Beyond the Illusion of Scarcity and Endless Need

In the world of nonprofits, there’s a relentless pressure to scale. To reach more people. To do more with less. It’s a noble pursuit, but it often comes at a cost: depth. We’ve found ourselves caught in this whirlwind, grappling with the question: is it better to serve a larger number of people superficially, or a smaller number deeply?

The argument for scaling is compelling. Needs are everywhere, a seemingly endless sea of suffering. But is this truly accurate? Are needs infinite, or is it our societal structures that perpetuate the illusion of scarcity?

Philosopher and psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchical structure of human needs, suggesting that once basic physiological and safety needs are met, people strive for belonging, esteem, and ultimately, self-actualization. This model offers a framework for understanding that human needs are, in fact, finite.

While Maslow's hierarchy provides valuable insights, it offers a linear progression of needs. A more holistic approach is presented in the Circle of Seven Essential Needs, developed by Mike Sosteric. This model emphasizes the interconnectedness of human needs, including security, connection, contribution, growth, pleasure, meaning, and independence. Unlike Maslow's pyramid, the Circle of Seven highlights how these needs influence and reinforce each other.

Our society, driven by a capitalist model, often prioritizes the creation of endless wants over the fulfillment of fundamental needs. This distorted reality perpetuates the illusion of scarcity and hinders our ability to address the core issues faced by individuals and communities. By focusing on serving a smaller number of people deeply, we challenge this status quo and invest in creating lasting change.

When we adopt a holistic approach that addresses the entire spectrum of human needs, we move beyond simply meeting basic requirements. We create opportunities for individuals to build strong relationships, discover their passions, contribute to their communities, and find a sense of purpose. By empowering people to thrive in all dimensions of their lives, we not only improve their well-being but also strengthen the fabric of our society.

Let's shift our focus from merely counting the number of people served to measuring the true impact of our work on the lives of those we serve. By prioritizing depth and quality, we can create a world where every individual has the opportunity to fulfill their potential and live a life of meaning and purpose.