Hierarchy of Needs

You may recognize this image from social media, as it has gained popularity as a meme format, but it is actually an amazing tool for healers and readers as well. In fact, it is one of the tools I use most often!

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs describes the things one needs to meet their fullest potential. There are a few different variations and expansions on this, but for today’s discussion, let’s focus on this iteration.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943)

The simplest use of this tool is to identify which of your needs are met, and which you need to focus on. I often ask my clients if they have stable shelter, healthy relationships, and the ability to look beyond their ‘Basic Needs’ and set their sights on loftier goals. It is so important to approach this kind of question without judgement. Almost all of us have times where our basic needs are not met. If you are wrapped up focusing on your survival you are simply unable to focus on emotional expansion and spirituality. It is not a moral failing to be stuck in survival mode, but rather a systemic failing.

Once you know which of your needs are met, you can look into which you have yet to meet. This is where the targeted, calculated action takes form and where the hard work begins. When shifting your focus from your survival needs into your emotional needs, you are going to be uncomfortable. You have to be willing to look at your faults, your shortcomings, your knowledge gaps. You have to find all the cracks and scratches and learn how to patch them and polish them to become the person you want to be.

This is where many people give up. It is so hard not to shy away, ignore, or otherwise refuse responsibility for your own growth, but no one else can do it for you. If self actualization is your goal, you have to allow yourself to grow through the discomfort. There’s no growth in the comfort zone.

Here’s a link to a great article about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html#The-expanded-hierarchy-of-needs