Maslow's Hierarchy: The Pyramid of Motivation

The Five Levels

Maslow proposed that we must satisfy lower-level needs before we can move to higher ones:

• Physiological: Food, water, sleep.
• Safety: Security, shelter, employment.
• Love/Belonging: Friendship, family, intimacy.
• Esteem: Respect, status, recognition.
• Self-Actualization: Becoming the best version of yourself.

The Deficit Needs vs. Being Needs

The first four levels are “Deficit Needs” (D-needs). If you lack them, you feel anxious. Once you have them, you feel nothing—you just feel normal. The top level, self-actualization, is a “Being Need” (B-need). Unlike the others, the need for growth increases as you feed it. Creativity, morality, and purpose are infinite games.

Are You Stuck?

If you are feeling unfulfilled, check your foundation. Are you trying to write a symphony (Level 5) while you are lonely (Level 3) or broke (Level 2)? Sometimes the spiritual problem is actually a practical one.