Knowing & Rebalancing your Needs

Taking the free time to refresh my memory and to read up a bit more on counselling skills (for children) before I start work.

I thought it may be good to share William Glasser's theory of basic needs(American Psychiatrist who expounded the Choice Theory). They are;

1. Survival (food, shelter, health, sex)
2. Love & Belonging (love, friendship, company)
3. Power (recognition, success, achievement, importance)
4. Freedom (choices, independence)
5. Fun (laughter, enjoyment, learning, growth)

Whilst all of us are born to have these 5 needs, the degree of each need varies with different individuals. Thus the weightage that we place on each of these needs determine the choices we make in life. So if you value survival intensely you may not be comfortable to take too much risk. If you need to be loved you would be prepared to give more of yourself and so on. I guess knowing your needs bring about greater self awareness and the goals you pursue in life.

Recognising that we are programmed to have all these 5 needs will however serve as a reminder to rebalance occasionally, before being too carried away.

As for me I am not sure whether I am entering into second childhood. Reviewing my situation I conclude I do not have enough FUN probably, especially entertainment. Somehow I have always been putting entertainment under tight scrutiny of whether it is worth spending the time, like watching a silly but amusing TV program for instance. I guess it is high time for me to address more of this need!