With the exception of the staples: food, water, shelter, we don’t actually need much.
Or do we?
There’s a big difference between merely surviving and truly living. As an animal, we need to eat, drink, and be protected from disease, extreme climate, and predators. But as whole human-spiritual-social beings…what do we need in order to truly live?
Take a quick moment and think about that question. What comes to mind for you?
For me, when I think about living life to its fullest, I think about: Creature comforts (technology, a modern home, a nice car), Vacations (Greece, Hawaii, Disney World) & Activities and Adventures (triathlon, boating, scuba diving), and great people to share them with and be inspired by (friends, family, lovers, colleagues, team mates, business partners, etc.)
But why is it that I love coming home as much as I love going away. I found that dichotomy intriguing. Why do I look forward to coming home after wanting to be away for so long? My sons often say it when we get back from a road trip, “Man!!! It feels good to be home.” Yet, we take pleasure…not just in our trips and adventures, but even in the simple anticipation of an event or occasion. Wow. That’s a perfect illustration of the awkward truth that our egos want to want more than they actually want to have.
So I thought I’d look into this idea more deeply. What do we need, beyond food, water, and shelter, in order to get the most out of life. This is what I found.
Although much of this was inspired by Tony Robbins and his 40+ years of working with personalities from around the world, I’ve spent the past 15+ years as a secondary teacher, an adjunct professor, a coach and a speaker. I’ve read countless books on the topics of personal wellness, mental health, behavior management, the environment, optimal performance, etc. and if nothing else I’ve learned that we are as simple as we are complex.
My intention for sharing this is with the hope that as you read through this list you pause and consider how much (or how little) time you set aside each week to satisfy or at least acknowledge and give attention to the following six human needs.
1. Certainty: Knowing you are safe and your primal needs are met.
2. Uncertainty/Variety: Delving into the unknown, change, new stimuli.
3. Significance: feeling Unique, important, powerful, special or needed.
4. Connection/Love: A strong feeling of closeness or union with someone or a group of people.
5. Growth: The expansion of our capacity, capability or understanding.
6. Contribution: A real sense of helping, complementing, synergizing with others.
Not unlike my post, My Toolbox for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, these six needs are things that I go back to on a time and time again when I’m feeling down, out of alignment, or unmotivated. I can tick ’em off, one at a time, until I’m feeling grounded, peaceful, and grateful again.
I hope you find some richness within them as well.
Sending good vibes,
A
Harvesting Insights 