Whilst running earlier today this Rolling Stones song played. The next line of the chorus is

But if you try sometimes, well, you might find
You get what you need

The more I thought about it the more I realised it could be a good philosophy to live by.

If you focus on wants, you might miss getting what you need.

We are constantly bombarded with advertising so it’s natural to desire. Companies spend huge amounts to entise you to purchase.

I’m not immune to this; working at a computer all day makes it very easy to click that buy button.  I don’t have my credit or debit card near me, and the details are not stored online. Both of which mean I have to get up and retreive them to order anything. That gives me time to think. Do I really need the item? It would be easy to spend a lot, and have problems paying for it.

And this is where just acting on wants could prevent me having something I need.

It’s not just material things that I could miss out on. A lack of funds might mean I can’t visit family and friends, or take a break. 

The occasional treat is nice, and relatively guilt free if I don’t over do it.

Long hours at work to fund a wants based lifestyle takes away time with family and friends. Relaxed social interaction is what I most need, that’s my focus.