The 6 Human Needs: Understanding Our Motivations and Behaviors

As human beings, we all have basic needs that drive our behavior and shape our experiences. These needs, according to Tony Robbins, a renowned life coach, can be divided into six categories: certainty, uncertainty/variety, significance, connection/love, growth, and contribution. In this article, we will explore each of these needs and how they impact our lives.

1. Certainty: Assurance You Can Avoid Pain and Gain Pleasure

One of the most fundamental human needs is the need for certainty. We all have an innate desire to feel safe, secure, and in control of our lives. This need is driven by a fear of uncertainty, and we seek to avoid pain and gain pleasure by creating predictability and stability in our lives. This need is why we seek out routines, habits, and familiar surroundings that we can rely on.

However, excessive certainty can lead to boredom and a lack of challenge, which can lead to dissatisfaction. It’s important to balance the need for certainty with the need for uncertainty and variety, which we will explore next.

2. Uncertainty/Variety: The Need for the Unknown, Change, New Stimuli

While certainty is important, humans also have a need for uncertainty and variety. We seek out new experiences, challenges, and stimulation to keep our lives interesting and exciting. This need can manifest itself in many ways, from trying new foods and hobbies to traveling to new places and meeting new people.

However, excessive uncertainty can lead to stress and anxiety, so it’s important to balance this need with the need for certainty. It’s all about finding a healthy balance between these two needs.

3. Significance: Feeling Unique, Important, Special, or Needed

Another essential human need is the need for significance. We all want to feel valued, appreciated, and important. This need is driven by a desire to feel unique and special and to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

However, when we focus too much on our own significance, we can become self-centered and egotistical. It’s important to balance this need with the need for connection and contribution, which we will explore next.

4. Connection/Love: A Strong Feeling of Closeness or Union with Someone or Something

Humans are social creatures, and we have a deep need for connection and love. We seek out relationships and connections with others to feel a sense of belonging and to fulfill our need for intimacy and affection.

However, excessive focus on this need can lead to codependency and a lack of independence. It’s important to balance this need with the need for growth and contribution, which we will explore next.

5. Growth: An Expansion of Capacity, Capability or Understanding

Another important human need is the need for growth. We all want to expand our knowledge, skills, and understanding of the world around us. This need is driven by a desire for personal development and self-improvement.

However, excessive focus on growth can lead to perfectionism and a lack of appreciation for what we have. It’s important to balance this need with the need for certainty and connection, which we explored earlier.

6. Contribution: A Sense of Service and Focus on Helping, Giving to, and Supporting Others

Finally, humans have a need for contribution. We all want to make a positive impact on the world and to feel like we’re making a difference. This need is driven by a desire to be of service to others and to help those in need.

However, excessive focus on this need can lead to burnout and neglect of our own needs. It’s important to balance this need with the need for growth and connection, which we explored earlier.