Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
To live with regret it's one of the biggest fears we all share. Even those who seem to have a carefree way of navigating life are undoubtedly compensating for the fear of conforming. But what do you do when the way you approach business—or even your identity as a business leader—changes so much that you lose your balance?
Here are three strategies to help you keep your balance even if the core of your motivation – your “why”. – the changes.
Redefine your vision of success
Socrates is quoted as saying, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” It is important to reevaluate yours core values on a regular basis and make sure they align with the goals you are pursuing diligently. You get to define what success looks like, so make sure you don't follow someone else's blueprint. I knew from my early years that I wouldn't be happy typing numbers in a bedroom or writing long articles in a coffee shop. My happy place is helping people, and my job in broadcast media allows me to do that on a regular basis.
However, knowing your personality and preferences is only half the battle. When life happens, you may have to change your original vision. Having a family, for example, can mean taming the thrill seeker or trophy hound in you. Navigating a disability may impose limitations, but it may also require you to step out of your comfort zone, overcome your fears, and take the stage.
It is important to recognize when you are model for success it doesn't work and fix it. I have learned that every business is a process and the road to success is not always a straight line. Along the way, my team and I have found a rhythm, whether it's filming a TV show or preparing for a keynote speech. Be willing to adapt as your experiences inform you.
Related: Why are you so resistant to change – and how to overcome it
Network with people who challenge you
Just as you don't have to build Rome in a day, you don't have to build it yourself. Once your business is up and running, make it a habit connect with different people which can help you analyze what's working and what's not working for your company. While you certainly can't take everyone's advice, be willing to listen to what they have to say. You can discover a key to a problem in a single conversation.
One of my biggest dreams was to become a corporate keynote speaker. I've been working hard reading everything I can about wowing an audience, how to build a following and so on. A media coach told me, “Nancy, you can't have it both ways,” meaning my business wasn't keynote speeches; my business was ME. My specialty was my journey through life and business sight loss navigation. Knowing what makes you stand out is vital, but you need to be ready to grab that little bit of magic dust – or good advice – that will take a good idea and turn it into a great career.
One way to come up with transformative ideas is to get out of your comfort zone and connect with people outside of your field. Tech gurus sharing their knowledge with creators; management control with frontline employees; marketing working with accounting to create a program to track expenses — a single key concept can revolutionize the way we think about a business plan. If you're starting a new initiative, don't be afraid to pitch it to friends or find mentors which can help you avoid costly delays or confusion.
Related: Why discovering your 'Why' is the no. 1 of business
Maintain a “nothing is sacred” attitude.
We've all worked for bosses who couldn't give up tradition for more effective ways of doing business. If we are not careful, we can keep “sacred cows” or particular methods of doing business rather than remaining open to change.
This stubborn need to stall may be reflected in the goals you set when you started your business. Your original dream may have been to open the largest drive-through restaurant chain since you started. But in the age of online ordering and delivery services, you may have to roll.
I was a real estate agent in Los Angeles when my vision began to deteriorate rapidly. This revolutionary change meant I could no longer drive. It also meant that on the day of an open house, I had to take multiple buses around town and arrive several hours early to memorize the site plan. Soon, I had to admit to my clients that not only was I unable to drive, but I might also need their help navigating sunken living rooms or rough terrain. .
Eventually, I had to come clean and share my disability with my clients. To my surprise, they volunteered to drive us around the neighborhood or help me collect yard signs. Your willingness to become vulnerable will inspire others to help you; it will also free people to share their struggles. When people in the business connect at this level, it is often a more productive environment because every staff member and every customer feels they are being heard.
As in life, your perspective in business will change many times and it is important to feel the new season. When the winds change direction, you may need to find your “why” again. This type SELF-ASSESSMENT it's an opportunity to think about where you started, how far you've come, and whether your original destination is still a place you want to go.