Importance Of “Enough”
Happiness is equal to"Result" minus “Expectations"
One of the twenty lessons documented in the famous book “The Psychology of Money” is “Never Enough.” This article summarizes my learnings after reading that chapter.
We live in a time of capitalism and consumerism where we strive to earn and consume as much as possible. It’s never enough. Here is a small example to understand it better.
Consider a rookie basketball player earning $500k per annum. For most people, it’s above-average pay. But wait, let us compare it with a famous basketball player making $36 million every year. Now the payday of the rookie seems insignificant. Then there are hedge fund managers who earn more than $300 million a year, making the famous basketball player look broke.
I can continue to mention someone earning even more every year. However, I think the message I want to convey is clear; it’s never enough.
Like the three individuals discussed above, most of us make an amount that can cover our basic needs, and there will still be leftovers. Still, most of us are in a race to make more. It is by no means a negative or wrong thing to yearn for more. However, remember these three points if you find yourself stuck and unsatisfied by participating in this race.
It is hard to stop moving the goal post forward
It is common to keep moving targets further. Reaching a goal only means setting two more goals that are further ahead. So, again, being ambitious is not wrong. However, dangerous is when the drive to achieve more increases desires faster than satisfaction. It is at this point when “It is never enough”. Therefore, make sure to pause and reflect, whether ambitions are over-shadowing fulfillment?
Compete with yourself
Like the example I mentioned above, most of us fall into the trap of comparing our success with others. This comparison, most of the time, results in jealousy and dissatisfaction. There will always be someone more successful than you. Consequently, it is useless to compare and compete with others around you. You will be far better if you admit that you have enough, even if it is less than others around you.
Always remember, the only one you need to compete with is yourself.
Difference between “Enough” and “Conservatism”
The first thought that comes to mind while hearing the word “enough” is “conservatism”. But, if you are an attentive reader, you might have already understood that “enough” does not mean to stop aiming higher or craving for more.
Enough means to have self-realization and to know when more brings less.
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