Maslow in Real Life

What is this person actually trying to get out of life right now?

Abraham Maslow

Psychologist who created the Hierarchy of Needs theory

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A theory that people are motivated by fulfilling needs in order from basic survival to full potential

Hierarchy of Needs

The idea that lower-level needs must be met before higher-level needs

Physiological Needs

Basic survival needs like food, water, sleep, and shelter

Physiological Needs (Real Life)

Eating meals, drinking water, getting sleep

Physiological Needs (If Unmet)

People focus only on survival, not higher goals

Safety Needs

The need for security, stability, and protection

Safety Needs (Real Life)

Stable job, safe home, health insurance

Safety Needs (If Unmet)

Anxiety, fear, and inability to focus on growth

Love and Belonging

The need for relationships, connection, and acceptance

Love and Belonging (Real Life)

Friendships, family, romantic relationships, community

Love and Belonging (If Unmet)

Loneliness, isolation, desire for connection

Esteem Needs

The need for respect, confidence, and achievement

Esteem Needs (Real Life)

Career success, recognition, social status, accomplishments

Esteem Needs (If Unmet)

Low self-esteem, insecurity, lack of confidence

Self-Actualization

The need to reach one’s full potential and become the best version of yourself

Self-Actualization (Real Life)

Personal growth, creativity, pursuing passions, self-improvement

Self-Actualization (If Unmet)

Feeling unfulfilled or lacking purpose

Self-Transcendence

Going beyond yourself to help others or contribute to something bigger

Self-Transcendence (Real Life)

Volunteering, mentoring, activism, meaningful impact

Self-Transcendence (If Unmet)

Feeling disconnected from purpose beyond self

Motivation (Maslow)

People are driven to meet unmet needs starting from the bottom of the hierarchy

Lower-Level Needs

Basic needs (physiological and safety) required for survival

Higher-Level Needs

Psychological and personal growth needs (belonging, esteem, self-actualization)

Deficiency Needs

Needs that arise from lack (food, safety, belonging, esteem)

Growth Needs

Needs focused on personal development and fulfillment

Peak Experience

A moment of deep fulfillment, joy, or meaning

Maslow in Behavior

People prioritize the most urgent unmet need

Maslow in Decision-Making

Choices are influenced by which level of need is unmet

Maslow Limitation

Not everyone follows the hierarchy in a strict order