From Hunger to Self-Actualization

 

From Hunger to Self-Actualization

An Essay on Motivation from the perspective of Maslow 5 Hierarchy of Needs

^“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here ( 2 Cor 5: 16-17 New International Study Bible 1984)!”

 

Maslow regarded motivation in 5 ways.  First, motivation is in a distinct relation with the whole individual.  This means not only is it merely unconscious or consciously motivated, intrinsic or extrinsic, influenced by genetics, biological or social elements but is the sum of all of the above. Motivation is the result of certain instinctual values that result from facing certain needs in a 5 hierarchy class scale. However we also, as humans have certain neurotic tendencies that serve as coping measures if these needs are not met. Motivation is complex and may arise from a need to meet motivations. A dive for success may both serve the need for financial security and self-esteem for example.  Motivations are constant and progressive. However As one progresses up the Hierarchy of needs and satisfies the requirement for such need with exception of those of the physiological sort it is not necessary to repeat those needs. It I necessary to satisfy those needs again. Motivation is universal to all humankind regardless of race, creed, nationality or geography. The hierarchy of needs is organized in the following way and must be satisfied in order to progress to the next stage of development: 1. Physiological or the basic need for food, shelter, water, exercise…, 2. Safety which includes the any measure of security , stability, dependency and the removal of threats, 3.  Love and Belonging or the need for friendship, romance, community relationship or any sort of human contact, 4. Esteem or Self-confidence, Respect, competence  and the desire to excel at tasks, 5. Self-Actualization or the desire to serve the common good, to be creative, spiritually awakened and at one with nature and mankind. This state offers a freedom from everyday burdens as rejection and the negative views of others tend not to affect these individuals. These individuals have a more awakened sense of enjoyment, of life and the all the senses in general. However many consider them a bit aloof as they tend to associate with a close circle of friend and not be bothered by the trivial, gossip, meandering ,  inconveniences, or drama of life. Many can be considered radical in thinking as they become passionate in their strivings to enact change for the good of society and challenge authority. Many are unconventional and not concerned with the petty laws of society. All are autonomous and have a strong sense of justice, beauty, truth, wholeness or totality of things, perfection, simplicity, playfulness, humor and a sense of transcendence (Feist, Feist and Tomi-Ann 2013).

In (2 Cor 5:16-17) Paul writes of the result of what Maslow would call the peak expeience. This Spiriually or philosophical state is mchareteristic of the Sef-Actualized Human and is transedence experience that leads to autonomy, speration from worldy concerns, and an enjoyment for life and concern for betterment of humanity and the virtues of mankinkind. It should be noted that Maslow speculated that only 1% of all mankind achieves this state of being and this state in the hierarchy of need is unique to the human species only (Feist, Feist and Tomi-Ann 2013). Christ commands us to strive for this state “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35 New International Study Bible 1984).” This is reiterated in (1 Cor 13) When Paul describes both the mystical experience of transformation and the traits one should have associated with Love.

The means in which I stay motivated are by maintaining my physical needs first and trying to maintain a balance between social, academic, and family responsibilities while leaving time for myself. I have come to the realization that tasks and life itself must have intrinsic value and interest for me to succeed. I also set goals and envision how even what may seem as the most insignificant or trivial of tasks will result in a benefit to not only myself but others. I try to take a humanistic, philosophical approach to life And currently am more concerned in try to become self – actualized thus at times I may become frustrated at shortcomings briefly this lasts only minutes, and I am becoming more tolerant to others deficiencies as well. I also, know my limitations and work at my own pace and am unconcerned with other people’s opinions, reactions or the perception of society in general. Although every action has an equal and opposite reaction I am willing to take risks if it serves the advancement of my ultimate goal and benefits the common good. Thus the demands and stress of everyday life and the need for accolades is insignificant to me. This allows me to accomplish more and reduce the possibility of neurosis. Some may say I am arrogant, a bit of a deviant and somewhat introverted but this seems to work to my benefit. It is my deduction such perception are mostly false as I am striving for knowledge, truth and the advancement of my morality and seeking to becoming a counselor and possibly a pastor. Although some may question my motives and methods such as my sources, the mixture of philosophy, psychology and theology and the belief that all knowledge and the universe itself originates from God himself’ I myself see such Ideas as trivial as the intention is to help others achieve love, kindness and ultimately come to Christ or as Maslow would call Self-actualization. This concept of Self-Actualization can only result from a spiritual awakening or the inter-dwelling of the Holy Spirit within the heart of a human being.

In God, Christ & Spirit,

Trenton Clark Rindoks

 

Word Count # 652

 

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Bibliography

Feist, Jess, Gregory J Feist, and Roberts Tomi-Ann. Theories Of Personality. Edited by 8th. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013.

New International Study Bible. Swindoll, Charles R. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publish House, 1984.