Want More, Need Less: Embracing Growth in a World of Choices

Ah, the classic tug-of-war between wants and needs. It’s a lesson we all learned in school, often accompanied by the notion that chasing wants is, well, a bit indulgent. But have you ever paused to consider that nearly every advancement in human history stems from wanting something more than just the basics? Think about it: while our ancestors may have had their fair share of essentials—food, water, and shelter—they still took a leap beyond those cave walls to invent fire, the wheel, and yes, even Amazon. (Okay, I’ll grant you, maybe Amazon leans a bit closer to the “need” category, but I digress!)

We’ve been trained to justify our desires as necessities, especially when it comes to our jobs. Most folks will tell you they “need” their job—but here’s where it gets sticky. Many find themselves stuck in roles that stink up their passion and drain their joy. Why is that? It’s simple: we convince ourselves it’s about survival—that paycheck feels like a must-have. But here’s a plot twist—money is only valuable in the context of what it can do for us, like keeping a roof over our heads or food on our plates. The money itself? Not exactly the lifeblood we think it is. In reality, it’s merely a vehicle to access the real needs: stability and sustenance.

Yet, here’s where things get really interesting. Most of our spending leans heavily toward comfort. The couch that hugs you just right, the latest gadget that makes your coffee in record time—it’s all cozy and nice, but let’s be real—comfort isn’t a need; it’s a luxury. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some of these comforts, we must recognize that they can distract us from the deeper truths about what we truly need. In fact, research is now piling up to suggest that a pinch of discomfort often leads to better outcomes—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Drastic, isn’t it? So, if our true necessities boil down to survival, perhaps the chase for wants is just a way to distract ourselves from life’s mundane rhythm. But hold on—there’s more to this story.

Let’s talk about another fundamental human need: growth. If we restrict our definition of needs to mere survival, then growth is our antidote to stagnation, the essential component that propels us forward. It’s vital! So, while we may feel like we “need” certain things to grow—like education or experiences—the truth is that growth itself is the actual need. Everything else? Just icing on the cake.

Now, take working out, for example. Many of us might insist we “need” to exercise for health. But do we really? On any given day, no one is forcing us to head to the gym, right? When framed as a “need,” it morphs into an obligation—something I feel guilty about skipping rather than enjoying. But shift your perspective and start seeing it as a “want”—a choice that brings myriad benefits. Suddenly, instead of trudging along, you’re pursuing a fulfilling adventure, and that’s a far more sustainable motivation. It’s the difference between fleeting spurts of motivation and an inspiring pursuit of passion.

Now, this brings us to a brilliant concept from Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach: when you want something, you creatively devise a way to get it. This effort not only fuels your personal growth but also delivers value to those around you. Remember the adage, “You can have whatever you want as long as you help enough other people get what they want”? It’s not just about the million dollars tucked away in your bank account; it’s about who you become in the process and what you contribute to the world along the way.

We are fundamentally wired to serve others. Think about it for a moment: when we shift our focus outward and ask how we can help those around us, we tap into a much deeper sense of fulfillment. This aligns perfectly with the idea that our real advancement lies in creating value in the world. It seems only logical, then, that if we concentrate on what we genuinely desire, we can forge ingenious solutions. The result? Something innovative and beneficial that others can appreciate if they share our ambitions.

As an example, when my son Casey took an interest in baseball, I knew I wanted to coach him and my other kids. I had a vision! But I also recognized that other family interests might clash with the demands of farming and ranching. So, I set about creating a flexible system that lets me balance it all. This system didn’t exist before, but now it benefits others facing similar challenges. Along the journey, I developed the skills to identify what others might need to achieve their goals. By concentrating on my wants, I not only created something of value for myself; I also expanded my ability to generate more value in the future.

At times, I’ll admit, I’ve struggled with feeling selfish over my pursuit of this journey for myself and my family. However, the upside of fulfilling my wants has been a system that others can leverage and a skill set that enables me to help people improve their lives. This isn’t just a happy accident; as Dan Sullivan pointed out, value creation is a byproduct of pursuing what we want. Wanting comes first, and it’s this essential shift in perspective that has changed the game for me.

I’m genuinely enthusiastic about the journey of becoming a better “wanter.” Embracing a constantly evolving list of goals not only adds excitement to life but also leads to growth and value creation for those around us. Each new desire propels me to explore, innovate, and reimagine what’s possible—turning my pursuits into contributions that uplift myself and others.

That said, there’s a balance to strike amidst all this desire-driven growth. Not every whim or shiny thing we see in the mall or on Amazon is worth pursuing. It can be overwhelming, even distracting! Filtering out the fluff has brought me serenity—minimizing what occupies space in my life opens the door to clarity and focus. Finding that balance allows me to concentrate on bigger, more meaningful wants, which often translate to solving bigger problems and creating more opportunities for value and growth.

I hope you’ve found this exploration as insightful as I have. My wish for you is to always have something to strive for: a new want or dream that deserves your time and focus. So, embrace your aspirations, knowing that pursuing them will lead to value creation and personal growth as a byproduct. Don’t feel guilty about your desires—it’s your job to continually strive to fulfill your infinite potential!

Thanks for reading! If this resonates with you, please share and subscribe. And don’t forget to head to my website to download my new eBook, a product born from pursuing my own wants. God bless, and remember—the best is yet to come!