Climb Your Way to Well-Being: How to Identify and Improve Your Needs with Maslow’s Hierarchy
- Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez
- Aug 9
- 5 min read
Have you ever felt like something in your life is “off” but you can’t quite figure out why? Maybe you’ve been working hard but feel unmotivated, or you have a stable home yet still feel disconnected. That’s where Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs can help—a simple framework that maps out human needs from the most basic to the most fulfilling.
In this article, I’ll walk you through:
How to figure out where you are on the hierarchy right now,
Step-by-step actions you can take to move up to the next level,
And how working with Three Treasures Life Coaching can help you make lasting changes.
Let’s start by understanding the framework.
Understanding Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow’s Hierarchy is often pictured as a pyramid with five levels:
Physiological Needs – Food, water, shelter, sleep, and basic health.
Safety Needs – Security, financial stability, physical health, and a safe environment.
Love and Belonging – Relationships, friendships, family connections, and community.
Esteem Needs – Self-confidence, achievement, recognition, and respect.
Self-Actualization – Living your purpose, creativity, and personal growth.
The idea is simple: it’s hard to focus on higher levels if the lower ones aren’t met. If you’re worried about paying rent, for example, you’ll have little mental energy to work on your creative dreams.
Step 1: Find Out Where You Are Right Now
To make progress, you first need to pinpoint your current level. Here’s a quick self-check—just see how many statements you can honestly say “yes” to this week.
Physiological
I get 7–9 hours of sleep most nights.
I eat regular, balanced meals and stay hydrated.
I move my body daily.
I take my prescribed medications or supplements.
If you checked fewer than 3, start here.
Safety
My home environment feels stable and safe.
I have a plan or budget for my bills.
I keep important documents organized.
I have a basic healthcare plan and emergency contacts.
If you checked fewer than 3, focus on safety.
Love and Belonging
I connect with someone who understands me weekly.
I feel part of a community or group.
I both give and receive emotional support.
I have at least one person I can call in an emergency.
If you checked fewer than 3, nurture connection.
Esteem
I’m building skills that matter to me.
I keep promises to myself.
I set and keep healthy boundaries.
I recognize my own accomplishments.
If you checked fewer than 3, strengthen esteem.
Self-Actualization
I’m working on a personal purpose or creative goal.
I reflect regularly through journaling, meditation, or prayer.
I choose growth over comfort at least once a week.
I contribute to something bigger than myself.
If you checked fewer than 3, work toward personal growth here.
Step 2: A Practical 7-Day Plan for Each Level
Once you know your starting point, use the following plan to build a solid foundation before moving to the next tier.
If You’re at Physiological Needs
Goal: Stabilize your basic health.
Daily actions (15–30 minutes total):
Wake up at the same time each day to anchor your sleep schedule.
Drink one glass of water upon waking and another at lunch.
Include one protein and one colorful fruit or vegetable in each meal.
Move your body for 10 minutes (walking, stretching, or Qi Gong).
Pro tip: Have 2 go-to meals you can prepare quickly for busy days.
If You’re at Safety Needs
Goal: Reduce uncertainty and create stability.
This week:
Spend one hour organizing bills, due dates, and auto-pay.
Schedule one medical check-up or refill prescriptions.
Declutter one small space to create a sense of order.
Gather important documents in one folder (digital or physical).
Pro tip: Limit news intake to once per day to protect your mental space.
If You’re at Love and Belonging
Goal: Deepen meaningful connections.
This week:
Reach out to two friends or family members without an agenda.
Plan one shared activity (coffee, walk, or online chat).
Write or record one gratitude message and send it.
Reduce social media accounts that drain you, and follow uplifting ones.
If You’re at Esteem Needs
Goal: Build confidence and self-trust.
This week:
Choose one small daily habit (read one page, tidy one surface) and track it.
Spend two 25-minute sessions building a skill you care about.
Write down one win each day—no matter how small.
Practice saying “no” when something doesn’t serve you.
If You’re at Self-Actualization
Goal: Align your life with your values and purpose.
This week:
Write a one-page “ideal month” describing how you’d like to live.
Choose one 30-day project (write a chapter, volunteer weekly, start a course).
Schedule three deep work sessions without distractions.
Do one act of service or mentorship.
Step 3: The 30-Day Ladder Plan
Here’s how to make steady progress:
Week 1: Focus entirely on your current level’s actions.
Week 2: Maintain those habits and add the next level up.
Week 3: Continue building while adding the next tier.
Week 4: Review progress, make adjustments, and celebrate wins.
Common Sticking Points (and How to Overcome Them)
“I don’t have time.” Start with just two minutes a day—small steps compound.
“I fall off when stressed.” Have a backup habit ready (5 wall stretches instead of a full workout).
“I have no support.” Ask someone directly for a short accountability call or check-in.
“It’s all or nothing.” Count your attempts, not perfection.
Step 4: Keep Yourself on Track
Do a 5-question check-in each week:
Which level felt the most shaky this week?
What one action helped me the most?
What got in the way?
How can I adjust next week?
Who can I tell for accountability?
You can keep this in a journal, a notes app, or even a voice memo. The reflection itself will push you forward.
Why Coaching Makes the Climb Easier
Moving through Maslow’s hierarchy isn’t just about willpower—it’s about clarity, accountability, and having a guide who sees the big picture when you’re caught in the details.
That’s exactly what Three Treasures Life Coaching offers. We’ll:
Identify your exact starting point,
Create a personalized 30-day ladder plan,
Keep you motivated and on track with realistic, life-friendly steps.
You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re rebuilding your foundation, reconnecting with your community, or stepping into your purpose, I can help you create momentum and sustain it.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to move from surviving to truly thriving, now is the perfect time to start.
Book your clarity session with Three Treasures Life Coaching today—and let’s build your path up the pyramid, one steady step at a time.
About the Author:
Dr. Guadalupe Vanderhorst Rodriguez is a Doctor of Acupuncture (D.Ac.), Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.), and Life Coach dedicated to helping people heal, grow, and thrive—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
With over 16 years of professional experience, she blends the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Indigenous healing practices, and modern coaching strategies to guide clients toward balanced, purposeful living.
Her holistic approach addresses the whole person, not just the symptoms. Whether working with someone to relieve chronic pain, restore emotional harmony, or rediscover life’s meaning, Dr. Rodriguez creates customized plans that meet clients exactly where they are.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Rodriguez is the founder of Three Treasures Life Coaching, a program that helps individuals identify their current stage of growth, create clear action steps, and stay accountable to their personal transformation.
She is also an author, educator, and advocate for self-empowerment, offering workshops, online courses, and resources that encourage others to take charge of their health and life path.
Her mission is simple but powerful: to empower people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to live with vitality, clarity, and joy—one intentional step at a time.
When she’s not working with clients, Dr. Rodriguez can be found writing, researching genealogy, creating educational content, or enjoying time with her family.
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