Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
The Heart and Science of Following Your Dreams
The Heart and Science of Following Your Dreams
We don’t have to study the depths of psychology in order to hear our calling. I doubt that Arnold Schwarzenegger studied psychology, and then decided to become Mr. Universe. Our dreams come natural to us.
Our dreams are a matter of the heart. But we should be aware of the science. This is the heart and science of following your dreams.
Who is Abraham Maslow?
Abraham Maslow (April 1, 1908 – June 8, 1970) was an American psychologist who developed the theory of human motivation known as the "Hierarchy of Needs."
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory proposed by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation." The theory suggests that human needs are arranged in a hierarchical order, with the most basic needs at the bottom and the more advanced needs at the top.
The hierarchy consists of five levels:
Physiological needs: These are the most basic needs that include food, water, shelter, and clothing. They are the primary needs necessary for human survival.
Safety needs: These include the need for security, stability, and protection from danger or harm. This need also encompasses the need for financial security and stability.
Love and belongingness needs: These needs include the desire for love, affection, and a sense of belonging to a group or community. It also includes the need for friendship, intimacy, and family.
Esteem needs: These needs include the desire for recognition, respect, and self-esteem. This need is important for self-confidence, achievement, and respect from others.
Self-actualization needs: This is the highest level of the hierarchy and refers to the desire for personal growth and fulfillment of one's potential.
According to Maslow's theory, individuals must satisfy lower-level needs before progressing to higher-level needs. However, some suggest that levels overlap each other, or are closely related.
The key takeaway in this is expressing one’s potential (self-actualization) is a human need. It is the highest human need.
Self Transcendence
In later years, Maslow expanded his theory to include a sixth level of needs called self-transcendence. This level of need goes beyond self-actualization and refers to the desire to connect with something greater than oneself, such as spirituality, nature, or the universe.
Maslow's views on self-transcendence reflect his belief that humans have the potential for personal growth and development throughout their lives. By focusing on a higher purpose or connection with something greater than oneself, individuals can achieve a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives beyond the satisfaction of basic needs.
Finally
To follow our dreams is essentially the desire to express our potential in a way that brings us satisfaction and a sense of fulfillment. Maslow, as well as others, see this as a universal human need.
Maslow suggests that self-actualization, the desire to fulfill one’s full potential, is a natural and universal human need.
Certain physiological and psychological needs must be met in order to pursue and express our potential. If we struggle with food, shelter, security, and self-esteem, then following our dreams is not a top priority.
Following our dreams helps us grow in many ways. It is the process of growth that also improves our other needs such as self-esteem, self-confidence, creativity, and more.
Our dreams are a matter of heart and science. For dream builders, it's important to have a strong foundation to support our aspirations. We can believe in our heart that we have a higher calling, a purpose, and a dream. We can also point to science to give us even more confidence.
To your success!
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