As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed by the pressure to create elaborate meals that impress. Especially if we spend any time on social media, where perfection is the order of the day. But sometimes, the simplest dishes can bring the most joy. One of my go-to recipes, which I’m often asked to bring to gatherings, is deviled eggs. This delightful dish requires only four ingredients: eggs, mayo, mustard, and paprika. It’s a crowd-pleaser that reminds us that great flavors don’t have to be complicated.
This Thanksgiving, let’s embrace the beauty of simplicity. Instead of stressing over extravagant recipes, consider focusing on the essence of the holiday: gratitude and connection. Gratitude is simply a sense of thankfulness for what others have done. The trick is it requires us to look outside ourselves. And that brings us to connection. To finding common ground, creating links, and forming relationships with others. Gratitude and connection – two simple ingredients with profound impact.
Think about your own favorite simple recipes. What dish do you love that brings warmth to your table without a long list of ingredients? This year, challenge yourself to create a meal that showcases the flavors of the season without all the fuss. Simplifying our celebrations allows us to spend more time reflecting on what truly matters—sharing moments of thankfulness with family and team members.
In the spirit of gratitude, take a moment to express your appreciation to those around you. More than just family and friends, be sure to include the folks you work with, both in-person and over virtual platforms. It can be a simple text message, a phone call or even a warm hug. Strengthening bonds with one another is so important – remember we are sharper together.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let’s make this holiday about savoring time with loved ones, sharing gratitude, and enjoying the deliciousness of simplicity. Happy Thanksgiving!
Stay Sharp,
Holly Hayes, President & Founder
ISI Consulting
I have a friend whose car has been sideswiped in parking lots twice in the last three years. Twice! Neither time did the other driver leave their contact or insurance information. But that’s another story. Each time, there was a long, unsightly dent along the entire side of the car. Fortunately, she has auto insurance, so deciding to fix the ugly gash wasn’t a difficult decision. Call the insurance company, get an estimate, schedule the repair, wait around for parts to arrive, pay the deductible, and fix the problem. Fuming fiercely about thoughtless drivers was optional.
But her car drama got me to thinking about the dents we all face. Fixing big dents – problems – in your work is almost always an easy choice. Fix them. They’re unsightly, damage your reputation, and generally make the rest of the project more difficult. If you want to be known for your skill and professionalism, you do what it takes to make things right. Just like fixing that big dent in the car.
But fixing a little dent can be quite another matter. You know, those dings you get when a rock tossed up by a truck tire hits your hood, or when the kids let the grocery cart bump into the tailgate little too hard. You don’t have to fix them. After all, most vehicles have a few little blemishes, and nobody notices. But gather up too many of them, and the car starts to look raggedy. Beat up. Something we’re not too happy to be driving.
Or…maybe we decide that we’re just fine driving a car with a few dents. It’s dependable. There’s no car payment. The kids are still young enough to spill juice boxes and snack crackers on a regular basis, and who wants muddy soccer cleats on pristine upholstery? And by now, we all know you can buy that new car smell in a spray can. Above all, it gets us where we need to go, and we’re not trying to impress the neighbors. We’re happy with some dents and dings.
Fixing those little dents in our work often means we have a deep commitment to quality. We want to consistently deliver our best efforts. I know that taking care of the little things often ensures the big ones take care of themselves. On the other hand, living with dents is a way to focus on what really matters, not just on what can be fixed. Are we willing to live with some imperfections to ensure every voice is heard? Are we working on early stages of a project that is bound to improve over time? Is this something where “good enough is good enough” or are we striving for perfection when it’s not necessary?
It’s the little dents that will make us ponder. But there’s nothing wrong with that.
Stay Sharp,
Holly Hayes, President & Founder
ISI Consulting
