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Balance & RechargeWhat is "Self-Actualization"? - Humanistic Theory
Self-actualization refers to achieving one’s full potential. Maslow’s hierarchy of requirements places it at the top and it is viewed as the exception rather than the rule because the majority of people are working to satisfy more urgent wants.
Abraham Maslow, a psychologist, created a hierarchy of needs to describe all the many wants that drive behaviour in people. The hierarchy is frequently represented as a pyramid, with the base of the pyramid reflecting basic needs and the top indicating more complicated needs.
The goal of self-actualization is at the top of this hierarchy. According to Maslow’s hierarchy, you can concentrate on this pinnacle need to reach your maximum potential once the other requirements at the base of the pyramid have been satisfied.
Identifying Markers of Self-Actualized Individuals
Those who have achieved self-actualization frequently possess a variety of traits that enable them to reach their highest state of being. Modern academics have expanded on these features and recommended more personality traits that are also related to self-actualization in addition to those that Maslow originally suggested.
The following are some of the essential traits of self-actualization:
Individuals Who Are Self-Actualized Have Peak Moments
Self-actualization is characterised, among other things, by having numerous peak experiences. A peak experience, in Maslow’s opinion, entails sensations of extreme delight, joy, and astonishment. People frequently experience time dilation and a keen sense that what they are witnessing is significant, precious, singular, and distinctive. These encounters have the potential to change people. Individuals could leave with a sense of having undergone a fundamental change or having received new perspective on the outside world and themselves.
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They Are Always Appreciative of Others
Another sign of self-actualization is the capacity to keep a positive view on life. Self-actualized people, for instance, continue to experience a sense of astonishment, surprise, and delight despite the monotonous or stale nature of everyday events. No matter how frequently they enjoy the wonderful things in life, they still feel grateful for them.
Accepting Is Necessary for Self-Actualization
The capacity to accept oneself and others for who they are as individuals is another essential aspect of self-actualization. They frequently exhibit less inhibition and can live their lives guilt-free. Self-actualized individuals not only accept others for who they are, but also fully accept themselves. Other people are treated fairly without regard to their past, present, or other socioeconomic or cultural characteristics.
Realistic Individuals Are Self-Actualized
A feeling of realism is another important trait shared by self-actualized individuals. The self-actualized person may observe life as it develops logically and rationally rather than being afraid of things that are unfamiliar or new.
They Focus on the Issue
Those who have achieved self-actualization frequently have a strong sense of personal ethics and duty. They love using their problem-solving abilities in practical settings, and they take pleasure in assisting others in making positive changes in their own lives. For instance, a person who has achieved self-actualization may assist a buddy in finding solutions to a challenge in their professional or personal lives.
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Self-Actualized Individuals Appreciate Privacy
Self-actualized people respect their privacy and love being by themselves. Although they also like other people’s company, they need time alone to explore who they are and develop their potential.
They're Funny in a Philosophical Way
Those who have achieved self-actualization typically have a thoughtful sense of humour. They can laugh at themselves and find humour in situations, but they never make fun of or joke about another person’s feelings. If they say something ridiculous, for example, a person with self-actualization may laugh at themselves, but they wouldn’t laugh at someone else who did the same.
They Are Motivated by a Purpose
Another characteristic of self-actualization is a sense of purpose. According to studies, self-actualized individuals frequently believe that they have a specific purpose, duty, or responsibility in life. This goal frequently has a humanitarian bent. They have a strong sense of community with others and are incredibly compassionate. They frequently use this empathy and sense of purpose as motivation to improve the world. A person who takes action to lessen social inequalities is an illustration of this self-actualization trait.
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