If you’ve ever had a psychology class, or even if you haven’t, you’ve likely heard the name Abraham Maslow. His 1945 paper titled “A Theory of Human Motivation” became a staple in the world of psychology and behavioral research. It involves Maslow’s pyramid of hierarchy.
The basis of his theory was that we develop personally in staircase fashion by building from one point and moving to the next. One theory depends on another. In essence, we are motivated by specific needs and those must be met before moving forward.
This is only a general overview of his in-depth points. We’re not attempting to cover the scope of research or quote exact knowledge based on the views of others.
Disclosure: This is an opinion piece and outlines a new view of how we grow as humans. It is based on personal experiences and working with others for decades in multiple realms. From physical status to spiritual views, this article highlights the way we develop in wholeness.
In This Article
The 5 Pyramid Sections (Base to Top)
As mentioned previously, this isn’t an expert overview of Maslow’s thought process, but rather a way to embrace present growth in health and wellness.
We’ll address some differences between his written material and our updated views. The levels begin with Maslow’s lowest—and foundational—topic on the pyramid. Then, we move towards the peak while rethinking the functional capacity of the steps. Let’s get started.
Physiological (Now Physical Wellness)
Maslow appeared to outline basic physiological needs in the realm of everyday life. Food, water, air, etc. If these aren’t present, then we can’t build a solid foundation.
A new realm is physical wellness. This view says that physical is one area of development which is based on your body. The needs encompass health. It is similar to Maslow’s idea but increases in depth based on the vehicle we use for everyday function. The body.
In addition to those things that fuel your body, we look at points to keep your body systems healthy and vibrant. We are on this Earth for a designated time, and our bodies are how we participate in life.
The many points we learn for improvement of health such as hydration, exercise, sleep, and eating well, are how we concentrate to increase longevity. This is one area of wellness that requires attention, and it’s a billion-dollar industry.
It’s easy to get distracted by the hype of products and promises, but it’s necessary to establish your own plans and goals. Although we need staples for survival, each of us has individual needs based on health status. Paying attention to your body is a must.
Safety Needs (Now Mental Wellness)
An assumed overview of Maslow’s point of safety is that it’s addressed after we accomplish physical status. This level of hierarchy allows us to feel more stable and might cover topics such as employment, healthcare, and financial resources.
A new wellness view says the idea is encompassed by mental wellness. The mind, or brain, is an extremely powerful part of your being and is command central for everything that takes place in your body. This includes subconscious situations, emotions, thought processes, planning, opinions, decision making, and multiple other encounters.
An inability to utilize intentional steps to regulate thinking creates difficulties in numerous parts of your life. It can cause instability with other areas including your physical being and points we will soon cover.
Your mind is a powerful tool and should be used as such in wellness. Its foundational, just as is your body, and it takes intention to maintain this stance for improved action steps. Setting and meeting life goals is an example that forms during this part of wellness. You always have choices, and mental wellness is how these are determined.
Love and Belonging (Now Social Wellness)
This level is addressed by Maslow as love and belonging which covers acceptance by others and the need to feel included. While we do take part in social situations, this has an air of “waiting” to see what others think of us. Or hinging our health on their judgements.
An updated view for social wellness includes your choice of participation with others, but the idea that your wellness is not determined by them. While we were made to be in relationship, and enjoy friendship and groups, a strong point is to say that we have capability to contribute greatness to each of these situations.
Our focus should be what we put in rather than what we get out or feel from it. This helps maintain balance instead of a realm of disappointment, assumptions, and expectations. Wellness in this area of development comes from analyzing what you control and what you don’t.
Your mindset is a big part of how you operate in this realm and what decisions you make about how to approach others. This may include forgiveness, helpfulness, empathy, and kindness.
This movement is strengthened by efforts and acknowledgement of your own victories versus awaiting accommodation by others.
Esteem (Now Emotional Wellness)
In this category of hierarchy, Maslow appeared to focus on self-esteem based on our own motions plus kudos from others. The difficulty in this realm could involve disappointment when viewing our worth based on the judgement of others. It quickly creates negative connotations of our abilities and can lead to inferiority.
A new and healthier view is emotional wellness. Again, as with development in the previous realms, your responsibility is vital. Taking control and deciding your own movement encourages an optimistic outlook.
Recalling that thoughts drive emotions allows more control of your view of self. Instead of depending on others for this determination, you gain power by choosing to be intentional with what you invite into your mind.
Emotions drive other areas of the body. It’s difficult if you allow emotions to “run away” or become a roller coaster. It’s also difficult to overcome feelings if they have become implanted and your thoughts are tainted.
In this realm, it’s especially important to personally increase and maintain rather than wait. You might experience stress, sadness, or frustration without understanding your power. It’s more challenging this way and seems less tangible if you’re unaware of the root of your emotions.
Practicing mindfulness is a healthy way to increase emotional wellness and take back control of an area that might otherwise become volatile.
Self-actualization (Now Spiritual Wellness)
On this level of hierarchy, Maslow appears to discuss the final level of need for motivation. The idea that we want to accomplish more. He shared the point that our inner potential is part of what drives completion of self. At this level, there’s a focus on ability and steps to accomplish it.
The new view encompasses one of spiritual wellness. It implies that we are a part of something bigger and that inspiration looks different for each of us. That deep inside we possess a drive for something, and when polished and motivated, it will develop into a wonderful plan. At its best, it includes doing for others.
This also portrays that your gifts and talents are a part of who you are and simply need to be developed rather than sought after. A type of emergence that encourages revelation of your abilities.
But the greatest point to realize is that this is an ongoing part of life. There’s no end to what you learn and utilize for growth. In fact, the more you challenge yourself to improve, the more satisfied you feel with your efforts. Each victory is an encouragement for the next part you intend to tackle.
Benefits of the Alternate Views
Next, we’ll look at a few comparisons that express the differences between Maslow’s hierarchy and a more friendly view. These are blanket thoughts that accompany the five points previously outlined.
Overall Growth vs. Maslow’s Top Growth
When reviewing the existing hierarchy, we see that Maslow seemed to express that once we master a level of the pyramid successfully, we can move to the next. If we reach the top, there’s the possibility of growing into the person we were meant to be.
Rather than individual growth areas, its healthier to adopt the view of simultaneous growth in all areas. It’s inevitable that some efforts will require more focus, and this readily shifts even daily.
Life takes us down multiple paths that can alter our steps in a matter of moments. It’s necessary to have the mindset and ability to change your focus to whatever part of wellness may be most affected at the time. This creates a well-rounded person that can quickly move in any direction. And it promotes growth in multiple areas rather than staleness once we move past.
In addition, Maslow seemingly highlighted that self-actualization, the top level, is where we reach our highest potential as a person. If you believe you’ve reached your highest potential, then you’re no longer growing.
There’s truly no way to understand or measure “highest” potential. If this were the case, then we would hold the answers to the universe. Since that’s impossible, the preferred view is to assume continued growth is always needed. We should keep developing until the day we die.
Wellness Overview vs. Maslow’s Motivational Needs
The original list appeared to have a focus of what’s needed for success as a fulfilled person. The list of needs was motivation toward an end result.
Rather than assume that certain needs determine overall health, and that there must be an order in which they operate, it’s healthier to focus on all of them. Still basic needs that we desire, but with growth in every area. This promotes development into a healthy, whole person.
In addition, Maslow’s levels are said to be motivation for personal achievements. Our overall wellness scope is two-fold. The understanding of each area invites motivation and in turn improvements in personal development.
Although it’s a never-ending quest, there’s a powerful way to approach this journey. With a thought process that remains open to change and needed growth in all areas. Nothing is perfect, but with effort, overall wellness can be accomplished.
Sphere vs. Maslow’s Hierarchical Pyramid
This one may shake up Maslow’s theory more than any other we’ve mentioned. Rather than view the needs as a stair-step, foundational pyramid, we should highlight wellness points as a sphere. Each point is connected and when gaps are closed, they work together seamlessly.
There are challenges in the idea of accomplishing a sole task before moving to the next level. Perhaps it’s more realistic for us to operate simultaneously. Even if not several points at the exact same time, it’s important to keep the overall whole health view rather than pick and choose between them.
A sphere example would express that we’re a whole being. That balance happens when we stay intact rather than allowing sharp edges or promoting growth simply in one direction. It allows for multi-directional movement.
Plus, it’s challenging to master one area, and then another, without readdressing things when life changes. This would express that we are on an upward journey and hope not to get derailed. In reality, we could readily bounce back and forth between a couple of levels possibly without progressing.
In addition, if we plummeted back to the bottom of the pyramid, or barely got started, it could create discouragement. Using that model could promote feelings of failure simply by lack of movement.
Life Focus vs. Maslow’s Personal Focus
The final point we’ll compare is the view that instead of only our personal development, this new outlook allows for growth potential in all areas of life. While it might begin with us establishing wisdom, it can spread to multiple facets. Some of these might be parenthood, managerial roles, or even business ideas.
The sky is the limit once you understand how to apply the principles of wellness to your life. Few things are cut and dry, and they shouldn’t be addressed as one-dimensional. This is most definitely the case with wellness.
It’s a healthier approach to focus on things around us and not only our personal promotion.
Final Thoughts About Maslow's Pyramid
As we’ve discovered, growth is especially challenging to perceive as a ladder effect. It’s important to have a continuous view of your everyday life and decide how to improve your health and wellness.
This mindset helps render us lifelong learners and promotes continuous shaping of your wellness.