Introduction
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is an inspirational model that was established by Abraham Maslow. The model comprises of five levels of human necessities, which are categorized in stages within a pyramid. It explains how an individual’s most basic needs must be met before they become motivated. As such, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ main objective is that a person should strive to attain self-actualization. This paper aims at expounding on Maslow’s theory and illustrate how the theory has impacted my life.
Main body
The first stage is the physiological needs, which must be addressed before humans move on to the next level of fulfillment. They include food, water, warmth, and rest, which I can access every day without any struggles. The safety need is at the second stage in the hierarchy. It includes the need for protection from violence, theft, and emotional stability, among others (Hopper). I believe I am safe from any harm because I live in a safe neighborhood.
Additionally, the third stage emphasizes the need for belongingness and love. It involves creating bonds between friends and family to elevate kinship. I am in a stable relationship, which makes me quite happy. The fourth stage involves esteem needs, which imply the need for self-esteem and self-respect, making humans feel valuable (Hopper). I work on my esteem each day because I had a tough childhood. Finally, the stage of self-actualization is where an individual realizes their full potential. Currently, I am working hard in school to have an amazing career and attain my goals and ambitions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maslow’s theory helps psychologists to explain human motivation based on their pursuit of different levels of needs. Despite the theory being clear, human beings are still in pursuit of different levels of needs. As such, some of them have gone up and down the hierarchy, while others have remained stable. Personally, I believe I am at the fourth stage, where I am working on how to be confident in myself and respect myself despite all the challenges I encounter. Over time, I am sure I will move up the hierarchy because I am currently happy and relatively stable.
Work Cited
Hopper, Elizabeth. “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Explained.” Viitattu, 2019. Web.