Can you smell that? It’s the aroma of fresh opportunities. Or it’s the leftover sandwich you forgot about during harvest that’s still sitting in the cab of the combine. Either way, now is the time to do something about it!
Job site Zippia recently released the most searched, thusly the most popular, resolutions by state heading into a new year. In 12 states, seeking therapy was the most popular choice. Lose weight was the top of the list in eight states as a fifth of Americans want to start living healthier.
Also included were goals such as reading more, weight training, saving money and taking a vacation.
After starting the year with nearly 40 hours of windshield time (thanks to an airline snafu), our family of five had plenty of opportunity to set goals (not resolutions) for 2023. The list at hour 37 looked a little like this:
- Commit to a weight program and lift three times a week.
- Be more intentional with my time.
- Read the entire Bible.
- Run 300 miles.
- Clean and rehab the barn.
I didn’t put names on this list covering ages 9 to 42 (you can guess which ones belong to whom). All of them are attainable, and some of them are holdovers from previous years.
As farmers prepare for a new year, new seasons and new challenges, I’m excited to see what goals or resolutions they make for 2023. Here are a few starters:
- Track in less mud.
- Put tools back where you got them.
- Clean the floorboard/dash of your work truck.
- Empty jeans pockets before putting in the laundry.
- Eat more carrots and fewer chips.
- Buy more 9/16 wrenches.
- Actually keep and organize your receipts.
- Remember to shut off the water and close the gate.
As these good intentions percolate and simmer below the surface, may your spirit remain determined and your operation bloom in the wake of a fresh direction in 2023.
Clinton Griffiths is a TV newsman, turned magazine editor, with a passion for good stories. He believes the best life lessons can be found down a dirt road.
