Now, before I describe them, do note that you and everyone around you will prioritise these needs in different ways and give different focus to each of these needs. However, if you want to really change then you need to work out which of these needs are your priority at 1-7 and list why you allow these to define you in the way they do. These 7ND© are the driving force behind the ’why’ of what we do.

So, let us look at these 7ND© in brief detail:

1. Safety: Many of us seek out comfort of safety first. It is a universal human nature trait for us to seek comfort. You would assume that comfort would be a worthwhile goal for us all to pursue but in reality, it is one of our greatest built-in impediments to future growth. If we were not wired with our affinity for comfort, our possibilities for a better life and world would be unfathomable.
2. Variety: For many people change is necessary in their lives. Where change is your primary driver, you actively go looking for the unknown, or are constantly changing things in order to get new stimuli. However constantly seeking change and being too focused on the future stops you from enjoying life now.
3. Status: This is so important to some people, where being at the centre of things, allows them to feel unique, important, special, or needed. Striving for improvement can be extremely healthy, but when the outcome is more about other people, then we can become blinded to what is happening to us as people.
4. Relationships: A strong feeling of closeness or union with someone or something. Love is a huge energy source and brings with it many mental and physical benefits. However, life cannot be all about loving if you do not love yourself. Self-love of who and what you are is the platform to truly loving other people.
5. Growth: Abraham Maslow says “One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen repeatedly; fear must be overcome again and again.” It is in Learning that we grow. Learning itself is so important. Learning has no time or age restriction, all that we need is a passion for lifelong learning. However, learning is not just about being inquisitive but about synthesizing and applying the learning in the way that helps us and others. If your focus is learning and not growth you will miss the richness of life.
6. Contribution: I believe that our rewards in life have a direct correlation with the contribution we make and the key to life is not in the accumulation, but in the contribution. Our success should not be about the size of our title but the richness of your contribution.
7. This is both physical and mental health. The health of our mind and body has a direct impact on the type of life we lead.

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” George Eliot