Comparisonitis: The Natural Trap of Agricultural Envy

It’s that time of year again – when land changes hands and who’s bought and sold what  quickly becomes public news. Other peoples progress can be inspring or intimidating. You get to make that choice.  Comparisonitis is a natural  mindset trap for all humans.. It evokes the “not good enough” mindset and can reduce our ability to function well.  Choosing inspiration over intimidation stops comparisonitis and “not good enough” syndrome dead in its tracks.

A source of inspiration for me growing up were Sunday morning drives with my Dad. The route was strategically long enough to consume our treats purchased after mass, so Mum was none the wiser when we arrived home for a roast lunch. I was particularly inspired by our neighbour Stan. He was a lovely man who showed incredible interest in me and was a pleasure to deal with at the local silos where I worked over the uni summer holidays. He often hosted Department of Agriculture trials, and took an interest in the policy and business of farming.  He had nice crops and healthy sheep.

Stan gained inspiration from others too. My father was known as a skilled draught horse man and worker of horse teams. He officially started farming in 1938, so had a good decade of working horses before tractors became the norm. I’ll never forget, at Dad’s funeral, Stan told me that Dad was the last of the great horsemen in our district. Stan knew how much farming meant to me and paid the ultimate compliment about Dad in his prime.

As you hear about the success or progress of others in the industry:

• Are you inspired or intimidated?
• Do you doubt yourself or acknowledge and celebrate your own achievements
• Do you choose excitement for their success or envy?
• Do you choose joy or jealousy?
• Do you choose I am good enough or I am not good enough?
• What Excellent choices will you make this week so that you prosper more and worry less?