DECEMBER 4, 2020
In past Elevator Guy remarks, we have talked about “What we want and what we need in life.” Most of us reading these remarks have the basic needs that sustain us in life. Those physiological needs of air, water, nourishment (often too much), and sleep. (often not enough) According to Maslow’s theory, if such needs are not satisfied, then one’s motivation will arise from the quest to satisfy them. Higher needs, such as social needs and self-esteem, are not felt until one has met the needs basic to one’s bodily functioning. (Including your Body, Mind, and Spirit)
Once the physiological needs are met, one’s attention turns to safety and security in order to be free from the threat of physical or emotional harm. Such needs might be fulfilled by; living and working in a safe area, medical insurance, job security and financial reserves. Then, when a person has met the lower level of physiological and safety needs, higher level needs become important; the first of which are social needs. Those that are related to interaction with others: need for friends, (a Band of Brothers) need for belonging, and the need to receive and give love. Once a person feels a sense of “Belonging,” the need to feel important (Significance) arises. Esteem needs may be classified as internal or external. Internal esteem needs are those related to self-esteem such as self-respect and achievement. External esteem needs are those such as social status and recognition. Such esteem needs are: Self-respect, achievement, attention, recognition, and reputation. Maslow later refined his model to include a level between esteem and self-actualization (the final level) which is the need for knowledge and aesthetics. Don’t stop there because our culture and society fools us into thinking that “We have it made when we reach this level.” Actually, that may just be your beginning.
The summit of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs is the quest for reaching one’s full potential as a person. (Self-Actualization) What and who were we meant to be or what is our purpose in life? Unlike the lower level needs, this need is never fully satisfied; as one grows psychologically and emotionally, there are always new opportunities to continue to grow. Self-actualized people tend to have needs such as: Truth, Justice, Wisdom, and Meaning. Self-actualized people have frequent occurrences of peak experiences, which are energized moments of profound happiness and harmony. We all hit those moments at one time or another in life. Our goal should be to capture those moments in our minds (and hearts) and make them our guide in moving forward in life. Yes, there will be similar peak experiences of failure, depression, and apathy. Don’t let that stop you from those GOOD peak experiences in your life. This is what will drive you to bigger and better things. If you are stymied, forgive yourself, work harder with your fears and obstacles, and move on by just taking the next positive step in life.
While Maslow says only 2% of the human population will experience true self-actualization, (reaching one’s full potential) it should be a worthy goal to find out what God had in mind for each of us. (We are ALL meant for MORE so maybe we just need to ask him to show us the way) That means we need to; Live fully with our hearts open, Love deeply,(both ourselves and others) Laugh often,(Or just smile more) Lead others with dignity and humility, Listen to those around us, and Learn more about ourselves. The end result will be our Legacy to the world.
What do you want in life? What do you need? I hope it is to know yourself and your potential because you are special and are loved. Establish good habits and behaviors that bring you to YOUR own self-actualization. God, your family and your co-workers are watching and rooting for you. Do it for them because life is not about you anyway. It is always about THEM.
Elevator Guy