Needs in Action: The Olive Oil Problem

As faculty in higher education, we are responsible for meeting the needs of our students, colleagues, and institutions. However, in order to do so effectively, we must also prioritize meeting our own needs. Our ability to meet the needs of others is dependent on our own needs being met first.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that explains human motivation. According to this theory, humans have a set of needs that must be met in a specific order. At the base of the hierarchy are physiological needs like food, water, and shelter. Once these needs are met, individuals move on to safety needs like security and stability, followed by love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and finally self-actualization needs.

I have been semi-nomadic since a few months into the COVID-19 pandemic. While it has been fun to try living in different cities, I have noticed that it is taking up a lot of my time and energy to keep arranging new spaces, travel, and settle in again (I call this “the olive oil problem”, because I keep having to buy new bottles of olive oil in each new city).

Unfortunately, because my housing needs aren't consistently met, it's more difficult for me to be creative and to focus meeting others needs. While I love exploring new places and meeting new people, I am realizing that it's time for me to settle into a space of my own.

Settling into a home again will provide me with a sense of safety and security; then I’ll have more energy for my creative projects and helping others, both of which are important to my overall wellbeing and enjoyment of life.

Prioritizing self-care is not selfish; it is necessary for us to be able to effectively meet the needs of others. As faculty in higher education, we are responsible for supporting the growth and development of our students, as well as contributing to the advancement of our institutions. However, if we neglect our own needs, we risk burning out and being unable to effectively meet the needs of others.

Some strategies for meeting our own needs might include

• Setting boundaries around our work and personal time.

• Prioritizing self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and time with loved ones.

• Seeking out support from colleagues, mentors, and mental health professionals.

• Engaging in professional development activities that align with our personal and professional goals.

• Taking time to reflect on our own growth and development.
  

I’m looking forward to tending to my houseplants, setting up a consistent routine, and using my excess energy to support others’ self-actualization!

Let me know if you'd like support in meeting your own needs, so that you can free up energy!

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