This article focuses on combining Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Spiral Dynamics to create a non-contextual path of self improvement that every person can follow.
If you need a refresher on the hierarchy or the spiral, I've written articles here
https://steemit.com/self/@zackerythenewman/how-to-improve-with-maslow-s-hierarchy-of-needs
https://steemit.com/life/@zackerythenewman/how-to-improve-through-spiral-dynamics
I definitely reccomend being familiar with the concepts before reading this article.
SO now that we have the basics down with the hierarchy of needs and spiral dynamics lets put them together to find our path.
If your needs are low on the hierarchy, you can solve those needs by using mindsets low on spiral dynamics.
Physiological needs correspond to the Beige mindset, security needs correspond to the purple mindset.
Belonging needs correspond to the blue mindset, and esteem needs correspond to the orange mindset.
Finally, actualization needs correspond to the yellow mindset.
But wait didn't I forget red and green?
Red is a growth process that allows a purple society to become a blue one. When a purple society experiences enough red people taking advantage, they are required to make laws not only between humanity and nature, but between people as well, giving you a blue society.
Green is a growth process that allows an orange person to become a yellow one. Your goals can be as lofty as you like, but if they are not actually able to be accomplished, you cannot get anywhere. Understanding this you can see the whole picture without bias or undue optimism, and get down to business for yourself.
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From the bottom beige people create a purple society. Children of purple may become red, since they have never known a society without security and have no qualms about how difficult it is to keep. This forces the society to become Blue. Children of a blue society may become orange since they have never known a society without belongingness or conforming, and wish to be themselves within the society. Too many orange people forces a society to become green, as the goals of orange will eventually destroy the society without being put in check. Children of Green may become yellow, as they have never known a society without peace, and they understand the ramifications of all actions and mindsets below them.
Take care not to confuse Orange with Red. If you are in a society and want to do for yourself without truly knowing what it means to be a part of the society, you will inevitably hurt someone directly. You must do things for your esteem needs, not your survival needs.
Take care not to confuse Yellow for Orange. If you are in a society and feel like you know what is best for yourself and will do whatever it takes to get there, you are not truly understanding the entire process. Change happens as it will and you must surf the wave instead of forcing the water to do your bidding. You must do things for your actualization needs, not your esteem needs.
This understanding brings you to self actualization. Being yourself in the process of the change already present in the world.
If you are having problems with family, look to purple. If you are having problems with friends, look to orange. If you are having problems with yourself, look to yellow. If you understand the flow of this pattern you will understand the importance of understanding it fully.
That being said this is a theory in progress, and I would truly appreciate any ideas for refining it.
Thanks for reading!