Foundations - Week 1

Welcome to Week 1

If you like to know what’s ahead, here’s a quick preview of the concepts we’ll explore this week. Prefer a little mystery? Feel free to jump straight into the first card: Basic Needs.

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What is it?

Week 1 focuses on physiological needs—the essentials for survival like air, water, food, shelter, income, and the will to persevere. These are the foundation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Without them, it’s nearly impossible to focus on wellness, leadership, or long-term goals. When these needs are unmet, stress and distraction take over.

An overview of this week's concepts

Each concept is tied to the foundational level of Maslow’s model and includes a daily challenge to help you reflect and grow:

• Basic Needs. These are directly tied to physiological needs.

• Meeting them creates the foundation for emotional and psychological growth.

• Without them, the pursuit of higher goals (like self-actualization) is compromised.

  
  

• Optimism. While not a physiological need, optimism can buffer stress when basic needs are threatened.

  
  

  • It helps individuals cope with scarcity and maintain hope, which supports resilience and motivation to meet those needs.

    
    

• Intelligence. Intelligence can influence how effectively someone navigates challenges related to basic needs (e.g., problem-solving, resource management).

  
  

  • It plays a role in planning and decision-making, which supports long-term well-being.

    
    

• Personality. Traits like conscientiousness or openness can affect how people respond to unmet needs.

  
  

  • Personality influences coping strategies, social support, and adaptability—all of which impact how basic needs are met and how one moves toward self-actualization.

    
    

• Genetics. Genetics shape biological predispositions (e.g., metabolism, sleep patterns, mental health risks) that affect how physiological needs are experienced.

  
  

  • They also influence traits like temperament, which can affect motivation and resilience.

    
    

• Locus of Control. Refers to whether someone believes they have control over their life (internal) or are controlled by external forces (external).

  
  

  • A strong internal locus of control can empower individuals to take action to meet their basic needs and pursue growth.

  • An external locus may lead to helplessness or passivity, especially when needs are unmet.

Understanding and practicing these concepts sets the stage for growth, leadership, and resilience.

Challenge yourself, share your insights, and enjoy the journey. You never know when a card with a single idea or challenge might spark something powerful and open a whole new set of possibilities and opportunities.

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Checkpoint: Something to consider today...

How does practicing personal wellness make you a better leader?