Understanding the Concept of "Enough"

The question of how much money is truly sufficient is a complex one. It's not merely about numbers; it's about our internal perceptions and beliefs.

In early 2017, I embarked on my first freelancing journey, working from January to April. I had reached a point of exhaustion in my viral media role and decided to leave without securing another position. Having done freelance writing alongside my full-time job for years, I thought scaling up my efforts would be straightforward. However, as many entrepreneurs can attest, it proved to be quite challenging.

In January, my earnings were $5,000 before taxes, which dipped to $3,500 in February and barely reached $4,000 by March. At just 26 years old, living in a costly city, I was the sole breadwinner while my husband completed nursing school. As March rolled around, anxiety set in, prompting me to apply for full-time jobs once more. By mid-April, I secured a position as an editor at a prominent media company. While I felt a sense of relief, I was also frustrated with myself.

Freelancing offered a sense of freedom that I cherished. I recall working in coffee shops, taking midday runs, and enjoying the flexibility it provided. Yet, each time I checked my bank account, dread washed over me. I desperately wanted my freelance career to succeed, but I couldn't envision a sustainable future in it.

Fast forward seven years, and my income has significantly increased. However, the unsettling feeling of not having "enough" still lingers. This sentiment resonates with many of my driven clients as well: we set financial targets, achieve them, and yet feel dissatisfied. It seems there's always more to strive for.

The definition of "enough" refers to a quantity that fulfills or satisfies. Conversely, scarcity indicates a lack of supply—it's the belief that there will never be sufficient resources available. Many of us grow up internalizing these notions of scarcity. If our parents faced financial hardships, if we graduated during economic downturns, or if we experienced poverty ourselves, the feeling of scarcity can become ingrained.

Capitalism feeds into this idea of scarcity, intentionally creating artificial limitations. By reducing supply, capitalists can heighten demand, resulting in increased profits. This pervasive scarcity mindset is something we breathe in daily.

However, it's crucial to recognize that scarcity is often a misleading narrative. Abundance exists all around us: in nature, community, creativity, and resources. While distribution issues persist, the overall availability of resources is fundamentally abundant.

To shift your mindset, you must consciously train yourself to recognize this abundance. Social media often bombards us with negativity—layoffs, economic fears, and a constant reminder of scarcity. This pervasive narrative can distort our perception of money and work, leading us to believe that fulfillment is unattainable. It's disheartening, anxiety-inducing, and can severely hinder our productivity and creativity.

Embracing a mindset of abundance can lead to greater satisfaction. Ask yourself: What aspects of my life are already abundant? How can I find proof that work and money can be plentiful? What am I content with in my life? What evidence supports the idea that I am already enough?

When clients approach me for coaching, they often grapple with defining what "enough" looks like in terms of income and workload. This understanding is vital for setting daily objectives. However, I've noticed that even this "enough" figure—what one needs to survive—often leaves individuals feeling unfulfilled.

Consider this: What would "enough" feel like for you? What would bring you genuine satisfaction?

For me, having enough money would mean the freedom to work on my terms, take time to renovate my home, and engage in more coaching. I envision hiking regularly and maintaining a consistent exercise routine. Yet, many of these aspirations could be pursued now, independent of my financial situation. The fear of potential consequences has held me back, just as it did in 2017 when I abandoned freelancing because I doubted my capacity to succeed.

Ultimately, the concept of "enough" transcends mere financial figures for most of us. It's tied to our self-worth and our belief in our ability to handle risks and their outcomes. Whether it's $5,000, $10,000, or even $100,000, if we don't believe we are enough, no amount will ever suffice.

So, while it's essential to document your financial targets and set goals for the year, remember that "enough" is an internal journey. What about you is already sufficient? Start there.

Exploring My Journey

As a writer and business coach for freelance creatives based in Central Oregon, I balance my work life with parenting two young children. My current passion lies in non-linear business development and helping individuals create successful businesses that prioritize their human needs.

This piece is an excerpt from my free newsletter, Mindset Mastery. Explore my coaching services, connect with me on Twitter and Instagram, or download my free business planning workbook for creatives!

The first video titled "How Much MONEY is 'Enough'?" delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of financial sufficiency, helping viewers understand their relationship with money.

In the second video, "How Much Money Is Enough Money? Not As Much As Americans Might Think," a Forbes discussion reveals surprising insights into Americans' perceptions of financial adequacy.