As you might have guessed, I have a curious mind, or as I’ve been told by my publisher, “an eclectic taste in writing.” I’m not sure he meant that as a compliment. Still, they give me this space.
Recently, I came across an article I had read a few years ago discussing a modern take on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I thought it was interesting enough to make it the topic of this week’s article.
For those of you who didn’t take Psych 101, an academic named Abraham Maslow published a paper in the journal Psychological Review, titled “A Theory of Human motivation,” in 1943. Maslow proposed that there were five sets of basic needs: physiological, safety, love, esteem, and self-actualization.
He maintained that certain needs had to be met, or were stronger, before moving on to others.
For example, physical needs like air, food, and water had to come before feelings of perceived safety, which trumped feelings of love and belonging, and so forth. This theory became so popular that it became a major framework for human motivation and developmental psychology.
Fun fact, while most of us know this hierarchy as a pyramid, Maslow himself did not use that shape to illustrate his ideas. That honor went to Charles McDermid, a consulting psychologist, who published the familiar pyramid representation in the journal Business Horizons in 1948.
In recent years, however, new research and changing societal values have led some researchers to challenge Maslow’s original theory. While the pyramid has served as a useful teaching tool, critics have pointed out its limitations.
The structure implies a strict order: only after basic needs are met can one pursue higher goals. Yet, real life is rarely so linear. People often seek meaning, connection, or creative expression even in challenging circumstances, and motivation can come and go depending on experiences, relationships, and personal values. Recognizing these complexities, psychologists and academics have sought new models that reflect modern thinking.
Scott Barry Kaufman (yes, he uses his full name), a psychologist and author, is an advocate of a more fluid model. In his book, Transcend, published in 2020, Kaufman replaces the pyramid’s stepwise progression with a metaphor, the sailboat, that reflects the unpredictable nature of life. The sailboat, navigating the open seas, becomes a symbol for the interaction between foundational needs and the drive for growth. In Kaufman’s model, the sailboat’s hull represents the foundational needs of safety, connection, and self-esteem. These are the elements that keep us afloat, protect us from adversity, and provide the stability we need to face life’s challenges. The sail symbolizes growth; our aspirations for exploring, creativity, purpose, and self-actualization. The wind and waves of life represent our circumstances, relationships, and opportunities, which determine the direction and speed of our journey.
Unlike Maslow’s pyramid, which places security at the base and completion of the base before moving upward, Kaufman’s model suggests that security and growth are interdependent. The hull is never “finished.” It requires continual maintenance. At the same time, the sail can catch the wind and move us forward, but only if the hull is strong enough to support the journey. Motivation in this model is not a ladder to climb but a voyage, one that adapts to changing conditions and finds meaning throughout the journey.
Toward the end of his life, Maslow recognized that self-actualization was not the endpoint of human development. In his personal journal, published after he died in 1970, Maslow introduced self-transcendence as the pinnacle of the hierarchy of needs. Self-transcendence is a level at which individuals seek to go beyond their own needs and contribute to the well-being of others, the community, and even the broader world.
Kaufman’s model also integrates Maslow’s later insight. Rather than seeing self-transcendence as a separate “level,” Kaufman regards it as a quality connected to both security and growth. Self-transcendence involves moving beyond personal needs to contribute to others, find meaning in service, and connect with something greater than oneself.
The Sailboat Model acknowledges that motivation is fluid. During times of crisis, we may seek safety and connection. When conditions allow, we may shift our energies toward growth, creativity, and purpose. When life changes unexpectedly, relationships, work, health, and society all influence our direction. The model encourages resilience, adaptability, and openness to new experiences.
Self-transcendence, as highlighted by both Maslow and Kaufman, is critical for lasting fulfillment, however. By helping others and engaging in meaningful pursuits, we not only satisfy our own needs but also strengthen the “hulls and sails” of those around us. In uncertain times, focusing on connection and purpose can provide stability and direction, guiding us through life’s storms.
FREE Weight Loss Classes Offered
Recently, I ran an article in Webb Weekly discussing free weight loss and wellness classes that I was offering titled National Diabetes Prevention Program.
It is for people that do NOT already have diabetes and wish to prevent getting it by learning about weight loss, goal setting, and habit changes.
Well, as always, the Webb came through. I had a significant number of people reach out to me about joining my classes. I held an information session, and it was a little too successful. What I mean by that is that the people in the session felt so connected and moved to meet in person, that I still had space left over in my online-only classes. So, I am announcing that I will be holding another information session via Zoom on April 15th at 5:30 p.m.
About the class: According to their website, the National Diabetes Prevention Program is based on CDC-approved curriculum with lessons, handouts, and other resources to help you make healthy changes. The class is led by a lifestyle coach, me in this case, who is specially trained to lead the program, to help you learn new skills, encourage you to set and meet goals, and keep you motivated. The coach will also facilitate discussions and help make the program fun and engaging (at least I hope I make them fun). Lastly, the class acts as a support group with people that have similar goals and challenges. So, lots of good information about goal setting, food, fitness, and weight loss.
Class size is limited, and all prospective participants MUST attend the information session. The class delivery method will be via Zoom. Classes will be held on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., most weeks.
To register or if would like more information, feel free to contact me via email at dave.bellomo@gmail.com. Registrants will receive a Zoom link for the initial session held on April 15th. COST — Free!!!
