Want vs Must
I want (?), or I must have (?) …those shoes!
You are back from your shopping spree and speak to your bestie on the phone:
“I saw a pair of beautiful shoes that I really wanted. But actually, I don’t need it – I have enough shoes. In any case, it is so expensive I can’t really afford it. Agghh, let me just forget it, there will be a next time.”
Or was this your conversation?
“Oh! My! Word! I saw the most gorgeous shoes! I MUST have them come hell or high water. I have no idea how I’m going to pay for them, but I WILL make a plan. And I better make a plan fast before someone else takes them.”
Can you relate to one of these conversations? Yes! I can relate to both! There were definitely times I had no plans to walk away from an ‘opportunity’. I made a plan to get what I so badly desired! In a recent mentoring program that I am involved in, the power of want and must was discussed. It was a mind-blowing session.
Quickly read the 2 conversations again (maybe read it out loud), and experience how different the energy for each one is:
The want energy is more relaxed, doubtful, full of excuses, and definitely not a
convinced desire.
But the must energy is quite determined, committed, unstoppable no matter what.
Now relate this to changes or desires that are on your mind.
Do you see them as wants?
*there is no time for myself, too much to do
*I can’t focus on improving my mood state now, I need to survive first
*in any case, I can’t afford to pay for programs and mentors, I must just snap out of it
*there is enough free stuff out there, I can do this on my own
Or do you see them as musts?
*there is no more time to waste, life is too short and I’ve struggled enough
*let me sort myself out so that I can enjoy prosperity
*peace and contentment is invaluable, its time I invest in myself
*I will find the money, I deserve this
*I am not struggling on my own, let me find help and make the changes faster
By the time the mentoring session ended, my mind was racing. How many times do I
brush important things off as wants, especially when it can add value and joy to my life?
How many times have I tried the DIY route and gave it up for a bad job, or for a this-is-
not-working-for-me exercise?
Yet, many years ago, I had a MUST HAVE incident, and it was the best decision ever! I
battled to get the money together, but it was worth every painful cent – and I still reap
the benefits!
Recently I was faced with a want versus must situation again. I just did not look at it
this way, and I ended up with a huge war going on in my mind! Should I, should I not?
It was a risky decision, one that requires massive effort and financial commitment, but once I said “I should”, the must energy kicked in… and now I am unstoppably committed!
I want you to seriously think about this: what want do you need to turn into a
must? ( I hope its something more valuable than expensive shoes! haha…) Now turn
than MUST into commitment!