I enjoy reading as I travel. Lately, I encountered an article on Abraham H. Maslow as I was browsing through some material. The letters he had written back in 1962 had been republished. Thinking back, it was during my freshman year of college when I was introduced to his work. Mentions of Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs” is a prevalent, especially in the literature of psychology. Maslow’s work can be read online today and I, like so many others, am an advocate of his work.

I have been a fan of Maslow over the span of my entire career. Maslow’s book, “The Psychology of Being”, which was published in 1962, outlines a hierarchy of needs; from the most basic needs to the need for self-actualization. Important life issues, such s trust, motivation and recognition, can result in a great deal of individual growth.

As I continued my reading, I came upon another article on decision-making. Essentially, the piece suggested that no single decision is perfect; however, rushed choices ought not to be promoted. Rather, making decisions leads to self-actualization and the strengthening of one’s empathy.

So what do people typically do wrong while making hard choices? The incorrect problems get addressed. People tend to simplify their issues, and this narrows your target down too much.

A person must avoid being overly analytical. In other words, a person must remain open-minded. When persons do not analyze the general background of an unsettling problem, they make hasty decisions.

Quick, thoughtless decisions result, as they seem easy and natural. They’re emotionally easy. But the real issue is how does one know whether he or she is framing the problem correctly? Problems are dynamic, and as one analyzes them through time, they can change. And sometimes one’s insights become different, while the problem remains the same.

As per the theory of Abraham Maslow, people do not focus much on the issue whether they should debate the optimal problem. There can be a lot of awe and suffering associated with one’s ability to judge; however, it is a blunder if one pays too much attention to these feelings.

One must become a bit callous to his or her emotions in this context. Failures are a natural occurrence on the road to success. Hopefully this is something you can understand on your quest to becoming more fulfilled and performing better.

Reap the fruits of your labor and becoming successful is indicated by Abraham Maslow’s needs hierarchy. Everyone has a different unique idea of happiness that is only able to be defined by ones self. A new challenge is presented to us all daily. Will you succeed or fail?

About the Author

Steve Wilheir is a project management consultant and the founder of Leadership Development training. Visit his site for more information on Characteristics of an effective leader and Qualities of an Effective Leader