WHEN IS ENOUGH – ENOUGH?
Have you noticed how fast we are moving through the calendar of recent hearing comments like “can you believe the year is almost over?” – as if our world is speeding up (and research is indicating that it is)? And, have you witnessed friends feeling tremendous pressure to go for the proverbial American dream? As a result of the speed of life and the increased pressure of life – growing numbers of adults in America are experiencing increased anxiety, greater sleep deprivation with increased pressure to stay the course as if on a non-ending treadmill.
For many of my clients, they are operating on all cylinders continuing to make the climb up the corporate ladder and bring home more money to support ever-increasing life-styles, family goals and personal wants. For those that remember the days of keeping up with the proverbial Joneses – imagine that the Joneses are most likely in debt, fore-closing on their home with a strained marriage.
So a fair question to ask is “when is enough enough?” At what point, do we look to readjust our goals and ensure they are corded to who we truly are and examine what a winnable game related to our life and work goals looks like? For many of us, we are playing an intense game of life but – at what costs? What does it specifically look like for you to “win” in your life? For some, the quality of family life, robust personal relationships and personal health are at risk with current strategies. If you find you are filled with more worry and less joy – questioning if there is more to life than your current scenario – you might be ready for a move that allows for a significant detour integrating your personal values and desires without the heavy lifting towards a purposeful journey.
When disaster happens in our lives, it offers a pause to reflect on the personal quality of life – to lower the mirror and reflect on what is working and what needs changing – allowing for a calibration of sorts towards a more purposeful, meaningful and engaged experience. So do we assume that the speed of life is not going to slow down but rather speed up? And, if we assume that many of the complexities that we have in front of us may have a long shelf life. What would it look like to have that meaningful conversation to evaluate lifestyle in your current roadmap. What defines your enough-being-enough for you?
