On this 254th episode of my Monday Morning Pep Talk, I will dive deep into a metaphor that I've used over the years to describe the power of patience through process. Today, I will ask you to "Think Like a Farmer", adopting the qualities of a profession that requires an enormous amount of experience, patience and faith knowing that "if you plant in the spring, you'll be able to harvest in the fall".
Before I jump into today's call, I want to remind you of my professional purpose and that is to help you, the full service, full fee Advisor, optimize your productivity and help you become the best version of yourself. Why? "Because Happy Advisors Sell More Real Estate". I do that by teaching you how to handle the challenges and opportunities that you face every day. If you can effectively manage those certain situations that arise on a daily basis in your business, you'll be more productive and live a life that is the best version of you. My ask is that you listen as if you are in a one-on-one coaching session with me in my office or on a phone call.
If you've listened to my podcast episodes, you probably know that I grew up in small town America. If not, I'll back up. Yes, I did grow up in the heartland, in a midsized town of 35,000 named Kearney, Nebraska. It's called the "Midway City" because it's 1,733 miles to Boston and 1,733 miles to San Francisco but it's also right in the middle of the agricultural center of the United States. The farming community runs deep in my DNA as my grandparents were dairy farmers in SE Colorado and most of my friends from college came from farm families. It's a tough, committed and proud community of people who have learned from generations of experience that "planting in the spring and harvesting in the fall" requires a process of patience with a massive dose of faith that in October every year, they'll have a crop that will sustain their financial needs for that next year. For those of us in the real estate brokerage space, think of the land as our business and the seeds as the opportunities we create with and for our clients. With that personal anecdote, I bring you this session on thinking like a farmer.
Farmers Trust the Process
Farmers know the power of trusting the process. Every spring, they plant their seeds and put in the work, confident that it’ll lead to a successful harvest. They manage the challenges, stay committed, and when fall comes, they reap the rewards. It’s all about discipline and consistency, knowing that when you put in the effort, results follow.
Farmers are Patient
Farmers understand the value of patience. They know that growth doesn’t happen overnight. They trust the process, knowing that every seed has its timeline. Instead of getting frustrated, they stay focused and committed, giving things time to unfold. Farmers know that checking on progress too often can mess up the process - so they stick to their plan, trust their steps, and let results come in due time. It’s about taking action, maintaining faith, and avoiding shortcuts.
Farmers Don’t Look for Shortcuts
Farmers know shortcuts don’t work. They’re all about consistent action—watering, fertilizing, and protecting their fields. They understand that if they neglect these steps, they won’t see results. Their success comes from showing up every day, managing the details, and sticking to the plan. They know that by taking care of each step, they set themselves up for a great harvest.
Farmers Choose the Right Seeds
Successful farmers start with the right seeds. They’re strategic, choosing seeds that match their land’s conditions for the best chance of success. They know that preparation is key - understanding the environment and making choices that align with it. This is how they set up the conditions for growth and results.
Farmers Are Prepared for Every Season
Farmers understand the ups and downs - they know there will be good seasons and tough ones. They’re prepared for both. Instead of being caught off guard, they plan for the future, storing resources during abundant times to manage the lean ones. This mindset lets them adapt, adjust, and thrive no matter what conditions they face. Preparation is their key to long-term success.
Farming is More than a Career to Farmers
For farmers, it’s more than a job. It’s a calling, a lifestyle, and a commitment to a greater purpose. Many farm because it’s in their blood - a family tradition, a passion, or a drive to create something meaningful. They know the challenges, but they choose this life because of the deep satisfaction it brings. Farming isn’t just about earning; it’s about contributing and living with purpose.
Farmers are Grateful
Farmers have gratitude in everything they do. They value the land, knowing it’s both their partner and provider. No matter the challenges, they stay thankful for the opportunity to work the earth and create. For them, each harvest is a reminder of their commitment and a symbol of the connection they have with the land. It’s gratitude that keeps them coming back, season after season.
In a way, I wrote those 7 characteristics of a farmer to remind myself of my heritage and upbringing, but I wanted to share it with you. Since it is October, I know my farmer buddies back in Nebraska are most likely in their combines as we speak. This time of year always reminds me of the power of patience through process. Farmers have learned over generations that to be successful, they have to do things in a certain way consistently over a long period of time with a heavy dose of hard work. This is a good lesson for all of us, so as you are building your businesses, keep the power of effort, consistency and patience forefront in your mind. Ultimately, there is a reason why nature makes you plant seeds before there is ever a harvest. It's true for farmers and it's true for real estate professionals and entrepreneurs.
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