Wants and needs

When I was growing up I would tell my mother I needed something. "I need that toy" or "I need that dog" or "I need to go to Sea World." Her typical response would be to ask a very simple question: Do you need it or do you want it? Well, I was a child, so in my mind it was all need; how would I go on without the toy, dog, Shamu, etc.? Those types of situations taught me a lesson though about wants and needs. Wants typically resolve a superficial or materialistic urge whereas needs are necessities for survival.

Now, as a supposed adult, I find myself wondering about my wants and needs this morning. Once again I'm faced with the possibility of not having the money to do some of the things we want to do so I'm having this same internal conversation with myself. But this time it's a bit more broad.

I find myself craving more down time from my chores. I view work as a chore right now. I view working out as a chore right now. I have to do both as they are both needs. I need to work because I need money. Working out may not sound like a need at first, but when you think of the physical ramifications on my future self if I choose not to stay in shape, you understand why it is in the need category.

But work as a chore? I have enjoyed my job and not thought of it as a chore for quite some time. I think it usually happens when I get bored. I have been bored lately. When I'm at work, it all seems so routine. I shocked my routine a little bit yesterday with some organizational enhancements at work. I went crazy with my label maker. *g* I'm preparing for meetings, I'm working on development plans for my team members, etc. I ordered three copies of a great management book I read when in our leadership development program and I'm going to use it to teach my assistant manager and senior project coordinator those great management lessons and philosophies now as opposed to making them wait to learn those lessons later. But, really, the challenge of doing my job is dwindling. Sure, I have an audit that I need to do well on when I perform it Friday, but I think we'll be fine. My sales aren't where they need to be at the moment but sales are out of my hand so all I can worry about is customer service, and my customer service levels this month are over 99.6%.

When I'm at work I find myself wishing I was doing something else. I want to be reading, I want to be studying, I want to be listening to music, I want to be doing ... well ... other stuff. I don't think that's a bad thing because when I can satisfy those wants, I'm making myself a more well-rounded person. I'm just concerned that this is just the sapling of a huge oak of disenchantment in my job if I don't get moved or challenged more soon.

So are all these things I wish I were doing outside of work wants or needs? Do I want to do them because I'm bored or do I NEED to be doing them to keep my mind occupied and maintain my sanity? I guess I haven't figured that part out yet. Oh well, off to work. :)