This Thanksgiving, I experienced something new: I cooked my very first turkey! I know, I know—hard to believe, right? You're thinking, Come on Tracey, you've gone to war, traveled the globe, been on TV with your four dogs and cat, walked where Jesus walked, and you've never cooked a turkey? That is correct! For as long as I can remember, my mother—our family's own Martha Stewart—held the honor. When she immigrated to heaven, that sacred duty passed to my sister, Candy.
This year, however, Candy had minor surgery the day before Thanksgiving, and it was my turn to step up to the plate. They say crises are opportunities for new leaders to emerge. If Candy hadn't needed to pass the baton (or turkey leg, in this case), I might never have discovered my inner turkey chef.
Lesson #1: Out of a Crisis Steps a Leader.
Sometimes, leadership isn't about being the most qualified—it's about being willing to say, "Yes, I'll do it."
Once I realized the culinary presentation of the year was mine, I knew it would be built on one thing: the best ingredients. While picking up organ meat for my pups several weeks ago at the market, I saw a sign: "Reserve Your Thanksgiving Turkey." Knowing the quality of this butcher's offerings, I reserved a 20-pound bird, lovingly raised and ready to shine.
Lesson #2: The Best Presentations Start Long Before the Event.
The same principle applies to speeches, projects, or any big moment: choose the finest ingredients—whether people, ideas, or resources—and invest in them. Greatness doesn't come from a free butterball; it's crafted with intention.
Next came the planning phase. I turned to the internet to learn how to defrost the turkey properly, employing a skill honed during my project management days: reverse engineering. Start with the goal—T-Day—and work your way back, step by step, hour by hour.
Lesson #3: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.
Whether it's a Thanksgiving dinner or a keynote presentation, success is baked into the preparation.
Armed with determination, I scoured the web for recipes. I wasn't about to try anything too wild—no brining or deep-frying. I needed a recipe with a reasonable expectation of success and all five-star reviews. I found the perfect one on The Pioneer Woman website.
Lesson #4: Follow the Charlie "Tremendous" Jones SIB KISS Principle: See It Big, Keep It Simple.
For a first attempt at anything, stick with the basics. Success often comes from mastering the fundamentals, not over-complicating the process.
Once I found the recipe, I followed it to a tremendous "T."
Lesson #5: Find a Plan and Work It.
As Tremendous always said, "Nothing works… unless you work it." The greats don't "wing" it; they follow a structure, a process, a plan and make it work.
And did it ever work! I'll admit I was intimidated at first. But like anything in life, tremendous things happen when duty calls. You step up, select the finest ingredients, prepare so you get it right, and execute.
As if that wasn't enough, my husband, Mike, introduced a new Thanksgiving tradition: charcuterie turkeys! One was a picture of perfection, while the other… well, let's say it looked like Mr. Potato Head. When I asked him why they were so different, he quipped, "One is your family; the other is mine." I'll let you guess which is which!
So here's to stepping up, planning well, and enjoying the fruits (or birds!) of your labor. I hope your Thanksgiving was as tremendous as ours, filled with laughter, learning, and a feast worth remembering.
What lessons has life—or a turkey—taught you lately? 😊
