Steve Correa and Ronald D’Souza
What Is Enough: The Challenge of Gratitude and Service
We often say, “I’ve had enough.” Yet, do we ever truly believe we have enough in real life? To claim that we do, that we are content with what we have, can feel like an elusive goal in a world where achievement and acquisition often define success. When we constantly strive for the next big thing, how often do we pause to ask, “Do I really need more?”
The paradox of contentment lies here: if what we already possess has not brought us happiness, how likely is it that something additional will fill that void? Many of us pursue “more” — more success, more possessions, more experiences — only to discover that the more we attain, the more we desire. This cycle of endless wanting is described in Buddhist teachings as tanha, or craving, a root cause of suffering. In modern terms, it’s often likened to being on a hedonic treadmill, where running faster only emotionally keeps us in the same place.
Pulin Garg, my guru, offered profound insight into this cycle:
“What we seek is a myth.
What we have, we do not value.
What we want, nobody gives.”
His words echo an essential truth: We fail to recognize the richness of what we already have and, in doing so, chase after illusions of fulfillment. This desire to acquire stems from a simple wish for comfort and a deeper insecurity about what it means to “have enough.”
The Indic Perspective: Balance over Greed
Indic wisdom speaks to the importance of balance: “Take as much as you need; there is enough for all, but not for greed.” This principle asks us to recognize that there is sufficiency in nature — enough to meet every need but not every greed. When our focus shifts from “need” to “want,” we stray from this wisdom, moving towards a consumer mindset that drains resources and our sense of inner peace. Research published supports this, suggesting that people who prioritise intrinsic goals like personal growth and community connection tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction than those who prioritize extrinsic goals like wealth and status.
In our consumer-driven world, however, the boundaries between “need” and “want” blur quickly. From our first vehicle purchase, the trajectory often leads to more upgrades, larger homes, and trendier gadgets. But when we constantly reach for “more,” do we ever feel fulfilled? Neuroscientists have observed that material acquisitions can trigger dopamine spikes, giving temporary satisfaction, yet the effect quickly fades. As psychologist Tim Kasser noted in his book The High Price of Materialism, “The more people prioritize materialistic values, the less happy they tend to be.”
Gratitude: An Overlooked Practice
During festivals like Diwali, we receive an abundance of well-wishes for health and happiness. But how many of us truly reflect, “I have enough; I am grateful”? More often, our prayers ask for more rather than giving thanks for what is already ours. The act of gratitude is a simple yet profound shift that can transform how we perceive abundance.
Studies from The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley highlight the transformative power of gratitude on well-being, showing that consistent gratitude practices can improve mood, relationships, and overall health. Gratitude invites us to refocus on what we have, training the mind to recognize sufficiency rather than scarcity. This mindset doesn’t dismiss ambition but recalibrates it to be harmonious with an appreciation for the present.
Happiness Beyond Acquisition
Does happiness truly increase with more acquisitions? We often assume that success in our family’s achievements or a secure future will bring happiness. Yet, happiness is more nuanced. People with physical challenges, financial struggles, or social limitations often display profound happiness and peace. Why? Because happiness, research shows, is deeply connected to acceptance and gratitude. The “hedonic adaptation” theory explains that while positive or negative events can affect happiness in the short term, people tend to return to a baseline level of happiness. Thus, enduring happiness lies in how we engage with life, not in what we possess.
Dr. Martin Seligman, a leading figure in positive psychology, argues that real well-being is derived from meaning, engagement, and relationships rather than just positive emotions. The more we anchor our sense of “enough” in these values, the more resilient our happiness becomes. As Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote, “Happiness cannot be pursued; it must ensue.” Pursuing meaning often leads to a lasting sense of contentment, far more enduring than material satisfaction.
Service: Finding Purpose Beyond Self
Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, once said, “The purpose in life is to serve.” It’s a deceptively simple statement from a man leading one of the world’s largest companies. But Cook’s words offer a key to the notion of “enough.” Service, in its essence, involves acting beyond the self and contributing to the well-being of others. Research suggests that those who engage in altruistic behaviour and serve others report greater satisfaction than those focused solely on personal gains.
Service doesn’t require wealth or power; it asks for an openness to others’ needs. Whether through small acts of kindness, community involvement, or simply offering time, service shifts our focus from “having” to “giving.” In Indic thought, service, or seva, is a spiritual act. It reflects a philosophy where helping others enhances one’s own life and spiritual growth.
Redefining “Enough” as a Personal Journey
Ultimately, deciding what is “enough” is a deeply personal journey. The answer lies not in fixed metrics or external comparisons but in an inner alignment with what genuinely brings peace and fulfillment. “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” is a question which nudges us to examine our life purpose, values, and joys.
Instead of more possessions, we truly seek deeper connection, meaning, and a sense of contributing positively to the world. As the Dalai Lama once shared, “When we feel love and kindness towards others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for but also helps us develop inner happiness and peace.”
By grounding ourselves in gratitude, practising generosity, and embracing service, we can redefine “enough” in a way that truly fulfils. This journey — not pursuing “more” — promises lasting happiness.
Steve Correa is an Executive Coach and Author of The Indian Boss at Work, Thinking Global, Acting Indian
Ronald D’Souza has Corporate and Consulting Experience and mentors new startups
This article was published on Medium on 5th Nov, 2024 https://medium.com/@stevecorrea.com/when-do-i-have-enough-92dfc0847d01
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