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The theory of self-actualization: the key to human potential

The theory of self-actualization tells us that within us there is an intrinsic potential that we must awaken and develop to the fullest to be happy.

Mahatma Gandhi, Viktor Frankl or Nelson Mandela are clear examples of the theory of self-realization. According to this approach, each of us must decode what is inside us and give it shape, fight for it no matter what the cost. It is an intentional, responsible and creative growth where we do not give up until we become what we aspire to.

It is therefore a complex issue. Nevertheless, On this path towards self-realization, discipline, hope and determination are essential nutrients.. Assuming that it is not going to be an easy journey is another component than accepting yes or yes, as figures like those already mentioned did in their day.

Background of the study of self-actualization

Abraham Maslow said in 1943 that a musician cannot do anything other than music. An artist must paint and a writer is obliged to write if he wants to be happy. As the father of the pyramid of human needs pointed out to us, each person has their own aspirations and potential in their being. Vetoing it or not favoring it leads to frustration.

Likewise, one aspect that we must consider is the difficulty in reaching this golden summit. Whether we want it or not, aligning personal goals with real occupations is not always possible. Even more, sometimes we do not have the opportunity to demonstrate our full potential or to dedicate our lives to what we have always dreamed of.

What’s more, Viktor Frankl himself pointed out to us that Self-realization is not a goal, it is a constant path where we learn to be better every day, to get closer to our best version.

“Self-realization is intrinsic growth of what is already within the organism or, to be more precise, of what the organism itself is.”

-Abraham Maslow-

Maslow’s pyramid

This author became famous for his description of human needs, which he represented in the form of a pyramid according to their importance. Thus, from most to least relevant for humans (that is, from the base to the tip of the pyramid), the following are found:

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Basic biological needs: food, drink and rest, mainly. It is the most basic thing to stay alive.Security needs: It includes all the aspects that make us feel calm, such as having money, physical security, a home, etc.Membership needs: This need encompasses the gregarious nature of the human being. To a lesser or greater extent, every individual needs to feel integrated into society and feel affection from others.Recognition: This level of the pyramid is related to the needs of personal self-esteem, as well as the feeling of being capable of achieving success and finding recognition from others.Self realisation: Here is the topic at hand. At the top of the pyramid is the last need and, therefore, the least essential to survive. This encompasses the impulses to realize oneself through one’s own moral and creative development.

Self-realization as a human need

For Maslow, All human beings have needs focused on their own development.. These involve growing and developing, in such a way that the maximum potential of the human being is reached.

Maslow assumes that the need for self-actualization is the highest, and is at the peak of his famous pyramid. At this level there are elements such as the development of morality, orientation towards others, the pursuit of ideals and the strengthening of one’s own faculties.

On the other hand, the need for self-realization can be understood from the point of view of will and the search for meaning in our own life. In this sense, Satisfying the need for self-realization brings happiness in itself and establishes emotional balance. so necessary and important in each person.

The need for self-realization is universal and, although it is at the top of human needs, it is what structures the development of the others. However, it must be taken into account that It is difficult to focus on self-realization if the most basic needs are not covered.

For example, if we need to look for food and shelter to survive, we will hardly be able to think about how to feel fulfilled.

The theory of self-realization, what does it consist of?

The theory of self-actualization derives from humanistic psychology. Within this current, one of the most prominent figures was undoubtedly Abraham Maslow. Through books like The self-realized man: towards a psychology of beingindicated the following postulates.

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Self-actualization is being able to achieve our highest needsbe it social status, emotional aspirations, achievement of goals, etc. It is also having defined the meaning of life for us and making it ours, and dedicate every day to this ideal. At the same time, there is an essential aspect about the theory of self-realization, and that is that it is about growing what is already inside us. That is to say, If we do not have the skills to be scientists, it is useless to dream of being the new Stephen Hawking. Each one must be aware of their abilities and potential. Carl Rogers, another relevant figure within humanistic psychology, told us that it is also about find a balance between the real self and the ideal.

On the other hand, a more than interesting detail about this approach is the following. Maslow argued that we are “programmed to self-actualize.” There is a very powerful need in us to achieve that high balance between what we are and what we can do. However, sometimes society itself does not facilitate this state.

“The only thing that matters is self-realization. It means knowing who you are beyond the superficial self; beyond your name, your physical form, your personal history, your stories.”

-Ekhart Tolle-

Keys to achieving self-realization

If we look at Abraham Maslow’s classic theory about human needs, We can come to believe that this ascent to the summit (self-realization) follows a linear process. That is, first we need to feel physically safe. Later we must satisfy the needs of affiliation, then those of belonging and love, social status and, later, the “summit” would arrive.

Now, studies such as the one carried out by Wild Whitellman, from the University of Atlanta, show us the firm need to reinterpret the theory of self-actualization. To achieve this state, we can, therefore, rely on the following dimensions:

Self-actualization is not a linear process

Viktor Frankl, Mandela and Gandhi alike spent much time with their security needs threatened. The first step of Maslow’s pyramid was not being covered, but even so, they focused every day on their self-realization.

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Gandhi used civil disobedience to achieve freedom for his people. Viktor Frankl remained firm in his meaning of life even when he was in Auschwitz and Dachau. Mandela did not give up on his fight even when he was imprisoned.

That is, when one is firm in his values ​​and in that force that determines him, loneliness, lack of employment or a roof over his head do not matter.

Be consistent, be creative

The theory of self-actualization reminds us that there is an intrinsic force within us that guides us towards a goal.. If you are a musician, you cannot give up on your passion even if you dedicate your life to another profession. That need will always be there and we must be constant in our efforts.

The use of creativity, finding other paths or even creating them ourselves, are bridges with which to go from frustration to personal summit.

Self-realization is within you, listen to it and focus

The psychologist and philosopher Mihály Csíkszentmihályi also tells us that self-realization is something innate in us. That potential will emerge little by little. Nevertheless, It is necessary that we listen to it and that we focus every day on shaping it.

In this way, anyone who aspires to help others will be happy in jobs such as nursing, social services, psychology and even teaching. There are many scenarios where goals are aligned with occupations. And when we achieve it, When we are immersed in these tasks, that is when we truly discover what happiness is.

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All cited sources were reviewed in depth by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, validity and validity. The bibliography in this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.

Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50, 370-396. Kenrick, D.T., Neuberg, S.L., Griskevicius, V., Becker, D.V., & Schaller, M. (2010). Goal-driven cognition and functional behavior: The fundamental-motives framework. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 19, 63-67. Krems, J.A., Kenrick, D.T., & Neel, R. (2017). Individual perceptions of self-actualization: What functional motivations are linked to fulfilling one’s potential? Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. In press

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