What is it about us humans that we tend to always want more? More money, more possessions, a bigger house, faster cars… the list goes on and on. We want to get stronger, run faster, or jump higher. We want to learn the inner workings of machines, and then figure out how to make them work even better. We study animals, the weather, and the human mind. We strive to build our knowledge and expand our understanding. We are extremely curious and prone to exploration. We even read articles that explore our compulsion to want more in hopes of deepening our understanding of ourselves.
It is true that we, as humans, are rarely satisfied. Just as we get hungry again after eating a wonderful meal, we are driven to constantly seek more of everything. This can lead us to frustration, feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and obsession. It can manifest itself as greed or make us power-hungry. I’m sure you have heard someone make a comment along the lines of “Why do (billionaires or large corporations) need to make more money? They already have more than they could spend in five lifetimes.” Those same people who make such comments are asking for a raise at work or trying to get promoted because they too want more. Such behavior is the result of the driving force that is in each of us to always want more. The truth is, we are created this way. A part of our makeup and design causes us to never be satisfied. It’s just as natural as getting hungry or thirsty.
As with most things in life, our compulsion for more can be both good and bad depending on what we do with it. If left unchecked or – even worse – if used for the wrong purpose, this compulsion will lead to poor choices, questionable behavior, or outright evil activity. It can cause someone to be unfaithful to their spouse, irresponsible with their finances, or engage in illegal behavior. It may cause jealousy that manifests itself in aggression and even murder. It can rob us of our enjoyment of the good things in our lives as we constantly focus on what we don’t have. However, when properly applied this desire for more can take us down the path of growth and development. It can cause us to become better at what we do, drive us to explore the world around us, or lead us to new discoveries. Our drive for more can make us better or make us bitter. Everything depends on how we apply it to our lives.
In order to channel our hunger for more into a healthy, productive drive for improvement, we must start with an attitude of gratitude. Being thankful for the good things in your life will keep you balanced and prevents your desire for more from pushing you into poor choices. Make it a daily habit to count your blessings, show appreciation to people who help you in any way, and enjoy the good things in your life (especially your family). Believe it or not, this not only keeps your hunger for more in check but also feeds that desire. When you look at how good your life is, you will desire to make it even better. Looking around at your current level of success gives you the confidence to drive for higher levels of achievement. It’s basically the same principle that is at work when you taste your favorite food. Your brain thinks “Wow, that tastes good! I want another bite!”. By taking time to be grateful and to appreciate the good things in your life, you will develop a healthy desire for continuous improvement.
Wanting more is a normal, natural desire that was placed in us by our Creator. It’s good, it’s healthy, and it is a necessary drive that keeps us focused on improving ourselves and the world around us. Left unchecked, it can manifest itself as greed, jealousy, selfishness, or such extreme dissatisfaction that leads to depression. However, when balanced out with thankfulness, appreciation, and gratitude, it compels us to become the best version of ourselves and to continuously improve. How will you harness your desire for more and put it to work for you? What goals are you going to achieve with it? What obstacles will it help you overcome? We have been given this gift of a desire to improve. Let’s use it to positively transform the world around us!
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