The Joy Is in the Wanting — Rethinking How We Buy
“Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.” — Naval Ravikant
The Spark of Wanting
I was listening to a podcast the other day with comedians Bert Kreischer and Sebastian Maniscalco, and something Bert said stopped me. He admitted that his favorite part of buying something new isn’t actually owning it — it’s wanting it. The research, the talking, the dreaming about how it’ll fit into his life — that’s the good stuff.
It made me think about this season we’re stepping into — the season of wish lists, wrapping paper, and wide-eyed excitement. My kids are already buzzing about Christmas. They watch YouTube toy reviews and see commercials pop up on their shows, eyes lighting up with every new idea. Then they start talking about what they’ll do with each one — what adventures they’ll have, who they’ll share it with.
The Build-Up and the Lull
And then, of course, comes Christmas morning. The big moment. They unwrap the thing they’ve been waiting for, and for that day — maybe a few days after — it’s magic. But soon after, there’s a quiet lull. The toys find their places on shelves, the newness fades, and life slips back into rhythm.
I think we all know that feeling — the post-Christmas quiet. Maybe that’s why Bert’s words stuck with me. The wanting is often the most satisfying part.
Adults Aren’t So Different
As adults, we still feel it — when we’re eyeing a new gadget, a sweater, a car, or even something small like the perfect new mug. We research, compare, and imagine how much better life will be with it. But if we slow down long enough to notice, we might see that the wanting itself brings a kind of joy. It’s potential. It’s hope. It’s imagination at work.
That realization changes how I buy things. Before clicking “Add to Cart,” I ask myself:
Am I in love with the idea of this, or the actual thing?
How will I feel about it once the wanting part is over?
Is this filling a real need — or just a craving for that temporary spark of newness?
Sometimes the answer is yes — I really do need it, or it truly brings value or beauty into my life. But other times, I realize that the excitement I’m chasing isn’t about the object at all. It’s about the anticipation.
Savor the Wanting
So as we move through this holiday season — with lists, online carts, and kids dreaming about the toys they’ve seen in videos — maybe it’s worth pausing to enjoy the wanting. To savor it without rushing to the getting.
Because sometimes the wanting is the gift.
Bring More Mindfulness to Your Spending
If you’ve ever added something to your cart just to feel that little spark — you’re not alone. That moment of excitement is human. But what if we used it as a pause instead of a push?
To help you do that, I’ve created a free printable journal page called Before You Buy — A Reflection Page for Intentional Living.
It’s a simple, beautiful page to help you slow down, reflect, and spend with purpose.
Use it before your next purchase — big or small — and see what changes when you give yourself space to think.