Page 12 - Workbook - CLC Action

DAY 1 – THE ART OF LEADERSHIP: CREATING LASTING CHANGE

Human Needs Psychology

Human Needs Psychology provides an answer to the age-old question, “Why do human beings
do the things they do?” How is it that one human being will sacrifice their own life for another,
while another person will murder a stranger for sheer pleasure? What creates a Charles Manson
or a Nelson Mandela? A domestic terrorist or a Martin Luther King, Jr.? What is the force that
drives and shapes all of our emotions, actions, qualities of life and ultimately our destinies?
While most of us acknowledge that each human being is a unique and special soul, we also share
nervous systems that function in the same way. Every human being, whether a migrant worker or
royalty, has the same fundamental makeup. There are six fundamental needs that every person
has in common. All human behavior – be it from those whom we admire or despise – is simply
an attempt to meet those six needs. This drive to fulfill our 6 Human Needs is encoded in our
nervous system. Every person finds a way to meet their needs; the only question is whether they
will meet them in ways that are destructive or empowering to themselves and others.
The goal of Human Needs Psychology is to help people create additional consistent choices – new
patterns that allow them to be fulfilled long-term. Ideally, they will achieve the patterns in a way
that feels good, that is good for them, that is good for others and that ultimately serves the
greater good.

The 3 Molders of Meaning: The Triad

One of the core beliefs of Human Needs Psychology is that it’s not our conditions but our decisions
that shape our destiny. So the question becomes: What shapes our decisions – both in the short
term and in the long term? Answer: There are three factors – three molders of meaning – that
shape all the decisions we make in the moment.
There are three patterns that shape the meaning we associate
with our life experiences.
1. Patterns of physiology. How you use your physical body
such as breath, posture, movement, etc. 2 Focus 3 Language
2. Patterns of focus. Whatever you focus on, you will feel.
Consistent focus = consistent feelings. MEANING

3. Patterns of language / meaning. As soon as we put
words to an experience, it changes the meaning of
our experiences. 1 Physiology

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