During my management studies, I encountered Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs—an incredible theory that analyses human needs. Its ability to address numerous common life questions captivated me. Even now, whenever I’m at a life crossroads, I revisit it. When making decisions about what I need most at a particular time, I find this analysis invaluable.

So, which holds more weight for you: Money or Love? It’s a question commonly posed. Answers often stem from personal experiences, levels of understanding, or maturity.

Most of us aren’t entirely content with our lives; there’s this constant drive to acquire something new, whether it’s buying, achieving, or becoming something more. It’s what keeps us motivated and propels us forward.

We all have needs, yet they’re often a jumble in our minds, sought after without any clear order. This random pursuit of desires leaves us feeling restless and adrift. It’s crucial to recognize that not everything we yearn for can be instantly attained, and even if it is, it might not bring the satisfaction we seek without a stable foundation.

Categorize your needs

It’s crucial to categorize our needs and pursue them methodically—a practice already embedded in our lives.

Upon receiving our monthly salaries, the initial allocation typically goes towards paying bills and purchasing groceries. The primary rationale behind this expenditure is to fulfil our basic needs—food, shelter, water, and electricity.

Following this, we might set aside a portion as savings for unforeseen emergencies or unpredictable health issues in the future. Ensuring safety and security is fundamental for a well-structured lifestyle, and most individuals prioritize having a stable income and a sense of security.

Subsequently, we allocate a portion towards purchasing items for ourselves and our family—things that bring happiness, enhance our appearance and boost our self-esteem. This includes indulgences like movies, dining at restaurants, or any form of entertainment that enriches our lives and brings joy. We plan family vacations to fulfil these desires. It’s a consistent practice for both ourselves and our loved ones.

The majority of us lead our lives in a cycle, tirelessly working towards meeting and satisfying the needs mentioned earlier. Achieving this much is truly commendable, as it signifies stability in fulfilling our basic needs and enjoying the companionship of friends and family.

Should one decide to venture further, they enter a realm of seeking purpose and adding meaning to life. It’s a phase where we pursue our passions, discover or create something extraordinary and impactful, strive to benefit society, contemplate mankind’s welfare, and engage in philanthropic endeavours.

It’s a straightforward concept, yet many stumble in this gradual progression because they rush to reap the rewards without allowing the foundation to develop. It’s like trying to devour a dish that hasn’t fully cooked yet.

This is where Abraham Maslow guides us, leading us up his pyramid of needs step-by-step, helping us comprehend our position and how to pursue fulfilment in everything we desire.

Who is Abraham Maslow?

Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist who developed a hierarchy of needs to explain human motivation. His theory suggested that people have several basic needs that must be met before people move up the hierarchy to pursue more social, emotional, and self-actualizing needs.

[Source- www.verywellmind.com]

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is structured as a pyramid with five distinct levels: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. This framework organizes human needs in a hierarchy, starting with the most fundamental survival needs at the base, and progressing to the more complex and aspirational self-actualization needs at the top. Each level represents essential aspects of human development and fulfilment.

Physiological Needs (Basic Needs)

The fundamental needs for human survival, such as air, food, water, shelter, clothing, warmth, intimacy, and rest, fall under the category of physiological needs. Our primary motivation revolves around securing these essentials for physical well-being. Moving up the hierarchy, once these needs are met, our focus shifts to the next level of motivation.

Maslow emphasized the vital nature of fulfilling physiological needs, considering them foundational as they take precedence over other needs. Once these basics are satisfied, the need for safety and security gains prominence.
In Hindi, there’s a phrase called “Roti, Kapda aur Makaan,” which translates to Bread, clothes, and shelter. This trio is seen as essential for everyone’s life. Many of us tend to overlook their importance because we receive them by default through our parents. However, a significant portion of the world living in poverty is still striving to secure these fundamental needs.

These needs are termed survival needs because, while we might manage without friends, family, or a stable income, survival becomes impossible without food, adequate clothing to shield us from harsh weather, or shelter to protect us from the elements. These essentials are so fundamental that they should be guaranteed to every human being, especially access to food. It’s a tragic failure of humanity that there are still countries where people are losing their lives due to hunger.

So, be grateful for the food on your plate and appreciate the people in your family who ensure that you do not have to worry about these fundamental things. If you’re the provider or homemaker responsible for cooking, washing clothes, and maintaining the house, acknowledge your contribution. You’ve laid the foundation for a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones.

Safety Needs

We all aim to safeguard our fundamental needs. To achieve this, it’s crucial to construct our lives with a sturdy structure. This involves establishing a foundation that assures a steady income and shields us from unexpected setbacks.

Need for a Stable Income

Having a stable income brings a strong sense of financial security. When we’re not worried about losing our jobs, we can plan for the future with confidence. A consistent monthly income gives us a reliable framework to shape our lives. It allows us to maintain order and feel more in control of our circumstances.

Need for Healthcare

Saving for unforeseen challenges is a practice many of us embrace, especially in today’s unpredictable world. Emergencies, particularly health-related ones, can strike unexpectedly and profoundly impact our lives.

When someone in our families faces critical illness, requires surgery, endures an accident, or, in the worst-case scenario, experiences a loss of life, it leads to a significant financial blow. In such times of emotional and psychological distress, the last thing one should worry about is the financial strain.

This is where our savings or preparedness plans, like health insurance, step in to alleviate the burden, providing essential support during these difficult periods.

Need for Safety from theft and crime

Safety isn’t just about money; it’s also about protecting ourselves from theft and crime. Like seeking shelter from weather and wildlife, we need to secure our homes from potential burglaries and criminal acts.

I have witnessed burglary in my family more than once. A gang of thieves identified our house keys broke in at night while we were asleep, stealing valuable items like jewellery and electronics.

Another time, gangsters robbed my father’s office at gunpoint, taking money from the cashier and threatening the employees.

After these incidents, we installed many CCTV cameras and hired a security guard for surveillance. My father’s connection with the local police helped us catch the thieves and recover some items. But these events left us deeply shaken; aside from the material loss, we were terrified by the thought that our lives could have been at risk. Many of us still struggle with the trauma.

Sadly, many families face such crimes. To ensure safety, it’s crucial to know how to protect ourselves. Gated communities often have dedicated security guards, reducing the fear of these crimes compared to exposed areas without security or police surveillance.

Need for Infrastructure and Institutions

Feeling safe within our community is crucial, especially regarding our children’s schools. We aim for schools that offer a secure environment for them. Whether it’s a place of worship or an institution for personal growth, we seek spaces where we feel safe, secure, and accepted.

Infrastructure also impacts our sense of safety. We tend to choose areas where accessing essential services like healthcare, schools, police stations, and welfare institutions is convenient.

Addressing these safety concerns helps guide our life decisions, ensuring we prioritize safety in the places we live, study, and engage with for personal development.

Love and Belongingness Needs

Love and belongingness needs are essential aspects of human life. While it’s technically feasible to live a self-sufficient, solitary existence, it’s not the ideal life many envision. Despite our attempts at self-reliance, we often find ourselves caring for others, whether people or animals. At vulnerable moments, especially during loneliness or illness, the presence and care of loved ones hold a healing power.

This need for social connection isn’t solely tied to basic survival, yet without it, our motivation for other pursuits diminishes. Even animals exhibit a sense of belonging, caring for their offspring and ensuring the safety of their herds.

For humans, this need is even more profound. Many of us are nurtured and protected by our families from childhood, fostering a deep sense of belonging. As we age, the desire for love, companionship, trust, and acceptance persists.

Whether at work, forming friendships, or engaging in religious or cultural groups, we seek a sense of belonging among those who add joy and richness to our lives. Seeking a life partner who grows old alongside us and possibly creating a family further fulfils this need for a close-knit circle of loved ones bonded by affection.

Our happiness and mental health rely a lot on these connections. Sometimes, we care less about food and shelter and more about being close to others. That’s how important these connections are in our lives.

To cherish the joy of human connections, it’s crucial to ensure our basic needs are met. Otherwise, we might end up feeling more disappointed than expected.

That’s why society often sets an age limit for marriage. It wants individuals to be financially stable before starting a family. Many families discourage youngsters from marrying early for the same reason.

Having a stable income also allows us to spend quality time and create experiences with our loved ones. While some experiences don’t require money, like watching a sunset or taking a walk in the park, many do, such as going to the movies, dining out, vacations, or having a subscription for entertainment.

Some traditional ways of caring for our families are timeless. Most people are fortunate to have the support and love of family or friends. Those who lack it are always seeking it in some way.

Even for those hurt and losing hope in people, healing often comes not by isolating themselves but by choosing to be around those who bring the healing.

Be grateful for your families. Not everyone has them. And most don’t have them around forever.

Esteem Needs

Esteem needs, positioned as the fourth tier in Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs, delve into the realm of self-worth, accomplishment, and the acknowledgement received from others.

These needs are divided by Maslow into two distinct categories. The first is internal esteem, which encompasses feelings of dignity, personal achievements, mastery of skills, and the ability to be self-reliant.

Let’s say an individual dedicates significant time and effort to learning and practising the guitar. As they gradually improve and achieve mastery in playing various tunes, they begin to feel a sense of personal accomplishment and pride in their skill. This internal sense of achievement, coupled with their ability to rely on their effort and dedication to progress, contributes to their feelings of self-worth and dignity.

The second category involves the desire for external recognition or admiration from others, such as societal status or prestige.

Let’s consider an individual who actively seeks a managerial role in their workplace. They aspire not only for the responsibilities and challenges that come with the position but also for the prestige and recognition it brings. They aim to be acknowledged by their colleagues and superiors for their leadership skills and expertise. The desire for this external validation, which includes gaining respect and admiration from others for their professional status, exemplifies the pursuit of external recognition or societal status.

The aspect of esteem reflects a fundamental human desire to be recognized and valued by one’s social circle. Many individuals channel their efforts into professions or hobbies in pursuit of recognition, which in turn provides them with a sense of contribution and personal value.

Maslow suggested that when there are imbalances or challenges within this level of the hierarchy, it can lead to feelings of low self-worth or an inferiority complex.

Before women fought for their rights and gained empowerment, they were often relegated to the role of homemakers and considered second-class citizens. With limited access to education, they faced ignorance and had little control over their lives. This environment didn’t foster self-reliance or confidence, nor did it empower them.

In today’s world, financial independence, education, and empowerment are vital for a woman’s self-esteem. Modern women recognize that these factors play a crucial role in feeling worthy and empowered.

Consider criminals, thieves, and beggars. It’s unlikely that they prioritize self-esteem when their basic needs aren’t met. They often have reasons for resorting to begging or engaging in criminal activities, rooted in the struggle for survival. Introducing concepts of self-respect and dignity might not immediately impact them as their primary concern is meeting survival needs.

This highlights the need to work on the foundation not only for individuals but for society as a whole. Elevating the community to a level where basic needs are met allows for a better understanding and an improved quality of life for all.

Self-Actualization Needs

What have been some of your peak experiences in life?

For me, it was a winter afternoon, a moment when I had just attended to my grandfather who was suffering from lung cancer, administered his ayurvedic medication, and then performed my namaaz/salaat. I remember sitting on our neighbour’s porch swing, enjoying the winter sun while listening to the uplifting title track of Doraemon, ‘Zindagi Sawaar Doon Ek Nahi Bahaar Doon,’ translating roughly to ‘I will make life better by ushering in new energy…’

I was in my early twenties. During that time, I contemplated dedicating my life to helping others or even pursuing a monk’s life. Wearing my hijab felt empowering amidst uncertainties despite potential judgment. I was spiritually inclined, exploring various religions and literature by great minds like Gautam Buddha or even poets like James Wordsworth. I managed to maintain this focus on my studies at college while diverging from material distractions, unlike many people of my age then who I found indulging more in fashion, food or casual dating.

However, this idyllic state of mind eventually crumbled. I realized that I was trying to soar without strengthening my roots. I found myself at a crossroads with my religion, family, career, and everything in between. Perhaps my timing for embarking on a spiritual journey wasn’t ideal, yet it’s a chapter I’ll never regret.

Even now, in my early thirties, amid materialism and societal responsibilities, nothing compares to the fulfilment I felt back then. It was a profound feeling I’ve yet to rediscover, a joy I aim to get back to once I’ve aligned my life as Maslow suggests.

My point here is, that not all of us can become Gautam Buddha because life demands much from us. Bills to pay loved ones to care for, and our health to safeguard. While we yearn for mental peace and deeper meaning, we mustn’t detach entirely from society. Seeking life’s purpose is essential, but we can’t neglect our societal roles.

Understanding what truly matters in life can guide our decisions at different tiers. For instance, if your goal is to contribute to society, you might not splurge on luxury brands. Alternatively, you could passionately embrace both luxury and philanthropy.

For some, owning a house might not be a priority. They may believe in investing in enriching experiences, such as pursuing passions or travelling, rather than in property.

Self-actualization varies for each person, but at its core, it’s about recognizing and embracing our true selves, and reaching our maximum potential. It’s the ultimate form of personal growth and the realization of one’s capabilities

This need can manifest uniquely for each individual. For instance, one person might aspire to be an exemplary parent, while another might express this desire through sports achievements, artistic creations, or inventions.

Although Maslow believed that true self-actualization is rare, he acknowledged that all of us encounter fleeting moments called ‘peak experiences.’ These instances, linked to significant personal events like childbirth, athletic victories, or academic success, are challenging to achieve consistently.

From my perspective, this tier marks a phase where we find contentment in who we are and start thinking beyond ourselves—considering the welfare of others, society, or a cause. It’s about embracing selflessness and nurturing positivity, where we’re capable of giving back without expecting anything in return.

I came across a profound thought while watching the series ‘After Life’: ‘A society grows great when old men plant trees, the shade of which they know they will never sit in.’ Isn’t that beautiful? While Maslow acknowledges that achieving this level is a significant accomplishment, it’s crucial not to completely exclude aspects of it from our lives. ‘The Neo-protagonist’ has always encouraged readers to integrate these ideals into their lifestyles.

This tier should serve as an ongoing motivation for us to achieve the rest, allowing us to experience life’s ultimate joy—the satisfaction of giving back to society, witnessing positive change, and uplifting others.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, remember that empowering others starts with empowering yourself first. Build stability, whether it’s financial, physical, or in any aspect that brings safety to your life. Surround yourself with loved ones who support you through thick and thin. Foster self-esteem not only in yourself but in those around you, creating a positive community capable of spreading energy and joy.

Don’t lose sight of your growth. Reflect on how far you’ve come from your younger self, evolving mentally and emotionally. Use this growth for yourself and extend it to benefit society.

Do what brings you happiness. Once you’re content, extend that joy to others.

Life may not allow us to climb Maslow’s hierarchy in haste, but it provides us the time to plan and progress at our own pace without looking back.

Wishing you the best! Wherever you are in the journey, give it your all.