If that question is the only time we think about what we really want, that’s bad. Sometimes we want it all, like a hungry child at a buffet: I want this and this and this, but you and I can’t have it all. There isn’t enough time and it’s not in the budget.
We all need, now and again, to assess what we really want. This evaluation process should keep us focused on the single thing that matters most to us.
Vic Conant gives this advice: “Clear your head of any recent problems and begin to think long-term. Once you've cleared your head, ask yourself: What do you want more than anything else?” If you’re still thinking about French fries, try to focus. Most people will answer with some version of health, wealth or happiness.
If you want health, focus on the factors you can control: eating and drinking habits, exercise, managing emotions and stress, getting sleep. Wealth is easy and anyone can do it. It can be earned by discipline, creative thinking, long hours and hard work. Or, you can invest $8,000 at 12 percent and not touch it for 48 years. Happiness is harder. Like vitreous floaters, you can’t look right at happiness. Happiness is an effect, and comes from personal improvement or from service.
Health, wealth and happiness are common wants, but it is not your answer that matters. It's what you do about it that counts.
