Greetings from northwest North Dakota. I am a woman in agriculture, and the women in my life have been in this industry for generations. I’m the 4^th generation on our land, and my kids are the 5^th. 

Everyone has their role here on our ranch. Because we are a cow/calf operation, have a custom backgrounding feedlot, often run yearlings on grass, and operate a USDA federally inspected beef processing plant, our roles can be vast and never-ending it seems. And I know I’m not alone in this challenge.

I have family, neighbours, and friends who are in similar shoes. They just aren’t farmers and ranchers, but they are caregivers for kids and calves, gourmet chefs in the kitchen (some, that is), they are florists, nurses, tractor drivers, and accountants. They are teachers, therapists, and even bankers, truck drivers, horse riders, and gardeners. 

And yes, I’m likely talking about YOU and the many hats you wear on your operation. Not to mention the role of wife, mom, neighbour, and friend. How do we make it all happen and actually enjoy life? 

Maybe the first trick is in realizing that you can’t do it all. Knowing your values and priorities are key while setting boundaries and recognizing your bandwidth. They vary for each of us, and unfortunately, between our never-stop-working mentality in agriculture and our current culture of continuously striving for more (even if it’s what my neighbours want and not me), many women don’t even know what they want life to look like. 

In fact, a recent study on LinkedIn shared that “90% of people end up living their lives and then dying with regret. And the number one regret of people on their death beds is that they wish they had lived a life that was true to themselves and not the life that others expected of them.

Why is this? What’s the cause?

1. Our need for acceptance from other people.
2. Most people don’t know who they truly are and if you don’t know who you are, then you don’t know what you want.”

That being said, I think it’s important to look at a few things happening in your life right now and share some simple, quick tips to support others (and yourself) in your journey of life:

• Pause. It’s really ok. And beneficial. Just close your eyes and breath for 30 seconds.
• Do you remember what you love to do? Walk? Paint? Grab coffee with a friend? Read a book? Journal? When is the last time you did something that you enjoy, for yourself?
• We all have the same amount of time. We can’t add more time in a day, but how can you be more strategic with the time you’ve been given?
• Speaking of time and your lists: learn to ditch it, delegate it, or do it. Reach out if you need me to walk you through this!
• Set boundaries. Know what you want to say “yes” and “no” to in life.

I know life is already full. Therefore, doing some of the things I mentioned might seem challenging to fit in, or there might even be some guilt holding you back. I “should” be doing this or that. But “shoulding” on yourself is never the answer.

Sometimes, I think one of my biggest roles in life is to remind people that this is their life. (I actually do this with my speaking/training/coaching leadership business!). Really. This is it. It’s happening right now. Take a minute to look around and see how it’s making you feel. Is this where you want to be? One of my all-time favorite quotes is from Linda Toupin, and she says, “I am where I am today because of the choices I’ve made or that I’ve allowed others to make for me.”

That quote doesn’t always sit well with people. If life is good, then it probably makes you feel confident in the direction you’ve gone in life. And for some, you instantly want to shame and blame yourself or your circumstances for why things are hard. 

Truth is … life is good for everyone. And it’s hard for everyone. But I’ve learned that my thoughts have a powerful impact on my results in life and how I approach each day. Want to know some things that have helped me with my thoughts and lead me to often having a glass-half-full perspective in life? Honestly, they might seem ridiculous. Like they wouldn’t make much of a difference. But for women, I think they are vital for life.

The little things that affect the big things in your personal and professional life:

• Sleep (You laugh, but in all seriousness, what’s your sleep like? It has a HUGE impact on countless other things in your life.)
• Food (Yep, what are you fueling your body with? Focus on protein and REAL food.)
• Hydration (Water, water, water! I try to do at least half a gallon per day. It’s often a challenge for me.)
• Movement (Do you sit at a desk most of your day? I’ve done a mile a day (minimum) for almost six years with no skips. And I lift weights throughout the week. Not just exercising, but how much movement do you get throughout the day?)
• Stress (Like I said before, I’m very aware of what I say “yes” and “no” to in my personal and professional life.)
• Finding enjoyment! (I love a good hike, coffee with a friend in town, traveling, and more. So I do those things! I can’t wait for life to end to start doing the things I enjoy.)

I have no doubt that these things have a profound impact on how your day-to-day life goes. And I’m grateful to say that, for the most part, because of my choices, they’ve had a positive impact on mine.

What will you incorporate, change, or decide to do because of this? Do it for you, and your actions will help lead the way for other women in our industry. It’s a privilege and an honor to be part of agriculture. Enjoy the ride and make sure you’re building something that looks enticing to the next generation.

Chase your dreams but don’t miss the scenery that’s all around you on the way!

Calli Thorne

Calli Thorne is a keynote speaker, global leadership trainer, mindset coach, and multi-business entrepreneur. She and her husband CJ are raising their three kids on their 4th-generation ranch in northwest North Dakota, where they run a backgrounding feedlot, cow/calf operation, and a USDA-inspected beef processing plant. Their farm-to-fork business supports local ranchers and consumers alike.

A certified member of the John Maxwell Leadership Team, Calli specializes in personal and professional development, conflict resolution, communication, mindset, and behaviour. She also teaches Mental Health First Aid and leads workshops and trainings that help others expand their thinking and live better lives.

Find out more about Calli here:

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/calli.thorne
• Instagram: @callithorne
• Co-Owner at Yellowstone River Beef (www.yellowstoneriverbeef.com)
• Co-Owner at Triangle M Ranch & Feedlot 
• Certified Keynote Speaker, Life Coach & Personal/Professional Development Trainer with the Maxwell Leadership Team (www.callithorne.com)
• Certified Facilitator for Mental Health First Aid