Three Word Podcast

Lisa Thal

Create Sales Meetings in Minutes! A simple Strategy to Engage, Inspire, and Empower Your Team using three word topics.

  1. OCT 21

    Episode 280, Turn Stress into a Strategy!

    Episode 280: This episode is about turning Uncertainty and Stress into a competitive advantage. When the numbers aren't there and a key client goes dark, how do you lead? This episode tackles the immense stress of uncertainty head-on, drawing from the work of psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer. Discover how to reframe uncertainty not as a threat, but as an opportunity to activate your highest level of performance and strategic thinking. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why uncertainty is the natural state and not the source of your stress. How to shift from reactive autopilot to a strategic, mindful response. A simple technique to ground yourself in the present when pressure mounts. How to use "Maybe Thinking" to break free from worst-case scenarios and see new pathways. The "Controllable Variables Scan" to focus your energy and restore your sense of agency. A guided 60-second practice to immediately apply these powerful tools. One actionable experiment to transform your approach to challenges this week. Episode Timestamps: [00:00] The High-Stakes Scenario: Navigating quarter-end pressure. [00:45] Introduction: Flipping the script on stress and uncertainty. [01:15] Technique 1: "Notice Five New Things" to break out of autopilot. [02:05] Technique 2: "Maybe Thinking" to reframe catastrophic thoughts. [02:48] Technique 3: The "Controllable Variables Scan" to focus on what you can influence now. [03:30] Guided Practice: A 60-second exercise to integrate all three techniques. [04:35] Your Weekly Experiment: One small step to take when you feel stressed by an unknown. [04:55] Closing & Call to Action. Actionable Takeaways: Ground Yourself: The next time you feel a wave of stress, stop and actively notice five new things in your environment. This pulls you out of a reactive loop and into the present moment. Challenge Assumptions: When your mind defaults to a negative outcome (e.g., "We're going to lose this account"), counter it with at least two "maybe" statements (e.g., "Maybe they are reviewing our proposal," "Maybe this is a chance to add more value"). Focus on Control: In any uncertain situation, identify the single next action that is 100% within your control. Execute on that one thing to regain momentum and a sense of agency. Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisathal/ http://threewordmeetings.com http://threewordpodcast   Subscribe and share this episode with a colleague who is ready to excel under pressure. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

    8 min
  2. OCT 7

    Episode 279, Redefining Success: Why We're Measuring Life All Wrong

    Episode 279, Redefining Success: Why We're Measuring Life All Wrong What if the life you're chasing—the promotions, the bigger house, the perfect online image—is a life that almost no one actually wants? We've all been running a race, but today we explore a powerful idea that suggests we've been measuring our lives all wrong. Episode Summary In this episode, Lisa Thal challenges conventional definitions of success by introducing the work of Dr. Todd Rose. We explore his research on "collective illusions," where we conform to ideas we think everyone else believes, even when we privately disagree. This leads to the biggest illusion of all: success. Dr. Rose's Success Index reveals that most Americans privately value relationships, integrity, community engagement, and personal growth far more than status or money. Lisa shares her own powerful story of redefining success, stepping away from a 38-year career to care for her mother with dementia and spend more time with her wife, Olivia. She traded status for significance. To help you find your own definition of a good life, Lisa provides a simple five-step playbook to align your actions with your values. Episode Outline [00:00-02:00] Introduction: Are You Chasing the Wrong Finish Line? [02:01-05:00] Who is Dr. Todd Rose? Understanding Collective Illusions [05:01-08:00] What is the Success Index? [08:01-12:00] Key Findings: What We Truly Value [12:01-15:00] Lisa's Story: Trading Status for Significance [15:01-20:00] A 5-Step Playbook to Redefine Your Success [20:01-22:00] This Week's Challenge & Wrap-Up Your 5-Step Playbook for a More Fulfilling Life Personal Metrics Audit: Observe what you currently use to measure a "good day." Weekly Success Scorecard: Define 3-5 new metrics based on what truly matters to you (e.g., family time, learning, acts of kindness). Social Comparison Detox: Unfollow sources that make you feel like you're falling behind. Run Micro-Experiments: Dedicate small amounts of time to a passion project or volunteer work. The Alignment Check: Monthly, review your calendar and bank statement to see if your spending aligns with your values. This Week's Challenge What is one metric of success you are ready to drop, and what is one new, value-based metric you are prepared to adopt? Mentions & Resources Dr. Todd Rose Collective Illusions Success Index Love this episode? Follow or subscribe to The Three Word Podcast, leave a rating, and share it with a friend who could benefit from this message.   Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisathal/ http://threewordmeetings.com http://threewordpodcast

    9 min
  3. SEP 9

    Episode 277 Is Your Mind Set?

    Episode 277 is about the one thing standing between you and achieving your goals. Your Mind Set!   The only thing standing between you and your goal is you. I is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it. What I will share is how you can begin to change the narrative of the conversation going on in your mind—Your vision, along with action.  You can change where you are and who you want to be.   The standard you set, keeping in mind that you're competing against yourself, not others. You're on a journey, and it's a process of pursuing.   The question to think about today is, Is Your Mind Set? And what is it set on? Your mind set is one of the most crucial elements of success in any field: creating a winning mindset. It's not about luck. It's about how you think, how you approach challenges, and the internal narrative you're having every single day. So, what does it truly take to build a mindset that wins?    So, what exactly is a "winning mindset"? It's the mental foundation that allows you to see opportunity where others see obstacles. It's the engine that drives you forward, even when the path is difficult.   Let's break it down into four key elements.   Self-belief. The absolute foundation of a winning mindset. It's you against you, not others. You have to believe in your ability to succeed. Think about any great athlete or innovator. Before anyone else believed in them, they believed in themselves. It's about a quiet, steady confidence in your capabilities.   A practical way to build this is to celebrate your small wins. Did you finish a challenging task at work? A knowledge of it. Did you stick to your workout plan? Give yourself credit. Each small victory builds evidence that you are capable, strengthening your belief over time.   Resilience. Life will knock you down. You will face setbacks, failures, and criticism. That's a guarantee. A winning mindset isn't about avoiding failure; it's about bouncing back from it, stronger and wiser. Think of it like a muscle. Every time you face a challenge and push through, your resilience grows. Something I learned from Warren Buffett is that the more you learn, the more you earn.  Be open to learning along the way.    Clear goal-setting. A winner knows where they are going. Vague hopes, such as "I want to be successful," are not enough. A winning mindset requires vision with specific and actionable goals. You need a destination to aim for.   What is something you want to pursue? Better health, better relationships,  a better life.   Try the SMART goal framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of "I want to get in shape," a winning goal is "I will run a 5k in three months by training three times a week." This clarity gives you a roadmap and turns a distant dream into a series of manageable steps.   Positive habits. Your daily actions shape your mindset. Winners build routines that support their goals. They don't rely on motivation alone, because motivation can fade. They rely on discipline and habits. Have the courage to take action.   Consider the habit of a positive morning routine. Instead of grabbing your phone and scrolling through social media, what if you spent the first 15 minutes meditating, journaling, or planning your day? This slight shift can set a positive and productive tone for everything that follows. S art small. Pick one habit you want to build—like reading for 10 minutes a day or writing down three things you're grateful for—and stick with it. Consistency is what solidifies a winning mindset.   Let's recap the four pillars: build unshakable self-belief by celebrating your wins. Develop resilience by learning from your setbacks. Set clear, specific goals to give yourself direction. A d cultivate positive habits that support your journey.   The power to change your life resides in your mind. The story you tell yourself becomes your reality.   So, here is your call to action. I encourage you to take one step today—just one. Pick one of the elements we talked about. Write down one clear, specific goal for this week. Maybe it's taking five minutes to list three past accomplishments you're proud of to build that self-belief. Don't wait for the "perfect" moment. The moment is now. Start building your winning mindset today, and watch how your world begins to change.     Until next time. If someone can benefit from this episode, do me a favor and share it.     Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisathal/ http://threewordmeetings.com http://threewordpodcast

    8 min
  4. AUG 19

    Episode 276, Unlock Your Potential!

    Episode 276: Is there something you have wanted to improve in your life or business? This episode explores how to unlock your potential.   Let's start with this question. What's the one thing in your life that you're striving to improve? Whether it's your health, finances, relationships, or business, I'm here to help you take the next step. So, what's your game plan for unlocking your Potential?     We all have the best intentions to improve. You don't have to do it alone. Are you open to some direction or coaching to help you get there faster?   This week, we're exploring Unlocking Your Potential and the powerful benefits of gaining another perspective to help you uncover your next level. It's a journey that promises fresh insights and exciting opportunities.   Let me share a personal example: I love golf. I am a 10-handicap, and my goal is to be an 8. I came to realize that to get there, I need another perspective to analyze the opportunities to unlock my Potential.   So, I went to Golf Tech and met with Jeff. Jeff measured various aspects of my swing to provide me with valuable insights for improvement. Key insights I couldn't see, such as body motion sensors, Club movement when hitting the ball, including ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and club path. All these insights that I wouldn't be able to see.   He also observed the shifting of my body through the swing to identify areas for improvement. He observed my swing speed and tempo to identify areas for improvement. The 3D Swing analysis captures all the data points to help me refine my game.   Once we have all the data, it's time to implement it. This is one of the most complicated steps. For me, I had to make a few changes in my game—a new way of shifting my body and changing my swing path to maximize every shot.   The journey of practicing the new swing began, I must admit, it felt awkward and unnatural. ( and sore from using different muscles). But I was determined. It takes time to learn and implement something new, as it is so easy to retreat to what is comfortable. My advice is to keep pushing and practicing the new pathway, even when it doesn't feel perfect. Remember, persistence and progress are key.   I remember playing golf that week after my first lesson. Implementing what Jeff had coached me to do. It wasn't pretty for many shots, and I wanted to go back to the old swing I knew. However, I kept working through the misses and, on occasion, would see the results from his recommendations.   Can you relate? You start to implement something new, and you don't get the immediate results, so you go back to what you know. The real opportunity lies in working through the misses or shortfalls and staying the course.   Another opportunity, once you get another's perspective, is to practice what you learned. As you do, you start to create a new pattern of learning and success. After my lesson, I would go and practice this new swing to anchor it in my body. I was trying to create new muscle memory.   Here's your chance to take charge. Identify one area of your life you want to improve or get to the next level. If you're in sales and want to improve your new business, what would you have to learn to do this? Can you ask your manager for insights on their views of who you're targeting or what your approach is when asking for that first meeting? Can you put the found knowledge into practice every day so you too create a new muscle memory of setting effective meetings?   Or do you need someone to look at what you're currently doing to gain another perspective? Hire a coach to identify your opportunities and help you achieve your goals. In many cases, we all have the data; we need another to help guide us to our next level.   Here are three key benefits of hiring a coach to help you achieve your goals: Clarity and Focus: A coach helps you define your goals with precision and creates a clear roadmap to achieve them. They guide you to prioritize what truly matters and stay focused on your objectives. Accountability and Motivation: Coaches keep you on track by holding you accountable. They provide consistent encouragement and feedback, ensuring you stay motivated even when challenges arise. Personalized Strategies and Growth: A coach tailors their approach to your unique strengths, weaknesses, and circumstances. They provide insights, tools, and strategies that accelerate your progress while fostering personal and professional growth.   I am encouraging you to take the first step. Identify what you want, and gain another's perspective by hiring a coach who has expertise in that area. Then apply what you learn, even when it feels unnatural. The real growth is on the other side.   If I can help, please feel free to private message me for any personal or business coaching needs. I will leave the golf advice to Jeff. Well, I am off to practice my new swing.   Until next time, thanks for joining me this week. If someone can benefit from this episode, do me a favor and share it.     Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisathal/ http://threewordmeetings.com http://threewordpodcast

    7 min
  5. AUG 5

    Episode 275: Become a Doer!

    Episode 275: Learn how to stop talking and start doing what you need to do to accomplish your goals and dreams.  Become a Doer!   You will learn three practical tips to get you moving in the right direction.    We all know someone who spends more time talking about their ambitions than actually pursuing them. Maybe that someone is you. You have big plans, great intentions, incredible dreams, and big goals, but the first step feels so intimidating that you stay stuck in the planning—or worse, the talking—stage.     Here's the truth: taking action is what separates dreamers or talkers from those who do, the Doers. Ideas alone don't change lives; action does. If you're ready to stop talking about what you want to accomplish and start making it happen, here are three practical tips to get you moving in the right direction.     1. Start Small, But Start Now   The vision of a complete goal can be overwhelming. Whether you want to write a book, start a podcast, launch a business, or run your first marathon, the weight of everything that needs to happen can cause you to hesitate before starting. Start small, but start now.     Picture this: someone who dreams of running a marathon might spend weeks researching the perfect shoes, the best training plan. But someone serious about running gets up, laces any pair of sneakers they own, and runs for five minutes today. That's the difference.     What's one small action you can take right now? It could be as simple as making a phone call to a potential client, starting a wellness plan, or dedicating 10 minutes every day doing something that brings you closer to your dreams. Action creates momentum. 2. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable   Taking action often brings on some level of anxiety. You might be scared, inexperienced, or unsure if you're doing it right. That discomfort can stop you in your tracks if you don't learn to embrace it.     Think of a baby learning to walk. They fall, stumble, and wobble—but they keep moving. They don't analyze their technique or wait until they've watched 10 tutorial videos on walking mechanics. They try, fall, and improve. They make progress, and so can you.    You'll probably feel uncomfortable as you start moving toward your dreams, and that's okay. No one has all the answers when they begin. By acting despite the uncertainty, you'll gain confidence and skills over time. Some of the best lessons come from trying and figuring things out as you go.   3. Keep Your Goals to Yourself It's tempting to announce your ambitions to everyone. Telling people you're going to start a podcast, create better health, or change careers gives you an instant dopamine hit of approval—and that approval can sometimes rewire your brain into feeling like you've already accomplished the goal.   Instead, keep your plans to yourself and share them only with those who can support you, with energy to make progress, not just promises.     Do the work when no one else is watching. When you say less and do more, your actions will speak volumes over time. For example, imagine quietly working on your fitness goals and shocking everyone six months later by showing up stronger, faster, and healthier. That feeling?       I encourage you to write down your goals, keep them private, and focus your intention and attention on progress. Don't worry about impressing others with your plans; impress yourself by sticking with the process.     Dreams without action are just wishes. It's not enough to dream about writing a book, creating your podcast, launching a business, or running a marathon. You must take consistent steps toward achieving those aspirations. It will change how you see yourself. Change the phrase Seeing is Believing to Believing is seeing! You believe in what you're doing!   If you have found yourself in the "someday" phase, today is the day to break free. Start small, push through the discomfort, and focus on doing, not just dreaming. The future you're imagining is waiting—and it starts with the step you take today.       If someone can benefit from this, please share it with them.     Until Next time, take the steps to becoming a Doer!     Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisathal/ http://threewordmeetings.com http://threewordpodcast   Three Word Meeting Book - Buy Here!

    8 min
  6. JUL 22

    Epidode 274, Stepping Beyond your Comfort Zone: Lessons from Buddy the Dog!

    Episode 274 is about stepping beyond your boundaries and comfort zone.  Real growth starts with one step.   Today's podcast is about the lesson I learned while helping a neighbor who had hip surgery and needed some support walking her two-year-old, energetic pup, Buddy. I will share three actionable tips to encourage you to take the first step!   Stepping Beyond Your Comfort Zone. It's a journey we've all embarked on at some point. Whether you're a seasoned sales professional or an ambitious individual striving for success, Buddy's moment of growth is a powerful metaphor for growth and success. We often find ourselves confined within familiar routines, within a comfort zone that feels secure and predictable. But these boundaries, while providing a sense of security, can also hinder us from seizing opportunities and achieving greater success.   Here are three actionable tips to help you take that first step toward breaking your boundaries: 1. Recognize Your Comfort Zone The first step in leaving your comfort zone is recognizing it. It's like turning on a light in a dark room-suddenly, you can see the patterns or routines that feel "safe" but are holding you back from truly excelling. For example, are you sticking to the same sales script because you're scared of trying a different approach? Ask yourself, "What am I avoiding because it feels uncomfortable?" This awareness is the foundation of progress and a powerful tool on your journey to personal growth. It's a moment of enlightenment that empowers you to take control of your growth. 2. Start With Small Risks Stepping outside your comfort zone doesn't mean making a giant leap all at once. Much like Buddy taking cautious steps into unfamiliar territory, you can start with small, manageable risks. If cold calling intimidates you, start by reaching out to just one new prospect each day. If networking events feel overwhelming, aim to introduce yourself to two new people per event. These small steps, when taken consistently, build confidence and momentum. They're like stepping stones, each one bringing you closer to your goals and further from your comfort zone. They reassure you that you're capable of more than you think. For instance, if you're a sales professional, you could start by making a call to a potential client you've been hesitant to approach, or if you're a team member, you could volunteer to lead a small project that's outside your usual responsibilities. 3. Seek Support and Encourage Yourself Sometimes, overcoming fear requires a helping hand. Just as I picked Buddy up to cross into uncharted terrain, you, too, may need support to face unfamiliar challenges. It could be a mentor guiding you through a tough decision, a colleague brainstorming creative solutions, or even reading motivational stories of those who have walked a similar path. Remember, you're not alone in this journey.   Most importantly, become your own cheerleader—remind yourself why taking this step matters. Self-encouragement is a powerful tool in your journey of personal growth. It's essential to acknowledge your progress, no matter how small, and to remind yourself of the potential rewards that come from stepping outside your comfort zone. It's a source of self-assurance and confidence that you can rely on.   Stepping outside your boundaries doesn't guarantee immediate success, but it brings new experiences, perspectives, and possibilities — progress that staying stagnant cannot achieve. Buddy didn't discover a whole new world overnight, but with every step and nudge, he explored something he had never seen or smelled before. Likewise, your first steps might feel vulnerable, but they are the pathway to growth. Remember, the potential rewards that come from stepping outside your comfort zone are worth the initial discomfort.   Take a moment to reflect today. What's one step you can take to move closer to your own goals? Whether it's reaching out to a new client that has been on your list, calling a difficult client, or stepping into a leadership role, remember that every great success begins with one courageous step outside the comfort zone. Today is the perfect time to take yours.   If someone can benefit from this, please share it with them.     Until Next time, eager to hear about your journey of stepping outside your comfort zone and the growth you've experienced.   Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisathal/ http://threewordmeetings.com http://threewordpodcast

    8 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Create Sales Meetings in Minutes! A simple Strategy to Engage, Inspire, and Empower Your Team using three word topics.