Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist, introduced a popular ‘Need hierarchy theory’ on motivation. The theory emphasizes the yearning for satisfying the needs of people working in an organization.

As a humanist, Maslow believed that a human being has an innate desire to be self-actualized 

Maslow’s hierarchy theory is divided into two categories, i.e. growth needs, and deficiency needs, which are further subdivided into five important needs, wherein each need is represented in the shape of a pyramid.

The theory is based on the hypothesis that human needs are in proper sequence, wherein psychological need is at the bottom, and self-actualization needs are at the top level. Other needs, such as. safety needs, social needs, and esteem needs are placed in the middle level of the pyramid.

Maslow believed that once a given level of need is fulfilled, it no longer serves to motivate an individual. Then, the next higher level of Maslow’s need theory has to be activated in order to motivate the person. Maslow classified the needs into five different levels in his need hierarchy.

In this article, you will not just get to know the different levels and types of Maslow’s Hierarchy theory, but you will also understand how these needs can be achieved and attained at a time without having compromised with the time.

Krescon has identified a very unique way of recognizing these needs and collaborated them to attain the stage of Self-actualization, which usually people attain towards the end of their lives 

Let us get started with understanding the first need of Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory.

Physiological Needs

The fundamental physiological needs are reasonably apparent—these include the things that are important to the survival of an individual. Some of the examples of physiological needs majorly include:

• Food
• Water
• Air
• Homeostasis

Along with the basic requirements of nutrition, air, and temperature regulation, the physiological needs also comprise such things as shelter and clothing.

These needs are pertaining to the survival and maintenance of human life. They assert immense influence on human behaviors. Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory, the physiological needs are to be met first at least partly before higher-level needs emerge. Once the physiological needs are satisfied, they no longer tend to motivate an individual.

Security and Safety Needs

As we move ahead to the second level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the requirements begin to become a little more intricate. At this level, the needs for security and safety become crucial.

Every individual wants to control and order in his life. Therefore, this need for safety and security contributes mostly towards behaviors at this level. Following are some of the basic security and safety needs that include:

• Financial security.
• Health and wellness.
• Safety against accidents.
• Finding a job, obtaining health insurance and health care, contributing money to a savings account, and moving into a safer neighborhood are all examples of actions motivated by safety needs

Social Needs:

A human is a social being. He is, thus, always looks for social interaction, companionship, belongingness, etc. Because of the desire for socializing and belongingness,  individuals prefer to work in groups and especially older people go to work.

The social needs in Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory, include things such as love, acceptance, and belonging. At this third level, the need for emotional relationships stimulates human behavior. Some of the things which fulfill this social need include:

• Friendships
• Attachments
• Family
• Social groups
• Community groups
• Religious association.

In order to avoid issues that are linked to mental health such as loneliness, depression, and anxiety, it is quintessential for people to feel loved and accepted by others.

 Personal relationships with people such as, friends, family, and lovers play a crucial role, as does involvement in other groups that may include religious groups, sports teams, book clubs, and other group-related activities.

Esteem Needs

At the fourth level of Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory, is the need for appreciation and respect that comes into play in the life of a person. 

After having satisfied the needs at the bottom levels, the esteem needs begin to play a more remarkable role in motivating the behavior of an individual.

At this level, it becomes even more important to get the respect and appreciation of others. People need to achieve things and then have their efforts acknowledged by others. In addition to the need for feelings of achievements and prestige, esteem needs include such feelings as self-esteem and personal worth.

At this level, people realize that they should be known by others for the contribution that they are making to the world.

The esteem needs can be fulfilled by participating in professional activities, academic accomplishments, athletic or team participation, and personal hobbies.

Individuals who are able to satisfy the esteem needs by attaining good self-esteem and the recognition of others, tend to feel more confident in their abilities.

People who lack self-esteem and the respect of others usually develop feelings of inferiority. The amalgamation of, the esteem and social levels make up the psychological needs of Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory.

Self-Actualization Needs

At the very top of Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory stands the self-actualization needs. 

“What a man can be, he must be,” Maslow explained, pointing to the need individuals have to attain their full potential as human beings.

According to Maslow’s definition of self-actualization, “It may be causally defined as the full use and exploitation of talents, ability of an individual, potentialities, etc. Such people appear to be fulfilling themselves. These are the individuals who have developed or are in the process of developing to the full stature of which they are capable.”!

Self-actualized people are concerned about their own progress and growth. Opinions of others never bother them. They remain focused on accomplishing their own potential.

Also, Read- How to transform your life? Using these 5 Amazing Techniques

Can you attain these five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory at a time?

The answer to this question is, YES!! 

Krescon has found out the solution wherein, instead of climbing the levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory of needs at a slow pace, you can reach the most important level of self-actualization at a very early phase in your life.

Nobody to date had thought of fulfilling the need for self-actualization when a person is in his twenties or thirties.

Why not think of satisfying every need belonging to each level of Maslow’s Hierarchy Theory as you stumble upon the first level. 

Krescon has envisioned creating a legacy by including the aspect of self-actualization from the very beginning in the life of a person.

Usually, it happens, by the time a person reaches the topmost level of self-actualization in his life, he has already missed out to utilise the golden period of his life, wherein one could have started working upon creating a legacy for the generations to come.

Don’t worry you still have the time and vision to look through the pyramid of needs designed by Abraham Maslow in a very unique way.

Krescon has derived a new way of using the pyramid to bring in the possibility of creating a legacy that will be celebrated by all. To Find out how you can create your own legacy visit our website at leadership coaches in india.