Why you keep falling back into the same behaviour when under pressure
Many people think that their behaviour is mainly down to discipline, motivation or personality.
But often there is something much more fundamental underlying it:
basic needs.
Everyone has basic psychological needs.
Such as:
- Security
- Uncertainty, variation
- Importance, recognition
- Love and Connection
- Growth
- Contribution, significance
And the moment one of those needs comes under pressure…
behaviour is set to change.
Then, for example, you might:
- Check
- Please
- Avoid
- Work harder
- Find confirmation
- Shutting yourself off
- Respond more quickly
Not because you’re weak.
But because your system is trying to safeguard a need.
I see this all the time in coaching and leadership.
A manager who keeps checking everything is often seeking reassurance.
Someone who avoids conflict does not want to lose that connection.
An entrepreneur who never takes a break links their self-worth to growth or success.
The problem?
Many people are completely unaware of that.
So they carry on fighting against this behaviour,
without understanding what the behaviour is actually trying to solve.
And that is precisely why patterns keep repeating themselves.
Not because you don’t understand it.
But because your underlying need is subconsciously guiding you.
As soon as you start to recognise that,
space is created.
Space to make more conscious choices.
Instead of reacting automatically when under pressure.
Would you like to find out which basic needs drive your behaviour the most?
Then take the basic needs assessment:
English 
Dutch