What you want vs what you enjoy
Ever chased a goal only to realize it doesn’t bring you the joy you expected? There’s a difference between what you want and what you enjoy—and understanding that gap can change everything.
I read this quote a little while ago, which I'm now obsessed with, which went something like: There's a difference between what you want and what you enjoy. When you think about that, it's quite profound. You can look at almost every activity you do (or don't do) and consider how it falls into one of those buckets.
Some examples from my own life:
I want to sleep in, but I enjoy getting up early and getting stuff done, and having the quiet time of the day before it starts.
I want to eat junk food, but I do not enjoy the feeling afterwards, and often regret eating it.
I do not want to go running (and instead want to be lazy/stay on my couch), but I absolutely enjoy finishing a run and the feeling of accomplishment and health that comes with it.
You can consider your own examples in your life. We often want things, but we don't enjoy them. Or we don't want to do something, but deep down we know that we will enjoy it after they're done.
Whenever I'm faced with a decision where I find myself debating it -- like going for a run, or binging on a Netflix show, or binging on actual junk food -- I ask myself: Will I enjoy my decision after I've made it? That helps a lot because sometimes, frankly, you do want candy, and you will enjoy it. So by all means -- eat those M&Ms and enjoy life. Sometimes you don't want to go running, and you won't enjoy it if you do (because it might mean pushing your body into injury territory or risking your health or time, or maybe there's something else you'd enjoy more then).
The point is to basically go one step further than asking yourself what you want, and instead asking yourself: What do you enjoy?
If this resonated with you, you’ll love the conversations we have on the Super Awesome You podcast. Tune in for more insights on mindset, motivation, and joy—because living an awesome life starts with knowing what truly lights you up. Listen now!