[?] Subscribe To This Site

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs versus the Single Focused Life

Abraham Maslow developed what is known as Maslows hierarchy of needs. It has been in constant use since it's inception in the 1960's. What he says is that we all have five basic needs. Each of these needs must be satisfied in order to have a successful life.

Biological and Physiological Needs

As an infant you enter life at this biological level. Your basic life needs must be met.
Those are food, water, air, shelter, warmth and sleep-

Safety Needs

From there you are taught how to be safe. Just like we teach our children what the rules are, such as: do not eat the plants, put anything into the electrical outlet, or run into the street. Gradually other rules are taught and accepted like: lock the car door, follow the driving laws, and how to handle your emotions.
Maslows hierarchy of needs labels safety as:
1. Protection
2. Security
3. Order
4. Law
5. Limits
6.Stability
These fundamental needs are essential to survival in society.

Belongingness and Love Needs

Even in early infancy we as humans must feel loved. Without personal touch and a sense of belonging we wither, just like a plant.
Maslows hierarchy of needs lists love needs as:
1. Family
2. Affection
3. Relationships
4. Work Group.
Single moms are particularly lacking in this area. It's very isolating to go home to your children and all their functions. Remember that you need love and affection also. Try to make sure some of the children's activities include something for parents, like Church group, Bible study, Sports.

Esteem Needs

Which brings us to Self Esteem. You all know of a woman who a has poor image of herself. Maslows hierarchy of needs would say this is because her esteem needs have not been met, or perhaps even one of the basic physiological or safety needs are lacking.
Esteem needs are:
1. Achievement
2. Status
3. Responsibility
4. Reputation.

Self Actualization

This is "the good stuff."
1. Personal growth
2. Fulfillment
That's the goal of this web site: To "inspire" you to grow as a woman, make goals for the future, and work to have your dreams come true.

Maslows hierarchy of needs demonstrates that if one level is not met then the others can't be met either.
Some of his supporters believe that if an adult is having trouble in one of the areas, that person will not be able to continue to work upward until that level is mastered
Life is full of all the daily challenges that come and go. You may have your house burn down, break up with your boyfriend, or get fired from your job. It has happened to all of us, and more life is still to come. A person in crisis becomes more focused on that aspect of their lives. During that time a person in crisis is unable to work to their full potential. But regress?
Maslow's hierarchy of needs must be met. They lay a firm foundation, but once truly met the goals you set and your daily motivation are what will keep you going.
When a crisis hits there will be a time of shock and inactivity. After a crisis the priorities of your goals will most likely change. And that is when practicing relaxation, knowing your inspiration ,and knowing how to find motivation are needed.

The good days when everything is right in your world are the times to explore your spirit and fill your glass of inspiration. The blue sky days are when you drink in the esteem and motivation you get from creating and doing that thing you love most for yourself. Then when the rough water comes, pause, breathe, and regroup. Dig into your soul and remember the choices you have been making toward a good and happy life.
The choices are still yours, whether it's a day of sunshine or thunder clouds.

More information on Maslows Hierarchy of Needs and his hierarchy of needs can be found by clicking on the link above.

You may return to the home page by clicking here.

footer for Maslows hierarchy of needs page