IS there an activity you enjoy as much as farming?
As rewarding as farming can be, it can be a lot of hard work. Like all jobs, the best results tend to be achieved when you have a healthy work/life balance.
This is where a hobby can be particularly useful.
Contrary to being a waste of time, my personal view is that hobbies help you take a physical and mental break from farming. Something you enjoy outside farming can keep you energised.
Physical activity is good for the body and the mind.
Team sports are great because of the bonus social element.
I've enjoyed having a hit of tennis in the farming community where I grew up for many years.
The list of things you can do in your spare time is endless. My advice is to spend that time on something you are passionate about.
Perhaps the biggest problem is not identifying your passion, but making time for it.
Sometimes that can be hard to identify, and there may be more than one.
Perhaps the biggest problem is not identifying your passion, but making time for it. This is something many people struggle with.
But it can be especially hard for farmers, where it feels like the job is 24/7, as the vast majority of farmers actually live on-farm.
It is really easy to find something that needs doing, just walking outside is enough for someone to see a job they could be doing.
I think the hardest thing here is changing priorities.
Many people say they have no time to pursue their passions after work each day, yet magically find time to watch television, even if they are just channel surfing.
Making a commitment to someone else is one way to make it happen.
If you are doing an activity with other people, once you say you will be there, it is much harder to back out.
As humans we inherently want to please other people, and not let them down.
I'll admit some hobbies are less time consuming and easier to organise than others. For example, some people collect records or stamps.
You will ultimately be more effective on-farm, if your life has more balance.
In contrast, some people are avid travellers.
Recreational travel can be particularly challenging for farmers that don't have the luxury of four weeks annual leave.
This challenge is compounded for sole traders, that don't have employees.
But those who are truly passionate about it, make it happen because they prioritise it.
Sometimes I think farmers feel guilty about leaving the farm for outside activities.
The stereotype of the hard-working farmer working long hours is alive and well.
In lots of ways it is a psychological barrier more than anything. Don't worry about what the neighbours think, it's none of their business.
You will ultimately be more effective on-farm, if your life has more balance.
In contrast, some people don't want an interest outside the farm.
If this is what they really want, then all power to them.
As long as you are doing something "you" enjoy, that is all that matters.
- Details: bagshawagriconsulting.com.au
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