The Misconceptions About Needs

The misconceptions about needs are that all humans have the same needs, that needs are universal and all needs are equal. The first misconception is actually a big myth and it is: That we all have the same needs. The fact is that needs vary between individuals because of their cultural backgrounds, abilities and interests.

The next misconception is that needs are material. We all want love, acceptance, a good job, a safe community and so on. The needs that we want stem from our personal experiences and therefore we also have different needs. They may be material needs such as a decent car, or financial needs such as a vacation home. The need for love may stem from losing a loved one, while a desire for a secure family life may be rooted in your parent's death.

The last misconception is that all needs are equal and worthy of pursuit. This myth says that there are some things that people need more of than others and that if you want something bad enough you will go to whatever lengths necessary to get it. This is not true and you cannot base your entire life on getting the things that you want. You can live an mediocre life and work hard to support your family; and you can also live a mediocre life and work very hard to support a mediocre family. The difference between the two is your values and priorities.

People live their lives according to their values and priorities and they aim for fulfillment of these values and priorities. Therefore, it is important for you to learn to set goals, set workable plans and then work towards achieving these goals. Your need fulfillment does not come from getting the things that you want but from developing yourself and becoming a whole person. And this is possible only when you are developing your skills, talents, abilities and social ties.

The misconception that fulfillment of needs comes from wants is also related to the belief that people want what they cannot have and so they go out and try to get these wants. Again, this is a gross misunderstanding and you should understand that in this life you have the power to get what you want, but you also have the power to let go of what you do not want. You can always live with a regret and spend your life regretting that which you do not want. But this is not true if you use your brains. Instead of trying to get something which you do not want, you should work to develop yourself so that you become what you really want - a happy and fulfilled life.

If you believe that you have to put in too much effort just to achieve satisfaction in your life, then you are again making a gross mistake. Fulfillment of needs comes from the understanding and appreciation that you have what you want within you should celebrate it. There is no need for you to be obsessed with your wants. The four misconceptions about needs will help you move towards this understanding and you will feel happier as a result.