self-Actualization

At the top of Maslow’s five levels of the hierarchy of needs, is self actualization. But what does it mean, what is this state of mind and how do we get there?

Abraham Maslow became one of the founders and driving forces behind the school of thought known as humanistic psychology.

He described the self actualization state as: ``what a man can be, he must be. This need we may call self-actualization...It refers to the desire for self-fulfillment, namely, to the tendency for him to become actualized in what he is potentially. This tendency might be phrased as the desire to become more and more than what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming."

He specified that his famous theory, the pyramid of needs , had no specific order (the peek and base excluded); the reason being that for some people self esteem for example is less important than the need of belonging. Thus this pyramid contains all aspects of needs according to Marlow and the order of the middle section is shaped by the individual, so why just the middle? Well here is an example: the bottom consists of basic needs they are called Physiological needs (e.g. thirst, hunger) and without those needs no other needs can be fully achieved.

To get back on topic, an individual that is self-actualized will show six dominant characteristics. Acceptance and realism; self-actualized people accept who they are, thus they have a more realistic perception of the world. Having a sense of realism is an important factor, it helps a person think more logically and rationally, making them less fearful towards something different or unknown. Motivated by a sense of ethics and personal responsibility a self-actualized individual will help others find solutions to problems. They will be focused on solving problems outside of themselves, making them problem-centering. They are spontaneous when it comes to outward behaviour or internal thoughts and this is explained by the fact they are usually open to unconventional situations and at the same time they can adjust to rules and social expectations. Everyone appreciates the company of others, but a self-actualized person needs time to focus on developing his abilities in order to reach his full potential, this means that there is a strong need for independence and privacy. Anything and everything can be a source of inspiration and pleasure to the self-actualized. The world is seen with awe, wonder and appreciation (Continued Freshness of Appreciation). Their life is full of peak experiences, they experience moments of intense joy, wonder and ecstasy. After these experiences, people feel strengthened, renewed, inspired or transformed.

At the top of this hierarchy of needs you will find self-actualization. The pyramid’s proposition states that when the other needs at the base have been met, the individual can then focus their attention on this pinnacle need, described as "…the desire for self-fulfillment, namely, to the tendency for him to become actualized in what he is potentially."

written by: Tarek Benzouak