Realized Values of Maslow’s Basic Needs Essay (Critical Writing)

Priority of Values

Using the being values (B-values) according to Maslow as a reference, below is my list of these values in order of priority¹.

Accomplished Values

By Maslow’s ideology, I grew up lacking much and this motivated me to want more out of life. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs stipulates that when the deficiency needs (physiological, safety, love, and esteem) are not met, individuals become motivated unlike when the converse is the case². When I was growing up, I didn’t have much. I desired to have more and be like the other people who owned most of the things I lacked. I managed to make it through life, and I have accomplished the following as I progress on to self-actualization:

Wholeness

I have my own family; a husband and two children. I was also brought up in a family and the need for wholeness and togetherness has been fully achieved about this. Initially, I was not able to fit within my peer’s cycle due to my poor social status. But now, I can relate well with others without the feeling of deprivation.

Playfulness

I never had the chance to watch television while growing up, and I never got the chance to celebrate a birthday party. These I achieved much later in life, during and after my teenage-hood.

Perfection

I am currently advancing in my career to the highest level I desire. My family and I do not lack anything because my husband has a nice job and is a good provider and protector.

Uniqueness

Even though getting the basic needs was a hustle when I was growing up, I managed to go to school. I wanted to be like the other kids despite my shortcomings, and gladly, I was able to graduate from high school. My self-esteem is higher than it has ever been since I have achieved a lot of things in life. Now, I cannot even compare myself to anyone.

Yet to Accomplish

I have achieved most of my lower level basic needs as I proceed on to self-actualization. My ultimate goal is to help my family get the best out of life. I am currently aiming for higher-level needs which include:

Richness

I have led a simple life all along and a little touch of complexity will not harm. Advancing my career and aiming for better career opportunities will help me reach my ultimate goal. I want to get a good job to help my husband in providing for my nuclear family. I also intend to support my extended family back in the Philippines.

Completion

I want my family and me to have the best. I grew up lacking so many things, even food, which is a necessity. Once I have gotten a good job, I will help my husband in providing the best for our children.

Self-sufficiency

I do not want to become a burden to my husband; hence, the reason why I am working equally hard to ensure that I supplement my family’s income. Also, I wish to help my family back in the Philippines to improve their lives by providing them with financial support. This will help them meet some of their needs concerning Maslow’s hierarchy of needs³.

Bibliography

Maslow, Abraham. Toward a Psychology of Being. New York: Van Nostrand Rienhold, 1999. 2^nd edition.

McLeod, Saul A. “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.”SimplyPsychology. Web.

Footnotes

1. Abraham Maslow, Toward a Psychology of Being, 3^rd ed (Canada: John Wiley & Sons, 1999), 163-197, 2^nd edition.
2. Saul A. McLeod, “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs,” SimplyPsychology, Web.
3. Saul McLeod, “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.”