and your desire is actually arrogance, not a strength.

You will go bankrupt by spending emotional energy – (let alone physical action) - saying "Yes" to others' needs or walking on eggshells choosing to navigate challenging relational dynamics by not speaking up.

Your compassion for others ultimately decreases because there is less of you...

You will start losing your patience with people.

And, you may lose sight of your Divine purpose.

You’ll be too exhausted and out of balance to take action

When your life is out of control...level up your self-control, not your boundaries.

Leadership is about living the life you were designed divinely to live...

Anything else is a waste of your God-given gifts, abilities, talents, and experiences.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to be 100% intentional about your every "yes" and "no."

Notice how you become more operationally effective when you choose consciously and conscientiously.

The world NEEDS YOU and YOUR BRILLIANCE.

Employing the Power of the Pause

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 21:40:06 GMT

In the past, when I would start to feel overwhelmed it often led to me feeling powerless and then stepping into unhealthy behaviors.

See years ago, I was a bit like a Ferrari - I could go from 0 – 62 miles per hour of RAGE in less than 2.9 seconds, burning up the road and runnin' over everyone I met with both my words and tone.

When everything started feeling too busy… not necessarily because of an overpacked schedule in a day, rather just the long list of things running through my head, even small decisions like what to eat seemed monumental.

After an unhealthy experience with burnout, I figured out I didn’t have to do it all.

I began asking for help BEFORE there was a problem.

When I did this, my business ran smoothly -- and life got easier.

That’s why I take time to pause throughout the day and assess what's not working and what is.

How do I do this?

~ I walk.

~ I notice.

~ I breathe.

Rather, I practice breathing.

Now I get that may sound strange... as breathing is a natural function to stay alive.

Exactly.

Breathing/breathwork keeps you present and in your whole body rather than in your head.

When you're in the moment, you're more able to resist the voice that says, “You can’t slow down" - or - "You don’t have the time to go for a walk.”

Living on the farm has increased my personal awareness... and taught me how to better "see" and assess with my whole body.

When I listen from this place...I find it easier to say “no” to requests for my time that don’t get me closer to what I want.

And when I slow down and pause, I have more time, not less, to do what I love.

The best leaders get this kind of listening. They see the bigger picture and recognize that rather than pushing and working harder, that pausing to listen and see more clearly will give them invaluable perspective.

It's often in the moments of pause that the biggest insights happen.

It's in the moments of pause that we make our best decisions.

It's in the moments of pause that we refresh ourselves and become renewed to move forward.

The power of the pause saves energy, time, and money.

Where do you need to slow down and employ the power of the pause?

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to practice the power of the pause. When you are stressing and grinding away at your to-do list. STOP. Breathe. Assess.

Take next indicated action.

Rinse.

Repeat.

Notice the quality of your experience and how it changes when you employ the power of the pause.

Remember the world needs you and your brilliance.

Improving Where You're Headed in the New Year

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 21:18:38 GMT

As I look at how to move forward with a new year around the corner, I’m tasked with identifying what to do to take action in the here and now.

It feels hard and messy which is why I’m grateful for friends who lend a listening ear.

It seems that no matter how much I wipe the surface of my white board…

… my old writing shows through.

Leaders face this challenge all the time: How to erase what’s holding them back and determine and fully embrace what will propel them forward. How can they keep their "old stories" from seeping through and undermining their efforts.

That’s why this time of year is confronting for people.

They’re faced with the dilemma of honestly facing whether they’ve taken action on what they said they wanted at the beginning of the year.

They're looking at how much energy and effort they put into their commitments while assessing what’s still flippin’ getting in the way.

Some people run and hide and lie to themselves.

Others play the blame game.

Only the courageous take personal responsibility for their shortcomings and meet it with determination and renewed energy to do better moving forward.

To do this, you’ve got to get curious.

Looking at where you are in this moment will determine how successful you will be tomorrow. Why?

Because you can’t get to self-regulation without self-awareness, so the examination is critical.

You’re born with and have been conditioned to have a certain success set point and tolerance for risk as well as a boatload of behavioral characteristics,

some which serve you and others that get in the way of your success.

Over time, you can choose to make adjustments or lapse into old habits. Choosing empowers you because you are intentional (rather than unconscious) about the decision. You own the choice and its outcome.

It may be that an old habit serves and is correct to continue. Or, you may recognize the old habit as a comfortable default that is neither correct nor serving you. Your first step is the commitment to change it even if you don't know how.

Blind spots are places we just can’t see on our own.

When I talked to my friend Carson Porter a few weeks ago, he said perhaps after commitment, that the next step is just allowing for a small shift to the left or right.

For me that 1% tilt has made all the difference when I look through that lens with humility… as humility precedes all personal and professional growth.

You cannot improve where you’re headed unless you improve yourself.

This is a time to erase what is no longer relevant…

… to look in the mirror…to shed what was... in order to become the newest iteration of yourself.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to commit to doing and being 1% better.

1) Identify an area of focus

2) Assess/See "where" you are

3) Commit to moving the needle

4) Set a goal: specific, measurable, attainable, and relevant to this area of improvement

5) Track your progress...

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Upside Leaders Find the Best in Others

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 21:11:07 GMT

Life advice from my Uber driver…

People are nice everywhere on the planet.

You just have to be willing to open your eyes and see it.

Then he shared a story about woman who was lost and stranded in a Kenyan jungle… and how she told the people who found her that the animals had cared for her.

At the end of the story, he said, ...."Even animals didn't eat her"....

He went on to talk about how the media only shows you bad news…and the best thing you can do is to travel and see all the good for yourself.

I agree.

When I’ve traveled all around …

~ Argentina

~ Chile

~ Peru

~ Czech Republic

~ Italy

~ Spain

~ Colombia

~ Ethiopia

~ Uruguay

~ Costa Rica

... and, many other countries… I have found the same truth.

People are nice everywhere on the planet.

You just have to be willing to open your eyes, actively look for it, and see it.

That's what the best leaders do... and they understand that as each country and culture has its own unique language that is both the same and different as another, each company and each individual in that company, does as well.

The best leaders work to find AND create common ground.

Start with seeing the kindness and shared humanity.

Add identifying their best to build a great team with a range of skills and foster a respect and desire for effective communication.

This may mean that in your culture, be it family, business, or community... many "languages" are spoken.

The best leaders find the best in others and build a work culture around people - respecting and appreciating how their differences bring unique skills and gifts to the team. Then together, aligned in the common values and effort of creating a successful and profitable company, everyone wins.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to ask yourself: What does being nice look like in your life?

How can you be a leader who fosters a top-notch culture and inspires these qualities and behaviors?

Because The World Needs You and Your Brilliance.

I'm Thankful Our Paths Have Crossed...

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 00:39:33 GMT

You are part of what I often refer to as my Upside family, a community of Upside Thinkers destined to change the world through courageous, vulnerable leadership.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life -- and for reading my weekly messages.

Our path may have crossed for dozens of reasons, and yet the road we travel together is the same.

This message is different than my regular weekly Upside Thought sentiment as I take a look back at where I've been, reflecting on my life and the paths I've traveled.

If a social scientist would have made bets about my life based on the hardship I faced in my childhood, …

… they would have calculated low odds for what I’ve achieved and the success I’ve experienced.

I've asked myself in quiet examination, "How has all that I have accomplished been possible?"

The answer is simple.

While I have taken action, I’ve also been blessed by the GENEROSITY of others…

… generosity in the wisdom they've shared,

… generosity because of the courageous actions they’ve taken,

… generosity in the forgiveness they’ve extended when I've failed or made mistakes,

… generosity of their time when they didn’t really have much available,

… generosity in their trust in me and who I am, and

… generosity of their love and kindness -- for no reason at all.

YOU that have led me to where I am standing today.

Take the time to examine the relationships in your life and the impact they have had on you.

Today is the perfect day to express how you feel with a brief phone call, text or note.

As for me, I am sharing what’s on my heart with you -- and have time set aside for additional quiet reflection.

Nothing happens by chance.

You are someone that has been placed in my life for a reason.

And, I am grateful for the gift of you.

May all you have given be returned to you 100-fold.

The Effects of Waiting for "Someday"

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 00:07:47 GMT

There are always demands for your time and attention.

Some people unconsciously seek distractions to get them off course.

I understand this as it used to be me.

There was always a reason to put my health and well-being - whether it was:

~ physical

~ emotional

~ intellectual

~ spiritual

~ financial

~ relational, or

~ work creativity...

... off until later.

Until someday…

~ When the circumstances were “better” or more optimal.

~ When I had more time.

~ When I was in a better place.

The problem is that "someday" never came.

~ There was no ideal time or place when I had time to make myself a priority.

~ There was no perfect situation where all the demands of life including family, and work responsibilities got easier.

In fact, as the years went by, it seemed more kept piling on.

How could I invest in myself when there was so much fill-in-the-blank to be done?!?

To do the leadership work required to live a successful, meaningful and happy life takes massive amounts of courage. Because interestingly enough, it's less courageous to just work really hard by keeping yourself busy with the things that are smaller value items in terms of impact.

Where leadership qualities really grow is in doing the stuff that may not show up in your resume. However, this behind-the-scenes work is an investment that will return more than you can measure. When you take this personal trek... it benefits your family, your partner, your loved ones, your friends, your coworkers, and your colleagues.

To be the best for those you love means you understand you've got to grow, evolve, and improve yourself first. You must make incremental improvements in each category of wellness, by investing time and energy. What you put into developing yourself will grow exponentially... Because what happens is that...

Your dedication will increase your wisdom, awareness, and consciousness along the way.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to pick one of the seven areas of well-being (listed above).

Focus on improving that area every day and add the action into your daily calendar.

Keep track of your improvement in that area and whether it affects the others...

Don't wait for someday.

Because the world needs you and your brilliance.

Now more than ever.

Understanding What You Truly Want

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 00:03:27 GMT

Creating a life you want should be EASY …yet most people get caught up with the BUSYNESS of life, failing to IDENTIFY what they REALLY WANT.

Studies show the # of people who live a life they truly want is actually very SMALL. (I think that's crazy!)

See, most people fill-in-the-blanks with what they BELIEVE THEY CAN HAVE.

To live the kind of life where you get what you TRULY SEEK down to your CORE, you’ve got to 100% understand WHAT YOU WANT and WHY.

Instead, most people have a “dream life” list that's about having lots of stuff...

... and not what they want at a Soul level.

When you have CLARITY at a cellular level... you don’t get distracted by bright shiny objects.

You make choices around WHAT MATTERS MOST at all times.

You focus on the journey vs. the final destination, and... you enjoy what you’re doing every moment of every day, amidst the challenges.

There are no “failures” ... just opportunities to learn how to do something differently.

Humans are hard-wired 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.

In order to get this level of clarity, your life has to have SPACIOUSNESS.

If you’re hustling right now... it may seem crazy to be told to take your foot off the gas.

Yet, I promise the earth will still spin... and the people around you will still function.

Giving yourself the GIFT of TIME AWAY will leave you REJUVENATED...

... and make you a BETTER friend, parent, spouse, employee, leader, and overall human.

And when you’re away, you can write down what you want with deeper clarity.

That’s what time on the farm has given me.

For most of my life, I’ve made taking time off a priority... because I’M a PRIORITY in MY LIFE.

And being on the farm has given me a whole new level of what matters most.

Be clear about who you are, what you want, and why it matters.

It’s the only way to get to a life you really love.

One you want...at a Soul level.

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to create spaciousness in your calendar.

Schedule time for getting clear on what truly matters most to you. Make this action your priority.

Watch the ripple effect. Take note in all the ways it has an impact.

Go shine your light.

Upside Thinking Articles

The Leadership Discipline Few Are Willing to Practice

Where Leadership Actually Lives

Are You Giving God Room to Move in Your Leadership?

The Unseen Impact of The Work You’re Called To Do

When Was the Last Time You Stopped to Hear God?

The Freedom That Comes When You Release the Plan

How Presence Becomes Power in Leadership

The Vision You Shelved Is Calling You Back

Is Your Life Reflecting Who You Were Created to Be?

Leadership Doesn’t Bend You

What If You Believed The Best?

The Quiet Ways Life Speaks

Don’t Wait for Permission to Do What Works

When Staying Liked Costs Your Soul

The Joy of Living Your Divine Mission

Where Focus Goes, Expansion Flows

Holding It All Together Isn’t the Goal

Start the Year With a Clean Board

Where You Sit Determines How You Lead

Your Presence Is the Gift the World Needs

Leading From A Deeper Place

Finding the Compass Back Home

Are You Still Looking for Something Greater?

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

What Comfort Steals from Leaders

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

The Unexpected Key to Leading Well

What You’re Meant to Do Won’t Let You Go

Trusting the Timing You Didn’t Choose

Your Next Breakthrough Won’t Come From Standing Still

Why Protecting Your Life Force Isn’t Selfish

The Seeds You Plant Are Never Wasted

Where Is Your Time Taking You?

When Strength is Quiet

The Lie of Productivity and the Truth About Peace

Growing Up Around Chaos Taught Me ﻿This One Thing

The Strength in Slowing Down

ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to pause and realign before your next move.

You’re Not Here By Accident

What Every Wise Leader Has That Others Don’t

Your Body Knows It’s Time for A Change

The One Leadership Trait You Can’t Skip

Choosing Purpose Over What’s Cool

When Money Costs Too Much

What 20 Years Taught Me About Leadership

The Slow Drift of Resistance

Is This Who You Want to Be a Year From Now?

A Divine Invitation Hidden In The Silence

Take a Leap of Faith

What Would It Look Like to Choose Differently Today?

Find Your Strength: Embrace Life's ﻿Biggest Challenges

The One Leadership Investment That Pays Dividends

Healing The Past to Lead from My Whole Self

Focus on Leadership for the Greatest ROI

Your Purpose Doesn’t Come With An Expiration Date

The Cost of Complication in Leadership

Are You Ready to Lead with Clarity?

Step Away from the Noise to Gain Clarity

Are You Settling or Stretching?

The Step Most People Miss on the Path to Success

When Was the Last Time You Pressed Pause?

Success Starts with the Right People

Breaking Free from Self-Doubt

Overcome Doubt and Turn Challenges Into Growth

The Hidden Cost of Comfort in Leadership

The Distractions Keeping You from Your Best Self

Are You In Integrity With Yourself?

You Have the Strength to Move Mountains

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Are You Walking Around with a Blindfold On?

Taking the Leap of Faith

Move Forward Without Delay

From Bills to Brilliance

Are You Getting A God-Nudge for More?

Why Most Leaders Get Stuck ﻿(And How to Break Free)

Make Bold Decisions That Drive Success

Could Taking a Step Back Be the Key to Moving Forward?

There's a Divine plan at work in your life, one that’s bigger and more beautiful than you can ever imagine.

Unspoken Qualities that Create Partnership through Leadership

Growing Up Around Chaos Taught Me This One Thing

Find Your Strength: Embrace Life's Biggest Challenges

Why Most Leaders Get Stuck (And How to Break Free)