The first year was intimidating. The second year was practice. The third year was all about delivery. On November 19, 2016 I hosted my 3^rd Annual Friendsgiving event in Seattle, WA. For those of you who haven’t participated in or heard of Friendsgiving, it’s a way to celebrate all that you are thankful for AND indulge in the tasty traditions of Thanksgiving – the twist is that you are doing all of this with your closest friends before it is officially celebrated with your family.

Year after year, the guest list has hovered in the range of 20 people, but tends to grow slightly as our networks continue to expand. During my first year of planning, hosting seemed like a breeze, however it all quickly sunk in that rainy fall morning in 2013 – I was responsible for the fun of 19 other people. Not to mention that I was responsible for cooking a turkey that isn’t underdone, overdone, or bland. In my best voice of sarcasm, I’ll rhetorically ask, “No pressure, right?”

What I have learned over the years from hosting Friendsgiving is that a successful outcome is not dependent on perfect execution throughout each phase of preparation. Success is about having a vision, being okay with deviations to your plan, leveraging the help of those who are willing to lend a hand, and ultimately accomplishing your goal. As a first timer hosting this event, I put an exorbitant amount of pressure on myself when in reality I had resources (friends) who were eager to assist, if needed. After all, it is called Friendsgiving.

I challenge us all to remember this as we come to work Monday through Friday. We aren’t single handedly responsible for our Team’s success, but collectively we can move mountains. Maintain your vision, be okay with change, and whatever you do… remember that we are here to win as a Team!

Oh yeah, before I forget – my turkey is never bland.

-JO