The 3 Ups

A simple mindset tool to help you stay in control when life changes gear.

In a world that won’t stop changing, here’s the brutal truth:
If you fight change, you lose.
If you embrace it, you win.

So how do you learn to lean in?

Start with this:

Change isn’t a process. It’s a decision.
The decision is this: What am I willing to let go of to make space for something new?

Progress often looks like adding more.
But real change? It starts with removing something that’s in the way.

So you’ve made the decision.

What now?

You don’t need a guru.
You don’t need another course.
You need a simple mental operating system.

Something you can turn to when you’re stuck.
Something that fits in your pocket.
No app. No login. No excuses.

I call it the 3 Ups:

OWN UP. WISE UP. STEP UP.

I’ve used this every day for the past 15 years.
I didn’t invent it. I noticed it—over 25 years filming extraordinary people through my camera lens. These 3 steps kept showing up.

And now I use them to get unstuck fast.

If my wheels are spinning, it always comes down to one of three things:

• I’m angry

• I’m confused

• I’m scared

Here’s how the 3 Ups help me reset in the moment:

1. OWN UP

When I’m angry—at the system, my boss, or just feeling let down…

That’s a signal I’m giving my power away.

Accountability isn’t punishment—it’s power.
So I stop blaming others for where I am,
and start taking responsibility for where I’m going.
That’s how I take my power back.

 

2. WISE UP

When I’m confused—unclear what to do next…

That’s a signal I’m stuck in old thinking.

Adaptability is the new job security.
So I stop waiting to be taught,
and start learning, unlearning, and relearning.
That’s how I stay sharp—whatever comes next.

 

3. STEP UP

When I’m scared—worried I’ll fail, be judged, or come up short…

That’s a signal I’m letting fear run the show.

Change isn’t Everest.
I don’t need a heroic leap.
I need a daily dose of mild discomfort.
That’s how I build the confidence to do things I never thought I could.

 

Important:

The order matters.

• I can’t wise up until I own up that this is on me.

• I can’t step up until I wise up that no one is coming to save me.

   

Does it sound too simple?

Don’t be fooled.
That’s its power.

You don’t need:
🦁 The courage of a lion
🧘 The wisdom of Buddha
🏎️ The confidence of a Formula 1 driver

You need:
🧍 A bit of spine
🧠 A willing mind
🧪 A daily dose of mild discomfort

That’s how you stay in control.
Stay valuable.
And stay in the game.

The 3 Ups is something every 16-year-old should know—but most 60-year-olds have never been taught. Use it in your office. Use it at home. Once everyone knows it, you’ve got a shared code—a simple, powerful way to say: “This is how we do things around here.” Now, when change gets sticky or stalled, you’ve got a common language to talk it through and get back on track.

P.S. This works best using your thumb, pointer, and middle finger as a silent gesture. But always start with your thumb.

Why?

Try starting with your middle finger…
I’ll wait.

See? Not ideal for team meetings. Or family dinners. Or literally anywhere outside a rock concert.

Stick with the thumb. It’s safer for workplace harmony.

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Fyi... I am writing a new book on this so this is a great way to stay updated on it's release