Need vs Want: Learning to Make Better Choices

The Confusion between Need and Want

Often, when we see something we like, we say, "I need that." However, in reality, we don't need it; we want it. Something that sustains your life in the long term is a need, not a want. Here are some examples to help differentiate between the two:

NEED: Something essential or important for survival. Examples include:

• food 🍲 : we need to eat food in order to survive

• water 💧 : we need to drink water in order to flush out the toxins in our body

• electricity ⚡️ : we need electricity because it’s an essential to our daily lives

• shelter 🏡 : we need shelter because a shelter means a home to eat, rest and sleep

• sleep 😴 : we need sleep to be fully rested for the next day so we can be productive

• income 💵 : we need income in order to live

• learn & grow 🌱 : we need to learn & grow so we can gain new skills and knowledge to become happier

• happiness! 😆 : we need to be happy because happiness is the key to living our lives!

These are some of the things we need to contribute to our overall well-being.

WANT: Something that you desire but is not essential for survival. When you desire something, you don’t necessarily need it. Here’s a few examples below:

• more clothes 🛍️ : why do I want more clothes? Do I already have enough clothing essentials in my closet to wear?

• more money 💰 : why do I want more money? Can I be happy with what I have now and work harder to make more money?

• electronics 📱 : why do I want to buy more electronics? Is it something that I really need in life or do I just want it to have it?

• monthly subscriptions 🔒 : why do I want monthly subscriptions? Does it benefit my life in any way? Do I need to have these monthly subscriptions?

• the list can go on 📝

While wanting something is not inherently bad, it can become superficial if overindulged. When you already have something, why do you need more of it? At that point, you just want it. Not need it. It's important not to confuse want and need.

Sometimes, wanting something can be a great goal to pursue in life. For example, you might want to learn how to be happy, and to do so, you need to start researching and taking steps towards that goal.

How to Control Impulsiveness

To differentiate between wanting and needing something, you can make a list of the things you want and look at it frequently. If the desire goes away, then you didn't really need it. When shopping, take a picture of the item you want and think about it. If the desire goes away after leaving the store, you didn't need it, but if you keep thinking about it and how it'll benefit your life, then go back and buy it.

use this list to guide you what you need vs what you want

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between want and need is crucial for living a balanced life. It can help you avoid overspending, impulsive buying, having too much unnecessary items at home and unnecessary stress. Remember that wanting something is not inherently bad, but it's essential to differentiate between what you need and what you want.

image template credit:

Dirtyline Studio & Maulart

to understand more:

Six Fundamental Human Needs We Need To Meet To Live Our Best Lives

What Is the Difference Between Wants and Needs?

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