What Else Do I Want?

I want some chocolate.

There’s a thought that pops into my head from time to time.

It’s a totally valid thought, based on a very real feeling. Chocolate is delicious, and I occasionally crave it.

However, there are other things I want that don’t align with the desire for chocolate:

• I want to eat healthy, nutritionally dense foods.
• I don’t want to spike my blood sugar because then I’ll crash and soon feel tired and hungry.
• I want to avoid sugar because it’s bad for my body and brain.

When it’s all laid out like that, I can clearly see that those three wants outweigh my desire for chocolate.

The trouble is, when I’m actively craving chocolate, I don’t always think of those competing wants, so I’m unable to ask myself the question, What do I want more?

So there’s another question I need to ask first:

What else do I want?

Here are some examples of this technique in action:

I want to watch the next episode of The Umbrella Academy.

Okay, but what else do I want?

Hmmm… I want to go for a bike ride, and I want to have dinner ready for my partner when she finishes work. Those are more important than watching a show.

I want to sleep in.

Okay, but what else do I want?

I want to have time to work out and meditate in the morning. I don’t want to feel rushed. I want to get some writing done before work. Those wants are more important.

I want to quit doing my physical therapy exercises.

Okay, but what else do I want?

I want to heal and grow stronger. I want to be able to hike and ski and climb. I want to experience less pain on a daily basis. Therefore, I will keep doing the exercises.

So the next time you have a thought like, say, I want some chocolate, try to pause and ask yourself:

What else do I want?