For many business owners, their work isn’t just a career—it’s an identity. Decades of effort, sacrifice, and dedication go into building a business, and as owners reach their 50s, 60s, or 70s, they often face the daunting question: What comes next? The idea of stepping away from a business that has defined them for so long can feel overwhelming, even paralyzing.
During a recent conversation with Kris Langworthy at WHYCon 2024 in Albuquerque, this concept became even clearer. Kris shared her personal experiences—helping one daughter beat cancer, supporting another daughter through a threat of gun violence at her school, and watching her father, in his 70s, step away from his lifelong career in farming due to a cancer recurrence. Her own journey in long-term nursing, along with her deep faith, highlighted the need for important reflections during life transitions. These stories reinforced the relevance of The 3 Life Questions—Am I becoming who I am truly meant to be? Am I cultivating meaningful relationships? Am I leaving the world a little better?—for individuals facing major changes, especially business owners contemplating their next chapter.
The Identity Shift for Business Owners
For many business owners, the decision to step away from their life’s work is more than just a career change—it’s an identity shift. After years of being known as “the leader” or “the owner,” the thought of no longer holding that title can create a deep sense of loss and uncertainty. The question “Who will I be without my business?” looms large.
But this transition also presents an opportunity to reconnect with a deeper sense of self, beyond the roles that have defined your professional life. The 3 Life Questions help guide this process, offering a framework for reflection that leads to clarity and purpose during this pivotal time.
The Importance of Asking The 3 Life Questions During Transition
Asking The 3 Life Questions is essential for anyone facing a significant life transition. These questions don’t just guide business decisions—they invite deep personal reflection, encouraging business owners to consider their future beyond the business they’ve built.
1. Am I becoming who I am truly meant to be?
This question is about personal growth. After years of focusing on your business, it’s worth asking: Am I living in alignment with who I truly am? For many, the business world has demanded relentless focus on growth and success, but this transition is an opportunity to explore who you are outside of that world. This might mean nurturing passions that were set aside or diving into new areas of personal development.
2. Am I cultivating meaningful relationships?
Running a business can be all-consuming, leaving little time for meaningful relationships. As you step into this new phase, this question prompts you to reflect on the relationships in your life. Are you nurturing the connections that matter most—family, friends, and loved ones? Transitioning out of a business often opens up the space to strengthen these relationships and focus on the connections that bring fulfillment and joy.
3. Am I leaving the world a little better?
Legacy is a natural concern for many business owners. You’ve likely spent years building something that made an impact, but now you may be asking: Am I leaving the world a little better, even outside of my business? This question encourages reflection on how you’ve contributed to the world and how you can continue to make a positive difference, whether through mentorship, philanthropy, or simply through acts of kindness in your community.
Navigating Uncertainty and Finding Purpose
My conversation with Kris reinforced how critical The 3 Life Questions are in times of transition. Her ability to navigate uncertainty, particularly through her faith, allowed her to find clarity during difficult times—such as when she heard a higher power assure her that she didn’t need to run endless “what if” scenarios in her head. This kind of clarity is what The 3 Life Questions can offer to business owners who may feel lost as they step away from the familiar world they’ve known for so long.
The transition from business ownership doesn’t have to be defined by loss or uncertainty. Instead, it can be viewed as an opportunity to explore who you are becoming, the relationships that matter most, and the legacy you want to leave behind. By reflecting on The 3 Life Questions, business owners can approach the next phase of life with clarity, purpose, and fulfillment.
Begin With the First Question: Discovering Your WHY
The first of The 3 Life Questions—Am I becoming who I am truly meant to be?—invites you to reflect on your life’s purpose. And that journey begins by discovering your WHY. Understanding your core motivations and purpose will provide the clarity you need as you transition into this next phase of life.
If you’re ready to start answering this question and want to discover your WHY, I invite you to connect. Together we can explore what’s next for you in your journey toward becoming who you are truly meant to be.
Conclusion
If you’re a business owner facing a transition, or if you’re feeling uncertain about what comes next, The 3 Life Questions can help provide clarity and purpose. They allow you to reconnect with your true self, strengthen your most meaningful relationships, and leave a lasting impact on the world.