The Secret to Happiness – Getting What You Need

Do you ever wake up on perfectly good day, to a completely normal life and wonder why you are not happy? Is there something wrong with you, that what you have is just not enough?

It was Tony Robbins who identified the 6 Human Needs as being essential for anyone to feel content with their lives. If any of these needs are not being met, then you are likely to find yourself anywhere on a range of feeling a bit blue to wallowing in bed at every opportunity, depending on just how bad it is.

So what are these needs?

1) Certainty/Security/Comfort: Knowing exactly what is going to happen, how it is going to happen and when it is going to happen. There is a sense of comfort in knowing how things are going to be. On the other hand, too much of this and you start to get bored. This brings us to the next need:
2) Uncertainty/Challenge/Variety: Having something out of the ordinary happen, or trying something new for the first time. Variety is the spice of life and it keeps us in anticipation that maybe today is going to bring something wonderful. Too much of this can leave you completely overwhelmed.
3) Significance/Importance: We all need to know that we are special in some way, that you as an individual are unique and have something distinctly you to give to this world. However, as we hear celebrities constantly complain, being too important, can leave you feeling isolated from the people around you, feeling misunderstood.
4) Love and Connection: Emotional connection or love is what makes us human. We need to know that there is someone out there who is in our corner rooting for us. But, too much connection can lead to unhealthy dependence.
5) Personal Growth: This is a higher need that only develops wants the first 4 needs are met. When your basic needs have been satisfied, you will start to feel the need to grow as a person, challenge yourself to higher levels.
6) Contribution: Giving of yourself to others, can be one of the most satisfying things to do. Another higher need, this becomes strongest when your 4 basic needs are met and you feel intensely grateful for what you have. Your awareness moves past yourself to the world around you and you want to help meet others needs.

These needs are so strong, that in order to have them met, you will do ANYTHING. People will even act outside of their value or belief structure if any of these needs are not being satisfied sufficiently.

So How Do You Get Happy?

Identify the area in your life that is causing you the greatest upset: work, family, finances, relationships, health.
Look at how each of these needs are being met.
Where your needs are not being sufficiently met, think of resources that you have to meet these needs.
Make time to take the necessary action to ensure that your needs are met.
Keep repeating every time you start to feel dissatisfied with your life.

Remember that you are in control of your own happiness. Take action today, and be a happier person tomorrow.