Six Human Needs

Are you looking for some direction and reasons behind what we do and why? Enjoying the little things and taking time to reflect on what we do over our day can reap rewards personally. Incorporate these into your daily life and hopefully it will assist you in your endeavours.

Here is a daily task and expectations list categorised by the six human needs, with the understanding that these are general suggestions and can be adapted to your personal life and goals. I have my own list that incorporates a variety of different exercise, meditation, music, outreach, organisational, and events.  My list includes a lot of different things and there is no pressure to complete the list, it is a list to review, a catalyst to action. Give yourself a break sometimes. Make your own Daily plan that includes the people and things that you love.

The six human needs, as defined by Tony Robbins, are:

1. Certainty: The need for security, comfort, consistency, and control.

2. Uncertainty/Variety: The need for novelty, challenges, excitement, and change.

3. Significance: The need to feel important, special, unique, and needed.

4. Love and Connection: The need for connection, belonging, intimacy, and love.

5. Growth: The need to expand, learn, and improve.

6. Contribution: The need to give back, help others, and make a difference.

Daily Task and Expectations List

Category 1: Certainty

Morning:

• Task: Wake up at a consistent time.

• Expectation: This creates a predictable start to the day, reducing decision fatigue and stress.

• Task: Follow a consistent morning routine (e.g., make your bed, have a coffee, read for 10 minutes, exercise, meditate).

• Expectation: This provides a sense of control and stability, setting a positive tone for the day.

Throughout the Day:

• Task: Plan your day in advance. Use a calendar or a to-do list.

• Expectation: This gives you a clear roadmap, reducing anxiety about what needs to be done.

• Task: Stick to a consistent meal schedule. Whats for lunch, whats for dinner

• Expectation: This provides a sense of rhythm and predictability, both physically and mentally.

• Task: Have a designated workspace that is organised and clean.

• Expectation: This creates a reliable and comfortable environment for focused work.

Evening:

• Task: Wind down with a consistent evening routine (e.g., read, listen to calming music, TV, Reflect, do light stretches).

• Expectation: This signals to your brain that it's time to rest, promoting better sleep and a feeling of security.

• Task: Prepare for the next day (e.g., lay out clothes, pack your lunch).

• Expectation: This reduces morning chaos and provides a feeling of preparedness and control.

Category 2: Uncertainty/Variety

Morning:

• Task: Listen to a new podcast or a different genre of music during your commute or morning routine.

• Expectation: This introduces new ideas and sensations, stimulating your brain.

Throughout the Day:

• Task: Learn one new thing today, even a small fact or a new word. Contact someone you haven't spoken to for a while.

• Expectation: This keeps your mind active and curious.

• Task: Take a different route for a walk or your commute.

• Expectation: This breaks the monotony of your routine and allows you to see your environment in a new way.

• Task: Work on a task that is challenging and requires you to learn or problem-solve.

• Expectation: This provides a sense of excitement and growth from overcoming a challenge.

Evening:

• Task: Watch a documentary or movie outside of your usual genre.

• Expectation: This exposes you to new stories, ideas, and perspectives.

• Task: Try a new recipe for dinner or a new ingredient you've never used before.

• Expectation: This adds a fun, creative challenge to a daily routine.

Category 3: Significance

Morning:

• Task: Start your day with a positive affirmation, such as "I am focused and ready to achieve my goals." or one that you like

• Expectation: This builds self-worth and confidence from the start of the day.

Throughout the Day:

• Task: Do your work with excellence and attention to detail.

• Expectation: This allows you to take pride in your work and feel a sense of accomplishment.

• Task: Take ownership of a task or project, showing initiative and leadership.

• Expectation: This makes you feel valuable and important to a team or family.

• Task: Acknowledge your own small victories throughout the day. Tick things off that list. If it didn't go as you expected, move on. Do you know the goldfish analogy?

• Expectation: This reinforces your progress and makes you feel proud of what you're achieving.

Evening:

• Task: Reflect on what you accomplished and what you're proud of from the day.

• Expectation: This reinforces your feeling of significance and worth.

• Task: Express gratitude for your unique skills and talents.

• Expectation: This helps you appreciate your own value and contribution.

Category 4: Love and Connection

Morning:

• Task: Send a quick, thoughtful message to a friend or family member.

• Expectation: This strengthens your relationships and makes you feel connected.

• Task: Have a meaningful conversation with a partner or family member over breakfast.

• Expectation: This fosters intimacy and connection from the start of the day.

Throughout the Day:

• Task: Take a break to call or video chat with a loved one.

• Expectation: This provides a moment of genuine human interaction, which is vital for well-being.

• Task: Make an effort to connect with a colleague at work, beyond just the tasks.

• Expectation: This builds rapport and a sense of belonging in your professional life.

• Task: Practice active listening when speaking with others.

• Expectation: This shows that you care and value the people in your life, deepening the connection.

Evening:

• Task: Spend quality time with family or your partner without distractions (e.g., no phones during dinner).

• Expectation: This creates a space for true connection and bonding.

• Task: Express appreciation and affection to those you love.

• Expectation: This reinforces your bonds and strengthens the feeling of being loved.

Category 5: Growth

Morning:

• Task: Read a few pages of a non-fiction book related to a skill you want to develop.

• Expectation: This starts your day with a focus on personal improvement.

Throughout the Day:

• Task: Spend 30 minutes on a hobby or a skill you are trying to master.

• Expectation: This provides dedicated time for personal development and mastery.

• Task: Ask for constructive feedback on your work from a manager or peer.

• Expectation: This shows your commitment to growth and provides a clear path for improvement.

• Task: Reflect on a challenge or a mistake and consider what you learned from it.

• Expectation: This turns setbacks into learning opportunities, fostering a growth mindset.

Evening:

• Task: Listen to a podcast or watch a tutorial on a topic you want to learn more about.

• Expectation: This continues the learning process and sparks curiosity.

• Task: Journal about your personal growth goals and track your progress.

• Expectation: This solidifies your commitment to self-improvement and allows you to see how far you've come.

Category 6: Contribution

Morning:

• Task: Offer to help a family member with a chore.

• Expectation: This provides an immediate opportunity to be of service to someone you care about.

Throughout the Day:

• Task: Share your knowledge or skills with a colleague who is struggling with a task.

• Expectation: This makes you feel useful and helps others succeed.

• Task: Offer a genuine compliment to someone.

• Expectation: This spreads positivity and contributes to a better environment.

• Task: Do a small act of kindness for a stranger (e.g., hold the door, let someone go ahead of you in a queue).

• Expectation: This creates a ripple effect of positivity and makes you feel good about yourself.

Evening:

• Task: Plan a way to volunteer or help a community cause.

• Expectation: This gives you a clear path to make a meaningful difference beyond your immediate circle.

• Task: Think about how your work or actions benefited others today.

• Expectation: This reinforces the idea that your life has a positive impact and contributes to the world around you.

By intentionally incorporating tasks and expectations from each of these categories into your daily life, you can work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life that meets all six of your core human needs.

Questions to evoke some thought - Which of the 6 Human needs am I meeting through this behaviour? Which need do I focus on the most? What behaviour do I do to meet that need?