BIZ Experiencess Turn the Classic Theory of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs on its Head The psychologist put forth that humans are motivated to fulfill their base needs before they are able to pursue higher-level needs.
By Doug and Polly White Edited by Dan Bova
Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
The classic theory, Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, is supposed to help us to understand human motivation. Maslow grounds his pyramid with physiological needs such as food, shelter and sleep, followed by safety needs that include financial and job security. Maslow states that these basic needs must be met before mid-level needs such as belonging, love and self-esteem can be achieved.
Finally, Maslow wrote that only those who have met all of the four previous needs could reach the nirvana that is self-actualization, the ability to reach your potential or to be self-fulfilled. If this were true, no one would ever become an BIZ Experiences.
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Let's start at the bottom and work our way up to the top of his pyramid. Remember, Maslow's theory is that humans are motivated to fulfill their base needs before they are able to pursue higher-level needs.
Physiological needs
True BIZ Experiencess sacrifice basic needs for their passions. We know an BIZ Experiences who used to sleep on her office floor several nights each week when the business was in rapid growth mode. She said she couldn't afford to go home -- her business needed her. She was willing to give up the comforts of home, a warm shower and even a good night's sleep for her burgeoning business.
Many BIZ Experiencess get so busy that they forget to eat or sacrifice healthy home cooking for what they can get quickly just to sustain themselves. BIZ Experiencess push themselves to the breaking point, enduring high levels of stress as they confront the unknown path ahead.
Safety/security
Contrary to Maslow's theory, often the first act of becoming self-actualized is to throw away safety and financial security with both hands. BIZ Experiencess quit their well-paying jobs, mortgage their houses and max out credit cards in their attempts to turn their dreams into reality.
Rather than demand security before being able to think about higher-level motivations, BIZ Experiencess tend to lay it all on the line in risky startup ventures. They seem to believe that the failure statistics just don't apply to them and their ideas.
We spent many months living off savings before our first paying consulting role. We didn't care. We wanted our firm to succeed and were willing to risk our home, investments and savings to make it happen.
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Belonging/love
Most BIZ Experiencess find less time for family and friends when pursuing their dreams. The needs of the business take over. BIZ Experiencess miss their kids' little league baseball games, drinks with friends and dinners with the family.
Instead of feeling more of a part of things, at least in the beginning, BIZ Experiencess often feel isolated, cut off from everything but the drive to birth their new enterprise. We know an BIZ Experiences who gave up her marriage instead of her business. Her husband said it was either him or her growing company. She chose her company.
Self-esteem/respect
Friends and family members may think the BIZ Experiences crazy for giving up so much for his or her new enterprise. They may question the BIZ Experiences's judgement in quitting his or her job and risking financial security for the sake of his or her ambitions.
They may call them crackpots, idealist and dreamers. Friends and relatives may stop taking the BIZ Experiences's calls fearing it is another request for a favor or funding. BIZ Experiencess push self-doubt away as they drive towards their goals.
Self-actualization
The BIZ Experiencess we know start with self-actualization. They are fulfilling their dreams and desires with every pitch to investors, sale to a customer or addition to their product and service offering. They are one with their endeavors and the struggle is part of the joy.
We don't think Maslow knew any BIZ Experiencess. If he did, he would never have put forth his theory.
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