The Psychology of Self Growth: Maslow’s Hierarchy and How to Apply It to Your Needs
Written by Arisa Lattison
IG: @arisa.lattison
This is the most important time of your life. Whether you’re in middle school starting high school, or halfway done with college— the moment you are currently living in is the most significant so far. You are in charge of the outcome of today and all future today. So how can we make the most of it? American psychologist Abraham Maslow developed a theory called the hierarchy of needs and it explains what we as individuals need to fulfill to live our best lives. Let’s go through them in order!
Physiological Needs
These are biological necessities that we have no control over things like air, food, water, shelter, and sleep fit into this category. We must make sure our body is getting enough of this. Your top priority as a growing human being is to eat enough, stay hydrated, stay in a safe environment (if this is difficult in your conditions, reach out to someone you trust!) and get 8 hours of rest per night. One thing I struggle with is making sure I get an adequate amount of sleep every day. Let’s take our melatonin girls!
Safety Needs
The next tier has to do with our security: feeling safe, being mentally well, having a job, things of the sort. Put yourself into situations in which you’re comfortable. If something feels wrong, go with your gut feeling and always prioritize yourself !!
Love/Belonging Needs
This pertains to our relationships– whether they’re platonic or romantic. Once our two previous necessities are met, next comes loved ones. There’s always going to be that desire to fit in socially or feel desired by others. Now, I’d say this one is a bit more tough to figure out. Yes, hang out with your friends have fun, and be happy. As for getting into a relationship though, I would advise you first to become content with yourself, or make sure you’re in the capacity to love before you decide to love. Find that affection for yourself before all :)
Esteem Needs
This tier refers to the feeling of accomplishment and our want for recognition. Of course, we want to be viewed as amazing people who have done great things. To get to this level, we must find that self-confidence, and I think this partially comes from intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic (If you find my blog on self-fulfillment that may help!) But TLDR, just know that it’s important to seek that validation from yourself for your own reasons rather than the public.
Self Actualization
At this stage, you have done it! You’re now officially the best person you could be! Your basic needs are met, your psychological needs are met, and now you’re content with your way of living and you know what’s of utmost value to you. This is the equivalent of self-awareness and acceptance.
No matter your current position, we are proud of you for how far you’ve come, no matter the pace of your growth. Like my powerlifting coach says, it’s not about where you start, but where you finish. I just know that one day we’ll all reach that moment where it feels as though it couldn’t get better– (but of course, it will).
From my heart,
Ris
