My father grew up on a small farm in eastern Washington. They say you can take the boy out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy. As a kid, I was always hearing farm life sayings from my grandfather and father. To this day, I think they are some of the best pieces of advice I have ever received. Here are a few:

• Don’t wrestle with pigs. You both get filthy and the pig likes it: Avoid pointless arguments with people who thrive on conflict. It only wastes your time and energy.
• Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: Don’t assume a deal is closed until the contract is signed.
• Make hay while the sun shines: Capitalize on opportunities while they are available.
• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: Diversify your investments and strategies to mitigate risk.
• The early bird catches the worm: Being proactive and early can lead to the best opportunities.
• Every cloud has a silver lining: Look for opportunities in every challenge or setback.
• Don’t cry over spilled milk: Learn from mistakes, but don’t dwell on them; move forward.
• When the rooster crows, it’s time to get up: Start your day early to maximize productivity.
• You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs: Achieving success often requires taking some risks and making sacrifices.
• You reap what you sow: Your results are a reflection of the effort and quality you put in.
• Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth: Be grateful for opportunities and advantages you receive.
• When in doubt, let your horse do the thinking: Trust the expertise of your team when you’re unsure.
• Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction: Avoid unnecessary risks and confrontations in business.
• Don’t close the barn door after the horse has bolted: Take preventive measures rather than waiting until you need to react.
• A stitch in time saves nine: Address small issues before they become large problems.
• The squeaky wheel gets the grease: The most noticeable or pressing issues are the ones that receive the most attention and resources first.