Be Prepared #9: Lessons from Thanksgiving

Last week, I enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my family. Since most of our family members were out of town, we decided to skip the usual home-cooked meal and chose a restaurant near my parents’ house. It was a fantastic spot with breathtaking views of NYC—a perfect choice for the occasion.

As always, we prepared for the experience:

  • We reviewed the menu beforehand and decided what we’d order.
  • We checked traffic to ensure we’d arrive on time.
  • We even made sure to get there 15 minutes early, as requested.

But despite all that preparation, I overlooked one key detail: parking.

When we arrived, we discovered the restaurant offered valet parking—for a fee. We opted to find a self-parking facility instead to save a little money and get some steps in. After following the signs, we ended up paying the same fee for parking, but with added inconvenience. To top it off, we didn’t know the quickest route from the parking lot to the restaurant.

The lesson? Being prepared is important, but being totally prepared is vital.

In hindsight, I should have anticipated the parking situation and decided on the valet option ahead of time. While we did get our steps in, having a clear plan for parking would have been more efficient and less stressful.

Preparation isn’t just about ticking off a checklist—it’s about thinking through the full experience and anticipating potential challenges.

💡 What’s one area where better preparation has made a difference for you? Share your story!

#JustBeBetter

#StayHealthy, StayStrong,

#IOwnTheMorning

#BePrepared


Force the Future #5 – Have Difficult Conversations

Sometimes, to get the future you want, you have to tell others what they do not want to hear. These discussions can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but the temporary discomfort is far less than the long-term regret that comes from not getting the future you want. Do not walk away from the difficult conversation. Prepare for them and remain clear on what you wish to communicate, even when the other person reacts emotionally to the information they receive.

# Force the Future

# Just Be Better

# Stay Strong, Stay Healthy