Before we go too far "out of our way" to meet these needs, we need to see how each affects us. Do we drive our mother-in-law around to go shopping every time she wants us to? Do we continue to do "extra" things for our boss just because we are good and "can" do it?

Like so much, it all depends. But criteria of deciding should be based on overall importance we place on them. Should you do extra things, yes - at times. Should you drive mom around from time to time - sure. Should you do it all time? Only if that is what YOU feel is most important to YOU.

Life is a sport we all take part in. It is not for spectators. It is a game we all get to judge for ourselves. It is, in end, an individual sport made up of millions of individual events. It is also a team sport where by assisting others, we all can win. It is great to help others to go for their own gold, but never to sacrifice our own.

There are plenty of gold medals to go around. So get up there, stand on podium and accept yours

David is an inspirational writer in St. Louis. Visit his home on the web, pick up his new e-booklet "In Search Of Ourselves" and sign up for his weekly motivational newsletter. It all can be done at http://www.djstoddard.net.