The Fastest, Easiest, and Cheapest Way to Improve Your Life: The Power of The Upgrade Process Options Mindset, Part 1

January 2025
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Get the best seats in the sky and on the ground — by being informed and having an “options mindset.”

When I walk into a restaurant, I often stride right past the maître d’ if I can — not making eye contact, as if I know exactly where I’m going.

Why? Because I want to get the lay of the land before I’m offered a table. I want to know my options, so I can match them with my desires, according to my baseline, i.e., the mood I’m in or the occasion at hand.

For example:

  • What kinds of table options are potentially available? Small/large tables, high/low-top, booths, etc.
  • What kinds of location options are potentially available? Window, proximity to bathroom, bar, fireplace, more privacy, outdoors / indoors, chef’s counter, nooks or alcoves, cozy, semi-private areas, etc.
  • What kinds of seat options are potentially available? (You already know I like comfy ones!) Hard wooden chairs vs. cushy seats/sofa seating are often available in lounges or more upscale dining areas.

Each seating option can offer a different dining experience, from intimate and private to social and interactive. The choice of seating can also affect the ambiance, interactions with others, and how I experience the meal and my companion/s.

Here’s the deal: Time is precious and I’m not about to let someone else decide exactly how I will spend it if I can help it. Getting the most bang for your buck is smart.

You scout the place because The Upgrade Mindset isn’t just for the skies; it’s for every aspect of your life, including where you dine.

Being aware of my options, before someone decides for me, is key. The more you know, the more you can ask for. Information is power.

This only happens if you follow The Upgrade Process and Mindset.

Worst Case: If I can’t make it past the front desk and I’m led straight to a table that doesn’t suit me, especially if the place is half empty, I’ll ask, “What other options are available?” Politely inquire about the availability of a better seat.

The Upgrade Mindset
Applied to Booking Flights

Let’s tie this into travel:

  • What kinds of trip-type options are there?
  • What kinds of ticket origination options are there?
  • What kinds of class options are there?
    • Same Class/Mixed Class
      • If one flight segment is more important, like a night flight, consider upgrading that one while downgrading the less critical day leg. We call this “horses for courses” — a great way to get what you need while getting the most bang for your buck.

The Upgrade Process & Mindset Applied to Life

Before making any decisions to implement, explore your options, based on how you prioritize your desires, according to your baseline.

This isn’t just about dining or flying; it’s about life. Most folks take what’s handed to them. They sit where the maître d’ plops them, or they book whatever their travel agent suggests, or just follow their usual default thinking. But you, you’re different. You ask, “What are my options?”

So here’s the deal: Change your process, your mindset, and you’ll find yourself up front not just on the plane, but in life, getting the most bang for your buck while others are content with whatever life tosses their way by default — instead of enjoying the best possible outcome.

Welcome to The Upgrade Process and Mindset, where every choice is an opportunity to live like you mean it.

See you there.

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