NW Call to Action
2025 Goals: Hit a Home Run
Making it a grand slam year.
I admittedly don't like baseball.
It probably doesn't help that I'm terrible at it. I couldn’t hit the ball, and if I did it wasn't leaving the infield. The coach (my dad) would have me bunt every time up.
I am, however, a huge goals nerd.
Goals can be an amazing thing and can absolutely transform your fortunes if you are paying attention to them and know how powerful they can be if taken seriously.
Exhibit A.
On May 7, 2018 I made the goal of earning $90,000/yr through my W2 job by July 2023. This was no guarantee as I making a wage of roughly $68k and the 2.5% raises weren’t going to get me there. I had to commit myself every single day to adding value to customers and standing out amongst the crowd of my peers.
And what happened? Years of working through lunch and nose to the grindstone resulted in 2 raises and 2 job promotions. I not only hit my goal but exceeded it a year early! $100,000/yr W2 income by July 2022.
Obviously, I didn’t challenge myself enough; not swinging for enough income and giving myself too much wiggle room. It was time to reset and aim higher.
Exhibit B.
On June 29, 2022 I made the goal of earning $50,000/yr income outside of my W2 by November 2024. I thought this would come through my farming investments. The hope was to pick up enough ground through purchase or favorable rents to make all my payments and net $50,000 on top.
The results? I managed to 1031 exchange my 47a farmable crop ground into 110a. However, this didn’t really improve my cash flow. I also struck out negotiating on additional acres to pick up via cash rent.
I 100% thought I had struck out on this goal in the spring of 2024. The farm income wasn’t going to be close to getting me there. This certainly was a low point in my pursuit of my more aggressive 2-year financial goal.
Where I went wrong during that time was underestimating myself and not adding value for others. When you work to help others while having an abundance mindset, growth happens. I spent all my free time over the summer building the Farm Buying Toolbox, not having a clue if anyone would be interested.
The real results?
1.     In September, I launched the Farm Buying Toolbox with the goal of helping the next generation of farmers buy ground. 16 people joined me.
2.     Soybean yields turned out to be fantastic despite a drought, and suddenly I was over halfway to achieving my $50,000 goal.
3.     I opted to relaunch the Farm Buying Toolbox again in November with the help of some great partners in the ag space.
My 2-year goal of achieving $50,000/yr income outside of my W2 job was realized on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, with just 4 days to spare.
GRAND SLAM!
Your 2025 Goals
So first off, thank you for your support with the Farm Buying Toolbox and blog! Your following means a lot to me!
Second, if you want to be a high achiever, you need to have goals. If you don’t know which direction you are heading every single day, you will never go anywhere but in a circle. Set SMART Goals.
SMART is an acronym that stands for:
Specific: Define clear, concise goals. Avoid vagueness.
Measurable: Ensure that you can track your progress and know when you've achieved the goal.
Achievable: Make sure the goal is realistic given your current resources and constraints.
Relevant: Align the goal with your broader life vision, values, or priorities.
Time-bound: Set a clear timeline for achieving the goal.
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My example of a SMART Goal:
What: Make $90,000 per year salary
When: By July 2023
Price to Pay: Be #1 new money in the region
Plan: Add value to everyone I meet
Statement: I will be earning $90,000 per year on July 2023 by adding value to every person I meet and having the #1 new money in my region.
Signed: Grant Wiese
Date: 5-7-2018
I looked at this goal every week for years before it was realized. Identify your 2025 goals and focus on them.
Finally, I want to continue bringing you the resources to help you grow while in a healthy financial position. If you ever have an interest in the Farm Buying Toolbox, sign-up here:
(you may see a special sale for the new year)
If 1-on-1 is more your style, I’ve (finally) opened some consulting slots to help you through your personal situation.
Starting in January there will be limited spots available for 1-hour consultations helping you:
Understand your farm's financial position.
Prepare for future growth opportunities.
Discuss purchase & finance options on farm transactions you are working through now.
Sign-up here if my services can benefit your operation:
I can’t wait to be in touch and start helping you toward your goals.
Have a great 2025!
Grant
