It is interesting to note, however, that once some of my clients reach achieve financial success, which many of them do, they still have a sense of longing, of restlessness, of void. Something is still missing. Either they are unable to affirm their success or just don't know "how much is enough?".
I told a client this week that one way I acknowledge my abundant life is with lemons. I love fresh lemon juice and buy them by the bag. However, there was a time when buying one lemon felt like an extravagance (depending on the price) and sometimes I declined. I let my current lemon buying be a regular reminder of my abundant life which I don't want to take it for granted. I believe that recognizing and honoring what we have is a step towards knowing how much is enough.
Another step is examining the hole that is left no matter what our "success". What truly honors our values? What is it that money can't buy? Perhaps it is spiritual fulfillment, giving back, relationships. Just as we pursue additive behavior to "fill up" a hole inside of us, the same is often true with "success". We earn more, achieve greater recognition, move to the corner office and yet there is still a sense of emptiness. A feeling that we aren't enough, don't have enough, need more.
I had a client that closed a multi-million dollar business because she recognized that her life was terribly out of balance. It has been over a year now and she is one of the happiest people I know. Like my lemons, she takes joy in the simple acts of buying her own clothes at the mall, working in her yard, and training her new puppy – all things she was unable to do when she literally worked all the time. She now has a new measure of success and fulfillment.
Coaching questions
How much is enough for you?
Will you know when you get there?
Is it a destination or a process?
Once you reach six figures will you be content
When you buy the house of your dreams or marry the man of your dreams?
It is all a matter of attitude. People at all income levels and life situations consider themselves successful. They may be earning a small income, be single, have a disability yet they feel peaceful and fulfilled as they progress through their life stages. How do you answer the question – how much is enough?