The Surprising Key to Sustainable Success

Why Knowing Your ‘Enough Number’ Can Bring Fulfillment and Freedom

What if chasing ‘more’—more clients, more revenue, more hustle—was the very thing holding you back from the success you truly want?

how much is enough checklist in a serene office

I started my business in 2008 on a wing and a prayer. College-educated, corporate business-savvy, but a baby when it came to running my own business. At the time, I had two little ones who needed me, a husband working long hours, and a dream of what my next chapter could be.

When I got let go from my corporate job, I was unsure about my future. I’d been working remotely since 1999, so I already knew I could balance being there for my family while contributing to the household. How hard could this new venture be? I read all the books, followed the mentors, and—as an educated accountant—I knew that getting the financials right would be key to growth.

But somewhere along the way, I started listening to the six-figure advice…and then the seven. Small steps turned into giant leaps. Suddenly, my income goals felt like they were built for someone else’s life, not mine. I was trading hours for dollars that didn’t make sense for my lifestyle, all while feeling like I was falling further behind.


The High Cost of Chasing “More”

For years, I let myself get swept up in the idea that “more” equals success. More clients. More revenue. More hustle. But the reality is, the bigger those goals became, the more stress and burnout I experienced.

There’s an emotional toll when you’re constantly chasing arbitrary numbers. You start sacrificing time with your family, creative energy, and the very reasons you started your business in the first place. And the worst part? The “more” never felt like enough.


Redefining Success on My Terms

Everything changed when I took a step back and asked myself: What does success actually look like for me? Not for the gurus. Not for my peers. For me.

That’s when I realized the power of identifying my “enough number”—the minimum income I needed to sustain my lifestyle and business without losing my sanity. By shifting my focus from endless growth to sustainable success, I reclaimed my time and energy.

I started aligning my financial goals with my values.

Family time, creative freedom, and financial stability became the foundation for how I planned my business.

And you know what? That clarity brought more peace of mind and ease than any six-figure milestone ever could.


How to Define Your “Enough”

If you’re tired of chasing “more” without a clear purpose, here are some steps to help you redefine success:

  1. Reflect on Your Values:
    What’s most important to you? Time with family? Travel? Creative pursuits? Use these values to guide your income goals.
  2. Calculate Your “Enough Number”:
    Add up your monthly personal and business expenses, plus savings and taxes. This is your baseline.
  3. Set Realistic Goals:
    Focus on incremental progress rather than gigantic leaps. Sustainable growth beats burnout.
  4. Stop Comparing:
    Your journey is unique. Success isn’t one-size-fits-all, so don’t measure your goals against someone else’s.

Success Isn’t a Number; It’s Alignment

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about hitting an arbitrary number. It’s about creating a life and business that align with what matters most to you. For me, that meant letting go of the hustle bustle and focusing on stress-free sustainability and joy.

What does your “enough” look like? Start small, stay intentional, and remember—you don’t need “more” to be successful. You just need clarity and purpose.