Comfort, security, safety, predictability, feeling grounded
What does Certainty mean in the context of Human Needs? It represents the yearning for a sense of safety, comfort in one’s surroundings, and the pursuit of pleasure while avoiding pain. Without Certainty, living in a state of fear becomes inevitable. Embracing a significant level of Certainty fosters feelings of stability, groundedness, protection, and security, allowing individuals to anticipate and rely on essential safeguards in their lives. Similar to other fundamental human needs, the required level of Certainty varies from person to person and is satisfied through diverse means, both in positive and negative ways. For one individual, Certainty may be found in a modest one-room apartment on a minimum wage, while another seeks it in a shelter a few blocks away, and yet another associates Certainty with an annual income exceeding two million dollars. Like the other five needs, Certainty is relative and dependent on one’s psychological blueprint.
The human brain is not well-equipped to handle significant levels of uncertainty, as it induces stress. Consequently, individuals may go to great lengths to attain Certainty in life. Avoiding pain is a survival instinct ingrained in the brain, as prolonged pain leads to damage, affecting overall psychological, emotional, and physical well-being and, eventually, mortality.
The quality of life is intricately linked to one’s ability to adapt to uncertainty. Successfully navigating uncertainty fosters life skills such as motivation, creativity, a propensity for learning, and the capacity and desire to embrace change.
The first step to gaining Certainty, if you feel you’re lacking, is to look at your overall life and realize you’ve already made it through so much, you’ve always been able to do it, you’re are okay now, you are not your circumstances, to persevere, and work to improve. The second step is to step back and look at all the blessings in your life – and be grateful for them. Spend time in gratitude for what you have.
Remember that the level of certainty needed varies from person to person, and finding a balance that works for you is key. Additionally, it’s essential to remain open to adaptability and change, as complete certainty is not always achievable in the dynamic nature of life.
