We sometimes get to a point in our lives where we question the meaning of our goals, dreams, potential and general life direction.
The meaning of our lives is the basis of leading a fulfilling experience – from our connection with others, our inner being and our place in the world around us, to our simple physiological needs.
Self-actualization is about moving up to the next level and being the best we can be in order to give meaning to our life – something everyone strives to do whether consciously or not.
What Exactly is Self-Actualization?
The concept of self-actualization was coined by the psychologist Abraham Maslow 1 who studied the theory of human needs. He believed that happiness derives, not from animalistic or mechanical behaviours nor the unconscious impulses we possess, but rather the drive to develop our understanding and wisdom of our full potential and capabilities.
Why We Need to Put Emphasis on Self-Actualization
Maslow believed that everyone is fundamentally hard-wired to self-actualize. Most people are at different stages – some can self-actualize at an early age or others reach the stage later in life but for most of us, we are have a need to better ourselves on a subconscious level throughout our lives.
In other words, it’s our want to grow whether we do this intentionally or unintentionally. We may do this through reading more widely to gain a better understanding of a subject, or simply choosing to see certain things from a different, more positive perspective.
It’s this self-actualization that we need in life to feel fulfilled and feel like we’re growing and developing as a person.
If you’re still not sure how this translates into your own life, there are some characteristics of self-actualization that you can probably identify with. These are:
- Perceiving reality in a skilled way: being able to see what’s happening to you and what’s going on around you with a balanced and accepting approach.
- The ability to accept yourself and others: understanding ourselves in a non-judgemental way as well as those around us.
- Being appreciative of life: appreciating what life is in all its faults and glory – in your own…
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