This post covers six basic human needs that influence the life choices we make every day. The most essential aspect of being someone to look up to in life is to understand the factors that impact your behaviour. By learning and appreciating these basic needs will not only help you to better understand who you are, but also those around you.
Your behaviour is motivated by fulfilling these basic needs that go beyond your wants and desires. Everyone has these needs, however the order in which they are prioritised vary from one person to the next. Your two most dominant needs are the ones that determine the choices you make and what actions you take since they are the underlying motivators for achievement.
6 Basic Human Needs That Influences The Life Choices We Make
Certainty
We don’t just crave, but need certainty, predictability, safety, and stability in our lives. We need peace of mind when it comes to our relationships, jobs, and homes. No one enjoys pain and wants assurance that our needs are met. When we don’t have certainty, we experience stress and anxiety. However, when things become too certain, it can also lead to boredom and demotivation.
Variety
Despite our desire for certainty, our human nature also craves new and exciting stimuli and change. Variety makes us feel engaged and more alive. A little bit of uncertainty is therefore welcome but not too much. That’s why certainty and variety go hand in hand – given that there is a healthy balance. Individuals who have a significant need for variety might be viewed as risk-takers and may even find crisis situations and conflict necessary elements to feel more alive.
Significance
Let’s face it, we all want to feel like we make a difference – that we are unique and special in our own way. We want our professional and personal lives to be meaningful and significant. You can fulfil your need for importance and significance in various ways – negative and positive. Some people find solace in being high achievers and have many people that report to them, however, for others it might come across as being too driven and overly competitive.
Another negative way to fulfil your need for significance is putting others down or elevating yourself in order to feel that you are better than others. A more positive way for signalling your uniqueness is by being yourself – wearing your own unique style of clothes and shining in areas that showcase your best attributes.
Connection
It is comforting to feel an affiliation or connection with others and feel that you are part of a larger group or community. Whether we like it or not, we cannot simply go through life and survive without ever needing anyone. Deep down we all have the desire to be cared for and feel loved. Remember that warm fuzzy feeling when you meet like-minded people who share your interests and beliefs.
Growth
It is in our nature to want to grow in our professional and personal lives. For some it is getting a promotion at work, saving towards buying their first home, or reaching a specific lifestyle. We feel fulfilled and happy when we reach our goals and make progress. Everybody has something they strive towards – something that challenges them to expand and grow physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, and intellectually.
Contribution
Last but least is the sixth human need – to contribute and make a difference toward a greater good. This is our desire to serve, help, and support those who need it. Doing something meaningful, not to benefit ourselves, but doing something completely selfless for someone else. We can make the world a better place by thinking less of ourselves and more about our actions and what we can do to make a positive difference.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have found my post about the six basic human needs that influences the life choices we make, insightful.
Sending you lots of love, light, and mindful vibes!
Anthea