The Million Dollar Question

This question has been on my mind lately. After years of coaching incredible individuals, I've noticed a pattern that's concerning. Many of us are caught in an endless cycle of pushing, striving, and grinding – but to what end? 

When was the last time you stopped and asked yourself, "Is this enough?" Are we making life harder for ourselves than necessary? We're so focused on earning more money and growing our businesses that sometimes I wonder if we even remember what living well means anymore. Picture yourself on a treadmill, running faster and faster. You can see your goal just ahead, but no matter how hard you push, it always seems just out of reach. Sound familiar? We push ourselves until we burnout or our bodies give out. We ignore when we feel out of alignment and continue to white-knuckle through life. But why? Is it social conditioning that's got us believing we always need to be "hustling"? Or maybe it's that pesky scarcity mindset whispering, "You'll never have enough"? Interestingly, neuroscience offers some insights here.

Our brains are hardwired with a negativity bias, a trait that evolved to keep us alert to threats . This bias can make us focus more on what could go wrong instead of appreciating what's going right. Moreover, chronic stress can actually rewire our brains. Studies have shown that prolonged stress can lead to changes in the brain's decision-making circuits, shifting us from goal-directed behaviours to more habitual responses. This means we might be stuck in patterns that no longer serve us, simply because our stressed brains are on autopilot. 

So, how do we change this narrative? We need to give ourselves permission to keep our tanks full. To stay connected with our loved ones by giving them the irreplaceable gift of our time and presence. Because let's face it, no amount of success is worth sacrificing our health, our relationships, or our joy. It starts with a shift in perspective. We need to redefine what "enough" means to us. Is it really about having the biggest business, the fanciest car, or the most zeros in our bank account? Or is it about waking up every day feeling fulfilled, energised, and excited about the life we're living? I remember working with a client – let's call them Alex. They were killing it in their business, but they were also killing themselves in the process. Long hours, skipped meals, barely seeing their family. One day, they broke down in our session and said, "Elke, I'm successful, but I'm not happy. What's the point of all this if I can't enjoy it?" And you know what? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? What needs to change for us to be able to live the dream that we're all so fixated on? How can we make that dream feel within reach instead of always just beyond our grasp? Here's what I've learned, both from my own journey and from coaching countless individuals: 

1.  Define your "enough": What does a fulfilling life look like to you? Not to society, not to your parents, not to your social media feed – to YOU. 
2.  Set boundaries: Learn to say no to things that don't align with your vision of "enough". 
3.  Practice gratitude: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate what you already have. This can actually rewire your brain for more positivity. 
4.  Prioritise self-care: And I'm not just talking about superficial indulgences. I mean real, soul-nourishing self-care. 
5.  Connect with your why: Regularly check in with yourself to ensure your actions align with your core values and purpose. 
6.  Celebrate the small wins: Don't wait for some big, future achievement to feel successful. Acknowledge your progress along the way. 
7.  Seek support: Whether it's a coach, a mentor, or a supportive community, don't try to do it all alone. 

Remember, you have options. You don't have to stay on that treadmill. I'm here to help you navigate the best path for you, to plan a strategy for growing yourself and your business without the burnout. So, ask – when is it enough? The answer is different for everyone, but I believe it's when you can look at your life with contentment, knowing you're living in alignment with your values and purpose. You've got this. And I'm here to support you every step of the way. Now, how about we start planning your version of "enough"?