As a parent, it is natural to learn when a child is satisfied or not. The ability to reason with a toddler or an infant becomes very common for most people who work with little ones.

Children’s needs must be met or their behavior will demonstrate a lack of willingness to cooperate. They may cry, scream, throw things or rock back and forth with an unsettled motion. Children somehow know how to push an adult’s buttons. They quickly learn what to do to get their way and make life more comfortable for themselves.

Yet, as adults, some people never truly learn how to get what they want or how to become satisfied. They struggle with what direction to follow, who or what to utilize as a resource, and how to meet their needs without “stepping on the toes” of others.

Call it selfish, but some people were spoiled at an early age and they continue to act as an infant demanding others to do for them. These people will step on you as they approach each rung of the ladder on their way to the top.

Be careful not to invest too much trust in these people.

What is it that makes adults need more toys, seek additional relationships, explore new adventures?

Is it the fear of being bored and lifeless, or is it an innate feeling of not having enough?

Finding ways to satisfy your needs is important. However, seeking the right avenues for gaining tangible items or relationships that will prove to be positive investments is critical. Many people find it difficult to be happy with what they already have or possess. They strongly desire more money, more hobbies, or more projects to satisfy their desire to stay busy or to find what they think will make them happier.

People like Elvis or famous actors who seemed to have it all —have been said to have been unhappy — still looking for something to complete them and fill a certain void in their life. Thomas Edison once stated, “Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.”

To say you are satisfied implies that you may not want anything better. You may think what you have is enough. You are content and do not wish for a better job, a nicer place to live, more money or more friends. Some people are content with winning four games in a set of tennis or shooting a 39 for 9 holes of golf. Another person might analyze how they could have won two more games in the tennis match to win the set or improved 3-4 shots in golf to make a huge difference in the final score.

Life is a constant struggle; therefore, it is wise to make keen decisions when competing with others or seeking ways to better your life that will not only make you happier, but also a better person.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column regularly appears in The Bulletin.