The New Year brings a fresh start – a time to reflect, set goals, and resolve to make meaningful changes in our lives. Yet, many New Year’s resolutions falter. Why? Often, it’s because they don’t address the deeper needs driving our behaviour.

By turning to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, we can better understand what motivates us and set resolutions that are not only achievable but deeply fulfilling.

Resolutions through the lens of Maslow

Abraham Maslow, the American humanistic psychologist, developed his theory on what motivates people by conceptualising what he called a “hierarchy of needs”.  Certain needs are more basic and motivate us strongly to survive. Once these are met, we can progress up this hierarchy or ladder to attend to higher order needs which can help us reach our potential. 

Using this structure, we can design resolutions that align with where we are in life – and where we want to go.

Physiological

The first level represents the physiological needs of hunger and thirst. On the popular reality TV series, Survivor, you will have recognised that the participants spend a great deal of time being motivated to find food and fresh water.

By addressing these foundational needs, we create the energy and stability to focus on higher-level goals.

Resolutions focused on these needs might include:

• Eating healthier or incorporating more whole foods into your diet.
• Starting a regular exercise routine.
• Prioritising better sleep hygiene.

Safety and Security

Once basic survival is managed, the next step involves feeling safe and secure – financially, physically, and emotionally. 

Resolutions in this area might include:

• Building an emergency fund or paying down debt to improve financial security.
• Scheduling regular health check-ups or prioritising physical safety in your environment.
• Establishing a routine to manage stress and anxiety for emotional safety.

Love and belonging

The third level of needs, which directs and motivates people, is that of love and belongingness. The Survivor programme often highlights issues of acceptance and rejection and discussion of alliances and eliminations.

Relationships are key to our sense of connection and well-being. Resolutions might focus on:

• Spending more quality time with loved ones or mending strained relationships.
• Joining a community group or hobby club to meet like-minded people.
• Practicing gratitude or reaching out to friends more regularly to foster a sense of belonging.

Esteem

The penultimate level is that of esteem needs, which involve evaluations about our value, our importance, and our achievements. A well-functioning person is motivated to have positive self-evaluations. 

Resolutions here might focus on:

• Setting professional goals or learning new skills to boost confidence.
• Tackling imposter syndrome with tools like journaling or mindfulness.
• Celebrating small victories to reinforce a positive self-image.

Self-actualisation

The last and highest level he identified was that of self-actualisation, which involves the motives that drive us to achieve our full potential and live authentically. 

Resolutions at this level might include:

• Pursuing a passion project or creative endeavour.
• Practicing self-reflection to deepen personal growth.
• Volunteering or mentoring others to make a meaningful contribution.

By aligning resolutions with your needs, you can build a stronger foundation for lasting change.

Maslow supposes that self-actualisation is not possible if all the preceding lower-level needs are not met. While there are some criticisms of his ideas and model, his positive psychology approach was a refreshing jump in focus from the pathology and problem-saturated focus of earlier models of psychological treatment.

Turning resolutions into reality 

Even the most thoughtful resolutions can be challenging to maintain, particularly when underlying psychological barriers come into play. Another recent leap forward in psychological treatment proposed by Terence Watts is that of BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT) which is a fast and effective therapy based in neuroscience.

BWRT helps address the unconscious patterns that often sabotage our goals. It aligns perfectly with Maslow’s hierarchy by helping us overcome challenges at each level:

• Physical health. The BWRT NET programme enhances your health, fitness, and longevity.
• Emotional safety and financial security. BWRT Level 1 can help you process and treat trauma, loss, and various emotional disorders. The Financial Success programme can assist with financial mindset and goals. 
• Belonging and connection. BWRT can address social anxieties or feelings of rejection.
• Esteem and confidence. Standard BWRT protocols work on self-esteem, imposter syndrome, and overcoming self-doubt.
• Self-actualisation. BWRT PLUS offers life coaching to help you unlock your fullest potential.

By addressing psychological blocks, BWRT ensures that your resolutions have a foundation of emotional resilience and mental clarity.

You can use Maslow’s hierarchy to assess which areas of your life need attention. Are you focused on financial security, improving relationships, or pursuing a lifelong dream?

Then share your goals with a friend or work with a professional, like a BWRT practitioner, to overcome challenges.

A new year, a new you

It is never too late to start taking stock of your physical, emotional, and financial well-being and seeking advice on optimising these for an enriching and fulfilling life and eventual retirement.

The New Year is a powerful opportunity to recalibrate and focus on what matters most. By connecting your resolutions to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, you can ensure they are meaningful, achievable, and aligned with your core motivations.

Whether you’re tackling physical health, building emotional resilience, or striving for self-actualisation, tools like BWRT can help you navigate challenges and stay on course.

Start 2025 with clarity and purpose – invest in yourself, align your goals with your needs, and unlock your potential for a fulfilling year ahead.

Mark Eaton is a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist with extensive qualifications from both South Africa and the UK, specialising in forensic evaluations, mainly for civil litigation.