The reason the majority of people never fulfill their dreams or goals is that their basic human needs are not being met.

What does that mean?

Your body and soul are constantly trying to fulfill these visceral needs consciously or subconsciously. What are they? 

1. Food And Water
Your body is always in survival mode, constantly monitoring and thinking about food and water – where and when to get it. If you didn’t know when you’ll have your next drink or meal, then that would become your primary goal. You would spend all your time in search of these things and you would not be able to focus on anything else!

2. Clothing And Shelter
What if you didn’t know where you were sleeping tonight? Could you really concentrate on the task at hand? One of the reasons that you feel calm right now, is you know where you are spending the night, and you have things to clothe yourself with. Making money also becomes your focus in order to acquire these basic things.

3. Sleep
You can’t live without sleep. Some people may think that sleep is a waste of time. But your body needs it. If you don’t get enough rest, it will destroy your focus and ambition.

4. To Love And Be Loved
We all need love – it is not a choice. You love it because you have to, not because you want to. Your body and mind are constantly trying to connect to others for love. 

5. To Be Held And Touched
This is a need that starts from the day you are born. The first thing a doctor does when a baby is born is to put it on the mother’s chest because it needs to be held. Touch is the only sense a child cannot live without because being held and touched is crucial to survival. Are you getting your hugs today?

6. Acknowledging Your Pain
Pain is a messenger that demands your attention. If you feel sad, angry, empty or lost, you are not acknowledging your pain. What most people do is that they just pretend that it doesn’t exist, but your body stores all the pain and traumatic experiences you have had in your entire life. Without acknowledging and releasing those feelings, you cannot move on. It will make you sick and sad.

7. Being Needed
That is really what a family or community is about. A family structure is having the feeling that you are wanted and needed, and that you are stronger together than you can accomplish alone. Being in the right group can help you achieve almost anything.

8. Creating A Life Of Meaning
When you have meaning and purpose in your life, you get up in the morning with an energy that is unstoppable. If you don’t know your purpose, then you are just aimlessly wandering around and you feel weak. The more meaningful your life is, the happier you will be.

9. Optimism
We are all born wanting to be happy. An optimist sees possibilities and finds hope in the most difficult of times. Hope makes you believe that everything is possible. Having a dream is not special. What is special, is the person who sees the possibilities in their dreams.

10. Love And Trust Yourself
When you love and trust yourself, you connect to your instincts and follow the messages of your heart. You must learn to love yourself and appreciate everything you have to offer. When you learn to trust yourself, you will know how to live THE DREAM!

Realize that these ten human needs are constantly working to fulfill themselves. When you satisfy these needs, you can focus your energy, power and talent towards your goals. 

Excerpt from Bernard’s book “Stop Acting – Start Living”