It’s Not Rocket Science
Focus on the basics for lasting fulfilment
Podcasts like Diary of a CEO and books on gut-based biology by Dr. Tim Spector are more popular than ever as we obsess over optimising tiny parts of our human condition in pursuit of lasting happiness.
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are spending large proportions of their time, money, and energy into optimising themselves to reach their potential. I love their commitment and intentionality - but I wonder if it’s directed in the right place?
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Abraham Maslow's theory on the hierarchy of needs outlines our common human needs, starting with the most fundamental physiological needs—food, water, and shelter—then safety, followed by love and belonging, esteem, and finally, self-actualisation.
This pursuit of our potential through personal growth and creativity sounds great, but if we focus solely on the top of the pyramid, we risk neglecting the vital foundations below.
If we redirected the time, energy, and money spent on self-optimisation into meeting the basic conditions we need, how much more fulfilled might we feel?
Understand your basic conditions
To help clients determine the conditions they need, I use the following four buckets:
Social: Quality time with friends, family, and yourself.
Physiological: Food, rest, exercise, and hydration.
Emotional: Safety, security, belonging, love, and affection.
Mental: Managing stress, anxiety, and emotional wellness.
We then look at the following three things:
Active vs Passive: Are you intentionally choosing when and how to meet these condition, or do they simply ‘happen’?
Frequency: Which conditions do you prioritise most and least?
Define Good Enough: What does meeting each condition look like at a ‘good enough’ level, and what would be ‘peak’?
What do my conditions mean for work?
If you’re feeling stressed, dissatisfied, or lacking in motivation at work, I’d encourage you to start with this practical tool before making any big changes. Check in with yourself and see if you’re meeting your conditions.
It’s a life-long practice
Life isn't static; neither are the conditions we need. What we can get better at, is checking in on our needs, and practising prioritising them first.
At Bright Yellow, we’re dedicated to helping you understand the unique conditions you need and how to consciously structure your life to meet them—creating a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with work and life overall.