This hierarchy ranges from the basic need for food and shelter all the way to the higher need for purpose and self-actualization. Anthony Robbins, author of Awaken the Giant Within , is a contemporary author who offers a classification of higher need that I find helpful. In our need to have certainty in our lives, we pursue our basic physiological needs as well as a stable environment of peace, love, and joy. We pursue our need for uncertainty through variety, surprise, and small challenges. Our need for significance is met when we are recognized and appreciated by others and acknowledged for our contributions.
Connection comes from loving others, being loved, and feeling a sense of belonging.
This includes a connection to God or the divine source of all that is the universe. The need to grow is met by traditional education, individual exploration, and study, and most of all through life experiences. And the need to make a contribution and leave a legacy is fulfilled by finding work that has purpose, volunteering our time, tithing our money, and parenting our children.