Redefining Success: Why More People Are Opting for ‘Enough’ Over ‘More’

In a world that once celebrated wealth, high-status titles, and the relentless pursuit of “more,” a shift is happening. Many individuals today are stepping off the treadmill of conventional success to pursue a different path, one that values contentment, simplicity, and balance. This isn’t about abandoning ambition or rejecting growth. It’s about redefining what “success” looks like and creating a version that feels sustainable and fulfilling. Let’s explore why “enough” is becoming the new “more” for so many people, especially here in the UK, and how this movement may reshape our lives, work, and communities.

The Changing Face of Success

The traditional markers of success—wealth, power, and prestige—are now being questioned. This shift has been influenced by a range of factors, including economic challenges, a growing focus on mental health, and even the pandemic, which forced many of us to reconsider our priorities. In the UK, where the cost of living continues to rise and work-life balance is increasingly under scrutiny, the concept of “enough” is gaining traction.

Statistics back up this trend. According to a 2023 survey by Deloitte, 70% of UK millennials and Gen Zs reported that work-life balance and personal well-being are more important to them than financial wealth. These generations are less focused on accumulating material possessions and more interested in experiences, meaningful work, and time spent with loved ones. As British psychologist Tim Kasser noted in The High Price of Materialism, “People who focus on wealth, image, and status experience higher levels of depression and anxiety.” This emerging understanding is driving many to look beyond material goals.

From More to Meaningful

Success, once synonymous with material abundance, is now being redefined in terms of meaningful abundance. Instead of constantly striving for “more”—more money, more promotions, more status—people are asking, What truly adds value to my life? For some, the answer lies in quality time, meaningful connections, or personal growth. For others, it’s about contributing to society, preserving the environment, or simply finding joy in everyday moments.

This shift is also reflected in the rise of minimalism. According to a 2022 YouGov survey, nearly 60% of UK respondents expressed interest in simplifying their lives.

Minimalism doesn’t mean a bare-bones lifestyle; it’s about curating what matters. This resonates with the idea of “enough”—a personalised, fulfilling, and sustainable level of living that allows room for growth without the excess.

Work-Life Balance as a Measure of Success

The pandemic played a huge role in changing our relationship with work. Remote work became the norm for many, showing us the possibility of a life with more flexibility and autonomy. While hybrid working is increasingly common in the UK, it has revealed a universal truth: people want their lives back. A recent study from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that 55% of UK workers prioritise flexible work arrangements over pay increases.

For many, success now means being able to have dinner with family, spend time on hobbies, and enjoy a work schedule that doesn’t sacrifice well-being. More British companies are recognising this, too, with policies promoting mental health days, flexible hours, and even four-day work weeks gaining traction. In fact, a 2023 trial of a four-day work week across 61 UK companies found that 92% of participating organisations decided to continue with the shorter week after the trial period. Employees reported increased productivity, reduced stress, and higher overall happiness.

The Rise of Contentment over Consumption

The societal pressure to “keep up” with others has started to fade, replaced by a new mindset where individuals feel less compelled to compete for material milestones. British economist Kate Raworth coined the term “Doughnut Economics,” advocating for a sustainable way of living within the earth’s boundaries while meeting human needs. This concept appeals to those who want to enjoy a comfortable life without placing undue stress on themselves—or the planet.

Contentment, as it turns out, often leads to greater happiness than endless consumption. A study by the University of Warwick found that increasing wealth alone only leads to a short-term boost in happiness, while the pursuit of purposeful living creates long-term contentment. The British Mental Health Foundation also reports that people who focus on their “inner wealth” experience lower levels of stress and are generally more satisfied with life.

The Financial and Environmental Benefits of “Enough”

Choosing “enough” over “more” has financial benefits, too. As British families face rising inflation and living costs, people are re-evaluating spending habits and turning towards simpler lifestyles. In the UK, the average household debt has surged, with citizens collectively owing over ￡1.7 trillion in personal debt. In response, many people are adopting mindful spending practices, cutting out superfluous expenses, and realising that a modest lifestyle can be a fulfilling one.

There’s also a broader impact: sustainability. The drive for material success often leads to overconsumption, waste, and environmental degradation. By embracing “enough,” individuals contribute to a healthier planet. This conscious decision is evident in the popularity of eco-friendly habits in the UK, from reducing plastic usage to supporting local, sustainable brands.

Research from 2022 showed that 68% of UK consumers are more inclined to buy from companies with sustainable practices, suggesting that “enough” is not only personal but also a collective responsibility.

A Cultural Shift Towards Wellness

Mental wellness is an integral part of this redefined success. The pursuit of constant achievement can take a toll on mental health, leading to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

In the UK, where 17 million workdays are lost annually due to stress-related illnesses, more people are recognising the importance of wellness over wealth. This is evident in the growing popularity of practices like mindfulness, yoga, and nature retreats. Even British companies are taking note, with 45% of employers now offering some form of mental health support to employees.

Wellness isn’t about escaping challenges; it’s about equipping oneself with tools to handle them. By prioritising health, mental clarity, and resilience, people are finding a new kind of success that’s rooted in self-care and balance. As the writer Carl Honoré put it in his book, In Praise of Slowness,

“The time has come to challenge our obsession with doing everything faster. The time has come to celebrate our inner tortoise.” ??

How to Embrace “Enough” in Everyday Life

Redefining success as “enough” doesn’t mean giving up on ambition; maybe it's about setting goals that align with your values and allow room for fulfilment?

Here are some simple ways to embrace this mindset:

1. Evaluate Your Priorities: Ask yourself what truly matters. Focus on pursuits that bring joy, learning, or a sense of accomplishment without stretching yourself too thin.
2. Set Boundaries at Work: Decide when “enough” work is enough. Be intentional about maintaining a work-life balance that serves your well-being.
3. Practise Gratitude: Appreciate what you already have. Studies show that practising gratitude daily can increase happiness and satisfaction.
4. Declutter Your Life: Simplify your surroundings, schedule, and goals. Minimalism allows space for what you love, free from distractions.
5. Support Sustainable Choices: Make purchasing decisions that align with a sustainable lifestyle, like opting for quality over quantity and supporting local businesses.

The Future of Success

The definition of success is changing, especially in the UK, as more people recognise the benefits of a balanced life. While society may still hold traditional markers of success in high regard, a growing number of individuals are choosing to walk a different path—one that values contentment, well-being, and purpose over unending accumulation.

This shift isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental transformation in how we view life’s purpose and value.

Perhaps the next generation won’t measure success by wealth or titles, but by happiness, community, and sustainability. They may look to today’s “enough seekers” as pioneers who prioritised well-being over wealth and led lives that were rich in experience, connection, and joy. In a world that often demands “more,” choosing “enough” may be the ultimate act of self-empowerment and a profound step towards a more meaningful life.