The views expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.
Living with regret is one of the best fears all of us share. Even those that seem to have a careless way of navigating life are undoubtedly compensating for a fear of living a lifetime of conformity. But what do you do when the way you approach business—or even your identity as a business leader—changes so much that you just lose your footing?
Here are three strategies to assist you to stay balanced, even if the underlying reason for your motivation—your “why”—changes.
Redefine your vision of success
Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” It’s essential to repeatedly evaluate your core values and make sure they align with your goals. You get to define what success looks like, so make sure you’re not following another person’s plan. I knew from a young age that I wouldn’t be pleased counting in a cubicle or writing long articles in a coffee shop. My pleased place is helping people, and my job in broadcasting allows me to do that repeatedly.
Knowing your personality and preferences is only half the battle, though. As life changes, you might need to change your original vision. For example, having a family may mean embracing your inner thrill-seeker or trophy hunter. Dealing with a disability may impose limitations, but you might also need to step out of your comfort zone, overcome your fears, and step onto the scene.
It’s essential to recognize when your success model isn’t working and adjust. I’ve learned that every business is a process, and the path to success isn’t at all times straight. Along the way, my team and I have found a rhythm, whether it’s filming a TV show or preparing to give a speech. Be prepared to adjust as your experiences inform you.
Connect with individuals who challenge you
Just as you don’t have to build Rome in a day, you don’t have to build it alone. Once what you are promoting is up and running, get in the habit of connecting with different individuals who can assist you to analyze what’s working and what’s not working in what you are promoting. While you definitely can’t take everyone’s advice, be willing to listen to what they have to say. You may discover the key to your problem in one conversation.
One of my biggest dreams was to grow to be a corporate motivational speaker. I worked really hard, reading all the things I could about how to captivate an audience, how to build a following, etc. A media coach told me, “Nancy, you can’t have it all,” which meant my business wasn’t introductory speeches; my company was I. My uniqueness was my journey through life and business, coping with vision loss. It’s essential to know what makes you unique, but try to be ready to grab a little magic dust—or good advice—that turns a great idea into a great profession.
One way to meet transformational ideas is to step outside your comfort zone and network with people outside your industry. A tech guru sharing his knowledge with creatives; an executive checking in with front-line employees; marketing working with accounting to develop an expense-tracking program—a single key idea can revolutionize the way we think about our marketing strategy. If you’re launching a latest initiative, don’t be afraid to introduce it to friends or find mentors who can assist you to avoid costly delays or misunderstandings.
Have a (*3*) attitude
We have all worked for bosses who couldn’t hand over tradition in favor of more efficient ways of doing business. If we are not careful, we will cling to “sacred cows” or specific methods of doing business relatively than being open to change.
This stubborn need for stagnation may be reflected in the goals you set when you first began what you are promoting. Your original dream may have been to open the largest chain of drive-ins when you first began. But in the age of online ordering and delivery services, you might need to change direction.
I used to be working as a real estate agent in Los Angeles when my vision began to deteriorate rapidly. This revolutionary change meant that I could now not drive. It also meant that on the day of the open house, I had to take several buses across town and arrive several hours early to memorize the layout of the house. Soon I had to admit to clients that not only could I not drive, but I’d need their help navigating sunken living rooms or uneven terrain.
I finally had to admit and share my disability with my clients. To my surprise, they volunteered to drive us around the neighborhood or help me collect road signs. Your willingness to be vulnerable will encourage others to assist you to; it can also free people to share their very own struggles. When people in business connect on this level, it is often the most efficient environment because every staff member and every customer feels heard.
As with life, your perspective in business will change many times, and it’s essential to feel the latest season. When the winds change direction, you might need to find your “why” again. This form of self-assessment is an opportunity to reflect on where you began, how far you’ve come, and whether your original goal is still where you would like to go.