What do you truly need? Choose what you gather, and why

Resources are what we use to achieve the goals that we set for ourselves – they give us the means and support necessary to cover ground in our lives. 

Often, a lack of resources leaves us feeling frustrated and stuck, with fewer workable options. 

Do you have real resources that you can rely on? 

Financial security, dependable relationships and good health are core assets – not guarantees. They make it possible to live well now and build towards the future. To keep them working in our favor, they require attention, care and respect.

The Oxford Dictionary defines resources as: “A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively.” The idea is to be able to draw on reliable resources for support, both daily and in times of need, as a source of calming comfort, bolstering strength, or as a vehicle for gaining ground. 

Turning to something that you have nurtured, built up or worked on over time, and being able to use it to aid you, is an accomplishment to be proud of, and an inspiration for others. 

It can be as simple as drawing on energy reserves – stockpiled over time with a combination of good sleep, healthy eating and energizing movement – to help you meet a deadline at work or a family challenge. It can be as complex as drawing on your savings – available because you have been conscientiously accumulating them – to invest in a new venture. Or it can be as rewarding as relying on your inner strength to support and listen fully to a family member as they talk through solutions to an obstacle they are facing. Whichever it is, if your resources are running low, when you come to require them you risk going into depletion and being faced with a lack of choice.

You can gain some perspective by asking yourself the following: What does “enough” mean for me? Think about this in terms of money, your health and your relationships. Be specific. 

What do I need to do, and for how long, to arrive at my specific “enough”? What material possessions do I need more of in my life? What do I need to spend less on? What example would I like to set for others in my family regarding money? If I had to rate my health out of 10 as a resource, what would it be? What daily actions can I take to improve my health, as a resource that I rely on? Who would it benefit to spend more quality time with?

There are many resources that are necessary for happy and contented living: our values; our health and wellness; our plans and goals; our creativity; our family; our work; our social life and recreation; our spirituality; our community contribution; our growth; and our daily meaning and purpose (which is often made up of a combination of these things). 

Your resources are unique to you and your life. Your specific combination of values, wellness regimen, goals, creativity, beliefs, interests, work habits, social support and faith results in a structure that either supports or hinders you.  

Acknowledge your resources first, and then choose actions that cherish and support them. Remember that in order for them to grow, they need consistent input, and positive support. 

Be conscientious and diligent with your health, your savings, your work, your plans, and even your relaxation. Aim to have a wealth of resources to draw from so that they are available, and reliable, when you need them. 

If you are running a near deficit on a particular resource, put a plan in place to replenish it. It is okay if it takes time – because once the plan and the action are there, time will take care of the rest.

Some ideas for spending less

A selection of 100 and 200 South African rand banknotes, featuring an image of former South African President Nelson Mandela. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg via Getty Images