10 Questions to Break Your Patterns and Succeed More

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-06-08

What will your business look like in 10 years? What are you doing today to understand—and keep understanding—your customers' changing needs? These are two of the ten questions I'm asking you in this article to pull you out of your usual thoughts and patterns. Take your time with them. They'll give your life and your business a real boost. ### Why Breaking Patterns Matters We all get stuck in routines. It's human. But the same habits that make you efficient can also keep you from seeing new opportunities. When you ask yourself tough questions, you force your brain to think differently. That's where growth happens. Think of it like driving the same route to work every day. You stop noticing the scenery. But if you take a detour, you might discover a new coffee shop or a faster way home. The same applies to your business. Breaking patterns opens doors. ### The 10 Questions That Will Change Your Perspective Here are the questions to ask yourself. Don't rush through them. Spend at least a few minutes on each one. Write down your answers. The goal isn't perfection—it's honesty. - What does my business look like in 10 years? - What am I doing today to understand my customers' changing needs? - What's one belief about my business that might be holding me back? - If I had to start over tomorrow, what would I do differently? - What's the biggest risk I'm avoiding right now? - Who are the three people I need to connect with this month? - What's one thing I can automate or delegate to free up my time? - How am I measuring success beyond revenue? - What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail? - What's the smallest change I can make today that would have the biggest impact? ### How to Use These Questions Effectively Don't just read them. Schedule a 30-minute block this week with no distractions. Turn off your phone. Close your email. Sit with a notebook and answer each question honestly. You might feel uncomfortable at first—that's normal. Discomfort means you're pushing past your usual patterns. After you've answered them, pick one question to focus on for the next 30 days. Set a specific action step. For example, if you chose question two about customer needs, schedule five customer interviews this month. Small, consistent actions create big shifts. ### A Simple Tool to Check Your Balance Want to see at a glance which areas of your life could use a little extra attention? Download the free Focus Wheel at businessdad.be/focuswiel. It's a quick visual tool that helps you assess your energy across different life domains—from health to finances to relationships. Use it monthly to stay balanced. ### Exclusive Learning Bundle for Entrepreneurs Check out our exclusive bundle of four e-learnings, designed specifically for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs like you. Use code BDPODCASTFAN to get everything for just $109 (instead of $274). Visit businessdad.be/bundle to learn more. ### Want More Exclusive Tips? Sign up for my updated newsletter, the Business Dad Monthly Briefing, at businessdad.be/monthly. You'll get insights delivered straight to your inbox—no fluff, just actionable advice.