The six human needs go on to beautifully capture a large range of activities that we are involved in. The classification shows its true power when some of these needs are not satisfied as we can observe the extent some people may go to satisfy their needs through some unusual behaviours.

The priority over these needs is not equal for all people. In fact, the driving force behind any person’s behaviour is the two top needs from this set at any given time in their lives. Needs change over time and what you may need now may not be what you want in the future.

In any case, if you know what your most important needs are and what others’ most important desires are, you stand a better chance at making connections with others, helping them and yourself to improve over time.

Exercise:

Think of the most important needs from the Six Human Needs model and write them down.  Think of this for a while before you write them down.  You can also mention why you think these needs are the most significant for you at this time.