In the world of business, ‘more’ often seems to be the mantra: more sales, more clients, more hours, more growth. But what if that endless chase for ‘more’ actually exhausts you and takes you further away from what you really want?

The problem: The eternal hunt for more

Imagine this: your business is doing well, sales are up, but you still don’t feel fulfilled. You work 60 hours a week, constantly checking your e-mail and saying yes to every opportunity that comes along. Why? Because you haven’t clearly defined when “enough” is really enough. If you don’t know how much money you need to live the life you want think a comfortable home, travel with family, or simply time for hobbies , you keep chasing for more. The same goes for time: without knowing how many free hours you really need to recharge, be creative, or maintain relationships, you fill your schedule to the brim.

The trap of the infinite lake

Many entrepreneurs run ahead of themselves because they don’t set a limit. You earn well, but feel empty. Your schedule is bulging, but you have no time for family or yourself. Cause? You don’t have a sharp sense of what is “enough. Financially: how much do you need for your dream life – basic plus extras? In terms of time: how many free hours do you really want? Without that, you keep chasing, resulting in burnout.

Take Carla: earned €150,000, worked 70 hours. We defined “enough” as €100,000 with a 4-day week. She increased her rates, delegated and deleted ballast. Now: she has stable revenue, 30% fewer hours, more life.

Why ‘enough’ frees you

Clarity about enough shifts your mindset from quantity to quality. You say no to low-value opportunities, invest in what fits and build sustainably. Psychological: it breaks the adjustment to “more. Cultural: in the Netherlands we can do this better than in hustle countries, but many forget.

Here’s how to do it

1. Financial: Calculate base (€4,000?) + desires (€2,500?). Target net goal, build buffer.
2. Time: Plan your week, set ideal split (40% work, 60% life?).
3. Apply: Set KPIs, review weekly. Carla switched to high-margin, halved her hours, boosted sales by 20%.
4. Adjust: Review quarterly and your life changes.

Take-away

Enough is a compass for your priorities, balance and ambition: define it sharply, monitor consciously and undertake with intention for greater peace, better decisions and sustainable growth without exhaustion.