The Importance of Choosing Between Your Needs and Wants

You know what you need to do.

But, you want to do something else.

It’s these seemingly simple choices that make us who we are.

Can you make the tough decision between what you “want” to do and what you “need” to do?

Making a Tough Choice

The other day, my 10-year old son had to decide between finishing up his schoolwork vs. going to football practice.

He said, “I want to go to football practice… but I need to study for this test.”

Before I could provide any guidance, he made his decision.

He chose to stay in and do his work.

You might be quick to say, “Yeah, that’s a tough choice.. for a 10-year old.”

But, is it really any different from what adults face on a daily basis?

“Whether to go out to lunch with the crowd or to stay in and finish your work?”

“Whether to go to happy hour with  friends or hit the gym for that workout?”

“Whether to go to bed early the night before the big presentation or stay up surfing the Net?”

“Whether to stay late to meet that deadline or let your work slide?”

Choosing the Right Answer

Yesterday, I wrote about being brave with your time management.

Can you make the tough choice between what you need to do and what you want to do?

It’s easy to spot the right answer when presented. Yet, not so easy when you are in the moment.

Want to do:

• Go out for drinks with co-workers.
• Watch TV or surf the web
• Sleep in
• Go out to lunch and eat junk food

Need to do:

• Finish that assignment
• Meet that deadline
• Get up early and get that workout done
• Eat healthy

Here’s a success secret: The wants will still be there waiting for you after you finish your needs.

Putting Needs First

As you go through your day, check to make sure you are doing what you need to get done.

When you have to make the choice between two activities or tasks, ask yourself which is a “need” and which is a “want.”

It’s not always easy to choose what you need to do over what you want to do…

…but, it makes all the difference.

Question: What do you need to do today vs. what do you want to do today? You can leave a comment by clicking here.