#2 Why We Accept What We’re Told: A Lesson from Canadian Thanksgiving

This past weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada. Like the American version, it’s a time for family, friends, and a big feast. The main difference? There’s less focus on football and shopping. But when someone asked me, “Why is Thanksgiving on a different day in Canada?” I realized I had no idea. I felt uncomfortable. I’d just accepted it as a tradition—something we do every year without question.

This made me realize how often we go through life accepting things without really thinking about them. We follow traditions, believe what we’re told, and rarely dive deeper. Why? Because it’s hard to question everything. It’s easier to say, “That’s just how it is” or “We’ve always done it this way.”

Holidays are a great example. How many of us truly understand the origins of federal holidays in Canada or the U.S.? Probably not many. We just follow along because it’s normal.

The same thing happens in our professional lives. As a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, think about all the training content and educational material you’re exposed to—there’s too much to process everything. You can’t possibly dissect it all.

But here’s the thing: while it’s important to trust and move forward, sometimes it’s worth pausing and asking, “Why?” Understanding the reason behind something can unlock insights you never expected. Or, it might just satisfy your curiosity—and that’s a good enough reason, too.

The takeaway? Learn to think critically. Know when it’s worth digging deeper. Some answers could lead to greater understanding than you ever imagined.

 

P.S. The main reason Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October is that the harvest ends earlier. Simple enough, eh?

 

By: Isaac Lewis, October 2024