Are we too struggling with our choices? Do we know the Purpose of our existence or what could give us Happiness/Peace? Sita’s dilemma explores the concepts of ‘Holistic Dharma’ and “New Age Maslow’ to explore a possible path for discovering the self.
“it’s not only the WHAT (destination) that leads to Happiness but also the HOW (journey) ” ~ K Srini
The simple question for all to ponder is ‘How do we spend our time’ or ‘The channels/drivers/pathway’ which we are focusing on to achieve our ‘WHAT’ (dharma). Since our energies are spent on ‘How’, it is paramount that we ensure it is spent in the right direction and for the right reasons (Dharma).
The drivers represent our interest/motivation to do things based on our persona or the state of mind we are in. Each one of us is constructed in a particular fashion and when we spend our energy and align it to the drivers, we get the maximum satisfaction and a feeling of fulfillment.
The New Age Maslow theory is an extended version of old 5-level Pyramid. It has been broadly extended to 8 layers which can be further classified into two categories –
Deficiency and Growth.
The bottom four are Deficiency based (Basic / Physiological, Safety, Belongingness / Love and Esteem) and top four under Growth dimension consist of (Cognitive, Creative, Self-Actualization & Transcendence).
Most of us are typically driven by any of the 3 out of the 8 levels at any given stage of life. Many a times, we are unaware, due to blind spots, where we are not even aware as to which of these drivers are primary for us and which are not. For example, in a country like India where the societal pressure is towards Growth drivers like Self Actualization and Transcendence, we also project it as a primary driver, whereas many of us are driven by deficiency drivers because of our scarcity mindset.
Deficiency Drivers: Basic / Physiological
This level is at the bottom of the hierarchy and often considered as the most basic of drivers. Material Rewards is the essence of this. Anyone having a high score on this would be driven by the need for possessions, wealth, and a high standard of living.
Deficiency Drivers: Safety
Safety is the bottom second level in the hierarchy. Need for a solid, safe, and predictable Future is the essence of this driver. A high score on this would indicate a strong need for Safety and Security and may translate in a risk averse behaviour from that individual.
Deficiency Drivers: Belongingness / Love / Affiliation
Affiliation is the essence of belongingness and love. Anyone having a high score at this level would be driven by the need for affiliation, which in short means being open to social and interpersonal relationships. This driver prompts the individual to give relationships a great deal of importance and believes in nourishing and rewarding relationships with others at work and in life, over and above everything else.
Deficiency Drivers: Esteem
The topmost level in the deficiency hierarchy is Esteem. Status is the essence of this driver. A high need of this indicates the need to be recognized and respected by others. This driver may also be fulfilled by being associated with well-known brands or being recognized / respected on public forums or being praised openly by others.
Growth Drivers: Cognitive
The first of the Growth needs is Cognitive. Need to Know and Understand is the essence of this driver. Anyone having a high score on this would be driven by the need for high level of achievement in a specialized field.
Growth Drivers: Creative
Creative is the second driver of the Growth dimension. Being Aesthetic / creative is the essence of this need. A high score on this would indicate a need to innovate and be identified with originality, order, and beauty.
Growth Drivers: Autonomy / Self Actualization
Autonomy / Self Actualization is an indication of this driver state which is going beyond ones Self. The essence of this driver is to achieve complete Individual Potential and use it for others as well. Anyone having a high score on this level would be driven by the need to be independent and make decisions for themselves which will have a major impact on them and others.
Growth Drivers: Transcendence
The topmost level in the Growth hierarchy is Transcendence. Others above ‘Self’ and Search for ‘Meaning’ is the essence of this driver. A high need of this indicates the need to do things that serve beyond the self (ego) and to help others find self-fulfillment and realize their potential.
By K. Srini.
