Reaching Enough-Ness?

My first year of business, I was answering phones, teaching classes, all while bouncing my new baby on my hip. Work was day and night with no pay; at one point my husband called it my volunteer job, honestly that comment made my head explode. Yes, we are still married. But to be honest he was right, and I was busting my butt for no reward. It was slowly wearing me down, I never felt I was enough. So, I started setting goals.

I clearly remember sitting in the bathtub wishing that my fall enrollment would have 75 kids. My mind was making a mental checklist of all that I could do with that many students. The new equipment I would purchase and maybe finally add a teacher or a front office receptionist.

Fast forward a few years, I thought, “Oh, all things will fall into place if I have 150 kids!” Then, by year five, I was paying myself—year 7, I bought a new car—year 11, I helped our family purchase a new home!

With more than 400 students, I began questioning if I should go for 525? But I found that my head is in a different place. I wondered, “When is good enough, good enough?” How does it happen that I am not thrilled with the 400+ students I already have? What will be my satisfaction point? Will it be when I am stacking kids on top of each other? It’s like Verruca Salt from Willy Wonka, “But Daddy I want the Golden the ticket!” When will it stop?

It is strange to look back at that girl in the bathtub who wished for the 75 students. What did I know? I knew that I needed to make a profit, which happened a while ago. I do know that girl was probably 30 pounds lighter, healthier and had a less wrinkles. Don’t get me wrong, I do feel that it is necessary to set goals to be constantly moving forward. But is it more kids, more space, more teachers, or could it be smarter business, better programming, doing a great job while encouraging my 400+ to do more?

While we can easily get wrapped up with going, moving, and doing – it is okay to be OKAY! Set your goals high but recognize all that you have already done and where you came from. Keep your nose down, work on your business and if you are happy where you are, be proud of it!

So, I may have found my enough-ness, what is YOURS?