What is the best way to reach your full potential?
Setting your mind on self-actualization is one of the best ways to improve. According to psychology, this means fulfilling all your needs for sustenance, safety, and love before you reach self-actualization. Along the way, you will build confidence, self-esteem, and respect for others.
In this article, we’ll delve deeper into self-actualization and help you understand how to conquer all the necessary steps along the way.
What Do You Mean By Self Actualization?
At first glance, the concept of self-actualization might seem difficult to grasp. But breaking it down into individual components will make it easier to understand:
Creativity
This is one of the basic traits all self-actualized people share. Creativity in this sense involves all aspects of life. This extends beyond the practice of art to incorporate all ways in which the human mind can exercise its imagination.
For example, creative problem solving can be an effective way to deal with everyday dilemmas. The more you exercise your creative muscles, the stronger they’ll get.
Democracy
Accepting others and yourself is the core of actualization. This means self-actualized individuals are not judgmental.
They can enjoy life freely by treating everyone equally, regardless of their status, culture, or background.
Autonomy
Being self-actualized means being independent. This means you’re able to strike out on your own and follow your own path.
Autonomy is important for actualization because it allows you to cherish every experience and moment in your life.
How Do You Determine Self Actualization?
In general, people with a high level of self-actualization focus on problem-solving. They enjoy utilizing problem-solving skills to help others deal with common everyday issues.
At the same time, self-actualized individuals have a great sense of responsibility and ethics.
Spontaneity is another important factor that determines self-actualization. It means being unconventional and open to new people and experiences. They are limited by the norms that govern society and experiment with different experiences in life.
Finally, a person who is self-actualized has clearly defined goals. They enjoy not just the goal itself but the journey they take to get there.
So, how do you compare to some of the traits of self-actualization? Are you spontaneous? Creative? Do you possess great problem-solving skills?
The answers to these questions will help you determine your personal level of self-actualization.
What is Maslow’s theory?
Maslow’s theory of self-actualization originated from humanistic psychology.
He used the concept to describe individual growth to reach the highest fulfillment of personal needs.
Maslow also created a hierarchy of needs. At the very bottom of the hierarchy are the needs for basic survival like air, water, sleep, etc.
Self-actualization sits at the top of Maslow’s hierarchy. It’s only been fulfilling the lower needs of the hierarchy that you can eventually attain self-actualization.
For example, it would be hard to seek self-esteem and social belonging (higher on the hierarchy) if you are constantly hungry or in physical danger (lower on the hierarchy).
Final word
Everybody is creative in different ways. You just really have to tap into it.
-Jon Butcher, Author of Mindvalley’s Lifebook Program
Creativity is one of the most powerful tools on the path to self-actualization. So, ask yourself: what makes you creative? What opportunity can you use to exercise your creativity today?
So, are you ready to tackle actualization? Which aspect of self-realization do you find the most difficult? Don’t forget to share your thoughts.
