It has only five levels and is the most powerful psychological theory to achieve any goal.

The Maslow’s pyramid is one of the psychological theories most known and used to achieve goals. Far from being just an academic scheme, this model It is used today as a practical tool to organize needs and think about objectives more clearly.

Developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow In the 1940s, the theory holds that People seek to satisfy their needs following a hierarchical order.

Before aspiring to personal growth, recognition or self-realization, it is necessary to have the bases covered, such as physicalthe security and the links.

The pyramid works as a simple but effective map. It allows us to understand why sometimes a goal does not motivate, why certain projects feel distant or why, even when achieving external objectives, a feeling of emptiness or stagnation appears.

What is Maslow’s Pyramid and what is it for?

The Maslow’s pyramid represents the theory of human motivation that the psychologist presented in 1943 in his work A Theory of Human Motivation. The central idea is that decisions and behaviors are driven by internal needswhich do not all appear at the same time nor have the same weight.

Maslow’s pyramid, a theory that can be applied to real life. Photo: AI (ChatGPT)

Maslow organized these needs into a hierarchy that is usually represented in the form of a pyramid.from the most basic to the most complex.

The first four are considered deficit needs. That is, when they are not covered, they generate discomfort, anxiety or a feeling of lack. The last one, the self-realizationit is a need for growth.

The five levels of Maslow’s Pyramid

Maslow proposed five main levels. It does not mean that you have to “complete” one to move on to the other, but it does mean that the lower levels must be reasonably covered for the higher ones to make sense.

Physiological needs

It is the base of the pyramid and includes what is essential to survive: food, water, rest, health, breathing and shelter. When these needs are not met, mental energy is focused almost exclusively on solving them.

Security needs

Once the basics are covered, the need for stability appears, be it physical, economic, emotional and health security. Having predictable income, a relatively stable environment and some sense of control reduces stress and allows you to plan.

Membership needs

This level has to do with bonds, such as friendships, family, partner and sense of belonging. People need to feel connected and accepted. The lack of this level usually generates loneliness, isolation or a feeling of emptiness.

Recognition or esteem needs

It includes self-esteem, self-respect and external recognition. Goals appear linked to achievement, autonomy, prestige and the feeling of competition. It is the level where many people seek to grow professionally or stand out.

Self-actualization needs

At the top is the search for meaning and personal development. It is related to living according to one’s values, displaying talents and feeling that life has purpose, beyond external recognition.

Detecting what your primary needs are helps you lead a better lifestyle. Photo: IA

How to use Maslow’s Pyramid to achieve real goals

Interpreted as a strategy, the Maslow’s pyramid It works as a tool to organize objectives and avoid unnecessary frustrations. Many times goals fail not because of a lack of will, but because they are poorly located within the pyramid.

If a person tries to focus on personal growth or ambitious projects, but sleeps poorly, lives with constant economic stress, or lacks supportive ties, the effort is likely to be experienced with exhaustion and anxiety. Using the pyramid, in this case, involves asking yourself:

Applied to everyday life, Maslow’s pyramid can be translated into concrete actions: