So I’m scanning through my RSS this morning and I happened across Leo Babauta’s Key Question: How Much is Enough? at Zen Habits. He begins this post by leading into a question,

We often want more than we have now. More money, more gadgets, better furniture, a better house, a better car, more clothes, more shoes, more success.

And what happens when we get more? We aren’t satisfied, because there are new ads for new iPods, for new laptops, for new iPhones, for new cars, for new clothes. We have to have those. It’s impossible to satisfy that hunger for more, because our culture is not satisfied with what we have, but is geared to wanting more. It’s consumerism, and it’s the official religion of the industrialized world.

That sounds preachy, so let’s move beyond that: ask yourself how much is enough, how much do you need in order to be satisfied? I submit that the answer is that we already have enough — possibly more than enough.

What does “enough” mean?”

This is a valid question with many possible answers. Of course, “enough” is a subjective term and cannot be quantitatively defined. Therefore, we must think of “enough” in qualitative terms. Most of the responses given to Leo’s question sound like:

“Give to others.”

“find ‘enough’ in religion.”

“learn to enjoy the simple things.”

“all you need is food and shelter.”

Although these are valid, authentic, and legitimate answers, I believe they fail to take into account that humans are naturally egotistical and materialistic. People don’t want to go without the “good” things in life. So none of these types of responses amount to any kind of happiness until you learn to live with Margin. Allow yourself some breathing room and all of a sudden, the paid off Honda Accord drives much nicer than the financed BMW.

Margin does not only apply to money, but all areas of life. You’ve heard about the reaction of a cornered rat, right? They freak out and attack. That’s how most of Americans are living their lives, in a corner. They need margin.

Margin in Finances

Margin in Time

Margin in Relationships

Margin in Fitness

Margin in Attitude

Like I said, there is no quantitative definition of the word, “enough,” in materialistic terms. I believe that “enough” = “margin.” Having left over and extra is how you have enough. There is no certain amount that is enough. you can make $30,000 a year and have “enough” because you have margin in your life. On the Flip side, you can make millions but be living above your means, so you don’t have “enough.” You must have margin in every area of your life.

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1. A Hot Wife - I would much rather be with her than my boss, and I’m sure you all would agree that a hot wife is better than a jerk anyday! A hot girlfriend would do aswell for those of you who have not taken the plunge yet, which, by the way, I highly recommend. Being married is fantastic! For those of you looking, here’s a hilarious little Gem!

2. A New Puppy - Beaglejuice is his name and he’s a Badass. I was never a dog guy…in fact, I ridiculed people who had and loved their dogs. I still think it is odd, and still do not understand how our society came to accept the idea of having animals living in our houses, pooping and peeing and making us feed them! But he’s awesome and we have tons of fun!

3. Daily Dates With Your Pillow - A.K.K. NAPS! Can’t beat a good nap! Turn the fan on high and hit the pillow hard! here’s a question…Does anyone know why you get cold when you sleep at night but boiling lava hot when you sleep during the day?

4. Not Eating Fast Food - How about a nice, fresh, homemade sandwhich! How about not clogging your arteries with lard? How about feeling 10,000,000% better? How about not being fat? Sounds good to me!

5. Excuse to Buy Yourself Cool Stuff for a Home Office - A new computer, a sweet desk, a new chair, all sorts of awesome organizational stuff. I think I just need to be rich becasue I LOVE buying “stuff” like gadgets and gizmos.

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Have Products You Are Proud of!

This is part 2 of a 3-part series, here is Part 1.

Sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s unbelievable how many people start businesses based on what words people search on google, or how much something is on eBay. Yeah, you can make money doing it, but if you’re anything like me, a business STRICTLY for the money will lose your interest quickly.

Another no-brainer is to start a business doing something you love, or at least in an industry you are passionate about. Your passion comes through in your sales. Michael Gerber talks about this in his book, The E-Myth Revisited. There is a difference between working in your business and working on your business.

The danger that comes along with starting a business in an area you are passionate about is that it is very easy to get caught up working in your business. On the other hand, having products you are comfortable with allows you to focus on working on your business if you make a conscious decision to do so.

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Do Business You’re Comfortable Doing.

This, in no way, is a liscence to shy away from those things that make you uncomfortable. You will never here me arguing for anyone to stay in their comfort zone. One thing I would tell you is to do something, at least 1 thing, everyday that stretches you outside your CZ.

Now, what I mean by “Do Business You’re Comfortable Doing,” is that it is best to start a business in an area that you have expertise. Don’t go starting a landscaping company because a guy you know makes a killing doing it. Stick to your “core competencies.” I think it’s time to leave Corporate America now that I’ve started using Corporate Lingo!

If you stick to a business you know, you’ll be better off in the long run because on top of that, you’ll have 15 other things to do as an entrepreneur that you DON’T know.