How to stop surviving and start thriving.
[Title Photo by Vlada Karpovich]
The Hierarchy
Maslow gave us a map.
In 1954, psychologist Abraham Maslow introduced a framework that still shapes how we think about human needs today. His “Hierarchy of Needs” lays out a progression — starting with basic physiological needs like food and shelter, moving through safety and belonging, all the way to self-actualization: becoming the person you were meant to be.
The key idea? You move up the hierarchy as you meet your needs at each level. If you’re gasping for air, you’re not worried about finding meaning in your life. But once your basics are covered, your mind, heart, and energy open up to bigger questions. And bigger possibilities.
Unfortunately, our culture can keep us anchored in the lower levels of the hierarchy, worried about money, time, energy, security. We stay stuck in survival mode. And when you’re stuck in survival mode, it’s hard to thrive. As the Biblical character, Paul, wrote to the early Roman church, “Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking.” (Romans 12:1 The Message)
But when we practice building reserves by intentionally creating small surpluses of time, of money, of energy, we unlock the freedom to rise.
Excelerated Reserves™: Why They Matter
A reserve is a quiet “more than enough.” It’s not hoarding. It’s not luxury. It’s not overconsumption. It’s having what you need plus a little margin.
That margin changes everything.
When you’re not living paycheck to paycheck, hour to hour, or crisis to crisis, your mind is freer. You become less reactive, more creative. You’re not just surviving. You’re designing your life.
Reserves give you confidence. Security. Focus. Peace.
Build Your Reserves — One Area at a Time
Start with small, specific actions in these core categories.
Physiological Reserves (Air / Water / Food / Shelter)
- Keep extra paper towels, toilet paper, and soap on hand.
- Stock your pantry with healthy, shelf-stable staples.
- Set up a cozy corner in your home that feels like a retreat.
- Fill your gas tank when it hits half, not empty.
- Stick to a morning and evening routine that supports energy, not drains it.
Safety and Security Reserves
- Pay bills early (not just on time).
- Keep a backup of your files regularly.
- Know what insurance you have and where the paperwork is.
- Build a small emergency fund (then keep building).
- Avoid people, situations, and habits that deplete your energy or threaten your peace.
Love and Belonging Reserves
- Have someone you can call when life goes sideways.
- Say “I love you” regularly to your spouse, partner, kids, or close friends.
- Build community through your faith, service, or interest groups.
- Create rituals of connection: weekly calls, coffee dates, shared meals.
Quick Actions to Begin Now
- Pick one area where you feel stretched too thin. (Money? Energy? Time?)
- Choose a reserve-building action from the list above or create your own.
- Do it today. Then choose one more for next week.
Reflect and Reset
Ask yourself:
- Where in my life do I feel most reactive, like I’m barely keeping up?
- What kind of reserve would create peace or space in that area?
- What’s one small step I could take this week?
The bottom line? The life you want to live, the Excelerated Life™, starts with feeling safe, strong, and steady. When your basic needs are secure, your energy rises. Your vision clears. You begin to climb.
Build your reserves. Then keep climbing. For that’s how you embrace your Excelerated Life™!
Where would building a reserve make the most difference for you at this time?
What step could you take today to begin?
Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
Excelerated Reserves™ — moving from scarcity to abundance — is one practice for creating your Excelerated Life™, a life of flourishing and well-being, and a life of meaning, purpose, and service.
Read more about the Excelerated Life™.
This blog post includes research information and suggestions provided by ChatGPT, an AI language model developed by OpenAI. The content was generated with AI assistance and is intended to provide information and guidance. Please note that the suggestions are not official statements from OpenAI. To learn more about ChatGPT and its capabilities, you can visit the OpenAI website.