“We each have a choice. We can focus on things that aren’t so good, or we can focus on the many things we’re thankful for. … I prefer to focus on my thankful list,” Hank Wagner, a dairy producer from Wisconsin, wrote in the article.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I am thankful for the many dairy producers I have met and interviewed over the years. This past month, in particular, I have spoken with a number of producers; some of their stories you’ll find in this issue.
On a recent trip, I sat down with Hank in person. I had the good fortune of meeting Hank early in my tenure with Progressive Dairyman. After listening to his speech at a dairy conference, I met him and his wife, Pam.
Our paths have continued to cross over the years, and it is always a pleasure to speak with him. In addition to farming, Hank and his daughter started a leadership development company, and he is now a John Maxwell Team teacher, mentor, speaker and coach. He is a firm believer in lifelong learning.
During our talk, Hank said, “The best investment we’ll ever make is in ourselves. It’s not in equipment or cattle or land or business – not that we shouldn’t and don’t need to invest in those things – but the best investment we’ll ever make is in ourselves.”
Upon being appointed to a position of leadership in a dairy organization – with no prior leadership experience – Hank took the time to invest in himself by reading books on the topic.
“I began to read and study and learn and become a disciplined learner connected to leadership. It completely transformed everything that I did,” he said.
He continued, “Learning should never end, never … It should continue forever. That’s one of the reasons I have all of these books. I hate to read, but I read, and I read lots of books because it gives you the opportunity to learn.
The passion to be a lifelong learner is critical for everybody to fulfill all of the potential they have within them, no matter what that success equation looks like.”
When facing challenges on his farm or in his life, Hank finds reading to be a way to address it. In fact, he suggests everyone take the time to read a little bit every single day.
Making small changes within your control, including changing your mindset, can help make difficult situations less discouraging. He wrote in the article, “Seek to concentrate on things to be thankful for rather than exerting emotional energy on stressful situations outside of your control.”
This Thanksgiving, be thankful for the things you have, then continue to recognize it throughout the year. Let those thoughts carry you through times of challenge and change so you may continue to embrace your future with positivity. Happy Thanksgiving! 
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Karen Lee
- Editor
- Progressive Dairyman
- Email Karen Lee
