"I want to be more fit!"
"I want to eat less!"
"I want more time for fun!"
Getting clear on what I want is a big step toward getting it. But, figuring out what I want is sometimes not all that easy. Because if I knew what I wanted I probably would have already gotten it.
Wants describe a desired future. But often our wants are rooted in the past... and keep us anchored to the past. Let me explain...
When I state a want as a "more" or "less" I am anchoring myself to the past because the starting point being described is now. And by tomorrow, now is yesterday. Better to describe my want as a statement anchored to the point in the future where I have achieved it:
"My want is to be fit to pursue the activities I enjoy."
"My want is to eat well."
Sometimes a want can be stated as if it has already been accomplished, as in:
"I do something I enjoy every day."
These kinds of positively stated wants give direction to my life and provide a simple tool for evaluating every action. "My want is to eat well. How does the triple fudge brownie cake with ice cream on top align with that want?"
What do you want?
