By Steven L. Sanders
I am thinking back in my life for when I first attended management training that included a discussion on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I believe it was in the late 1980’s. I remember being fascinated about Maslow’s “theory” that all human beings move through a growth process to achieve their five core needs:
I am thinking back in my life for when I first attended management training that included a discussion on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I believe it was in the late 1980’s. I remember being fascinated about Maslow’s “theory” that all human beings move through a growth process to achieve their five core needs:
- Basic human survival needs (i.e., physiological needs),
- Protection-stability-& health and financial security (i.e., safety needs),
- Relationships (i.e., love and belonging),
- Recognition and acknowledgment from others (i.e., esteem needs), and
- Gifts and talent development (i.e., self-actualization needs).
I remember being so excited about having a fulfilled life if only I advanced through the levels to self-actualization. I never stopped to think about how I knew what I did about the “right way” to feel safe and secure. I just knew that if I got a good job … I may be able to purchase a home … and from there I’d have the foundation for many adventures. Now, I look back with reflection and see that I got caught in the consumerism mindset of acquiring “stuff” that others told me I needed to make a home. It all seemed to make sense at the time; although, as time marched on, I did notice that the “thrill” of buying seemed to wear off. Under the Covid-19 “stay-at-home” orders of 2020, my life slowed way down and I discovered just how much of my 20’s, 30’s and 40’s were lived being driven by external programming (i.e., societal, authority figure, parental) about what defined success. My internal dialogue urged that, “I should do this…,” or “I must have…” or “I ought to be this way….” Many externally driven standards and ideals that I thought I should strive for. I compared myself against perfectionistic standards and ideas. And, you guessed it, I judged myself harshly for never measuring up. And, the goal of reaching Maslow’s idea of self-actualization seemed further and further beyond my grasp.
Maybe you can relate.… It’s only been recently that I’ve found people that live their lives from the inside out … listening for the quiet urgings of their own inner truth and wisdom. A deeply reflective way of living. One in which the authentic nature is used to design and create. Living inside out one’s internal dialogue may urge:
“I desire to learn about…” or
“I choose to do this …” or
“I’d love to…”
It’s from this place of your unique inner wisdom that a life can be designed from one’s highest values. I call this my journey to authenticity. It’s a path that I love to share with others whether in deep conversation or through personalized life coaching. Contact me if any of this resonates with you. I have heard it said that our life force energy is urging us toward our green growing edge of self-expression. Embrace your greatness, tap deeply into your inner wisdom, and design your next chapter. Reach out if I can be of any service to your growth.
For more information on the hierarchy of needs, see https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760
Maybe you can relate.… It’s only been recently that I’ve found people that live their lives from the inside out … listening for the quiet urgings of their own inner truth and wisdom. A deeply reflective way of living. One in which the authentic nature is used to design and create. Living inside out one’s internal dialogue may urge:
“I desire to learn about…” or
“I choose to do this …” or
“I’d love to…”
It’s from this place of your unique inner wisdom that a life can be designed from one’s highest values. I call this my journey to authenticity. It’s a path that I love to share with others whether in deep conversation or through personalized life coaching. Contact me if any of this resonates with you. I have heard it said that our life force energy is urging us toward our green growing edge of self-expression. Embrace your greatness, tap deeply into your inner wisdom, and design your next chapter. Reach out if I can be of any service to your growth.
For more information on the hierarchy of needs, see https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760
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