It can be a stark difference between the things we want and the things we actually need. If you can become more aware of what you are choosing in each moment, this becomes a little easier to figure out.
Start with when you go shopping. Do you really need a new pair of shoes, or a new TV, or that bag of potato chips? Or do you just want it?
It can be difficult to decide in the heat of the buying moment, but if you step back it’s easier to admit that you might not actually need it.
There is nothing wrong with having nice things, but if it is at the expense of your savings or your credit card debt is ballooning, then perhaps right now it would be better to enjoy what you already have. As you deliberately focus on developing the skills you possess that can make you money, you will eventually have enough to buy those things if you still want them.
Next look at what you are eating. The food manufacturers have figured out how to hook us into becoming addicted to stuff that isn’t good for us. By adding lots of sugar, salt or fat to their products, they know that a physical dependancy can form that makes us think we need what they are selling.
These companies are taking your money by feeding your addiction. You should be insulted that they think you are that easy to manipulate.
Your body deserves to get the last word. If you are suffering from indigestion, heartburn, insomnia, skin conditions, or any number of issues it is possible that the food you are eating is the culprit. Choosing simple whole foods and allowing your body to clear out all of the chemicals and junk that is in processed food can improve your health almost overnight.
Again, it’s being responsible and conscious enough to make the decision between what you think you want and what you actually need.
Sometimes things happen that are outside of our control that we would never choose to happen, but ultimately they end up being exactly what we needed. Losing a job, getting into an accident, having a relationship end in an unpleasant manner, or any number of unforeseen circumstances can allow us to grow as human beings and to find something much better on the other side.
Getting knocked down often provides us with the ability to be much stronger when we get back up.
It’s short-term pain for long-term gain.
Maybe right now you are working full-time but you want to do something different. It is always possible to get the education you need or to work on creating your own business while still earning money to live. Sacrifices might be necessary but eventually they will pay off.
It would be nice to win the lottery, but we need to make money in case that doesn’t happen. It’s okay to dream while at the same time doing what you need to do to have the life you want to have.
It’s easier to save your money by spending only on things you need. By eating what your body needs to stay healthy, you can feel better. Through taking steps to improve yourself now, you can live the life of your dreams while still taking care of what needs to be done today.
And while you are doing all of this, be grateful for everything. Don’t focus on feelings of deprivation, focus instead on the strength that comes from being in charge of your decisions. The fact that you have the ability to make choices in every moment is something to appreciate, so choose well.
The choices you make right now tell the story of what your life will be like tomorrow. Choose what you need, and what you want will find a way to you.