Now we come to the last line of our Depression-era maxim: Do without.

This is a tough one — it means denying yourself (or worse yet, someone you love). Saying no is difficult. I'm not saying that you should regularly do without the things you need. But it's important to distinguish between wants and needs.

We want lots of things. Doesn't mean we need them. 

The best way to decide if something is a need or a want is to delay the purchase. Put the sweater down and walk around the mall for a bit. Don't grab dessert the first time through the cafeteria line.  Don't commit to a long series of events before you've given them a try. It's amazing how much less attractive something can become if you think about it for a few minutes.  Once the impulse cools, it's easier to say no.

Another way to judge wants and needs is to ask yourself what you'll need to give up to have it.  Are you willing to pass up buying lunch for 2 weeks to buy the shoes? Are you ok with extra workouts in exchange for that pizza? Will you wake up early for a few mornings to make time for a new commitment? The more you are willing to commit to a sacrifice for something, the more likely it is a need, not a want.

Like most things, saying no to yourself or others is a learned skilled. The more you practice it, the easier it gets. And you begin to discover that you can do without things you thought were essential — especially if you are already in the habit of using it up, wearing it out, and making it do.