Need vs Want: Learning to Make Better Choices

Many of us — myself included — have experienced the frustration of purchasing items we don't truly need, only to discover later that our lives feel unfulfilling. When we fail to prioritize our genuine needs, life can quickly become overly materialistic, leaving us dissatisfied and yearning for something deeper.

In this post, I will break down the crucial difference between needs and wants, empowering you to spend wisely and declutter your life.

The next time you consider making a purchase, ask yourself: "Do I need this or just want it?" This simple self-reflection can help you resist impulsive spending, especially when you're tempted by something that catches your eye.

Often, we find ourselves saying, "I need that," when we really mean, "I want that." It's important to recognize that a true need is something fundamental to our survival and well-being, while a want is merely a fleeting desire.

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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:

What is NEED?

Something essential for survival.

• Food 🍲

  We need to eat food to survive

• Water 💧

  We need to drink water to flush out the toxins in our body

• Electricity ⚡️

  We need electricity because it’s essential to our daily lives

• Shelter 🏡

  We need shelter because 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 to live and buy the things we need to continue living

• Learn & grow 🌱

  We need to learn & grow so we can gain new skills and knowledge to become fulfilled in life

• Happiness! 😆

  We must 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.

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What is WANT?

Something that you desire but is not essential for survival.
When you desire something, you don’t necessarily need it.

• 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 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 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; to do so, you need to start researching and taking steps toward that goal.

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how to control impulsiveness

To help curb impulsive shopping habits, here are some effective strategies:

Create a wishlist

You can create a list of items you desire and review it regularly to distinguish between wants and needs. If the desire fades away, it indicates that you didn't truly want it; it may have just been an impulsive craving.

Sleep on it

When shopping, take a picture of the item you are considering. After leaving the store, reflect on it. If your desire for the item diminishes, you likely don't need it. However, if you continue to think about how it could enhance your life and what you could do with it, then it may be worth returning to make the purchase.

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

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Last Updated: 02.03.2025