Self-Actualization and Multi-Tasking Your Hierarchy of Needs
Are we all spending too much time considering the short-and long-term ramifications of the pandemic? Is this blog? Well, considering that many people’s ability to satisfy their needs have been turned upside down, probably not. Then again, this begs the question whether multi-tasking your hierarchy of needs is possible in a crisis, and will lead to real self-actualization.
As mentioned in last week’s post , the physical threat posed by the virus has put your very existence at risk. Next, the various “stay-at-home” orders and “lockdowns” have affected your ability to provide for yourself and your family. With these vital needs in limbo, it seems that relationships, esteem, and working on realizing your best self must take a back seat.
Yet, we also wrote, it may also be true that, by accepting the upside down nature of Maslow’s hierarchy, you could realize an opportunity for growth instead of devastation.
Examine Your Personal Hierarchy of Needs
It may, in fact, be more difficult for Americans to adapt and work on their higher needs while also fighting for survival, as Maslow explained was possible. The reason for this could be cultural in nature, with a powerful inclination toward “rugged individualism” that persists from the country’s founding.
Consider, instead, the cultures that have developed a high emphasis on community needs vs. individual needs. This may empower them to strive toward their “higher purpose” in times of crises, which they can use as a coping mechanism. That is, by leaning into support of each other and dissipating the grief and anxiety in the commonality of suffering, they avoid focusing on their own “unique and personal” suffering.
This runs counter to Western culture, where individualism (and “overcoming” personal suffering) are seen as higher callings and virtuous qualities. While this is not to say that such characteristics are bad in themselves, they can lead to a tendency toward self-indulgence, in complete opposition to the goal of self-actualization.
Qualities of a Self-Actualized Person
All that said, multi-tasking your hierarchy of needs during a crisis is especially challenging in the face of overwhelming doomsday predictions and reporting. (And yes, there’s plenty of negativity on social media, as well.)
So, the question remains, what should you continue to work on to reach your goal of self-actualization, even as you meet the many other challenges you face? According to Maslow, these are the qualities you should strive for now:
- Efficient Perception of Reality
- Problem and Task Centering
- Deep Personal Relationships with Close Friends
- Comfortable Being Alone
- Autonomy
- Non-hostile Sense of Humor
- Acceptance of Self and Others
- Spontaneity and Simplicity
- Sense of Humility Toward Others
- Freshness of Appreciation
- Peak Experiences
And remember this: taking a pause from work-business can be very helpful in understanding what is the next chapter of life.
Easier said than done? Perhaps. Yet, these are the characteristics you will need to keep that pyramid balanced on its tip – for now and in the future!
I remain available for a consultation if you are struggling with multi-tasking your hierarchy of needs toward self-actualization in the face of the pandemic (and other upheavals taking place). Click here to find out how and to schedule your free call.
