Yes, what we want badly, so badly that we are ready to sacrifice anything for it is not always what we need. And what’s really good for us is not what we always want…This is an old lesson which I learned, but which I forget often…
This is not just for me, but for all of us…There is always a difference between a need and want…If I am getting it right, need is something without which life cannot go any further and want is something which is auxiliary that can make life better by its presence but not certainly THE best… Also, a need is something without which you cannot live…but a want is something which can always be compensated or let go or replaced…
There are some things which leave an impression in our heart, mind and soul; this impression creates an illusion which makes us think that we are really in need of that SOMETHING. But stop right there, it’s an impression or a pleasant memory. Because, it has affected us so much we feel we NEED it, but sit back and think if it’s a really a need or a want…You can always get anything you want, but what really matters is how badly you need it…
As Paul Coelho says in The Alchemist,
“When you want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you achieve it”
And I would say,
“When you need something badly, the whole universe conspires in helping you achieve it”
Personally, I feel this is the difference between a need and a want. If you have anything more to add on or change in this, do comment 
