Unpredictable weather. Physically demanding work. Sick cows. Milk prices dropping. Long hours. Employees not showing up. As a farmer, veterinarian or young person in the dairy business, you know the unique and sometimes overwhelming stressors that come with working in agriculture. But what if I told you there's a powerful antidote to this stress, one that is backed by psychological and neuroscience research? It is all about finding and focusing on your life purpose and legacy.
Legacy is often thought of as a tradition passed down from one generation to the next. While tradition certainly plays a part, legacy goes beyond that. It is about the mark you leave on the world, the values you uphold and the contributions you make.
Research in psychology and neuroscience suggests that having a sense of purpose and leaving a meaningful legacy can enhance overall well-being and mental resilience. Purpose gives us direction and something to strive for beyond the daily grind. It provides meaning to our actions and fuels our perseverance – even in the face of adversity.
Janet Bailey from Kansas says, “Legacy can’t always be about the land. When the kids’ dad got very sick, I had to move off the farm – my fifth-generation farm on which I desired a future. I had the strength to do that, and God had provided an off-farm way for me to provide. Farm people know how hard that was, but I was able to raise my kids and align my values. Later, when I had cancer, I’d learned how to draw on a faith I’d been building.”
Studies have shown that individuals with a clear sense of purpose tend to experience lower levels of stress and anxiety. Plus, having a strong sense of legacy and knowing that our actions today contribute to something greater than ourselves can enhance feelings of fulfillment and satisfaction. This can play a significant role in preventing suicide by providing individuals with a strong reason to live and a source of meaning in their lives.
Legacy and sense of purpose can improve mental wellness in a variety of ways.
- Increased resilience. A strong sense of purpose can enhance an individual's resilience to life's challenges and adversities. When people have a clear understanding of their purpose or goals in life, they are better able to navigate difficult situations and setbacks without feeling overwhelmed or hopeless.
- Emotional stability. Having a sense of purpose can provide emotional stability and reduce the likelihood of experiencing depression or other mental health issues. When individuals have a clear sense of direction and meaning in their lives, they are less likely to succumb to feelings of emptiness or despair.
- Greater sense of connection. Focusing on legacy often involves considering one's impact on others and the world. This can foster a sense of connection to something larger than oneself, whether it's family, community or society as a whole. Feeling connected to others can provide a support network and reduce feelings of isolation, which are risk factors for suicide.
- Motivation to seek help. Individuals who have a sense of purpose may be more motivated to seek help when they are struggling emotionally. They recognize their lives have value and there are people who care about them and would be affected by their absence. This can lead to increased help-seeking behaviors and engagement with mental health resources.
- Coping mechanism. Focusing on legacy can serve as a coping mechanism during times of distress. For example, individuals may find comfort in the idea that their actions and contributions will have a lasting impact even after they are gone. This can provide a sense of meaning and purpose during difficult times and serve as a source of hope for the future.
In dairying, the concept of legacy runs deep. It's not just about the crops we grow or the livestock we raise; it's about the impact we make on the land, our communities and future generations.
Whether you're a seasoned farmer or someone considering a career in agriculture, discovering and nurturing your legacy can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that extends far beyond the fields.
Tips for discovering your agricultural legacy
How can you tap into the power of purpose and legacy to overcome stress in your career or business? Here are a few practical tips.
- Reflect on your "why." Take some time to really think about what drives you – what gets you up in the morning and keeps you going, even on the toughest days. Write it down and keep it somewhere visible.
- Share your story. Talk to your family, friends and community about the importance of your work and the legacy you hope to leave. Inspiring others can be incredibly motivating.
- Mentor the next generation. Seek out opportunities to share your knowledge and experience with young people interested in agriculture. Investing in their future can give your own purpose a boost.
- Celebrate your wins. When you achieve a goal or overcome a challenge, take a moment to appreciate the impact you're making. This can help reinforce your sense of purpose and legacy.
- Serve others. Whether it’s your church, leading a 4-H club or volunteering in the community – service to others often provides a perspective check and distance from one’s own problems.
Minnesota dairy farmer Eric Sonnek shares his perspective during these tough times.
“This is three generations of farmers,” Sonnek says. “My grandpa lost his grain elevator business in southern Minnesota because he was a nice guy and gave some farmers some breaks so they could survive. He then moved to where we are now with seven kids, three cows and some sows. In these horrible economic times, I remember he made some major changes and made a great life. I also understand pivoting is a great thing. I now understand dairy farming might not be my only source of income, but I will still milk cows because of that legacy. It may look different. Smaller herd of show cows? Maybe on-farm processing? But I also know my legacy will be helping people as well. Especially giving youth opportunities.”
It’s a tough time for many in the dairy business. Keep a people-first mentality – starting with remembering that you are more important than your work. By anchoring ourselves in purpose and legacy, we can weather the storms with resilience and grace.
