As the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a warm glow on our rising homestead, I found myself face-to-face with a challenge that would test my resolve and ultimately transform my approach to this wildcrafted life we’ve chosen.

The rooster problem had reached a tipping point. With our newest batch of chickens we ended up with 4 roosters. While we know roosters can be a neccessary animal on the homestead, we also know that they can be mean. After getting spurred a few times in the leg and back I decided these guys were going to freezer camp. I knew it was time to take action. But how?

This was just one of many moments where I’ve had to embrace a growth mindset in our homesteading journey. I knew NOTHING about dispatching a rooster.

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

And, I needed these guys gone today!

Dear struggling friend, if you’re reading this, know that you’re not alone. The path to “self-sufficiency” is paved with challenges, but it’s also rich with opportunities for personal growth. Did you know that adopting a growth mindset can be the game-changer in your homesteading adventure?

What is a Growth Mindset?

A growth mindset, a concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck, is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn. In the context of homesteading, it’s the difference between saying, “I can’t do this” and “I can’t do this yet, but I’m going to learn how.

As I stood there, watching our overpopulated flock, I felt a familiar tension building. It was the same feeling I had when we first started our garden, installed our first chicken coop, or attempted to make cheese from our friend’s milk cow.

This tension, my friend, is the feeling of your comfort zone stretching, making room for new skills and knowledge.

In our pursuit of a wildcrafted life, we often romanticize the idea of living off the land. But the reality involves a steep learning curve. It’s in these moments of tension that we have a choice: retreat to what’s comfortable or lean into the discomfort and grow.

I chose to lean in. With shaky hands, I turned to YouTube, searching for tutorials on humane butchering techniques. Each video I watched pushed me further out of my comfort zone, but also equipped me with the knowledge I needed.

You can see here we are taking this rooster from the cone to the pot to get ready for feather plucking.

Let me share a few stories of fellow homesteaders who’ve embodied the growth mindset:

• Sarah from Sunflower Homestead: When a late frost threatened her entire crop, instead of giving up, Sarah researched frost protection methods and saved 80% of her plants. Now she teaches cold weather gardening techniques.

• The Johnson Family: With no prior experience, they committed to learning one new skill each month. From soap making to beekeeping, they’ve transformed their urban lot into a thriving mini-homestead.

• Old Man Tucker: At 72, he decided to start homesteading. Despite physical limitations, he adapted tools and techniques to manage his land. His story reminds us it’s never too late to start.

Here are some strategies to develop your growth mindset:

1. Embrace challenges: See them as opportunities to learn and grow.
2. Persist in the face of setbacks: Remember, failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.
3. Learn from criticism: Feedback is a valuable tool for improvement.
4. Find lessons and inspiration in others’ success: The homesteading community is generous with knowledge.
5. Cultivate curiosity: Always be ready to learn something new.

From Learner to Teacher

As I mastered the skill of humane butchering, something unexpected happened. Neighbors started asking for advice, and soon, I found myself teaching workshops on all things heritage skill building. This journey from novice to teacher is a testament to the power of a growth mindset.

Your Wildcrafted Life Awaits

Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Your wildcrafted life is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Embrace the tension, lean into the challenges, and watch as your homesteading dreams take root and flourish.

As you face your next homesteading hurdle, whether it’s building your first raised bed, preserving your harvest, or yes, even managing your flock, remember: you can do this. Maybe not perfectly at first, but with persistence, learning, and a growth mindset, you’ll get there.

Welcome to your wildcrafted life, where every challenge is an opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.

Share your homesteading challenges and growth experiences in the comments below. Let’s cultivate a community of growth-minded homesteaders together!

Stay WILD & Homesteady,

Sandy