Achieving self actualization
Abraham Maslow proposed that self actualization is the highest state that a person can achieve in a hierarchy of needs. I believe that to achieve our highest potential as humans, we need to understand self actualization, and how we can practically achieve it.
Maslow’s study focussed on past and present people who he believed showed the best that people can be, and tried to find common characteristics. This is quite a different focus as most psychologists to that time looked at those with significant psychological problems, rather than the healthiest people.
Maslow identified lower level needs – survival needs, belonging and self esteem needs that he believed must be satisfied before progressing to self actualization.
What is self actualization?
Self actualization itself is where a person is pursuing the things that help them achieve the most that they can be. Maslow identified the following characteristics of people who had achieved self actualization:
- Acceptance rather than denial of facts
- Autonomy and need for privacy
- Broad interest in the richness of life, and appreciation of beauty
- An internal system of morality, not based on societies cliches and preconceptions
- Creativity
- Self acceptance
- Democratic values, free of prejudice and interest in others
- Ability to see and internally reconcile both sides of an issue
- Down to earth and a sense of humour
The person who has achieved self actualization is someone who has seen the prison that they were in, and transcended it. leaving it far behind. I always think of the character Andy Dufresne in the Shawshank Redemption.
Hopefully every person who pursues freedom will aim to be the most that they can, and will want to continually transform themselves by throwing away false beliefs.
Achieving self actualization
Self actualization is not something that is achieved easily. There are no “7 steps to self actualization”. It is the culmination of a long process of transformation. The person must be prepared to rebuild their psyche, throwing away a lifetime of incorrect ideas.
The process starts with evidence based reasoning – not discarding an idea which is provably true because it doesn’t fit in with previous learning. This is the opposite of cognitive dissonance where something is momentarily accepted as true, but then immediately rejected because it challenges previous incorrect beliefs.
The reason that I write some controversial postings is an attempt to challenge existing beliefs, like the idea of a koan in Zen. So instead of being offended and not coming back, at least follow the logic without dismissing something out of hand, and articulate your reasoning in the comments.
Another step is to choose growth over security. Again, you need to think through the decision rather than simply following the same old knee-jerk reaction. Objectively consider the benefits and drawbacks, leaving behind irrational fears.
Listen to your own inner voice. Don’t do things just because others are doing it. Think for yourself, and articulate and follow your own values. Check your values against a timeless source, not what the latest intellectual has decreed. Learn about who you are as a person.
Develop and follow your own tastes in music, art and literature. Some people are like junk food addicts at a fine restaurant – they fixate on what they have had when there is a feast just waiting to be tried. Appreciate the great works of your culture. Immerse yourself in the richness of the world around you.
Use your own intelligence and learn to think. Refuse to be dumbed down by society. Don’t make the soap operas the highlight of your day. Challenge your mind and create new things. Get your own sources of news and read widely. Make self education and learning a lifetime activity.
I hope that this is of interest. If you have other suggestions on how you moved to self actualization, please post your comments.
Tags: abraham maslow, Self-actualization
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