Why Thanksgiving is like a performance review

I’m stuffed. I hope you are too.

Every year we advance this marvelous tradition that turkeys protest (in my imagination they do at least).

It’s a beautiful thing. We gather. We eat. We account for all the things we are thankful for over the past year.

It’s like another American tradition.

The performance review.

Once a year employees everywhere advance the marvelously corporate tradition of the machine.

They gather. They eat (sometimes a company sponsored meal is provided). They account for all they accomplished over the past year.

Here’s the problem with both.

A one day accounting for a years worth of good. Three hundred and sixty four other days of stress over what we don’t have, or stress over what we haven’t done.

Here’s a solution. Be thankful everyday. Account for your growth and accomplishments everyday.

See how far you’ve come, look at all you have and day-to-day will feel a little less burdensome.

If every day I remembered to be thankful that I’m still cancer free, for my parents and family and partner and friends and home, It would put my day into perspective.

If everyday I took a minute to reflect on all I accomplished professionally or personally against my goals, I could sleep sound.

Let’s challenge ourselves. Out with a one day thanks and reflection ritual and in with an everyday thanksgiving and performance review.

Keep moving forward.