Universal

There is an almost universal gap in our understanding between what we think we want and what we need. This applies to any subject you can think of and is emblematic of the human condition. 

We imagine that when something is acquired or allowed to be changed we will then attain a level of satisfaction that will cure many of our current problems. 

Of course this is false but a nuanced exercise could permit us to determine what percentage of what we want will benefit us in the long term. 

When people feel constrained they dream that some change will liberate them but this psychology can be misplaced. They think that when they retire, win the lottery or have that procedure everything will be so much better but it won't. This will simply introduce new concerns and elements into our lives that weren't there before. 

This is where understanding the gap between want and need becomes pivotal. 

One important clue is that need should be governed by trying to reduce our suffering which helps us confirm that acting on the issue will be the right call.