The first step, then, is to determine where on the ladder of Maslow's
hierarchy you are currently stuck. If you are barely able to make ends meet and
are struggling just to get your babies fed, then it's important to do what it
takes to fulfill that need, to take care of business. However, if you've found
a means to make that happen, and yet have enough time to consider the question,
"What should I do with my life?" then, perhaps, you are a rung or two
above the basics and need to move on.
If you are blocked by a fear of losing your security and safety, then you
need to address that issue first, and continue on with your life. If helping
other people absorbs you, then you are probably static at the love and
belonging level. Be honest with yourself. If you help others because you feel
the guilt of having too much, then you’re really not helping anyone. Eventually
the resentment of dishing out hours and hours of your life for other people may
build and leave you wondering, “Why isn’t this working?” There is nothing wrong
with being at any level, as long as you know why you are there, you continue to
grow, and you are happy and feel successful in your life. Do it for the right
reasons. If you feel like something is missing, then it's time to address your
needs.
Let's continue by doing a needs and values analysis. A needs and values
analysis can be done in several ways. Start by asking yourself a series of
simple questions:
Do I have a family to feed and nurture?
Am I independent with my own home or apartment?
What are my bills like – school, car, credit cards, mortgage?
Do I value time over money?
Do I value relaxation over intellectual stimulation?