Simple formula for a Good Enough Life
From concept to implementation
One of my clients asked me this recently - What is the simple formula for a good enough life? That made my analytical brain realize that we all need simple frameworks to operationalize concepts. So, here you go:
1. Enough money to pay the bills
Security is non-negotiable. When the basics like housing, food, healthcare are covered, your nervous system calms down. You stop living in survival mode. Beyond that, every extra dollar has diminishing emotional returns. Money buys comfort but cannot buy contentment. Once the essentials are stable, focus should shift to thinking about better experiences.
2. Stress-free fun
You need deliberate joy that carries no performance or outcome. Laughter, music, play, movement, absurdity are things that reset the brain and loosens the grip of “what next.”
Does a friendly game of pickleball count? Sure, it does. You may still compete to win the game and keep score but you are stress-free since even a loss is as exhilarating as a win.
3. Some discretionary income
This is what turns existence into living. You need “optionality” i.e. the ability to say yes to dinner with friends, a trip, a course, or a spontaneous indulgence without guilt. Discretionary money is less about luxury and more about freedom of choice. It reminds you you’re intentionally steering your own life.
Some people may not even need this layer. Their sense of freedom comes from simplicity, not spending.
4. Meaningful challenges
Without something to stretch against, life goes flat. “Meaningful” doesn’t mean easy or profitable. It means you care about it, and it forces growth and the challenge keeps your inner engine tuned. Too much comfort breeds apathy; moderate friction keeps you alive.
Challenges can lead to meaning through impact (serving a cause), mastery (learning a new skill), connection (new or renewed relationships), and creation (building something). Take your pick!
Put together
A Good Enough Life - Bills paid (for stability) + Stress-free fun (for renewal) + Discretionary cushion (for freedom) + Meaningful challenge (for purpose)
Just enough to live intentionally and lightly so that life stops being a chase and starts being an experience.