Keep it simple – Need vs. want

The US celebrates National Simplicity Day on July 12th, the birth anniversary of Henry David Thoreau who advocated the life of simplicity.

A famous saying goes, “Simplicity of living plus high thinking lead to the greatest happiness.”

A way to look at what is simple is to differentiate between a need and a want. If one needs a car to commute to the place of work, it is a need. But if the desire is to possess the biggest car in the neighborhood or if one is under mental distress because of the monthly loan installments to be paid for the same car, the need has been converted into a want.

Any form of complexity is a sign of this tussle between the need and a want.

The world today, with its focus on consumerism, online purchasing, digital payments and social media trends is pushing one to lead a life where the wants are highlighted. The wastage and environmental impact caused by satisfying these multitudes of wants is also being discussed in various forums.

What is required is to look inward at one’s own life from a perspective of reducing the complexities and at the same time meeting the need.

In a coaching session I help my client’s identify and explore these unsaid feelings and complexities to help one consciously embrace a simpler way of living.

What can you to do today to lead a simpler life? Happy to hear your comments.