Get All Access for $5/mo

3 Questions to Help You Fall Back in Love With Your Business Before you can truly enjoy your business, you need to acknowledge your needs.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Deagreez | Getty Images

What happens when we fall out of love with our business?

It's a common question that is understandably hard to answer as a president, partner, or owner. And both Clay and I have helped leaders wrestle with this thorny issue in our Course for Presidents at Aileron for years. When we go into battle for our big dreams, there are usually casualties of war. It's common to sacrifice time, hobbies, and even our work culture in the pursuit of something bigger. And along the way, we can even fall out love with our business.

So how do we get reorientated? How do we rekindle a love for our work and purpose? We go back to the basics and ask ourselves these three questions.

Related: 10 Tips to Help Entrepreneurs Get Motivated

1. What do I need from my business?

When we're building a business we're busy growing a customer base. We're constantly asking what our customers, employees and partners need. We're adjusting, iterating and creating. This is expected and normal. It's a sign of a strong leader to consider others.

But many of us need to remember that it's good, healthy and necessary to consider our own needs, too. These could be everything from financial to emotional. We may need a certain amount of profits for our family and our future. We may need a feeling of success or achievement. We may need more time away from our business or accountability from those around us.

Whatever you need, make a list and make it visible. When we merge our needs with the needs of those around us, we create a win-win for our entire organization.

2. What do I need from my team?

It can be hard to express what we need from those around us. Even the question itself can feel selfish -- but it's actually quite the opposite. Everyone on your leadership team has needs. But whether or not it's OK to communicate them openly is often up to you.

Related: What You Need to Know to Succeed in 2019

Starting this conversation can be tricky and may feel awkward at first. It's easy for us as leaders to make assumptions about how people may respond if we open up and share our needs. But part of falling back in love with your work is being honest with your team. They play a critical role in helping you not only accomplish what you need to do but feeling satisfied with how you're doing it. Everyone inside your organization will wrestle with a sense of contentment, satisfaction, and clarity.

When you open up to your team you're inviting them to do the same; courageous leaders instill courage in others. And people love feeling like they're a part of a dream team.

3. What are old rules or beliefs I need to let go of this year?

Many of us hang onto old rules and beliefs without even knowing it.

  • I have to keep people happy.
  • I must be in the office by eight.
  • I must check email on vacation.
  • I can't ask others to take on more work.
  • I'm the only one who can handle this task.
  • I'm not successful unless we're making "x" amount of revenue.

Whatever these rules are, many of them go unspoken and many of them are outdated. This misalignment naturally produces a sense of guilt—feeling like we should be abiding by old rules but are living by different (often subconscious) ones instead.

Related: Guilt Can Eat You Away, Here is How You Can Come Out of It

If you want to take a step forward in feeling confident, satisfied, and content, consider the rules in your business and life. How many of them need to be thrown out? How many are obsolete? What new rules could you craft that feel aligned with your values?

Regaining or rekindling your passion is a journey.

But It's also a wonderful opportunity and should be filled with curiosity. Don't let your feelings of doubt or confusion darken another quarter. Be honest with those around you, communicate your needs, and invite others to do the same.

Your business needs you and you need your business.



Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Business Solutions

Get Down to Business with Lifetime Access to Microsoft Office 2021 for Mac for 70% Off

Unlock essential Office tools with a one-time purchase — ideal for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to streamline their workflow.

Business News

Looking for a Remote Job? Here Are the Most In-Demand Skills to Have on Your Resume, According to Employers.

Employers are looking for interpersonal skills like teamwork as well as specific coding skills.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

'Do You Sell Cars?': Tesla CEO Elon Musk Trolls Jaguar Rebrand on X

The team running Jaguar's X account was working hard on social media this week.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.