At what point in our world did the words “need” and “want” become interchangeable. I need that phone, I need to watch that, etc. The continual emphasis that these orders and rules are placed on ourselves is stressful and overwhelming. Who is this unnamed, invisible voice creating all these walls around our freedom?

You don’t need to study for a test. You choose to study for this test because you want to do well on it so you’ll eventually graduate and get a job you want. Will your life end if you fail the test? Don’t be dramatic and say yes, figuratively, because it will not.

My definition of necessity in an action is the direct correlation between the ending of existence. Only at that point is it a necessity because if the correct choice isn’t made, there are no additional choices following it. Eating, sleeping, breathing, all necessities of life. Even shelter, to boost the quality of your life is an essential want of the human race but without a roof it does not mean the immediate end of your survival. If you’re homeless, yes, it will slowly deteriorate your chances of survival and will present you with choices that may eventually reach a “need” status but housing is still a luxury that you should be grateful for every single day you have.

When a person puts these needs and have-to’s on their back, its a weight they shouldn’t have to carry. They have to be honest with themselves and ask “What do I want?” If they want to play video games instead of study, they need to understand the consequences that come with that choice. If they only make “want” choices in the short term they may not reach the point they want to be. Keep perspective that life is a marathon (as cliche as that is) and if you sprint ahead in the first mile, you may not be there in the end. Pace yourself.

Next time you’re in a tough situation or are faced with an overwhelming task, remember you’re in control of yourself and your own actions. What do you want out of that situation and out of life? Look big picture. You may not enjoy doing dishes, but you want to live in a clean and healthy environment. You may not feel motivated to go to work, but you want to earn a living to achieve other desires in your life.

If your wants take you down a path where you’re unsuccessful and harmful to yourself and others, that’s the type of person you truly are. You have to look at yourself in the mirror and have nobody else to blame but yourself. Take responsibility. Most “good” people want to be around other “good” people. People whose ‘wants’ take into account other people’s ‘wants’ as well. Those who don’t fit that category will quickly be on the outside and decide to prioritize their desires in life to not be as self fulfilling or they will remain happy and isolated.

All we need in life is to do what we want. Once you know what that is.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at 3:48 pm and is filed under analysis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.