The Science of Human Needs
Abraham Maslow's theory on human needs has revolutionized the fields of psychology and sociology by providing a structured hierarchy that explains human motivation. According to Maslow, human needs are arranged in a pyramid with several distinct levels: physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Each level represents a different category of needs, starting from the most basic physical necessities required for survival to the more complex psychological needs aimed at personal growth and fulfillment. This hierarchical model underscores the significance of addressing fundamental human needs as a prerequisite for achieving higher levels of psychological well-being, social functioning, and purposeful productivity. This framework underscores the significance of human needs in shaping behaviors, relationships, and societal structures, highlighting that meeting these needs is crucial for achieving well-being and self-fulfillment.
These Human Needs include: Certainty, Variety, Recognition, Love & Connections, Growth, and Contribution.
MYSELF
CERTAINTY - VARIETY - RECOGNITION
CERTAINTY (Work, Well-Being)
As humans, we crave a sense of stability, comfort, and security in our lives. From the simple necessities like food and clothing to more complex needs like financial and personal stability, the need for certainty is ingrained in our nature. We find peace in our daily routines, planning for the future, taking care of our well-being through exercise and diet, and keeping our homes in order. Practicing CERTAINTY gives us the strength to face the uncertainties of life.
VARIETY - (Fun)
Have you ever thought about what life would be like if every day was the same? Sure, there would be a certain level of comfort and predictability, but let's be real - it would get pretty dull pretty fast. That's why injecting some variety into your life is necessary for keeping things fresh and exciting. Whether it's picking up a new hobby, expanding your social circle, trying something outside of your comfort zone, mixing up your workout routine, or just embracing spontaneity, there are countless ways to add some fun and flavor to your daily routine. So take a step outside of your usual routine, and see what kind of adventure awaits you.
RECOGNITION (Significance)
Imagine a world where we're simply existing but not truly acknowledged for who we are or what we're capable of. It's a world where we feel invisible, insignificant and unimportant. That's why we all need recognition - both physically and mentally - to give us a profound sense of value and worth. Whether it's the warm embrace of our family, a pat on the back from our boss, a compliment from a stranger, or the satisfaction of our achievements, it's these feel-good moments that make us feel truly appreciated and validated. Being recognized not only elevates our self-esteem, but it helps us know that we're seen, heard, and have a rightful place in this beautiful world.
LOVE
LOVE - CONNECTIONS - HONESTY
LOVE & CONNECTIONS (Passion - Tribe)
As human beings, our core desire for love and connection is woven into the very fabric of our makeup. This need is present from the moment we enter the world and persists throughout our entire lives. Whenever you find yourself feeling lonely, sad, or overwhelmed, it's a clear indication that you're craving something - whether that be a passion, affection from those around you or a deeper sense of internal peace. To remedy this, you might find joy in spending quality time with your loved ones, family, friends, children, significant other or from a passion. These simple moments can work wonders in filling up your heart and restoring your sense of well-being.
SHARING (Honesty)
Opening up about how we're truly feeling is more important than we may have ever imagined. It turns out, consistently sharing the highs and lows of our lives is a crucial factor in our overall well-being. And the benefits? Oh, they are aplenty. Your nervous system, which controls all sorts of essential bodily functions, can get a significant boost from just a little bit of sharing in your daily routine. Believe it or not, studies show that it can improve everything from digestion, blood pressure, metabolism, sexual response, circulation, VO2 max, heart rate variability, and more. Neuroscience studies show that sharing can have outstanding benefits to both our parasympathetic nervous system
(restoring your body to a calm and relaxed state) as well as sympathetic nervous systems (your fight or flight responses).
GROWTH
A BETTER YOU - CONTRIBUTION
A BETTER YOU (Learning)
Unlock Your True Potential and Embrace Growth! Transformation is an essential part of life, and it's up to us to actively pursue it. Whether it's actively seeking new knowledge and experiences or responding to life's challenges, embracing growth is the key to unlocking our potential. Take a moment to reflect on what being the best version of yourself means to you. It could be as simple as learning a new skill, cutting out bad habits, or incorporating healthy routines into your lifestyle. Don't settle for mediocrity when greatness is within reach. Invest in yourself and become the best possible version of YOU!
CONTRIBUTION (Giving Back)
Fulfilling the need to contribute to something bigger than ourselves brings much more than a sense of satisfaction, it provides a sense of purpose and meaning. For some, it is an important priority in their lives, while for others it is a way to give back after their personal needs are met. No matter the approach, lending a helping hand to a friend, family member, community or even the world works wonders in terms of individual growth, especially spiritually. And the best part? GROWTH needs are all higher in spiritual needs so it is almost impossible to meet these needs in feel-bad ways making CONTRIBUTION an easy peasy feel good.
