We often think of value in terms of money or possessions—but what if value is actually a map for our growth? Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a psychological framework dating back to the 1940s, outlines five levels of human motivation: survival, belonging, growth, impact, and fulfillment. It was a part of his broader effort to understand what drives human motivation beyond the prevailing psychological theories of his time.
Maslow's approach was rooted in humanistic psychology, a perspective that emphasizes the positive aspects of human nature and the potential for personal growth. He believed that individuals are motivated by a series of needs, and as each need is satisfied, the next higher need becomes more prominent. This hierarchical model was designed to reflect the universal needs of society, starting from the most fundamental and progressing to more acquired emotions.
Because I focus a lot on the importance of core values and how those values can influence our purpose, that purpose then has an impact on goals, achievement and ultimately, fulfillment. Taking Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and applying it as a pyramid of value can help us clarify our choices and objectives.
Survival: Tier One Basics
Belonging: Your Story, Tier Two
We need each other. This was never more apparent during the shutdowns. A comprehensive meta-analysis encompassing 191 studies and over 1.3 million children and adolescents found that approximately 31% exhibited depressive symptoms during this period. This marked a notable increase compared to pre-pandemic levels and was associated with factors such as social isolation, disrupted routines, and heightened family stress. (PMC)And of course, with young children who were kept away from classmates, this was devastating!
Further emphasizing this trend, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2021, 44% of U.S. high school students felt persistently sad or hopeless, and 37% experienced poor mental health during the pandemic. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced mental health support and resources for young people, both during crises and in their aftermath. But also reaffirms the importance of social interaction.
Belonging brings connection. This is where we begin to seek out friendships and relationships that align with our identity and story. We are all unique and have a story to tell. Whether it’s finding our tribe at work or building a business that reflects our core values, it’s usually intentional to encourage and develop connections with each other. I am finding this intentionality especially relevant at this stage of my life.
Growth: Tier Three, Lifelong Learning
This is an important tier because it all about creating new goals which comes with the commitment to lifelong learning and developing new interests. When feeling stuck and on a plateau, it’s a great time to step back and re-evaluate where we are as well as the depth and strength of our core values. I like picturing the roots of the oak tree as an example. Their longevity is due to slow growth, strong wood, and a deep root system that supports long-term resilience and stability. The average oak tree lives 100 to 300 years, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
We were able to observe some oak trees in South Africa, but they tended to have a shallower root source and much shorter life span. This is because of the climate and soil conditions. Several oak species, including the English oak and the pin oak have been introduced and are commonly found in regions like the Western Cape. These oaks are often planted for their aesthetic appeal and historical significance. But they don’t last as long as most other oak trees.
Like the oak tree, lasting growth in life begins with a deep foundation but requires wide-reaching exploration to truly thrive. Just as an oak starts with a strong taproot to anchor and sustain it deep in the ground, we too need solid core values, early discipline, and foundational knowledge. But as we mature, growth is sustained not just by what grounds us, but by how widely we reach—seeking new experiences, relationships, and ideas. The oak’s lateral roots mirror the importance of continually stretching beyond what’s familiar, staying curious, and adapting to new environments. Lifelong learning, like the oak’s root system, isn’t just vertical—it’s expansive, resilient, and ever-reaching. It’s a good visual illustration as we pursue growth in our life.
Impact: Tier Four, Core Values
Impact is where I’m focusing many of my lifestyle and business choices at this stage of my life. This is where our core values increasingly start to shape our choices. What is most important? It’s not just money or possessions. It’s people, time and family. It’s being able to make a difference in people’s lives.
In Southern California, many of us carry earthquake insurance as a large earthquake can be devastating. I have learned that the magnitude of an earthquake is measured on a logarithmic scale. This means that with each whole number, the increase represents approximately thirty-two times more energy. In general, a magnitude 6 can cause strong shaking and some damage in populated areas. A magnitude 7 earthquake releases about 32 times more energy than a magnitude 6, thus cause widespread, serious damage over a larger area.
A magnitude 8 earthquake releases about 1,000 times more energy than a magnitude 6 (because 32 × 32 ≈ 1,000). This means a magnitude 8 can result in catastrophic destruction over hundreds of kilometers. It’s a multiplication principle. Myanmar (Mee-AN-mar) experienced a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday, March 28 of this year. So far more than 3,000 people have died and more than 4,500 have been injured. It was also felt in India and Thailand.*
It’s a good illustration of the impact of this magnitude of a tremor. As we continue to lead, mentor and build, with consistency there is a multiplication principle. It may never be as expansive as an earthquake, but impact can have a lasting value through multiple generations. The values we hold at the core of our purpose continue to be magnified.
Fulfillment: Fifth Tier of Purpose
I experience a huge amount of satisfaction in completing projects, especially those that create impact in other people’s lives and businesses. It took me awhile to realize how project-centered and focused I was. But I’ve always known it’s not just about being famous or having more money. But it’s about encouraging others seeing positive change, whether through creating a stage show or through speaking, producing podcast and videos or writing books and courses. There is an internal satisfaction.
So this brings me to a good question for all of us to ask ourselves. Where do you stand in the pyramid of values and what is it that you stand for? More importantly—where do you want to be? Take the time to go through these five tiers. And focus on not just the hierarchy of needs, but of value.
Application
Start with the basics, then move on to defining your unique story and connecting with others. Then re-commit yourself to lifelong learning and creating impact with your core values that can be as far-reaching as the roots of an oak tree. Finally, define what fulfillment truly means for you. What brings you true satisfaction as well as happiness?
Additional Resources
Stop Circling: Steps to Escape Endless Roundabouts, by Deborah Johnson: Appendix on Core Values
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Atomic Habits, Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear
Building on a Strong Foundation article by Deborah Johnson
Taking Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and applying it as a pyramid of value can help us clarify our choices and objectives.
deborah johnson
Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author
If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning
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