Ask anyone why we work and the answer comes quick: “to put food on the table.” But for most of us, the plates are already full. So why do we keep going?

The Blur Between Needs and Wants

This isn’t about extreme greed. Let’s set that aside. It’s about everyday people—people like us—who sometimes blur needs and wants until “more” feels natural. Society encourages this blur, and often we follow along without noticing.

Think back twenty years: one family landline phone was enough. Today, not only does everyone feel they “need” a personal phone, many believe it has to be a flagship model—and they’ll stretch their budget to buy one. Imagine: something that barely existed for most people two decades ago now takes months of salary. That doesn’t make it wrong. But it helps to see it clearly for what it is: a want, not a biological need.

Why We Keep Wanting More

As society “progresses,” we naturally seek comfort, recognition, and connection. That’s human. Marketers play to these desires, and it’s easy to believe the next purchase will give us what we seek. But each extra thing we bring home also takes a little space in our minds. A crowded mind leaves less room for you—and that’s when stress and unease can appear.

We already know the saying: everything in excess brings challenges. Yet we apply it unevenly:

• Watching too much TV? We admit it can be harmful—and still do it.
• Working endlessly for approval? We call it noble and push harder.
• Consuming beyond survival? We call it “normal life.”

So the real question becomes: how do we tell wants from needs so we can choose wisely and know when to stop?

A Gentle Exercise

Try this simple reflection:

• Make a list of the things you truly need today to live a good life.
• Revisit that list every three months.
• If you find yourself adding something new, ask: why didn’t I recognize this earlier?

Was it a genuine realization, or the influence of consumerist culture and external pressures? This practice reveals how well you understand your own priorities and how resilient you are against the pull of the hedonic treadmill.

Define “Enough” for Yourself

Equally important is defining “enough.” For example:

• Enough income might mean covering bills, health, a small buffer, and space for simple joys.
• Enough recognition might be respect from those who matter.
• Enough tools might be just what lets you live and work well.

Naming your own “enough” sets you free—it tells you where to stop, not because you lack ambition, but because you value peace.

Closing Reflection

Life isn’t only about racing ahead. It’s also about pausing, noticing, and breathing deeply. Once your true needs are met, most of what’s left is choice. And that choice is a gift.

So, pause for a moment. Ask yourself: what do I truly need, and what am I chasing because the world told me to? Reflect gently. Choose what truly adds value to your life. And when “more” comes knocking, welcome it only if it deserves a place in your home and your heart.