Pride is an interesting topic. What is pride? Is it a positive or a negative personality trait? Pride is a feeling of satisfaction derived from one's own accomplishments. It denotes confidence and self-respect. But, biblically speaking, pride is one of the seven deadly sins, so we have a little bit of a conflict at times.

There’s healthy and unhealthy pride. Unhealthy pride is boastful and demands attention for every little thing that happens. It stems from insecurity. People who have it are constantly trying to prove themselves.

Healthy pride is a quiet self-assurance in your work and your internal push for excellence. It motivates you and others around you can readily see it, so it doesn't have to be broadcasted.

Take Healthy Pride in Your Work and Yourself

People with a healthy pride in their work go above and beyond what's expected of them. They take pride in being punctual, dressing appropriately for what they're doing, and maintaining a positive attitude throughout their day. When they encounter problems in their professional or personal life, they look for a solution instead of complaining.

What should this look like in your farrier practice?

• Always show up in a clean shirt and neat pants (bring a change of clothes just in case you get dirty)
• Keep your rig clean and tidy
• Be professional with your clients
• Take pride in every hoof you trim and every shoe you forge
• Bring positivity with you everywhere you go
• Talk to your clients, educate them, and show them you care about their horse
• Never complain

It’s your responsibility to set high standards for your practice and meet them. Doing the bare minimum to get by is unacceptable. Your business should inspire you to show pride. You own it, your name is on it, and everything your practice does is a reflection of you.

Take pride in how you present yourself to your clients when you're at work. If you look sloppy, chances are your work is sloppy as well. As a self-employed person, you own your success, your failure, and your reputation.

Be Aware and Demonstrate Pride

If you find yourself unable to muster positive feelings of pride and excitement about what you do, ask yourself if being a farrier is something you truly love. It’s time for a wake-up call or a career change.

As farriers, we have a luxury that not many people have. Our environment is what we make it. Take pride in being a positive force with your clients and the horses. Engage with upbeat people and get rid of negative people in your life.

Maybe being positive is new to you. For many people, it is. Start each day with positive thoughts. Search online, find quotes and memes that give you energy and carry you through your day.

If you start getting down, remind yourself first that you're fortunate to own your own business because not many people do that. Remember that you can control all aspects of your business, including yourself.

Choosing to be an active participant in your business rather than a reluctant one will make a massive difference in your productivity and attitude. If you get up in the morning filled with dread over a particular horse or client that's on your schedule, get rid of them. You'll survive, and you'll get more clients.

Every time you're tempted to complain, think of something positive. It takes practice to drown out negative thoughts, but it’s possible. You must become aware of what you are thinking and actively work to change your mindset.

You will be amazed at how removing negativity changes your attitude, how much happier you are during the day, and how much easier your work feels when you're excited about it.

Be the best farrier you can be every day. Show up to every job:

• Alert
• Enthusiastic
• Knowledgeable
• Hungry to learn
• Passionate about the profession

Pride comes with the realization that you can make a difference in the lives of your clients, your horses, your family members, and yourself. Those with a healthy pride about what they do, see their quality of work and growth rise.

It doesn't matter if you are working on a $100,000 show horse or a little girl’s backyard best friend. Either one of those horses could go up for sale next week and all kinds of people will be inspecting those feet. They should see the work of a farrier who takes pride in their craft.

If you don’t like where your practice is today, take a realistic look at what you've created. Having pride in yourself and your work can change your business and personal life for the better in an instant.

Ready to take control of your life and build a reality you will love? Apply for farrier school at PCHS. Apply Now