Enough is enough

Enough is enough. A very familiar phrase. Often used. Perhaps overused. Although, I think it deserves further investigation. If your instant association with the phrase is someone having had enough and calling a stop to something then that's completely normal. However, the sentence isn't as two-dimensional as that. Depending on our perspective, the phrase can of course still be a strong refusal to withstand anymore but it can also be a statement of contentment.

Knowing that we only really need as much as we really need is an important realisation to come to in the search for happiness. Enough is enough. A difficult, but vital, thing to work out is how much is enough. What do you really need? Do you already have it? Are you chasing unnecessary things to the detriment of having the necessities or even as a distraction from not having the necessities? Everyone has a different list. The basics are pretty universal and the fact that you're reading this blog on the website suggests that you have taken care of the basics. Your list of personal needs needs personal attention. You should find half an hour where you can be totally alone and really think about what it is you need. Perhaps your needs now encompass the needs of others. Dependents. Strong motivation undoubtedly but what are their true needs and are they something that you can provide? If they are not or you are unclear then a conversation needs to take place. My son will always think he wants a new toy but what he truly wants is to play with his toys with someone he loves.

Once you have your (and your dependents’) list of needs it's time to take action. You must plan how the needs will be achieved. Playing with my son, for example, requires proper time management and usually means putting the phone in another room. Whilst your needs are immediate, they might take time and energy to fulfil. You must, set a deadline and work consistently and diligently toward it. You must have the discipline to do that work daily. If it is a genuine need then you shouldn't have too much trouble doing this. Yet, this is a need you haven't achieved thus far in your life, so, clearly, we haven't realised a strong enough motivator - our deepest motivation and reason for needing it. You absolutely must find out why you need it. The why is all important. Write it out and keep it out, somewhere you can see it. My why is to ensure my son feels safe and loved and validated. The why keeps us going no matter the what, how or when.

If you've had enough then maybe it’s time to work out what is enough.

Or hire a coach to work it out with you. (I know a few so drop me an email if you’d like recommendations)