by Carie Moore
If you were asked, “How would you define if you are successful or not?” what would your answer be?
Your current job or business, years of education, family, followers on social media, possessions, money, your public profile? The list, although the same for many, is so vast and probably more than a single thing.
No matter what we claim our success to be rooted in, it’s more than likely achieved as a measurement against someone or something else.
Why?
I used to compare my self to other women, mothers, farmers, friends, volunteers, and frankly it’s exhausting. I don’t “need” approval from anyone, but many others do. What I realized and hopefully you will too, is this: We are different. Resources, talents, experience, or lifestyles will never make us “equal” to anyone else.
Some farms have access to different equipment. Some people are leaders and some followers. Some are new at their jobs and others are seasoned. Some of us are married and some are single parents, and on it goes. All of these differences are what make organizations, families, work environments, friendship circles, and board rooms unique, different, and productive.
Having women and young people on a commodity or community board brings innovation, ideas, and a mix of knowledge levels. Organizations with levels of volunteers that can fundraise, and others who can decorate, along with those who can assign committees, and don’t forget those who can only show up at specific events and help that night, are all what contribute to success. People who sign up and show up for a few things and not everything, are still an asset.
Celebrate your successes, all of them. Big AND small. Did you not eat that whole monster cookie? Yeah you! Did you refrain from Cyber Monday over-shopping? Way to go! Did you clean out the barn in 15 minutes less time so now you can put in another load of laundry? Thata girl! Did you get a good review even though you didn’t get a full promotion? Keep up the good work gal! Did your kids hug you and say they love you even though they’re 16 and know everything? You did it, momma! Maybe it’s been a hard year, but you got out of bed every morning and made it through another day! Chin up, I believe in you! Some days my biggest successes mean nothing to anyone else, like making it around the corner with an articulated tractor, applicator, fertilizer tank, and anhydrous tank. It’s about balance!
Compare you to YOU. Always try to be better than you were. Your only competition is in the mirror. Every day we all do something amazing; we just don’t always give ourselves credit for it.
Carie Moore is married and has four children. She is a full-time farmer.