How many seconds are on your microwave right now? Mine has 3 seconds displaying on the panel. It is because I can’t wait until it ‘dings’. Seemingly, my ability to ‘wait’ is not very good.

I read recently where marketing research indicates that the attention span for an American adult is slightly over 9 seconds. Yes, I wrote ‘seconds’.

Now that spring time as arrived I see farmers beginning to work in preparation of planting and later this year the harvest. What does this process have to say to me, the guy who think things don’t change fast enough, decisions take too long and traffic jams are managed by simply operating under the ideal, ‘if you are moving, your making progress, so drive in any direction available.’

So here are some thoughts from a conversation I recently had with a farmer.

1. There is a LAW of the Harvest and you can’t break the law.
2. There are no shortcuts:
   1. Be Prepared – equipment, ground, people
   2. Be Competent – know you craft
   3. Be Committed – do the work while you can and when you can
3. You can’t store good weather – at some point everybody fails, don’t let it define you.
4. Work while you Wait – think, invest in yourself and believe.

These scream ‘patience’ at me. I can’t just look at the next 3 weeks as I prepare my people and my business. I have to look longer – what does 3 years look like? Harvests need time, investment and effort. Harvests take the best from us and sometimes only gives lessons in return but once enough is learned, a crop is gathered.

Harvests are worth the wait. Maybe my coffee would be just right, if I waited those extra 3 seconds. I am going to try it.