DECEMBER 16, 2022
Over the last few years, our Elevator Guy remarks have reflected and concentrated on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to understand (not judge) what people want and really need in life. Don’t be confused about your wants and needs. Start today by writing them down and putting them in priority order. (Elevator Guy’s are his Faith, Family, and career.) Most of us have a strong desire grow and improve ourselves, rather than just surviving, which moves us forward and keeps us in the game. Make sure you know what you are searching for or chasing. (Hopefully your purpose and meaning in life) Many of us desire; wanting our own way; power; money; or maybe something more pleasurable or comforting in life. Life is not all about you, so do your part in helping others in their life journey, by getting what THEY need and not just what they want. You just might find what YOU are looking for in yourself.
For most people in the world, survival is paramount with the basic physiological needs of hunger, thirst, and bodily comforts. If one is fortunate enough to have those needs satisfied, we move up the ladder to satisfy our need to be safe. Safe in our jobs, safe in our own homes, safe on the road or safe in our businesses, churches and schools. Once you have those needs met, which often reflects your own personal risk tolerance in life, the next needs are to belong and to be loved, followed by our self-esteem needs. (Wanting to BE somebody or BE significant) These first four needs of the pyramid are what Maslow calls; “The Deficiency needs” meaning we never seem to “get enough” which is what propels many us upward to our need towards self-actualization and transformation. (Change) Life just doesn’t seem full or complete until we have all of them completely met, which, according to Maslow, is where 98% of the population struggles. (Maybe you are too much of a “perfectionist” to move to the next level) If you are one that is trying to break on through to the other side, you will need to be satisfied where you are presently (Amor Fati) in your struggles and contemplate the next four needs, which include the cognitive, aesthetic, self-actualized, and finally, your transcendence needs. These are our “Growth Needs” which only happen if you have experienced the basics. Where do you stand right now and what are you going to do to make small changes in your life?
The desire to grow and improve is a hidden drive which is instilled in us and learned at an early age. Don’t spend all of your time on the basic needs or by just getting by in life. Fight, (fairly) and challenge yourself for more, by learning to know WHO you are and what size engine you are driving. (It is fun to watch people grow and prosper once they realize that they have that “Can-do” attitude.) It takes years for some to really understand their own potential and are normally knocked off course by setbacks or failures in life. Don’t give up. You can do it. Just get your poop in a group and move forward. That means you may have to humble yourself by giving up a few of those coveted basics in life to find out what is next for you. Learn to work through the distractions, doubts, fears, obstacles and curve balls life is guaranteed to throw at you. Don’t get distracted with a whole bunch of baggage (things) or you will miss the boat. Seek something bigger than yourself. (Try your own faith as it might just set you free from all of life’s distractions)
Most of us are just scared. (Fears) Scared of missing out, scared of not having enough, scared of looking foolish, scared of not being good enough, scared that your deficiency needs are not being met, and scared of life itself. (Be Bold!) Living simply can help unclutter a lot of our thinking and worrying in life. Some of us may boast that we have every need met in our lives. But are we really being truthful with ourselves? Don’t quit learning new things. Look deep inside yourself to find out how unique and special you are and pass it on to others. Remember; “Don’t do life alone.”
Be a searcher in life and once you are on a good path, be a good fighter. Don’t fight for sameness, fight for unity. Seek the truth, beauty, and goodness in your own life. Look for the good in others and shine your own light on those that need you. You will BOTH be victorious in the end.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “If you know the enemy and know yourself, your victory will not stand in doubt.” Sun Tzu. “The Art of War”