In Western culture, the path to happiness is often paved with the desire for more possessions, attention, and influence, believing that having more will bring satisfaction and meet the needs of our hearts. But what if the opposite were true? What if true contentment lies not in having more but in having enough?

I’ve been considering this question lately and have set a goal to embrace the discipline of taking less than I want. While it’s easy to express, implementing this mindset can be challenging. The critical question to ask ourselves is: What do I truly need, and how much would be enough?

On a basic level, we all need food, water, and shelter. Additionally, we crave friendship, love, and hope for the future. Reflecting on my physical security, I know I have enough – access to clean water, more than sufficient food, and a secure home. These fundamental needs are met, and I am fortunate to enjoy a happy marriage, a good job, and reasonable confidence about the future.

However, things get trickier when it comes to desires beyond basic needs. I find myself addicted to my own comfort, often falling into the trap of thinking that if I acquire a certain possession, it will bring lasting happiness. Yet, I’ve noticed that the initial dopamine rush fades, and I’m soon craving the next item on my wish list.

So, how do I escape this cycle? It’s a question I’m currently grappling with, and I don’t claim to have a perfect answer. For now, my approach involves consciously pausing each day to express gratitude for the needs that have been met in my life. I’m working hard not to take these blessings for granted, recognizing that many in my community struggle to meet their basic needs. Finding tangible ways to share with others out of the abundance I’ve received helps me get out of this cycle of craving.

When it comes to desires beyond the basics, I’m striving to practice delayed gratification. I pause to ask myself why I believe something will make me happy and what void I hope it will fill. This simple act of reflection often reveals that the satisfaction I seek won’t be fulfilled by the latest gadget in my shopping cart.

The strategy behind effecting this change is mindfulness and deliberate, slow decision-making. Developing the discipline to question my immediate reactions has proven invaluable in distinguishing between genuine needs and mere wants that lack true value.