Lost your zest for life? Having trouble staying focused on what’s in front of you? Spending too much time worrying about the past or the future?

If you have trouble focusing on what you need to do and have a hard time staying in the moment, don’t despair. You may just need an "urge booster"! Urges – believe it or not – are our friends. They tell us what is really going on inside us – our desires, our passions and our yearnings—and allow us to more fully experience every moment of our lives.

However, in reality, most people confuse real urges with "counterfeit" urges – those habits or behaviors we engage in for immediate gratification that don’t bring us any real satisfaction – such as stuffing our face with chocolate, overwatching television or impulse shopping. What’s the difference? Real urges meet deeper needs and get you engaged in the moment. People who follow their urges are more satisfied and more productive. So be ready to recognize your counterfeit urges and embrace your real urges.

Here are 5 Ways you can embrace your urges and live more fully in the moment:

1. Ask yourself what you are feeling. Knowing your emotions will help you be more engaged.

2. What do you really want? Look underneath the urge to the deeper need that you could be meeting. It could be you are wanting comfort or to be appreciated and affirmed.

3. Notice what beliefs are holding you back from expressing your urge. It could be that you think you’ll look stupid or silly and be embarrassed.

4. Take a risk and follow your urge. Risks are a necessary part of full engagement in your life, leading to more satisfaction and fulfillment.

5. Notice what really satisfies you. Start to notice the difference between the counterfeit urges that keep you stuck in your ruts and routines and those that really give you a sense of satisfaction.

DR. JUDITH WRIGHT, www.judithwright.com, is a lifestyles expert, educator, coach, inspirational speaker, best-selling author, and corporate consultant. Author of The One Decision and The Soft Addiction Solution, Judith has been called one of "America’s Ultimate Experts" by Women’s World magazine. Judith demystifies what it takes to lead a great life in all areas—career satisfaction and success, meaningful relationships, a thriving family life, career fulfillment, and more. A media favorite, Judith has appeared on over 450 radio stations and 70 television shows. Judith co-founded the Wright Leadership Institute in Chicago—a cutting edge coaching and training institute and the Wright Institute for the Realization of Human Potential (formerly the Wright Graduate Institute), offering Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Human Development.