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As a life coach, you will help people to identify what is holding them back and how to resolve it. An easy way to begin is to find out whether or not your life coach client’s needs are being met. Even the most successful entrepreneur will not be happy or reach their full potential if one of their basic needs is not fulfilled.

A simple way to identify what is missing is to look at Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. I can tell you from experience that it holds true in life. I once spent an entire year in a drafty attic without heat or warm clothing. I relied on the kindness of a friend for food. My most basic needs, which are at the bottom of Maslow’s pyramid, were not met. No matter how hard I tried, I could not move forward until this was resolved.

You can apply this pyramid to yourself and your life coach clients. You may be surprised to find how easily basic needs can get in the way of greater desires.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

1. Physiological. These are the primary needs that must be met to survive and include breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis, excretion.
2. Safety. This is the security of body, employment, resources, morality, the family, health, and property.
3. Love/Belonging. This includes friendship, family, and sexual intimacy.
4. Esteem. This is self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others, and respect by others.
5. Self-actualization. This is the top of the hierarchy of needs. Once all other needs are met, a person can do what they do best. This level involves morality, creativity, spontaneity, problem solving, lack of prejudice, and acceptance of facts.

The human mind is extremely complex, and can easily work on more than one level of needs at the same time. However, simplifying needs into a hierarchy makes it easier to understand. For more life coaching tips that you need to know, download Dr. Craig’s free report now.