Why Maslow got it Backward: Starting at Self-actualization Changes Everything

What if everything you've been taught about building a successful, stable life is actually keeping you stuck in survival mode? For decades, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs has told us that we need to secure our basic needs first — food, shelter, safety, stability — before we're allowed to pursue our purpose, creativity, or spiritual growth. That self-actualization is a luxury we earn after everything else is handled. But what if that's completely backwards? In this episode, Mariah shares her radical perspective: that waiting for security before pursuing your purpose is exactly what keeps you trapped in scarcity consciousness. Drawing from her own journey of growing up poor, moving through eleven schools, and making survival-based decisions that led her away from her true path, she reveals how everything shifted when she flipped the pyramid upside down. When you start with self-actualization, with purpose, spiritual growth, and aligned action, the foundation doesn't crumble. It actually builds itself in ways you could never have forced from a place of fear. In This Episode, You'll Discover: - Why Maslow's traditional hierarchy keeps people stuck in survival mode indefinitely (and how growing up poor taught Mariah that "enough" never comes when you're chasing security first) - What happens when you flip the pyramid upside down — starting with purpose and self-actualization FIRST - How focusing on becoming your highest self naturally attracts community, which creates safety, which fulfills your basic needs (the exact opposite of what we've been taught) - Ancient wisdom from Buddha, Jesus, and spiritual traditions worldwide that have always taught the opposite of Maslow — and why Western psychology ignores this - The cognitive dissonance of honoring spiritual leaders who transcended material needs while telling everyday people they must secure those needs first - Modern proof that this works: How content creators embody aligned action by sharing their gifts before they have security — and how the universe responds - Practical ways to start at the top of the pyramid this week, even if your circumstances aren't "perfect" This Episode Is For You If: - You've been waiting to feel "stable enough" or "secure enough" to pursue your purpose - You're stuck in survival mode, constantly chasing "enough" but never arriving - You've made decisions based on fear and scarcity rather than alignment - You're tired of putting your dreams on hold until "someday" - You're ready to work WITH universal law instead of against it - You want to understand how quantum healing and abundance consciousness actually operate Key Themes: Universal Law & Quantum Healing: Learn why survival consciousness keeps you vibrating at the frequency of lack and limitation — and how starting with purpose allows you to access the quantum field of infinite potential. When you align with your highest self first, the universe reorganizes itself to support your new energetic state. Purpose & Aligned Action: Discover that taking aligned action toward your purpose isn't irresponsible — it's how manifestation actually works. You don't wait for external circumstances to be perfect before stepping into your gifts. You step into your gifts and watch how the external world shifts to match your vibration. Key Takeaway: Maslow had it backwards. Self-actualization isn't the reward for handling everything else — it's the foundation that makes everything else possible. When you prioritize purpose and aligned action, you're working WITH universal law. You operate from the quantum field of infinite potential instead of the limited field of survival, and from that elevated frequency, community, security, and resources flow to you naturally. Challenge for This Week: Do ONE thing that serves your highest self, your purpose, your spiritual growth — even if the "practical" things aren't perfect yet. Stop waiting for security before pursuing your purpose. Take aligned action NOW and watch how the universe responds. Reflection Question: "What would change in your life if you gave yourself permission to start at the top of the pyramid?" Resources Mentioned: Free Facebook Group for community support and energetic healing practices facebook.com/groups/jotindi Clarity Map: Free journaling prompts and exercises to uncover your purpose and step into aligned action (available at mariahaurora.com/freebie/clarity) Connect With Mariah: @themariahauroa on Instagram Join the Jotindi Soul Circle on Facebook! Join the Jotindi Email list to get VIP access to behind-the-scenes, exclusive content, and first access to new episodes! A Note From Mariah: If this episode challenged something you've believed your whole life, sit with that. Sometimes the most transformational shifts come from questioning what we've been taught and opening ourselves to a radically different way of seeing. You don't have to wait for permission to step into your purpose. You don't have to prove you're...