The 6 Human Needs That Drive Every Decision You Make.

Have you ever wondered why you do the things you do? What it is drives your decisions, emotions, actions and behaviours in your everyday life?

What if I told you that we as humans have 6 needs that exist and are a fundamental aspect of who we are. These six needs are certainty, uncertainty, significance, connection, growth and contribution. I’ll get into exactly what each of these are in a moment and how they play into our lives, but for now just know that in every decision and action we make, we are trying to fulfil one of these core needs.

Once you can identify which is trying to be fulfilled by your behaviours, either at a conscious or subconscious level, it will give you clear insight as to the real motivation behind your actions.

Understanding these needs and how they play a role in our individual lives not only provides us with insights into our behaviour and the behaviour of those around us, but understanding them can also facilitate personal growth, improve relationships, streamline goal achievement and simply allows us to understand ourselves at a deeper level so we can become the best version of ourselves.

The first four are nonnegotiable in our lives. Let me give you a little insight into each one and how you might identify them in your personal and professional world.

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Certainty

This need refers to the desire for stability, security, and predictability in life. People seek certainty to feel safe and reduce anxiety. They may strive for a stable income, a predictable routine, or a sense of control over their environment.

Uncertainty

On the other hand, humans also have a need for uncertainty and stimulation. This need represents the desire for change, excitement, and new experiences. People seek variety to avoid boredom and to keep life interesting.?

Significance

The need for significance involves the desire to feel important, valued, and unique. People want to make a difference and be recognized for their accomplishments. This need can be fulfilled through achievements, social status, or gaining power.

Connection

Humans are social beings, and the need for connection is fundamental. This need involves forming meaningful relationships, experiencing love and intimacy, and feeling a sense of belonging. It encompasses both romantic relationships and connections with family, friends, and community.

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So these are the basic four. The next two I like to look at as added bonuses in life. It’s the two human needs that we seek, and once achieved are the things that make life all the better. They are simple but can make a profound impact on our overall well-being, happiness and fulfilment.

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Growth

The need for growth reflects the desire for personal development, learning, and self-improvement. Humans have an innate drive to expand and evolve in various aspects of life, including intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Contribution

The need for contribution refers to the desire to give back, make a positive impact, and contribute to something greater than oneself. People seek meaning and fulfilment by making a difference in the lives of others, their community, or the world at large.

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Now you’ve got a basic understanding of each of the six human needs, you’re probably starting to think how and where each reflects in your life. And for many of you, you’ll be able to gauge this pretty easily.

Usually we have one need that is more prominent in our lives than the others, now I’ll give you some guidance into how to tell which of the core needs could be your top one.

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Certainty

Desire For Predictability

You might have a strong desire for stability and predictability in your life. You prefer routines, schedules, and knowing what to expect.

Discomfort With Ambiguity

You might feel uneasy or anxious when facing uncertainty or ambiguity. You prefer clear answers and avoid situations where outcomes are uncertain.

Need For Control

You might have a strong need to be in control of your environment and circumstances. You seek to minimise surprises and prefer to have a sense of power over your life.

Resistance To Change

You might find it challenging to adapt to new situations or changes. You prefer familiar and established routines, and sudden changes can be unsettling.

Emotional Security

You might prioritise emotional stability and security. You seek reassurance and comfort in knowing that things will remain constant and consistent.

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Uncertainty

Need For New And Variety

You may have a strong desire for new experiences, change, and variety in your life. You enjoy exploring different options, taking risks, and seeking out new challenges.

Thrill-Seeking Behaviour

You may find excitement and a sense of fulfilment in engaging in activities that involve uncertainty and unpredictability. Activities such as adventure sports, traveling to unfamiliar places, or trying new hobbies can be appealing to you.

Openness To Change

You may be comfortable with and even embrace change, rather than resisting it. You see change as an opportunity for growth and learning, and you are willing to step outside of your comfort zone to embrace new possibilities.

Creativity And Innovation

You may have a natural inclination towards creativity and innovation. You enjoy exploring uncharted territories, experimenting with new ideas, and finding unique solutions to problems.

Adaptability And Resilience

You may possess a high level of adaptability and resilience, allowing you to navigate uncertain situations with ease. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, you may thrive in environments that require flexibility and quick thinking.

Boredom With Routine

You may feel restless or bored with monotonous routines and crave change or surprises. You seek out opportunities to break free from predictability and inject a sense of uncertainty into your daily life.

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Significance

Desire For Recognition

You might have a strong desire to be acknowledged, recognized, or appreciated for your achievements, talents, or contributions. Recognition from others probably holds great importance to you.

Need For Validation

You may seek validation and approval from others to feel a sense of worth and importance. Feedback, compliments, or positive attention from others may significantly impact your self-esteem.

Ambition And Drive For Success

You may have a strong ambition to achieve success, set high goals, and strive for accomplishments that bring you recognition and make you stand out from others.

Desire for leadership or influence: You may feel a strong desire to lead, influence, or make a significant impact on others or the world around you. Taking charge, being in control, or having a voice may be important to you.

Need For Uniqueness

You may desire to be seen as unique, special, or different from others. Expressing your individuality and standing out from the crowd may be important for you to feel significant.

Fear Of Being Insignificant

You may have a fear of being forgotten, overlooked, or not making a meaningful impact in your life. The thought of being insignificant may evoke strong emotions or motivate you to take action.

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Connection

Importance Of Relationships

You may place a high value on relationships and prioritise spending time with loved ones. Building and maintaining meaningful connections with others is essential to your well-being.

Need For Social Interaction

You may have a strong desire for social interaction and enjoy being around others. Engaging in conversations, participating in group activities, or seeking opportunities for collaboration brings you a sense of fulfilment.

Empathy And Compassion

You may naturally feel empathy and compassion towards others. Understanding and connecting with people's emotions and experiences is important to you, and you genuinely care about their well-being.

Feeling Energised By Social Settings

Being in social settings, such as parties or gatherings, may energise and uplift you. Interacting with others and sharing experiences brings you joy and a sense of belonging.

Supportive And Nurturing Tendencies

You may have a natural inclination to support, nurture, and help others. Providing emotional support, offering a listening ear, or assisting people in need is fulfilling for you.

Discomfort With Loneliness

You may feel uncomfortable or unhappy when you're alone for extended periods. Being in the presence of others and feeling connected is essential for your emotional well-being.

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Growth

Desire for learning

You have a strong desire to acquire new knowledge, skills, or information. Continuous learning and expanding your understanding of the world are important to you.

Seek challenges

You actively seek out challenges and opportunities for personal and professional development. Engaging in activities that push you outside of your comfort zone and require you to learn and grow excites you.

Embrace change

You have a positive attitude towards change and view it as an opportunity for growth. Rather than resisting or fearing change, you see it as a chance to learn, adapt, and evolve.

Goal-oriented mindset

You set ambitious goals for yourself and work diligently to achieve them. The process of setting goals, making progress, and accomplishing milestones is fulfilling for you.

Reflect and self-improve

You regularly reflect on your experiences and actively seek ways to improve yourself. You are open to feedback and constructive criticism, using it as a tool for personal growth and development.

Curiosity and exploration

You have a natural curiosity about the world and a desire to explore new ideas, concepts, and experiences. You actively seek out opportunities to broaden your horizons and expand your perspectives.

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Contribution

Desire To Make A Difference

You have a strong desire to make a positive impact in the world, whether on a small or large scale. Contributing to something meaningful and leaving a lasting legacy is important to you.

Helping Others

You find fulfilment in helping and supporting others. You actively seek opportunities to assist, uplift, or make a difference in people's lives, whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or philanthropy.

Sense Of Purpose

Contributing to a greater cause gives you a sense of purpose and fulfilment. You feel motivated and energised when you know your actions are making a difference and benefiting others.

Altruistic Mindset

You have a natural inclination to prioritise the needs and well-being of others. Your actions are guided by a genuine desire to serve and contribute to the welfare of individuals, communities, or society as a whole.

Collaboration And Teamwork

You enjoy collaborating with others and working together towards a common goal. Contributing your skills, knowledge, or resources in a collective effort brings you a sense of satisfaction.

Advocacy For Social Or Environmental Causes

You feel a strong calling to advocate for social justice, equality, or environmental sustainability. Raising awareness, speaking up for those who are marginalised, or taking action to protect the planet are important aspects of your contribution.

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It’s important to note that these indicators are general characteristics, and your own unique way of being and doing changes as your life changes. But by understanding which need is your primary driver, and how it shapes your behaviours, emotions and your ability to connect with others, you can have more control over your decisions and learn how to create new patterns of behaviour that will help you to step into your full potential.

Knowing this can also help you to bring balance to your life. If one or a few of these needs dominate our life, while the others are neglected, it can lead to an imbalance. For example, excessively seeking certainty may limit growth and exploration, while neglecting the need for love and connection can result in feelings of loneliness or isolation. Having them more in balance also allows us to be flexible and adaptable to our dynamic and ever-changing lives. Plus, addressing and understanding our needs has have a positive flow on effect into our relationships because we will not only understand ourselves and the reasons for our behaviours, but we will have greater empathy and appreciation for those in our lives.

By aiming to balance these needs within your world, you’ll be moving towards a more holistic sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in life. They don’t need to be in perfect balance, but when we have elements of each of these needs being met in a healthy way that is where the magic happens.

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