In 1943, Albert Maslow proposed a psychological hierarchy of needs in his Theory of Human Motivation paper. This is usually shown in pyramid form where the hierarchy works because you manage the needs in the first tier first and in the next tier second and so forth.
It does not matter how you approach the needs within each tier so long as they are all complete before moving up the pyramid.
The same information is also useful if extrapolated into a hierarchy list, where if the first need is not met, you cannot prioritize a need further down on the list and still expect to thrive. (i/e: the pursuit of creativity really doesn’t work if you fear for your physical security)
- Physical Safety and Security
- Financial Security
- Friendship
- Attention of others
- Being listened to
- Guidance
- Respect
- Validation
- Expressing and Sharing Feelings
- Sense of Belonging
- Nurturing
- Touch
- Intimacy
- Sexual Expression
- Loyalty and Trust
- Accomplishment
- Progress towards goals
- Competency and Mastery
- Contributing
- Fun and Play
- Freedom and Independence
- Creativity
- Spiritual Awareness
- Unconditional Love
NEED more? Check out these books for applying the theory to your life, your job or your business:
