Some of us may have heard of this more this than others, however familiar you are with Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, one thing is evident- this model is one of the best references we have to just plain out living. I’ll be explaining symbol by symbol here, (for newcomers, that weren’t paying attention in their PYCH 101 class). Furthermore, I’ll be highlighting the divide of ‘deficiency needs’ ‘growth needs’, with the point of looking to provide an outlook to first – world & third – world means in differences. As well as emphasizing how the model can be used to check yourself as you maneuver through life’s happenings.
Physiological needs– The basics here, how we feel nourished, how we can keep our system afloat & are subconscious thoughts (breathing oxygen, heart beating), shelter- a place to rest and feel protected.
Safety needs– Security, finances/job security, how we support ourselves. Keep ourselves safe from outside forces.
Social/belonging needs– Friends/family. Care and nurture. Acceptance, intimacy, & giving are all under the umbrella.
Esteem Needs– Self-confidence & respect from other people. An evaluation of yourself. Be it status, job, education, relationship, home, etc. How you see yourself in the world.
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Cognitive needs– Pursuit of knowledge & understanding/ The biggest keys to self-actualization. Cannot be blocked, because nothing will flow. The expression of the natural human need to discover, create, learn, and explore.
Aesthetic needs– The pursuit of beauty and creativity. To express oneself in pleasing ways.
Self-actualization needs– Uncovering your full potential, fulfillment. Finding what you are best- fitted for.
Self- transcendence needs– Added need. Going beyond yourself, being spiritual & charitable. Greatest sense of awareness.
All of these 8 needs are achievable, but are they all attainable for everyone? No, not everyone has the same opportunities to have these under their arms. Based of geographical location, status-level, and family interference or affection these could vary for people being able to have. That is why there is a fine divide between, ‘deficiency & growth’ needs.
Deficiency needs (Blue) meaning you cannot live without these being had and present in your life.
Growth needs (Green) meaning more along the side of luxury, pleasure, & going beyond.
For the most part, unless under an extreme situation, everybody in a first-world economic and social standing has the full 8 phases felt & attained. On the other hand, third world- countries deal with a larger challenge. A lot of the times education is limited, social & family dynamics, can have a toll, & overall opportunities can be limited for some to reach a full-potential, (some could be oblivious to what that even consists of).
Complaining about a job that you really wanted & didn’t get, check yourself.
Frustrated about not having enough space in your house, check yourself.
Grumpy because of a rash on your skin, check yourself.
Angry because of a bad grade, study more, & check yourself
So next time when something doesn’t go your way, or pan out how you would have liked, count your needs that are already full-filled, be thankful that you have the basic needs down, and the ‘higher echelon’ ones can be all figureoutable.
Use the model to see if how you are feeling matches up with some of your deficiency and growth needs, as it could very well pave the way to figuring out what is missing.
Thoughts? Let’s connect.
SK Creates 