2009: I go to half-time at my day job. I set a financial goal for my baby business. 52 Weeks to Awesome is my first success. But it’s still not enough.

2010: The World-Changing Writing Workshop is a wild success! But it’s still not enough.

2011: The Pathfinding Program is born and begins to thrive. But it’s still not enough.

2012: I quit my day job. Now we need the business to succeed so we can pay the bills. We have a cushion of savings but it’s not enough.

2013: I move to Portland, the city of my dreams. Kyeli and I have our business breakup. Now I’m responsible for meeting 100% of that financial goal, not just 50%. I’m less than half of enough.

2014: I’ve got more Pathfinding clients than I’ve ever had before, and they’re all doing so well! I smile! I celebrate. And then I get back to work, because it’s still not enough.

Last week: I take a break during my work day to go for a walk around the neighborhood. I’m walking down the street with my lovely wife, admiring the gorgeous Portland flowers, and it hits me –

This is enough.

So what if I never hit that green line? So what if I never achieve that financial goal? So what if I’m never “successful”?

I’m living in the city of my dreams with the woman of my dreams. I’m doing what I love for a living, helping people, and making a difference. And all that gets rounded down to “still not enough”?

I stop in my tracks. I turn around on the sidewalk and look backwards, like I’m looking backwards on the path of my life. I’ve lived in this amazing city for over a year. I’ve been fully self-employed for a year and a half. I’ve been married to Kyeli for almost 9 years.

I’ve been so focused on the struggles ahead that I never took a moment to appreciate how far I’ve come – or to be grateful for where I am now.

Making a habit of gratitude

That day, Kyeli and I started a new tradition. At the end of each day, we tell each other what we’re grateful for. And I take special effort to express gratitude for the things I might otherwise take for granted.

I say from my heart, “I’m grateful to be living in Portland. I’m grateful for our relationship. I’m grateful to be free to do what I love for a living. I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to help people and make a difference.”

It’s only been one week, and it’s already changed my life.

Stop in your tracks.

Look backwards on your own path. How far have you come? Take a moment to turn away from the obstacles ahead of you to appreciate your journey and where you are now.

What are you grateful for?