The One Thing That Is More Important Than Social Needs: Self Actualization
|
Posted By: How May I Help You NC on April 28, 2017 Eloise Best Content Writer Close your eyes, and imagine the best possible version of yourself. Are you similar to your current self, with a few minor improvements? Or are you a whole different person? If you feel like you’ve got a long way to go, don’t worry. Self actualization, or the reaching of your full potential, can be tricky to achieve. Self actualization is an essential human need Reaching self actualization basically means becoming the best version of yourself. That could include regularly using your talents, developing your strengths and achieving your goals. Some psychologists consider self actualization to be an essential human need as significant as eating and drinking. Self actualization is even more important than social needs In 1943, a psychologist named Abraham Maslow created the hierarchy of universal human needs. 1 The needs are arranged in a pyramid, with basic requirements like food, water and shelter at the bottom, social needs like friendship and family in the middle, and self actualization needs at the top. In order to start reaching our full potential, we first need to fulfill our basic needs. In modern times, this is becoming easier and easier, meaning we have more time to dedicate to becoming the best possible versions of ourselves. 2 However, there’s no point in having that opportunity if we don’t bother to use it. Dedicate some time to self actualization, and you might be amazed by how much happier and more fulfilled you feel. Maslow’s work on self actualization was based partly on case studies of historical figures who he believed had reached self actualization. These figures included Albert Einstein and Henry David Thoreau. Maslow believed that those who has achieved self actualization shared certain key traits: •They accept themselves, their life, and their circumstances. •They embrace the unknown, rather than fearing it. •They focus on solving large problems, rather than small personal issues. •They are open-minded towards new ideas and the beliefs of others. •They have a strong feeling of personal freedom and autonomy. •They cultivate a small number of intimate relationships, rather than many superficial friendships. •They fully appreciate life and the world around them. •They have a strong feeling or purpose and are motivated by growth. Sounds too good to be true? By changing your mindset and following a few simple steps, you can start your own journey to self actualization. Interesting ways to achieve self actualization Self actualization sounds a little vague, which makes it hard to work out exactly what we should be doing to achieve it. Try out the simple strategies below to start your journey to becoming your true self. Describe your ideal day Grab a sheet of paper, and write a description of your ideal day. Imagine there are no limits to your talents, abilities or finances. What do you spend your day doing? Look at the activities you’ve included in your perfect day, and try to find ways to incorporate them into your current life. If you’re a CEO of a huge charity in your ideal life, why not set up a local fundraiser now? If you’re a famous musician, how about buying a cheap guitar and getting lessons? Each action you take brings you closer to your ideal reality. Write your perfect eulogy This one can be really enlightening. Imagine you’ve died, and write the eulogy you’d like to see. It could include your major achievements, related to either career or personal life, your interests, your relationships, and the ways you’ve changed the world. Now consider what you need to do to make that eulogy a reality. Examine your role models Make a list of your top role models, including five or more. Now, write down a list of traits for each role model, and see which of them keep popping up. This is an excellent way to work out what your priorities are. If all of your role models are creative and driven, try to cultivate those attributes in yourself. If they’re generous and kind, make an effort to be more caring to the people in your own life. Create a bucket list Making a list of things to do before you die is a great way to get focused and realize what’s really important to you. Having a vague idea of things you’d like to do is good, but taking the time to actually write a list makes it much more likely that you’ll actually achieve your goals. Try to include items which you can complete now, as well as more long-term dreams. Here are some example bucket list items to help you get inspired: •Visit every continent •Learn to play piano •Build your own house •See the Northern Lights •Read 50 books in one year •Get a tattoo •Go skydiving Use your imagination, and don’t be afraid to think big. Achieving self actualization takes time and effort, but it’s so worth it. Who doesn’t want to become the best version of themselves? References [1] ^ Wikipedia: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs [2] ^ Huffington Post: Why Self-Actualization Is the Next Big Market http://www.lifehack.org/577586/why-self-ac... If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
How May I Help You NC
Management, See Moss Interactive Bellarmine University class of 2021 Member Since January 2011 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Graduate School Info
 |
Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunity!We, at www.stemuscenter.org, just completed our first two informational sessions on Research Fellowship opportunity for STEM and Social Science doctoral students.
The mission of our center is to te ...more
Manisha Maurya • 1,369 Views • October 23rd, 2024 |
 |
4 Habits for Success in Online SchoolOnline education has become an increasingly popular option for students over the years, especially due to the current global pandemic. However, succeeding in online school takes more than just a good ...more
Anica Oaks • 1,667 Views • February 1st, 2024 |
Popular Graduate School Info
 |
People Judge Your Intelligence Based on the Tone of Your Voice and How Fast You Speak
Do you want people to think you are intelligent? Has someone ever told you “You’re much smarter than you look.”?
No doubt it can sting to be perceived as less intelligent, particularly when you ...more
How May I Help You NC • 30,524 Views • June 12th, 2017 |
 |
How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension If youd like to improve your reading comprehension, try the SQ3R method. This is an acronym that means: Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review.
Heres how it works:
Survey Your Text
Prior t ...more
How May I Help You NC • 24,073 Views • June 12th, 2017 |
 |
Never procrastinate and always free time…..One blog I read regularly is by Leo Babauta, called zen habits. Essentially, he writes all about simplifying your life. A while ago, Scott Young was a guest blogger for Babuata’s website and wrote a p ...more
How May I Help You NC • 13,813 Views • April 19th, 2018 |
 |
MVSU to host Graduate Expo March 1Why should you consider an advanced degree? How will you finance your graduate education? What program of study is the best fit for you?
For the answer to these questions and many more, attend Mis ...more
How May I Help You NC • 12,722 Views • February 27th, 2018 |
 |
How Academic Parents Can Find Time to ExerciseA question that often comes up when I do campus workshops on work/life balance is how and when busy academic parents can find time to exercise. As we get older, it becomes increasingly important for u ...more
How May I Help You NC • 12,393 Views • April 19th, 2018 |
