Why More People Are Prioritizing ‘Enough’ Over Optimization

Not too long ago, I caught myself Googling “best morning routine for productivity” at 11:47 p.m. while simultaneously sipping chamomile tea and doom-scrolling on my phone. It wasn’t the first time I’d spiraled into a black hole of optimization content—productivity hacks, minimalist routines, biohacking podcasts, the works. Ironically, the deeper I went into this world of “better,” the less grounded I felt. And I’m not the only one.

Across conversations with friends, interviews with experts, and personal observations in my line of work, one theme keeps surfacing: people are stepping away from endless self-improvement and beginning to embrace something quieter, subtler, and—to many of us—radically freeing: enough.

This isn’t about settling. It’s about reassessing. The idea that we’re finally allowed to say, “I have what I need” or “I don’t have to upgrade this part of my life right now.” That doing okay can actually be good enough.

Let’s explore what’s fueling this shift and why it's gaining traction across ages, professions, and cultural backgrounds. And more importantly, how you might begin to explore what “enough” looks like for you.

The Era of Optimization Fatigue

For the past decade, we’ve lived in a world supercharged by metrics. Step counters, sleep scores, productivity apps, “Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Life” headlines—it’s been hard to escape the narrative that more is always better.

But in this pursuit of constant upgrading, many people have found themselves exhausted. A study published in 2021 revealed that people often default to additive solutions rather than subtractive ones—even when the latter would be more effective. Translation? We pile on new strategies and tools when maybe all we needed was to do a little less.

That’s optimization fatigue in a nutshell: the burnout that comes from treating your life like a self-improvement project without end. It’s the reason you might feel oddly tired after scrolling through wellness advice that’s supposed to inspire you.

What’s Driving the Shift Toward “Enough”

This growing awareness isn’t happening in a vacuum. Several cultural and societal changes have nudged us toward this healthier mindset:

1. The Pandemic Reset

For many, the global pause forced by COVID-19 spotlighted what actually matters. When routines dissolved, it revealed which habits were truly serving us—and which ones we were just performing.

2. Sustainability Awareness

As climate conversations become more urgent, many people are questioning the consumerist logic behind “more is more.” Choosing enough is often more sustainable—financially, emotionally, and environmentally.

3. Mental Health Advocacy

The rise in open dialogue about mental health has exposed how burnout culture disguises itself as ambition. We’re learning that rest and satisfaction aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities.

The Subtle Power of “Enough”

There’s a quiet strength in stepping off the treadmill of self-optimization. Here’s what it could look like in real life:

• Eating a nourishing lunch without logging the macros.
• Declining a new commitment without guilt because your plate is full—even if there’s technically time.
• Choosing to enjoy your home as it is rather than overhauling it for the sake of aesthetics.

It’s a return to intuitive decision-making, and it fosters something we often overlook in modern life: contentment.

Redefining Ambition Without Burnout

Here’s the part that may surprise you: choosing “enough” doesn’t mean letting go of ambition. In fact, it could help you achieve goals more sustainably. When you remove the pressure to optimize everything, you make space for real focus.

Think about it: would you rather chase ten productivity hacks half-heartedly, or devote real energy to one thing that truly moves the needle? The “enough” mindset says: choose the latter. Do it well. Then pause.

In a professional context, this could look like:

• Streamlining meetings instead of expanding your calendar.
• Automating routine tasks to reclaim deep work hours.
• Aiming for effectiveness, not just efficiency.

When “Good Enough” Is Good

There’s a fascinating term in psychology called “satisficing,” coined by Nobel Prize-winning economist Herbert Simon. It describes a decision-making strategy that aims for a solution that is “good enough,” rather than exhausting all options to find the best possible one.

In studies, satisficers often report greater happiness and less regret than their maximizing peers. Why? Because perfection is a moving target. And the energy we spend trying to hit it is often better invested in living our lives.

As a personal example, I used to spend 40 minutes crafting a single Instagram caption. Now I post when I feel like I have something honest to say—and walk away. The engagement might dip occasionally, but the relief? Consistent.

Minimalism vs. “Enough-ism”

It’s worth clarifying: “enough” isn’t always the same as minimalism. Minimalism often emphasizes reduction for aesthetic or clarity-driven reasons. “Enough-ism” (if we can call it that) is about sufficiency, not subtraction. It’s the sweet spot where you recognize your needs, meet them, and stop there.

So, while a minimalist might aim to own as few clothes as possible, someone practicing enough-ism might simply say: “I like my clothes. I have plenty. I’m not shopping this month.”

It’s a softer, more personalized framework. It adapts with you, rather than boxing you in.

How to Start Finding Your “Enough”

Let’s get practical. This isn’t about flipping a switch; it’s about small, consistent choices. Here are some ways to explore what enough could look like in your life:

Conduct a “Sufficiency Audit”

Look at different areas of your life—health, home, work, relationships. Ask: Do I already have what I need here? If so, can I let go of the urge to tweak or upgrade?

Notice When You’re Optimizing for the Sake of It

Are you adding another productivity app when the issue is actually fatigue? Are you trying to get to inbox zero out of habit, not necessity?

Shift from Maximize to Meaningful

Before adding anything new to your schedule or to-do list, ask: Will this meaningfully improve my life, or am I just defaulting to “more”?

Weekly Wisdom

1. Unsubscribe from One Overwhelming Input

Pick one newsletter, podcast, or YouTube channel that makes you feel like you’re always behind. Hit pause. See what happens.

2. Create an “Already Done” List

Instead of a to-do list, jot down what you’ve already accomplished today. It reframes your mindset from scarcity to satisfaction.

3. Define “Success” for Yourself

Write down what a successful day, week, or season looks like to you—not to your boss, social media, or culture. Post it somewhere visible.

4. Try a “No-Upgrade” Week

Don’t change the app, the planner, the workflow. Just use what you have. See how it feels to live without optimizing.

5. Ask One Powerful Question: “What’s Enough Right Now?”

It sounds simple, but this question can redirect your entire day. Use it when making decisions—big or small.

The Quiet Radicalism of Enough

Living with a mindset of “enough” in a world that constantly shouts “more” is quietly radical. It requires presence. It demands honesty. And over time, it builds a life rooted in trust—trust that you already have what you need to live meaningfully and well.

It’s not flashy. It may not earn you applause. But it’s steady. It’s sustainable. And it just might be the most empowering mindset shift of our time.

You can still grow, still evolve, still chase the dream. But instead of doing it from a place of lack, imagine doing it from a place of fullness.

That’s the gift of enough.