To Flourish, Humans Are Motivated by Four Universal Needs
comfortableNight4463
August 21st, 2022
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The Big 4 Universal Needs Related to Flourishing
Different writers may use varied terminology to describe what has become known as the “Big 4” universal human needs or motivations.
- The first we might refer to as Contribution or Calling. That is, we need to feel as though our life has meaning or purpose.
- The second universal need we might call Choice or Control. Generally we prefer more rather than less choice and more control over what we do and how we do it.
- The third universal need could be termed Competence or Capability. That is, it is important to feel as though we do a pretty good job at what is important to us, and perhaps at least as important is the perception that we are improving or have opportunities to grow more effective.
- Last on our list is Connection or Community. It is important to have a set of people who like and respect us; a group we consider our tribe.
How to Use the Big 4 Yourself
Knowing about the Big 4 allows us to use them as a checklist for evaluating our current job, a possible promotion, or a potential new job.
Of course it is possible to maintain a position that does not offer much with regard to satisfaction of the Big 4 needs, and your choice to do so may have to do with meeting other needs (like a reasonable income). However, to flourish, it is worth asking, at least on occasion, how the Big 4 relate to your current situation, with an eye toward proactively making changes to maximize your engagement and life satisfaction."
Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!
Reflection:
Are you meeting these 4 universal needs?
*I think I meet 3 of these. The only one I have doubts on is the 'Choice or Control' need. I don't have much control over my life because I have a lot of commitments especially with med school and all the extra clinical rounds. I don't mind this. I really enjoy it but I wish I had more down time.*
#Needs #Motivation #Workplace
calmDew1576
August 21st, 2022
@comfortableNight4463 These needs are indeed super important. I think we all tend to neglect at least one of them due to our busy everyday lives. This post is a great reminder to actually take some time of the day to do self-projection and self-care. Thank you!
innateJoy9602
August 22nd, 2022
@comfortableNight4463
I found this article very interesting!!
I feel I meet three as well. However, the one I feel like I lack is connection or community. I tend to be more introverted and keep to myself. Definitely need to try harder on this.
Thanks for sharing! <3 🌱✨