Is Maximizing Potential Reserved for the Elite and Upper Class?
For whatever innate reason, I have a natural attraction for research on personal growth and maximizing potential. As such, this morning I found myself contemplating these topics during my morning run. As my mind wondered, I was led to the problem of generational poverty as it relates to the idea of growth and potential.
Generational poverty is a family living in poverty for two or more generations. Why is it that these families lack the ability to maximize their potential?
Asking myself this question led me to exploring Maslow’s hierarchy of needs once I got back to my computer.
Assuming you have either followed the link or already have a basic understanding of Maslow’s theory, I won’t bore you with the details. In short, if you are living in poverty, climbing to the top of the hierarchy is beyond difficult.
Maslow’s Theory of Maximizing Potential
By definition, maximizing potential equates to self-actualization at the top of the hierarchy. An in depth article on Manslow’s theory on Simply Psychology states:
Self-actualized people are those who were fulfilled and doing all they were capable of.
…Self-actualization refers to the need for personal growth and discovery that is present throughout a person’s life. For Maslow, a person is always ‘becoming’ and never remains static in these terms. In self-actualization, a person comes to find a meaning to life that is important to them…
Maslow believed self-actualization could be measured through the concept of peak experiences. This occurs when a person experiences the world totally for what it is, and there are feelings of euphoria, joy, and wonder.
IMHO, this ultimately means that poverty stricken communities have NO shot at maximizing potential. These communities also have very little time to think about personal growth beyond the basic and psychological needs.
Can You Maximize Your Potential By Pulling Yourself Up By Your Own Bootstraps?
This all may seem very obvious on the surface, but as a society we don’t address poverty with this obvious understanding presented by Maslow. I get the sense that the unspoken rule of the American Dream is that you are expected to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps.
According to the US Census Bureau, in 2017, there were 39.7 million Americans living in poverty or 12.3% of the pollution. Their definition of poverty is a family of 4 making less than $24,858.
On the other hand, Pew Research Center analysis of government data finds that 29% of adults lived in lower-income households. While low-income may not exactly equate to poverty, Pew’s research suggest that the Census Bureau’s definition of poverty is faux. It’s a better measure to define poverty comparatively. Using Pew’s calculator updated with 2016 data, a family of 4 making less than $50,256 in Metro Atlanta is basically poor.
My theory is that for this 29% of the population, pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps when it comes to maximizing potential is very unlikely. This 29% of the population will never get on a path to maximize their potential without intentional help. Not just the typical anti-poverty programs such as workforce, nutrition, housing, and health care assistance. These programs are obviously necessary and helpful according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. However, I’m talking about help growing beyond the bottom of the hierarchy.
The current state of society makes investing in personal growth a luxury. It’s not something public schools typically deal with. It’s also not something employers invest in for minimum-wage and low-wage employees. The elite are the only ones getting help growing beyond their basic and psychological needs.
In reality, the only way to grow into self-actualization is with mentoring and coaching. This is just not something available to the average person. In order to get this at work, you must be designated a high potential employee. To get this in school, you have to attend a private school or a public school in a high-income community. Other than that, you must invest thousands of dollars a year in coaching, conferences, and education. A cost that low-income earners can’t afford on their own.
Maximizing Potential Beyond the Elite – What’s the solution?
First, I believe the philanthropic and non-profit communities must come together to fund programs in this area. Right now there aren’t many programs addressing anything beyond basic and psychological needs. It’s clear that these basic and psychological needs are a priority. However, completely ignoring the growth mindset needed for self-actualization is a missed opportunity. Exposure is often the key to create ambition.
Next, I believe employers should move beyond high potential employee programs. Employers should start providing personal growth coaching and mentoring programs for a wider population. This population must include low-wage and minimum-wage employees. However, before an employer will do this, understanding the ROI is a prerequisite. Therefore, we need more data to make the case for expanding these programs beyond high potential employees before this will happen.
Finally, I think there is a need for the public educational system to direct more resources to growth mindset and self-actualization related activities. Right now, the priorities of schools are all wrong. Public schools are moving far too many resources towards teaching computer science in the K-12 educational system. I believe those resources would provide a better ROI if directed towards teaching life skills and personal growth concepts instead.