Achieving a high self-esteem is more than just having a healthy mind and body. Before people can directly tackle self-esteem issues, it is imperative that they satisfy their basic needs first. Abraham Maslow, a developmental psychologist, introduced the Theory of Human Motivation, which is more commonly known in the Hierarchy of Needs. In his Theory, he said that for people to be self-actualized, one must satisfy the development needs in one’s life – that is, physiological, safety, love, and esteem needs must all be satisfied first before proceeding to self-actualization. Since this is a hierarchy, tackling these issues proceeds in a step-like manner; that is, physiologic needs are the most basic needs which self-actualization are the highest form of needs.

In the Hierarchy of Needs, which Maslow proposed, esteem needs fall on the second highest level. Thus, in order for one to achieve high self-esteem, one must first satisfy his physiological, safety, as well as love/belonging needs before he can deal with esteem issues. After satisfying the basic needs, esteem issues that come in the form of self-esteem, self-confidence, self-achievement, self-respect, respect of others and respect by others can already be dealt with. Handling these issues in a positive way and having an adaptive coping mechanism in dealing with these issues can help an individual maximize his self-worth.

Self-actualization or becoming everything one is capable of becoming is everyone’s dream. However, there are needs thathave to be satisfied and issues that have to be dealt with before a person becomes self-actualized. Self-esteem issues are one of them.