VIDEO: Change the way you think to change what you control

Summer Series: Drought. Floods. Input costs. Market prices. Labour. Farming is a masterclass in staying calm during chaos. Here’s how you can tap into the power of your thoughts to remain steady, even when the future is anything but

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Published: June 16, 2025

Even the strongest leaders can find themselves caught in a swirl of frustration or fear when so much feels out of their hands.

For instance, I remember a time when I was a very angry, reactive person. My family was always on edge, never sure when I was going to blow up. And honestly, most of what set me off were things I couldn’t control anyway, such as the weather, markets and other people’s behaviour.

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VIDEO: Change the way you think to change what you control

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It felt like I was carrying the weight of the world, and I didn’t know how to put it down.

Then I was introduced to something called the Thought Model, and my world did a complete 180.
Not overnight, but slowly, steadily and deeply. I began to see that the way I thought about the situation was often more powerful than the situation itself.

There’s a quiet shift that happens when we start to separate what we can control from what we can’t — or, more importantly, when we realize how much power we actually have in the way we think. 

A mindset shift isn’t just about “staying positive.” It’s about recognizing that our thoughts create our feelings which shape how we respond to situations.

Consider the difference between “This is too much. I can’t do this” and “This is a lot. But I’ve done hard things before.”

It’s subtle. But that one shift in thinking can be the difference between spiraling and staying grounded.

Resilience isn’t about pretending things are easy. It’s about learning how to lead yourself emotionally through the hard times.

It’s choosing to return, again and again, to the space where calm, clarity and choice still live — even when the world around you is unpredictable.

And when you start noticing your thoughts, that’s where the door really opens. The Thought Model offers a way to see the full picture: what you’re thinking, how it’s making you feel and why you’re showing up the way you are. 

It’s a map back to yourself, to a grounded, empowered way of leading.

When you understand the whole picture, a whole new perspective becomes available. One that’s not ruled by circumstances, but by clarity, curiosity and intentional choice.

What’s one mindset shift that helped you stay grounded in a hard season? Let us know at [email protected].

About The Author

Arlen Motz

Contributor

Arlen Motz is a community-rooted farmer and leadership coach who is passionate about helping people find clarity, purpose and connection — right where they are. Through his writing, Arlen blends practical insights and compelling stories that empower rural leaders to be the most intentional, trusting leaders they can be. Whether he's coaching leaders through personal transformation or exploring the heart of rural culture, Arlen is committed to inspiring meaningful growth and grounded living.

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