Why Is It Essential To Understand These 6 Universal Human Needs?

Tony Robbins, a successful entrepreneur, author and philanthropist has highlighted the importance of understanding these 6 core needs.  They are what makes us tick and drive human behaviour to meet these needs.

Are these just our desires or wants? Nope. They are profound needs that form the basis of our choices and make us question things that we do.

In order to have wisdom, you have to first understand these invisible needs that motivate every individual.

Without further ado, I will delve deeper and explain every single one of them:

1) Certainty

This is the need for safety, control, assurance, refuge, and predictability.

Imagine having a phobia of heights and you are forced to look down from a cliff. Will you jump down without hesitation? Of course not. You will definitely question the stability of the cliff you are standing upon, ask for safety gears and even question yourself why the hell you are up there in the first place.

Our need for certainty is a mechanism for survival.

And this need can definitely be found in our daily lives – from jobs to relationships. It affects how much we are willing to take risks despite the unknowns we face. Tony Robbins has also stated that “The higher the need for certainty, the less risk you are willing to take or emotionally bear.”

2) Uncertainty/Variety

This is the need for a change, a new stimulus or environment.

Trick or treat! People are in for surprises. Life will be too boring if every day is Monday right? We can only have so much comfort before we begin to feel bored that we need exciting things to spice up our lives.

3) Significance

Dig down and you will find that somehow or rather, every human being on this planet has the urge to feel important in their lives. All of us have different ways to obtain this feeling of importance – it can be from earning a billion of dollars to just wanting a hug from someone special.

Understanding this need is essential to influencing people around you. Sometimes, the reason why people do not even listen to your opinion is that they need someone to quench their feeling of importance. Back down, observe what the other person really wants, and try to come up with a solution that appeals to their emotional needs. You will find it easier to win them over if you make them feel important first.

” The deepest urge in human nature is the desire to feel important” – Dale Carnegie

4) Love & Connection

Love is universal. People often crave for love that is unconditional, passionate and caring.

When we break up with our significant other, we feel pain, pain that is significant enough to cause some people to go without food for several days. Without love, emptiness sinks in and we will find ways to fill this gap that we are having- from immersing ourselves in nature and intimacy to getting a dog, a man’s best friend.

These 4 needs are categorized under the ‘Needs of The Personality’. We are able to find ways to accommodate them, be it by working harder or finding a big problem.

The last 2 needs are categorized under the ‘Needs of the Spirit’. These 2, as stated by Tony Robbins, are difficult to be accommodated. But when these two needs are met, we are then able to be truly fulfilled.

5) Growth

Ever heard of the maxim that if we are not growing, we are dying?

Yes, without growth, what is the point of living? I am all in for growth and it can come in different forms.

You can grow through pain. Let us face it, staying stagnant isn’t really possible. In life, we are bombarded with unknowns and uncertainty. We have to meet the expectations of our jobs, pay taxes, and face strain relationships sometimes. Once we are able to overcome these challenges, we are in for growth.

Now, how can I measure growth? How do I know that I am growing?

Ask yourself this question, “Are you adding value to your life or people’s lives?”

6) Contribution

Give more, receive more. This isn’t in terms of monetary value. Contribution varies from each person. Some will choose to contribute by donating to charity while others may volunteer themselves to participate in a great cause. Without this final touch, we will not experience true fulfillment.

We are currently in the digital era which makes sharing so much easier through the use of social medias.

People who do not share helpful information are truly missing out on the big picture. Sharing definitely enhances the experience that we feel.

Conclusion

Each of us has to accommodate these needs constructively in order to be truly fulfilled in life. Understand the 6 fundamental needs and develop awareness to the things we do daily.

Reflection

• What are your thoughts on the 6 Universal Needs by Tony Robbins?
• Are you really fulfilled in life?
• What habits are you going to change in order to be fulfilled?