For many entrepreneurs, building a business is the dream. But what happens when you reach the top of the mountain, and the view isn’t what you expected?
That’s the question Greg Hayne, Owner of the Hayne Coaching Group, has been helping successful business owners answer through his What’s Next program.
In this episode of Titans of the Trades, Greg and host Ryan Englin dive into the often-overlooked challenge of life after business ownership.
Success Without Fulfillment
Greg’s clients are far from struggling. Many run multimillion-dollar companies. But when he asked them whether they were burned out, going through the motions, or unsure what they’d do without the daily grind, nearly everyone said yes. The bigger problem? Almost none of them had an answer for what they wanted instead.
Money can buy toys, but it can’t buy lasting fulfillment. That realization leaves many entrepreneurs wondering what’s next.
The Trap of “Golf and Grandchildren”
When asked about retirement, most contractors and business owners fall back on what Greg calls the “golf and grandchildren plan.” Spend more time on the course. Spend more time with family. For most people, that works… For about 60 days. Then the restlessness sets in.
The truth? Entrepreneurs aren’t wired to sit still. They need purpose, challenges, and growth. Without a plan, retirement becomes less of a reward and more of a slow decline.
Tools for Navigating What’s Next
Greg developed a framework to help entrepreneurs explore new possibilities. Instead of waiting for all the lights to turn green before making a move, he encourages owners to start with curiosity and simple tools:
- Stimulate the right brain through creativity, movement, or reading outside your usual comfort zone.
- Take clarity breaks. Have quiet time with pen and paper to process ideas without distractions.
- Ask powerful questions like: What would this look like if it were easy? or What’s possible if I think 10x instead of 2x?
These practices help business owners break out of fear and start moving toward a future they actually want.
Breaking the Fear of Change
Change feels scary because it’s uncertain. Most people are motivated either by fear (moving away from pain) or by love (moving toward a vision that excites them). The key is having something compelling to move toward. Without that vision, fear takes over.
Greg encourages entrepreneurs to design lives they don’t need a vacation from. Lives filled with meaning now, not someday.
Why It Matters for Entrepreneurs in the Trades
Contractors and business owners in construction often grind for decades without considering what comes next. Some never retire, not because they can’t afford to, but because they don’t know what they’d do. Greg’s program helps them avoid that fate.
If you’ve ever felt restless, burned out, or unsure of your next chapter, listen to this episode with Greg Hayne. Discover the tools that will help you chart your own map and finally answer the question: What’s next for entrepreneurs like me?
Connect With Greg:
Website: https://www.haynecoachinggroup.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghayne/
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