“We want this and we want that but ultimately we want happiness.”
Deepak Rajpal
Since our childhood, we start to associate our happiness with achievement. Based on our desires, we set a target. Then, we put-off our happiness until we achieve that target.
Our queue of desires is always full. We never seem to be satisfied with the things we have. We want more. Once a desire fulfilled, We have another in row.
Quantity vs. Quality of Desires:
Often we overwhelmed by our never-ending desires in life. We keep struggling in multiple things at once. We lose our focus and things get out of control. Sometimes, we engage ourselves in achievements so much that we forget to enjoy life.
“I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.”
John Stuart Mill
It is wise to limit our desires. Do not worry. Less desire does not mean that there is no desire at all. As Napoleon Hill said, “The starting point of all achievement is desire.” Therefore, it is all right to have desires in life. What matters most is the quality of desires not the quantity of desires.
If you have less desire, you would like to focus on what is most important to you. Focus on the things that give you Internal Rewards not external. The quality of our desires also set the quality of our life.
Need vs. Want:
Make a list of the things you desire in this year. Why you want to buy or get those items. Which of them you want because your friends, neighbour or family member got it?
Many of our desires come out of comparison. We want because others have it. We want because we want to show that we can have it too. If you desire something so that you can show others to get appreciation, there is no need of it. There is want.
It is all right to buy latest gadgets and stylist clothes. It is good to own a Mercedes or I-Phone. However, think for a while that how these things bring you happiness. Is it making you happy when you own/use it or when you show it to others?
Check your desire list once. How many of these items you really need and which one of them you just want of show-off?
“A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others.”
Ayn Rand
Therefore, limit your desires. Bring quality in your life by focusing on the right thing. Let us see how having less desires brings more achievements and happiness in life: Here is the formula:
Less Desire = Less Worry = More Focus = More Happiness
Less Desire = Less Worry
If you limit your desires, you will have fewer things in your mind to achieve. You will have less worry as compare to when you have more desires.
Less Worry = More Focus
Less Desire and Less worry will set your focus on right thing. Your attention will go into the right direction. As a result, you will think about the solutions not problems.
More Focus = More Achievement
Today, we did not get desired result because our mind is full with lot of distractions. Once we start spending our energy on the right thing, miracles happen. You will achieve more than you expect.
Less Worry = More Happiness
If you are less worry, you will be able to manage things well. You will feel very light. It will allow you to enjoy life more. You will not need to struggle for happiness. Even little things will bring you lasting happiness.
“Time is not a means to keep or prove your worth in the world, but a means to experience the richness of all that is.”
Elizabeth Grace Saunders
Today you may have many things that you desired once. Are you satisfied with them? Are you enjoying them? Follow your desires, but do not forget to be grateful for what you already have. Stop running after destinations all the time. Enjoy the life journey.
A man said to the Buddha, “I want Happiness.”
Buddha said, first remove “I”, that’s ego,
then remove “want”, that’s desire.
See now you are left with only Happiness.
