Basic Needs
November 23rd, 2008 by 
JD
I was thinking about what people really need in life in order to be happy, successful, and motivated. This can be difficult to track down since we each have our own definition of what these words mean. I found myself thinking about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
The basic premise of the model is that humans move from the bottom to the top of a triangular shaped model in the following stages:
- Physiological: food, water, air
- Safety: personal, financial, health
- Love/Belonging: family, romantic partnerships, friendships
- Esteem: respect from others, self respect, self esteem
- Self-actualization: creativity, spontaneity, problem solving
Maslow’s theory was that people move through stages only when the lower level needs are fully met. So, you can’t focus on self-actualization if your safety needs are not taken care of. Somehow in my search for what people really need this concept did not fit. Many people, much more intelligent and well-read, have criticized this model…here’s my issue with it:
In striving for what we really want in life there is inherent risk. If we truly stretch to the absolute limits of our imaginations and become who we are meant to be in this world it is our confidence and creativity that guide us there. Safety is often our excuse for holding back.
If you are currently operating on Maslow’s model it’s time to turn it upside down. Start with YOU. Start with allowing yourself to want, to dream, to believe. Start making decisions from that place and the door to real satisfaction will appear.
What do I believe people need in order to be happy, successful, and motivated? I believe people need to know that as a human you deserve to feel, to be alive, and to be loved.
Posted in Reality Check | 