Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their very own.

I can attribute lots of my entrepreneurial and managerial expertise to my father, Fernando, who ran many corporations all through his life. He’s liable for lots of my successes, from studying to supervise a staff of individuals and how you can handle battle, to observing how he evokes prospects and nurtures a community of trusted colleagues.

That is why my world was turned the wrong way up when he handed away unexpectedly at 54. You see, life does not await the “proper” second. Generally, in the midst of the busiest week of your profession, it hits you squarely within the face to remind you what actually issues and what does not.

Fortunate for me, should you can inform, my dad died simply earlier than Christmas and as anybody in leisure can inform you, Hollywood goes quiet this time of 12 months. Whereas it did not get me in the midst of an important assembly of the 12 months, it was eventful sufficient to show me among the most vital classes I’ve realized to date.

See additionally: 4 methods to beat grief with out neglecting your enterprise

1. You possibly can’t do every little thing alone

Most entrepreneurs would proudly inform you that we’re self-sufficient and self-employed, which is nice. However there can be instances, each in life and in enterprise, when you want to let another person take over, if just for a second. Asking for assist, particularly from individuals we do not wish to let down, is completely effective. Step one is to confess that you may’t do it alone. Finally, should you’ve performed job, the captain ought to be capable to take a break, realizing that the crew will preserve the ship afloat.

2. Vulnerability could be a great factor

Once I consider among the most profitable advertising campaigns I can bear in mind, those with “coronary heart” all the time come to thoughts first. From a enterprise perspective, it might probably appear scary to humanize our work, to let the general public into our world. However from a buyer and consumer standpoint, there’s nothing that makes you are feeling nearer to a enterprise than realizing it is run by actual individuals.

When Patagonia’s founder not too long ago introduced that he would basically donate the corporate to the battle towards local weather change, it wasn’t the numbers that acquired individuals excited. It was his heartfelt letter and the way in which he spoke about his humble beginnings, his journey, his hopes and desires for the corporate and the way forward for planet earth that basically made individuals wish to share, repost and to admire.

Associated: Being weak is the boldest act of company management

3. Do not do it for the cash

We have all heard this earlier than, however typically we want a reminder: you possibly can’t take the cash with you. Truthfully no person is aware of what occurs within the afterlife, however science tells us that materials issues stay, together with paper. So do not let it’s the motive. You possibly can nonetheless reside life and deal with cash like that much-needed bridge that will help you attain your purpose. Let your passions drive you and know that it feels so a lot better to get wealthy doing one thing you really consider in.

4. Return the favor

One thing that stunned me when my father died was the quantity of people that got here to the rescue. Because the saying goes: “Search the helpers, there’ll all the time be helpers.” Helpers come from all corners of your life and it is a humbling expertise. I’ve had co-workers and purchasers present a level of kindness I did not assume was potential, and now they reside on my “do good” record endlessly. Whether or not it is to make a connection or put in an exceptionally good phrase for them, I will be joyful to accommodate you.

See additionally: How you can use grief as inspiration

5. Have a plan

I had heard that each marketing strategy ought to embody a contingency or emergency rollout plan, nevertheless it completely flew over my head attempting to write down mine all these years in the past. So let this be your mark to mud off yours and add a web page or two of what is going to occur if issues go fallacious. Though, as talked about above, I had distinctive enterprise companions, a plan of motion would have saved us all some moments of panic.

6. Take a break

Maybe essentially the most invaluable factor I’ve realized from grief comes within the type of… a trip. Probably not. Permit a cherished one who dies unexpectedly to convey you again down and remind you that life is sudden and tomorrow isn’t assured.

I spent most of my father’s life working and I usually consider all of the locations he could not go and the issues he could not spend his cash on as a result of he was too busy making mentioned cash . With him gone, it felt like one thing clicked in my mind and all of a sudden allowed me to be somewhat extra egocentric and aware of my time. I now not really feel responsible about taking holidays at any time when I can or taking a day off in the midst of the week once I must prioritize my psychological well being, and I anticipate my purchasers and staff to do the identical . We do not know the way lengthy we have been right here. So should you’re ready to permit it, I invite you to show your again on the hustle each occasionally and rewire your mind to embrace the artwork of working to reside, not residing to work.