As human beings, we all have certain values that we hold dear. These values are an integral part of who we are, and they shape the decisions we make and the paths we take in life. They are shaped by our upbringing, culture, experiences, and personal beliefs, and they guide our actions and behaviours. When our actions and behaviours are aligned with our values, we feel a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. On the other hand, when we act in ways that go against our values, we may experience guilt, shame, or inner conflict. This can have a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
So, where do values intersect with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, specifically at the level of self-actualization – the ultimate goal of human growth and development? It is about realizing our full potential, achieving personal growth and living a fulfilling life.
Now, here’s an interesting concept; flourishing. Flourishing describes a state of optimal wellbeing and functioning. It is characterised by positive emotions, engagement, meaning, and positive relationships. In the context of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, flourishing can be seen as the ultimate expression of self-actualization. When we are flourishing, we are living our lives to the fullest, experiencing a sense of purpose and meaning, and achieving personal growth and fulfilment.
The intersection between human values and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs self-actualization is an important one. By understanding the values that are important for personal growth and fulfilment, we can strive to align our actions and behaviours.
The values that are important for self-actualization include things like creativity, personal growth and self-expression. Means values such as adaptability, authenticity, challenge and integrity can help you achieve an end value of independence. The means values of accountability, fairness, honesty, optimism and trustworthiness can help achieve the end value of purpose.
By understanding the importance of our values, we can align our actions with our goals and achieve personal growth, self-expression, and ultimately reach a state of flourishing. So let’s take the time to reflect on our values and how we can use them to lead more fulfilling lives.
If you find this subject of interest, visit Why Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs Matters – YouTube and do look out for more of our blogs over the coming weeks.
And should you feel you’d like to talk to us about how you might discover and start honouring your values, Quandary Pond is just a phone call away. Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, check out our infographic below!
This is the fifth blog in our series on ‘Human Values’. Read the others:
