Wal-Mart Cushions and Lesson in Need vs. Want

I just moved to a new apartment. I don't have couch because I calculated cost of moving my old couch was at least $100 (truck rental, insurance etc). I don’t watch TV sitting on couch (I am bed TV person) and I rarely entertain people in my apartment. Instead, I have mattress and matching carpet (gift from my parents).

During my last visit to Wal-Mart, I saw these wonderful Mainstays accent cushion (see photo) which I think will go perfectly with my décor giving my living room eastern longue vibe. However they cost $40 for 4. Do I really need it? No. But, technically, I don’t even need my boxers. Do I want it? Yes. But, I want so many things in life such as fire proof safe for external hard drive (which was sitting in next shelve).

I realized that need vs. want thing didn’t make sense. I asked myself instead, how (and how often) is it going to enhance quality of my life? My answer was probably never because I don’t expect any visitors in my apartment or myself get any pleasure by admiring my own décor (it's a need for others) . I don't even know if they are decorative pillows or accent cushions. I decided not to buy them.

For few minutes, there was sense of regret and loss for not buying those wonderful cushion that match my color palette. I started to rationalize the possible purchase with I am already saving money trap. However, after half an hour, when I reflected back, I felt really good on my self control. The satisfaction I got from my self control was greater than any pleasure I would have got by admiring my living room’s décor.

So, the question, I need to ask is – How (and how often) this is going to enhance quality of my life? And as a reminder mental satisfaction is a need that many people ignore but we should to ask ourselves is it only thing that satisfies my mental need?