Needs vs. Wants. Is It the Ultimate Cliffhanger?

By Anne Walter

I think I can safely say we have all pondered those lists of “needs vs. wants”. Do I even want to decide which column it truly goes in? For some reason, my list of “wants” always seems to be so much longer! Whether looking to justify a big ticket purchase or reviewing the “pros and cons” of something, it’s fairly common to do a deeper analysis. Evaluating all options, allows us to gather the research needed to make that difficult decision. This thought process has been successful in allowing me to ultimately decide on the smarter financial option, thus avoiding any possible buyer’s remorse.

When I apply these analytics to “life choices”, the ramifications can be transformative either positively or negatively and these decisions come with a great deal of pressure. Sometime, it isn’t as simple as selecting Option A or Option B, and it’s worth the time invested to make the best choice.

Throughout our daily interactions with coworkers or people we encounter throughout the day, the same analysis, although on a much smaller scale, can apply. How we choose to deal with multiple tasks, a difficult person or situation; the choices we make can have a lasting impact leading to a long-term effect.

Needs vs. Wants….although most commonly associated with a purchase on a personal level, can also be an effective tool for better decision making in the workplace. With conscious, thoughtful responses, we are already making the right decision, and that may be the best choice of all.