6 Human Needs

What Human Need are we fulfilling by enacting specific behaviors in our lives?

Tony Robbins, a well-known motivational speaker and life coach, has identified 6 core human needs that drive all human behavior. These needs are the fundamental forces that shape our thoughts, emotions, behaviour and actions, and they have a profound impact on the way we live our lives.

The first of these needs is the need for certainty. Humans have an innate desire for stability, security, and predictability in their lives. This need is often expressed through a desire for comfort, safety, and familiarity. When we feel uncertain about something, we tend to feel anxious, stressed, and fearful. This need for certainty also encompasses our need for control.  The need for control refers to our desire to be in charge of our own lives and to have a sense of autonomy and independence. We want to feel like we have some measure of control over our circumstances, and we often go to great lengths to maintain this sense of control. This can manifest in different ways, from setting and achieving goals, to establishing routines and rituals, to seeking out positions of power and authority.

The second human need, the need for uncertainty or variety, seemingly contradicts the need for certainty but humans ironically need both! Our need for uncertainty refers to our desire for new experiences, variety, challenges, and adventures in our lives. Humans crave variety and excitement, and we can become bored or stagnant if we don't have enough diversity in our experiences. This need for uncertainty can manifest in different ways, from trying new foods, to exploring new places, to taking risks and trying new things. While the need for certainty provides a sense of stability and security, the need for uncertainty provides a sense of excitement and adventure, and a balance of both needs is important for a fulfilling and balanced life. 

The third of Robbins' six human needs is the need for significance. We all want to feel important, special, and unique. This need can be expressed through a desire for recognition, praise, and admiration. It can also be expressed through a need for status, wealth, and influence. When we feel significant, we feel valued and appreciated, and this can have a profound impact on our sense of self-worth and identity.

The fourth of Robbins' six human needs is the need for connection. Humans are social creatures, and we have a deep-seated need for connection and belonging. This need can be expressed through a desire for friendship, love, intimacy, and community. When we feel connected to others, we feel supported, understood, and appreciated. This need for connection is closely linked to our need for love and belonging, which is a core human need identified by many psychologists.

The fifth of Robbins' six human needs is the need for growth. Humans have an innate desire to learn, explore, and expand their horizons. We want to develop our skills, knowledge, and abilities, and we want to become the best version of ourselves that we can be. This need for growth can be expressed through a desire for education, self-improvement, and personal development.

The final of Robbins' six human needs is the need for contribution. We all want to feel like we are making a difference in the world, that our lives have meaning and purpose. This need can be expressed through a desire to help others, to give back to society, and to make a positive impact on the world. When we feel like we are contributing in a meaningful way, we feel fulfilled and satisfied.

In conclusion, Tony Robbins' six human needs are a powerful framework for understanding the forces that shape our behavior and drive us to live our lives in certain ways. By understanding these needs, we can gain insight into our own motivations and desires, and we can take steps to create a more fulfilling and satisfying life.