Craving and desire

In life there are many things we want or need, things we can’t live without and others that are luxuries, that simply we want or desire, and don’t make us live longer o make us better, they are simply for the pleasure of having them. But even in wanting them, we need to distinguish between craving and desiring them.

“A craving is the sense that something is missing. It is the desire to change your internal state… Desire is the difference between where you are now and where you want to be in the future.” James Clear. “Atomic Habits”.

“Craving is about wanting to fix everything. Observation without craving is realising that you do not need to fix anything. Your desires are not rampant. You do not crave a state change. Your mind does not generate a problem for you to solve. You’re simply observing and existing.” James Clear describes the difference in his book “Atomic Habits”. There is a need to resolve craving and desire is an achievement that goes on in the long run.

There are many things in life we need fixing, and want to fix things, that is why we crave something to achieve that result, we even might think that way by possessing something. It doesn’t mean it will, but we try.

“Craving is about wanting to fix everything. Observation without craving is realising that you do not need to fix anything. Your desires are not rampant. You do not crave a state change. Your mind does not generate a problem for you to solve. You’re simply observing and existing.” James Clear. “Atomic Habits”.

Intense desire has a potent impact in propelling substantial, transformative actions, even in the face of significant resistance. Clear’s notion suggests that when our yearning for a particular outcome is robust, it can serve as a compelling force to drive us forward, enabling us to surmount obstacles and challenges that might otherwise hinder our progress. Thus, by acknowledging the ability of powerful cravings to fuel significant actions, Clear underscores the pivotal role of our inner motivations in shaping our behaviours and achievements.

To desire things is to work to achieve them in the near future, to be able to add quality to our lives and others by getting things done, to be constant and persevere to get things that can change our lives.

Knowing ourselves and what we want and why we want it allows us to be able to become happy, not trying to fix things will solve problems, but it can help us design our future to become happy.