6 Core Human Needs

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George Wright III
August 25, 2025
 MIN
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6 Core Human Needs
August 25, 2025
 MIN

6 Core Human Needs

In this episode of The Daily Mastermind, host George Wright III explores why we do the things we do by delving into Tony Robbins' concept of the six core human needs: certainty, variety, significance, love and connection, growth, and contribution. George discusses how these needs influence our thoughts, behaviors, and overall satisfaction in life. He emphasizes the importance of fulfilling these needs in positive ways to lead a fulfilling and happy life, highlighting the balance between certainty and variety, the impact of significance, and the transformative power of growth and contribution. George encourages listeners to evaluate how they are meeting these needs and to live with intentionality towards a clear vision of their future.

6 Core Human Needs

All right. Welcome back to The Daily Mastermind. George Wright III here with your daily dose of inspiration, motivation, and education. I hope you’re having a great week so far. If not, it’s never too late—let’s get this week going.

Today, I want to talk to you about why we do the things we do.

Understanding Human Behavior

This is a topic I’ve touched on before, and it really connects to the six core human needs that Tony Robbins talks about. Have you ever wondered why you do the things you do? Our thoughts and emotions shape our behavior, but what truly influences our conscious and unconscious actions day-to-day?

Let’s talk about that today. And remember—it’s never too late to start living the life you’re meant to live. But to do that, you must consistently grow your mind, body, money, business, lifestyle, and relationships. That’s the reason I do The Daily Mastermind—so you can stay aware and focused on what it takes to reach your next level.

“It’s never too late to start living the life you’re meant to live.”

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

We’ve discussed different ideas about what influences our behaviors, but it all goes back to Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Maslow’s theory describes how basic needs—like food, shelter, and safety—shape our behavior at the foundational level. Once those are met, we begin striving for higher needs like love, esteem, and personal growth, leading toward self-actualization and fulfillment.

These needs are the driving forces behind human motivation. So, understanding and analyzing what you need is essential for living a fulfilling and balanced life.

Tony Robbins’ Six Core Human Needs

Tony Robbins expanded on this concept with what he calls the Six Core Human Needs—a framework that has impacted millions worldwide. Robbins teaches that all humans share these same six needs, and the way we fulfill them determines our level of happiness and satisfaction.

If you feel unfulfilled or restless, it’s likely that one of these needs isn’t being met—or perhaps it’s being met in a destructive way. Awareness of this is key.

The first four needs fulfill the personality, while the last two fulfill the spirit. True fulfillment comes from the spiritual needs of growth and contribution. Let’s break them down.

Certainty and Variety

The first core human need is certainty. We all crave safety, stability, comfort, predictability, and control. Some people, like me, really value control. Certainty helps us avoid pain and maintain order. But if you rely too heavily on certainty, it can trap you in comfort and prevent growth.

Your need for certainty is often tied to your beliefs—especially your limiting beliefs. If your sense of safety is built on false or outdated ideas, it might be holding you back rather than protecting you.

The second need is variety. As much as we crave stability, we also desire change, adventure, and surprise. It’s a fascinating paradox—we want both certainty and uncertainty.

One of my mentors, Robert Stuberg, always says that your success and happiness are in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty you can handle. That’s especially true for entrepreneurs. Growth happens outside your comfort zone—and that’s the land of uncertainty.

Balancing these two opposing needs is crucial: you must feel stable enough to stand firm but flexible enough to adapt and grow.

“Your success in life is in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty you can handle.”

Significance and Love

The third need is significance—the desire to feel special, important, and worthy of love. We all want to matter.

I once read a quote by Adam Kinski that perfectly captures this:
“You can feel more significant by achieving something, by building something, by learning something—or even by tearing other people down. They’re all legitimate ways to fulfill the need for significance.”

The need for significance can drive greatness or destruction. It fuels athletes to push harder, leaders to innovate, and creators to excel. But when misused, it leads to ego, competition, or even violence. Tony Robbins often notes that even violence can be an attempt to feel significant.

So the key question is: are you fulfilling your need for significance in a positive or negative way?

The fourth need is love and connection. This one is universal. We all seek approval, intimacy, communication, and belonging. Love can bring profound happiness—or deep pain when it’s absent.

If you’ve ever struggled with rejection, loneliness, or low self-worth, you know how powerful this need can be. The way you give and receive love is influenced by your beliefs and past experiences. The goal is to create healthy, empowering connections that uplift you instead of drain you.

Growth and Contribution

Now let’s look at the final two needs—those that bring true fulfillment: growth and contribution.

The fifth need, growth, is about continuous emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development. You’ve heard the saying, “If you’re not growing, you’re dying.” That’s because life itself is about evolution. Without growth, you feel stagnant.

But here’s the trap: perfectionism. Many of us are growing but don’t recognize it because we focus on how far we still have to go instead of how far we’ve come. I always remind people—play the game of life against your past self, not against others. Recognize your wins, track your progress, and celebrate growth as it happens.

The sixth and final need is contribution—the need to give beyond yourself. It’s the desire to serve, protect, and care for others. Whether you realize it or not, contribution fulfills you at the deepest level.

My partner Robert Stuberg defines life’s purpose as “using your unique talents in the service of others.” When you use your gifts to make a difference, you tap into the highest level of fulfillment.

As Tony Robbins says, “The secret to living is giving.”

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

So, how are you meeting your six core human needs?

Ask yourself:

  • What are my top needs right now?
  • How am I fulfilling them?
  • Are my behaviors serving or sabotaging my purpose?

We all fulfill our needs somehow—but not always in ways that move us closer to who we want to become. If you’re not intentional about how you meet them, you risk drifting through life—and drifting always leads to dissatisfaction and emptiness.

Live with purpose. Know your needs. Fulfill them with intention and positivity.

That’s my message for today. Do me a favor—share this episode. So many people out there are struggling, feeling stuck, or searching for fulfillment. This message might be exactly what they need.

Hit me up on The Daily Mastermind—on Instagram, Facebook, or our website. Leave me a message or tag me in your post. I’d love to hear from you and celebrate your growth.

Have an amazing day. Once again, this is George Wright III, and this has been The Daily Mastermind. I’ll talk with you tomorrow.

About George 

George Wright III is a proven, successful entrepreneur and he knows how to inspire entrepreneurs, companies, and individuals to achieve massive results. With more than 20 years of executive management experience and 25 years of direct marketing and sales experience, George is responsible for starting and building several successful multimillion-dollar companies. He started at a very young age to network and build his experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a driven and well-known entrepreneur. George built a multi-million-dollar seminar business, promoting some of the biggest stars and brands in the world. He has accelerated the success and cash flow in each of his ventures through his network of resources and results driven strategies. George is now dedicated to teaching and sharing his Prosperity Principles and strategies to every driven and passionate entrepreneur he meets. His mission is to empower entrepreneurs globally, to create massive change and LIVE their ultimate destiny.

You have GREATNESS inside you. I BELIEVE in you. Let’s make today the day you unleash your potential!

George Wright III

CEO, The Daily Mastermind | Evolution X

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