Phil Mancini.com

What gets you out of bed in the morning?  It’s a question often answered literally.  “My alarm clock” some might say, or “my dog barking to be let outside”.  Still, consider what stops you from ignoring your alarm clock or barking dog.  Put another way, what is it that motivates you?

According to psychologist Abraham Maslow’s theory, all human beings are motivated by ‘needs’ and these needs are ordered, with basic needs focused on initially, and more advanced needs focused on after these are satisfied.  This model is often depicted by a pyramid.  At the bottom of the hierarchy are physiological needs (such as eating and breathing). On the next level up sit safety needs (such as having somewhere to live).  Love needs (feeling affiliated with other people) are higher again. Esteem needs (like self-confidence) are above these.

Once these basic needs are met, a person can start to focus on achieving the highest motivational needs, which are termed self-actualisation needs.  These needs are about fully reaching one’s potential, whatever that may be.  These needs show the greatest amount of individual difference.  While one person might aspire to being an excellent parent, another might wish to be a capable gardener.  Have you considered what your own self-actualisation needs are?  What matters most to you in life?

It’s possible to experience all levels of needs at the same time, even within the same activity.  A person shopping for food may buy locally-grown bananas, not only because it satisfies their hunger (a physiological need), but because it makes them feel proud of their purchase (an esteem need).  Maslow referred to the average person as being 85 percent satisfied in physiological needs, 70 percent in safety needs,  50 percent in love needs, 40 percent in self esteem needs and 10 percent in self-actualisation needs.  By increasing how safe, loved, and esteemed you feel, you can increase your focus on becoming your best ever self.

Consider the ‘big things’ in your own life. Think about your family, relationship, friends, job and hobbies, for instance.  How do these currently meet your needs?  You might feel as if your job is stable, and because it results in financial incentives you don’t go hungry.  But if you don’t feel liked and respected by your colleagues, it’s unlikely you’ll reach your full career potential in your current role.  Similarly, you might obtain the basic physiological need of sex from your partner and you might feel safe with them, but if you don’t feel appreciated by them, your relationship might fall short of being everything it can be.  While the very fact that you’re not being fulfilled in an area means you will be unconsciously motivated by it, by consciously identifying your needs it’s likely you can consciously identify solutions, too. Before you know it, you won’t just be getting out of bed for the alarm.  You’ll be getting out of bed to become the best possible person you can be.

Phil@PhilMancini.com
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