Needs versus wants.

Sometimes the line between the two can get blurry.

For instance, I used to drink 10 or 12 shots of espresso a day. Every day!

For those who know me, that probably makes no sense given how wired I am naturally.

Funny story: Years ago, my assistant thought she would be slick by swapping out my espresso for decaf.

It was a complete failure – I always knew it wasn’t the real thing (she still says I didn’t, but I did!).

So, recently, I decided to stop all caffeine. I had some espresso on a Sunday morning as per usual, then on Monday, no more.

Now, I really enjoy the taste of espresso, but I really did not like the heartburn that I started getting.

So, I just stopped. It wasn’t easy, but I wanted to clarify that line between needs and wants in my life.

How many things do we do every day that we think we need, but ultimately cause “heartburn” or some other negative effect? ‘But we’re so sure that we “need” it to function?

Do we really?

Now, there is nothing wrong with wanting things and having those wants. This is true with all things.

The question we all should be asking is, are those wants damaging who we are? Are we so focused on what we want that we forget what we need?

Having nice things and wanting things (provided you can afford them and that you are still being responsible financially and otherwise) is ok. After all, we work so hard and should enjoy that success, whatever that means to you.

In a business where everyone feels the need to show how successful they are with things, how about showing how successful you are with choices and actions? With your habits and how you treat others?

Take someone out to lunch or dinner. Ask someone how they are doing and really listen to their response. Help someone who may not think they need help.

Try filling your bucket with that and see how it feels.

Ultimately, you may still decide that you need that additional Rolex. But my guess is that you may enjoy filling someone else’s need bucket more than what some material thing does for you in the moment.

Perhaps change what the very meaning of need versus want means to you.

I sure am.

-J.D.