Lance Armstrong's Hierarchy

On October 2, 1996, Lance Armstrong went from being a world-class cyclist to hitting his all-time low when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He was only given a twenty percent chance of survival and needed to start chemotherapy and rehab immediately. According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Lance Armstrong was able to take the necessary steps one at a time to build up his motivation and success after the cancer scare.

Initially, Lance had to take precaution and listen to advice from his medical team in order to fight the battle ahead of him. He had to tackle and recognize his physiological needs, which were good health, and learning how to live again. Lance was fed and nurtured everyday adhering to a strict diet throughout the very difficult time and received proper attention. During his stay, Lance began to get better and had a sense of security since he was receiving the proper care and was starting to feel confident in his ability to beat his sickness. He was no longer at a low, but was steadily progressing toward becoming himself once again.

Lance had to put his trust into the hospital and especially grew fond of his nurse, who boosted his belongingness need. She was there with him throughout most of the stay and believed that he would make it through, even with the knowledge of his slim chances of survival. After a year of care, Lance was told that he was cured and no longer had cancer. Lance could have never returned to cycling and been a winner by overcoming cancer, but he was determined to continue cycling. However, Mr. Armstrong did not have a team to ride with until the US Postal Service team took a chance and welcomed him to their squad in 1998, after his previous team dismissed him.

His esteem needs were being fulfilled as Lance was seen as a positive influence to anyone suffering not only from cancer but any ailing disease. He was also named as the leader of his team and began training for the Tour de France once again. Lance was around a team of people who shared the same goals and encouraged one another while training through grueling courses and weather.

Although Lance was not a contender to win the Tour de France, he did so that year in 1999 and six years thereafter. According to the self actualization need, Lance had reached his full potential of being a great athlete, individual, role model, and a symbol of hope and inspiration.