The theory of hierarchical needs was introduced by Abraham Maslow, a psychologist by profession. The theory is often represented by a pyramid consisting of 5 layers; and depicts how people should overcome those needs which are more basic, physiological (at the bottom of the pyramid) before moving on to those that are more complex, difficult to achieve and offer self-actualization (at the very top of the pyramid).

A concise representation of the pyramid is as under:

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

You would often start at the lowest level of the pyramid and gradually move up, once the needs of that level are met. At self-actualization, you realize personal potential, self-fulfillment and seek personal growth.

Seems fairly simple, isn’t it? And yet, as Maslow says, very few individuals reach the stage of self-actualization. The amount of time people spend on the first 4 set of needs (also known collectively as the deficiency needs) is so much that there is hardly any time left in life to reach the state of self-actualization. Due to their individual characteristics, influences and experiences people spend more time on one of the 4 needs; and often traverse back due to a sense of insecurity. How many times have we come across individuals who have reached a level of achievement and appear set to reach a stage of fulfillment, yet go back to a level of basic needs and try to secure more stability and intimacy?

Why does this happen? Because the world is very competitive and it is often very intricate to differentiate self from others; and persuade self to move on. The benchmark keeps shifting and so do the boundaries of our deficiency needs. As the world comes closer and closer due to the advent of information technology, the habitat offers more and more antagonism and makes the decision to progress very difficult. Eventually, we all end up competing against each other much longer than we should and miss out on the wonders of self-actualization, a stage where one can be what one must be.

So how to overcome the rage of competition and get right up there? While there is no simple solution, here is something that will help you reach the stage of growth:

– Set right benchmarks – At any of the milestones of the deficiency needs, there would always be someone who is doing better than you. You cannot beat everyone at everything; and even if you end up doing that, you would be left with no time to do the rest. So the benchmark for your progress and achievement has to be you; and no other. So long as you meet or exceed your scale, you should move on. Care little about what happens around you, for the world will continue to be an eternal myriad of rivalry, pursuit and scamper.

– Be determined to not look back – Even if you race against yourselves, there could be moments of gluttony that may make you think of stooping and accumulating more on your deficiencies. Such are the moments of fall from the grace and may suspend your growth needs for a while. You have already met your benchmark, so why look back?

– Stay focused and plan well – If you have set your benchmark, you need to plan well and work hard to reach there; and stay focused. Identify your needs well, prepare yourself well to meet them and do not let your determination waver with the circumstances. They can often have a perturbing impact on you, so re-check your benchmark and stay in the groove.

The state of self-actualization is a state of bliss, for this is where you bring all your potential and desire to become what you are capable of. This is where you will have a true perception about yourselves, spontaneity of thoughts and actions, an always evolving appreciation for the world and Maslow puts it, have peak experiences of joy, admiration and excitement. Those who achieve self-actualization are people who feel enthused, invigorated and remain so for the rest of their life.