The following exercise is taken from the book, Stop Self Sabotage by Pat Pearson, MSSW: It helps you understand more about what you feel you deserve. Pat calls this "your deserve level." As with any journey, before you can map your route you have to know where you are starting from.

Discovering What You Want: Name It To Claim It

So grab a piece of paper and a pen.
Quickly and spontaneously, answer these questions:

Next year, I believe I will make the following income (in dollars):

1) 10-15,000

2) 15-30,000

3) 30-45,000

4) 45-60,000

5) 60-75,000

6) 75-100,000

7) 100-125,000

8) 125-150,000

9) 150-200,000

10) 200-250,000

11) 250-300,000

12) 300-400,000

13) 400,000+

I believe I can have the material things I want.

1) Never

2) Almost never

3) Sometimes

4) Most of the time

5) Always

I believe I can have a good, loving relationship.

1) Never

2) Almost never

3) Sometimes

4) Most of the time

5) Always

I feel lovable and capable of loving others.

1) Never

2) Almost never

3) Sometimes

4) Most of the time

5) Always

I feel I can produce and perform well at my job or career.

1) Never

2) Almost never

3) Sometimes

4) Most of the time

5) Always

I would rate my love life:

1) Very low satisfaction

2) Medium low satisfaction

3) Medium satisfaction

4) Medium high satisfaction

5) High satisfaction

I would rate my work life (income, work climate, liking my job):

1) Very low satisfaction

2) Medium low satisfaction

3) Medium satisfaction

4) Medium high satisfaction

5) High satisfaction

I would rate my social contacts and friends:

1) Very low satisfaction

2) Medium low satisfaction

3) Medium satisfaction

4) Medium high satisfaction

5) High satisfaction

I feel capable of getting what I desire from life:

1) Never

2) Almost never

3) Sometimes

4) Most of the time

5) Always

My parents (or divide between mother and father for separate ratings) believe I'm a worthwhile, competent and lovable person:

1) Never

2) Almost never

3) Sometimes

4) Most of the time

5) Always