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In farming, and in life in general, so much is out of our control. We can’t control input costs, or commodity prices, or big policies, or the weather…sometimes it’s hard not to feel a little bit helpless.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.
I hear people talk about “taking control,” whether that control is of their business, their emotions, or their teenager (good luck with that one!).
It seems like everyone is thinking that there are two options. We are either in control or out of control. I’m always a little suspicious of either/or situations, and I like to think about third options and not let my thinking get boxed in.
So… what if in addition to “I’m in control” and “I’m not in control” there was a third option that said “I’m not in control of what’s going to happen, and also I am in control over planning and preparing for some possible futures”?
What if, when we can’t control something in the moment, we said things like these:
“I can’t control the weather, and also I can make sure I have the right insurances for a range of weather damage, have all my paperwork up to date and accessible, have my home and farm ready for bad weather, and monitor predictions carefully.” (I suggest you follow Pam Knox, the meteorologist for UGA Extension.)
“I can’t control what will happen to my parent’s health, and also I can make sure I know their doctor’s name and contact information, that they have signed a release so I can talk to the doctor, and that I have a list of all the medications they take.”
“I can’t control interest rates, and also I can talk through some ‘what if’s’ with my banker—what happens to my budget if rates go up? If they stay flat? If they go down?”
You get the idea. We can’t control events, but we can be ready for possibilities.
As you look down the road to the future, what are some possibilities that you see? Changes in technologies, changes in markets, changes in your town or family? How can you get ready for some of these possible changes?
If you can have a couple of plans of action, you are no longer “not in control.” You’re living in the third option, in the and also space, where you can take a breath.
Taking a breath is key to thriving.