Published:

04/12/2014 02:00am

Are You Afraid of Change?

Do you like to keep the status quo? Do you get nervous when people change things on you? Have you made any real changes on your farm lately?

I want to speak with you about a big fear that many people have that could be the biggest thing holding them back from success. The fear of change!

I know I am a victim of this myself. I mean why change something if it isn't broke? But I learned that that doesn't always work. By not changing you could be missing out on some amazing opportunities.

I am one that is used to doing everything for myself. I'm a bit of an overachiever and I like things done a specific way. I found that it was taking a lot of time during the day to get all my task completed. I just felt drained. I spoke with my coach about this, (yes I have a business coach, I think everyone in business should, including you!), and she said that I needed to start getting some help. Wow, was that not what I wanted to here. In my mind no one can do things as good as me, or I worried things wouldn't get done. But she convinced me that I needed to give it a try, so I did. I delegated some of my tasks to someone else and wow does it feel good. And I hate to say this, she is much better at those tasks, and more efficient than I ever was! It took me a bit to get over that fear of change but once I did it turned out to be the best thing.

Now think about your own farm. Is there some new technology you have been wanting to try? How about a new feeding system? I am telling you this is the time to make it happen! The longer you put it off the harder it will be.

I know this isn't always that easy but here are some tips to help you get started.

1) Do research into your new idea. Is there other farms adopting this idea? How successful has it been?

2) Find a mentor. If you are unsure about how to implement an idea find a professional in that area to help you. This may cost some money but that money is well spent. You may even be able to find a fellow farmer willing to help you out.

3) Sit down and run the numbers. Many new ideas can help you save money. Run some scenarios and see what it says. If the numbers are good it can provide great motivation.

4) Start out small. Most people think they have to jump in with both feet on anything new and this is not true. If your trial works you can implement it on the rest of your farm.

Now go out and get started. There is no time like the present and we are going to make 2014 the best year.

Jen Gutfriend,The progressive livestock producer's profitability coach, works with progressive livestock producers who struggle with low profitability and lack of time. She helps them reduce costs, increase revenue, all while having more time to do what they enjoy! Get her free video lesson, "Learn the one biggest change you can make on your farm to increase profitability" at www.livestockmanagementsolutions.com