As my daughter, Cassie, recently walked across the stage to receive her high school diploma, I couldn’t help but think about the advice her father and I have given her over the years. We’ve been telling her – and quite honestly, all of our children – to find your passion, and then you will find your purpose. And, when it comes time to figure out your profession, find something you really enjoy.
I’m sure others give similar advice. I recently listened to a podcast with the actor and comedian Jerry Seinfeld who said, ‘If work becomes unfulfilling, so will the money.”
Bingo.
However, not everyone knows their life calling from an early age. Not everyone knows that they want to do what dad does for a living. Our daughter Cassie loves animals, loves working with her father and has found happiness working in the barn and in the field from an early age. So, finding what she wanted to do with her life wasn’t all that difficult.
But, many are not like Cassie. Many people have to go through trial and error to figure it all out. The best piece of advice I can offer then is to ask questions.
50 Questions, 50 Answers
If you’re under 50, ask questions. If you’re over 50, answer questions. I’m nearing that 50 threshold, so often I find myself still asking a lot of questions, but what we need is young people to listen, of course, but more importantly, we need them to be inquisitive. It is certainly okay to ask really tough questions, even the ones that none of us have the answer to. Through trial and error and time and experience we figure out the answers. That’s part of the journey of life.
And, my advice to those that are over 50 or have experience under their belt, is to be patient with the younger generation. We need to listen and be good-natured and address the questions that the next-gen is asking us. We will come to depend on their ideas and ability to try new technology and innovations to help push our industry forward.
Undoubtedly our industry has a mountain of challenges. Really that has always been the case. I think it is important to learn what good we can offer and pass it on to the next generation so they too can do good things in life. That is how we make a better tomorrow and a better world.
At least that is the advice I’m passing on to my three children: Tyler, Cassie and Jacob. I could care less about the money they make or the degrees they earn. Find something that makes you tick and make others smile and happiness and gratification will come. I watch dairy farmers live their passion that leads to purpose each and every day. And, the world is definitely a better place because of you all.
