In everyday life, we often use the words "want" and "desire" interchangeably. At first glance, both expressions may seem synonymous, but in the field of psychology and motivation, there are significant differences between wanting something and desiring it. Understanding these distinctions can be crucial to achieving our goals and better understanding our own motivations. In this article, we will explore the three key differences between wanting and desiring from a psychological perspective.
1. Nature of motivation
One of the fundamental aspects that differentiates wanting from desiring is the nature of the motivation that underlies each one. When we want something, our desire is motivated by a deeper reason, linked to our values, beliefs or personal goals. For example, if we want to get a promotion at work, we are likely driven by the desire to advance our career, improve our working conditions, or achieve a certain professional status. In this sense, wanting implies an intrinsic motivation that arises from our own identity and purpose in life.
1.1 Intrinsic motivation vs. extrinsic motivation
On the other hand, desire tends to be more related to extrinsic motivation, that is, influenced by external factors such as social pressure, the expectations of others or even advertising. For example, if we want to buy a luxury car because we believe it will give us a high social status, our motivation is based on an external factor and not necessarily on a genuine desire born from within us. In this sense, the difference between wanting and desiring lies in the source of the motivation that drives our actions and decisions.
2. Persistence and commitment
Another important difference between wanting and wanting is found in the persistence and commitment that each implies. When we want something, we are more willing to make a long-term commitment and overcome obstacles on the way to our goal. Wanting involves a firm determination and a proactive attitude to achieve what we want. This willingness to persist despite difficulties is what differentiates wanting from simply desiring.
2.1 The importance of commitment
On the contrary, desire can be more ephemeral and superficial compared to want. People who want something can quickly change their minds or abandon their goals at the slightest difficulty. The lack of commitment and perseverance in desire can lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction and frustration, since the proposed goals cannot be achieved. In this sense, commitment and persistence are key elements that differentiate wanting from mere desire in the process of achieving objectives.
3. Impact on personal satisfaction
The third relevant difference between wanting and wanting refers to the impact on the personal satisfaction that each one generates. When we really want something, we experience greater satisfaction from achieving it, as we feel that we have achieved something meaningful and consistent with our values and aspirations. Wanting gives us a sense of fulfillment and fulfillment that transcends the mere fulfillment of a momentary desire.
3.1 Lasting satisfaction
On the contrary, desire can provide short-term gratification, but it tends to generate ephemeral and superficial satisfaction. When satisfying a desire, it is possible to experience a sensation of momentary pleasure, but this joy usually fades quickly, leaving an emotional void that drives us to seek new sources of satisfaction. In this sense, the difference between wanting and desiring is manifested in the quality and durability of the personal satisfaction we experience when pursuing and achieving our goals.
In summary, the differences between wanting and desiring are subtle but significant in the area of psychology and motivation. Understanding these distinctions allows us to be more aware of our motivations, commit to our goals more firmly, and experience greater personal satisfaction in achieving what we really want. By approaching our aspirations from the perspective of authentic wanting, we can enhance our personal growth and achieve a greater sense of fulfillment in our lives.