As Thanksgiving approaches, our minds often turn to gratitude—a powerful practice that reminds us to acknowledge the good in our lives. But what if we took it one step further? What if we not only expressed our thanks but fully savored the moments, experiences and victories that make life rich?

Savoring is the deliberate act of lingering in the positive, allowing yourself to truly experience and enjoy life’s moments. In leadership and life, this practice isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a performance strategy. By savoring, we tap into reserves of optimism, boost our mental health, and cultivate the resilience we need to thrive, especially in high-stakes environments.

This past week afforded me two exceptional workplace opportunities to savor. First, I was invited to return to Toronto Metropolitan University for the ten-year anniversary of the Sport Media program that was a collaborative effort between The School of Communication and the Department of Athletics. Seeing those familiar faces and hearing about all of the success of the program and its students was a true joy. It caused me to reflect on those early days of imagining and planning. I was fortunate to be on the advisory panel that helped shape this new exciting program, create a state-of-the-art studio in Maple Leaf Gardens and even teach classes early on. Just two days later, I attended the season-ending banquet with the soccer team I’ve been consulting with through 2024. Watching the highlights and seeing those young athletes walk up with pride to accept awards for their efforts, warmed my heart.

The Science of Savoring: A Pathway to Hope

Savoring isn’t just a nice idea; it’s deeply rooted in neuroscience and psychology. When we savor an experience, whether it’s a delicious meal, a heartfelt conversation, or a professional accomplishment, our brains release dopamine—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter.

Dopamine plays a pivotal role in creating a sense of pleasure, but it does more than that. It enhances motivation, reinforces positive behaviors, and builds pathways in the brain associated with hope and optimism. Research from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley highlights that savoring not only increases happiness but also creates a feedback loop that makes us more resilient in the face of challenges.

Hope and optimism, fueled by the act of savoring, are essential for high performance. A study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who actively savor moments reported higher levels of hope and a stronger belief in their ability to overcome obstacles. This belief is a cornerstone of effective leadership—leaders who inspire hope create teams that are more engaged, innovative and productive.

Practicing Savoring as a Leader

In the fast-paced world of leadership, savoring often feels like a luxury. Deadlines, metrics and responsibilities can push us to constantly look ahead rather than pause to appreciate the journey. Yet, as leaders, we set the tone for our teams. When we model savoring, we encourage our teams to do the same, fostering an environment of positivity and resilience.

1. Celebrate Wins—Big and Small

Instead of rushing past achievements, take a moment to reflect on them. Share the story of what made a success possible, and let your team feel the weight of their contribution. When was the last time you created an award and gathered to hand it out? Thanksgiving could be a perfect time to consider recounting the year’s highlights.

2. Build Reflection Into Your Routine

Organizations like Google and Zappos understand the value of reflection and savoring. Zappos, for instance, encourages employees to celebrate “wow moments” in their workday, fostering a culture of appreciation and positivity. Leaders can emulate this by setting aside time for personal and team reflection during regular meetings by asking a simple question, “What went well this week, and why?” Even a small practice like this can spark moments of savoring.

3. Use Visual Anchors

Keep reminders of meaningful moments visible. Whether it’s a photo, a thank-you note, or an award, these anchors help you revisit the feelings tied to your achievements. For leaders, displaying symbols of team success can serve as a daily reminder to appreciate the journey. As an Athletic Director, I kept the tallest wall in our atrium for a 20-foot high banner of our top student athlete from the previous year.

Savoring at Work: Lessons from the Best

Patagonia, for example, encourages employees to take time outdoors to enjoy nature—a practice that aligns with their mission and values while fostering well-being.

Similarly, HubSpot’s employees are encouraged to recognize each other’s contributions through “Cheers for Peers,” a system that not only acknowledges achievements but also allows employees to savor the act of being appreciated.

These companies understand that savoring is not just about happiness—it’s about creating a foundation for sustained performance. When employees feel valued and optimistic, they are more likely to innovate, collaborate and persevere.

Thanksgiving: A Perfect Time to Savor

The Thanksgiving table is more than a place to eat; it’s a place to connect, reflect and savor. This year, consider leading your family, team or friends in moments of savoring. 

How to Savor This Thanksgiving:

1. Reflect on a Highlight: Ask everyone to share one moment from the year they’re most grateful for and why it mattered.
2. Engage Your Senses: Truly experience the meal—the taste, smell and texture of the food. Let it remind you of the care and effort that went into its preparation.
3. Relive a Memory: Take a moment to tell a story that brings back a positive memory. Encourage others to do the same.

The ROI of Savoring

The return on investment for savoring is significant. By engaging in this practice, leaders cultivate a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. This shift not only boosts personal well-being but also enhances team dynamics and organizational culture.

So, this Thanksgiving, let’s commit to savoring. Let’s linger in the good, celebrate the present, and create a legacy of hope and optimism that drives high performance. After all, great leaders don’t just achieve—they savor.

Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with moments worth savoring and the promise of an optimistic and hopeful future.

Happy Thanksgiving!