DECEMBER 17, 2021
In the last few years, I have often reflected on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to understand what people want and need in life. In our present civilized country, (or what we hope and pray is still civilized) in trying to understand the human motivation, I have come to accept that we are a land and society of excess, always looking for MORE of something. (What are YOU searching or seeking more of in your life?) For most people in the world, survival is paramount with the basic physiological needs of hunger, thirst, bodily comforts, and so on. If one is fortunate enough to have those needs satisfied, we next want to be safe. Safe in our jobs, safe in our homes, safe in our nation, and safe from our enemies, both foreign and domestic. Once you are safe, the next need is; to belong and to be loved. This is followed by our esteem needs. (wanting to BE somebody of value) These first four needs of the pyramid are what Maslow calls; “The Deficiency Needs.” Life just doesn’t seem full until we have them completely met.” Which according to Maslow, is where 98% of the population struggles. Maslow goes on to share that the next four needs; Cognitive, Aesthetic, Self-Actualization, and finally Transcendence are our GROWTH needs in order for us to keep moving up the pyramid. Check it out if interested.
In this land of plenty, self-actualization and transcendence is what we should strive for in life. That means we need to accept WHO we are, WHERE we are, and WHAT we are. You won’t reach the pinnacle until you can accept WHO you are, warts and all. Some understand early in life, some take a while, some take a lifetime and some NEVER get it at all. This is our challenge as we engage our Foundational Band of Brothers (and Women of Worth). If interested, you can follow along on these weekly remarks, or check us out at our website; elevatorguy.net.
Since our title today is, “Fight the Good Fight;” (Not just climb the ladder of life or Maslow’s pyramid) I suggest you think, write down, and reflect on your NEEDS and wants in life. They are different and if you spend all of your time trying to make yourself happy, you just might not find out WHO you really are and what battles you need to fight along with understanding your END game. Depending on your needs and season of life, what is your final victory in life? What Legacy do you want to leave to your others?
Us humans have a dominating nature because we are always scared. (Fear) Scared of missing out, scared of not having enough, scared of looking stupid to others or making a mistake, scared of being exposed, scared of not being good enough, scared that your deficiency needs are not being met, and scared of life itself. Living simply can help unclutter a lot of our thinking and worrying in life. Some of us may seem or express that we have every need met. But are you really being truthful with yourself? My thoughts are that we are never done learning in life. We need to look deep inside ourselves to find how unique we each are and continue forward in realizing WHO we really are (Know Thyself) and what our purpose is in life.
Since the beginning of time, humans compete intensely with one another for food, territory, a career, promotions, or other resources such as money. We fight for CONTROL, within our families, businesses, the world, and sadly, with ourselves. (Try being your TRUE self) We fight for power and for prestige. We fight against fascists and against religious ideologies. We fight against each other with a clear lack of truth, beauty, goodness and unity in this world. (thanks Aristotle) We must appreciate and understand that we are ALL unique and that God put us here for a purpose. Don’t forget to fight though.
Be a searcher of truth, a lover of beauty, a practitioner of goodness, and a conduit for unity. Be thankful and humble. Love more than you hate. Don’t “Poke the Bear” by speaking hate in any relationship. Fight the GOOD fight!
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day: “First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, and then you win.” Mahatma Gandhi