It is the usual way that the vital desire and the ego-self operates. It thinks only about oneself and the want, like in a state of hunger. It becomes that want and hence feels that if its want is not fulfilled it is not going to die. It is only with the development of the discerning mind that one begins to see whether what the vital wants is really good in the long run keeping all other stakeholders in mind. It is only when we become reasonable and instead of justifying the desire begin to see its different sides and aspects that the desire begins to be controlled. Of course when the soul emerges then there is the real mastery over the desire self as it learns to surrender and leaves it completely in the hands of the Divine to grant or deny what one wants. There comes a complete trust in the Divine Wisdom and the vital is at rest and the mind is at peace.
Affectionately,
Alok Da