Health and the Hierarchy of Human Needs

How Your Unmet Needs Could Be Impacting Your Health

Hi Reader,

I first saw Maslow’s hierarchy of needs when I was in middle school. The bottom of the pyramid made sense, but it didn't really move me. But something about the peak of the pyramid spoke to me. The concept of self-actualization, or the idea that there was a “highest version” of myself that I could grow into, sparked an obsession that has fueled me ever since.

Maslow (a psychologist) believed that in order to reach our full potential, we need to first meet the more foundational/survival needs such as food, water, and shelter. And while I think real life is less linear than the pyramid implies, the structure still holds wisdom. It’s hard to focus on higher purpose or personal growth if you don’t feel safe in your body or your environment.

But here’s where my perspective has shifted over time.

I used to think of self-actualization as a destination, or a fixed final version of myself. If I just accomplished enough, learned enough, improved enough, I would arrive and just exist in that.

I recently achieved a few major milestones and goals that I had been pursuing for over 5 years. And the crazy part is that I pretty much felt nothing when I saw what I had achieved.

That moment taught me something important:

Actualization isn’t something you achieve. It’s something you practice and how you show up in life. And its who you are or who you can choose to be.

I think health encompasses not just the bottom two levels of the pyramid like Maslow describes. In fact, he specifically puts health and wellness at level two (safety needs).

I believe that health is affected by all levels of the pyramid. Perhaps I have a different view on health, but I think that for us to experience health and wellness in all areas of our lives, we need to continuously work on ourselves. There are plenty of people who are in great physical health, but perhaps they are suffering in their mind or their spirit.

True health is woven through every level of that pyramid:

• Without physical health, it’s hard to feel safe.

• Without emotional health, it’s hard to feel connected.

• Without mental and spiritual health, it’s hard to find purpose or create meaning.

If you’ve been focused only on fixing your body, but ignoring your heart or your mind, that could be why you still don’t feel well.

If you’ve been chasing the next goal, but feeling empty when you reach it, maybe you’re like me and forgot that the point isn’t to arrive, but to go on the journey.

Health isn’t just about how your body feels today. It’s about how fully you’re able to live, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

That’s the kind of health I want to help you create.

–Dr. Josh

What’s one part of yourself you’ve been neglecting in your pursuit of “health”? Hit reply and let me know.

Explore more resources:
For additional insights on health and wellness, visit my YouTube channel, where I share educational videos to support your journey.

Disclaimer:
This email is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized health decisions.