Self-actualisation is defined as the psychological process in which someone aims to maximise their abilities and resources, through pursuing meaningful goals and fulfilling their potential. While many of us are trying to self-actualise, very few people actually reach a state of self-actualisation (maximising their full potential), however maybe Einstein or Mandela made it there. Despite the elusive nature of self-actualisation, it is still a meaningful pursuit. There are many components to self-actualisation: self-acceptance, creativity, spontaneity, autonomy, appreciation, compassion and relationship satisfaction (to name a few!)
Reaching self-actualisation is difficult to achieve because it is at the top of the pyramid in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow’s theory suggests that through life we move up the pyramid, and before our higher needs (status/esteem) can be met, we need to be satisfied in our lower needs (food/safety).
A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he or she is to be ultimately happy
Maslow (1943)
Many people have their more basic needs under control. They are seeking advice and direction because they are struggling to achieve their higher needs. They feel lost with their life, unsatisfied in their jobs and relationships, and confident that they are good at something, but unsure what that is.
If you are on a journey towards self-actualisation, here are some tips to get you on the way.
1. Live by Your Values
Think about what is important to you. Maybe its friendship, family, career success or pursuing hobbies. These are your values. When you live life in-sync with your values, you will be a more satisfied and fulfilled person. This might mean making hard decisions, like quitting a top manager job to spend more time with your family, but this will make you happier than doing something that is disconnected from your authentic values.
2. Have Gratitude for Everything in Life
It’s the little moments in life that make us the happiest. That’s why we need to stop, pay attention and appreciate them. Drinking a coffee, going for a walk, sharing a hug or listening to a great song are all small things we can feel gratitude for. Little moments of gratitude have big effects on our overall happiness and life satisfaction.
3. Take Responsibility
A popular misconception is that living a life free from responsibilities is the key to happiness. But, in my opinion, self-actualisation, or reaching your higher self, can never happen unless you rise to challenges and take responsibility. While responsibility is scary, it is also an opportunity to extend your potential and rise to a challenge. Some ways you can take responsibility are by asking for a more senior role at work or even taking charge of your health with a better diet or gym routine. As Jordan Peterson says; It’s in responsibility that most people find the meaning that sustains them through life.”
4. Accept Yourself, Including Your Faults
Self-actualisation is all about fulfilling your goals and potential. Although this might seem like becoming the ‘perfect person’ it is actually the opposite of that. In fact, if you are striving for perfection you are likely moving away from self-actualising (read more on perfectionism here). That’s because perfectionism is a feeling that you are not good or worthy enough as you are, so you must prove yourself in some way. In contrast, acceptance of yourself is about realising that you have strengths and weaknesses, and making the most of them.
5. Pick Yourself Up When You Get Knocked Down
You will never be able to reach self-actualisation if you throw the towel in on life. We all have difficulties, challenges and personality faults that give us pain in life. We might be living with a mental illness or stuck in a difficult relationship. But, in order to self-actualise, we will have to transform these difficulties into opportunities for growth, to become better and stronger people.
6. Find a Creative Outlet
Some of us are more naturally creative than others. But in order to self-actualise, we have to find an outlet for something that we can create. It can be anything from a hobby, planning a social event or volunteering, but we need to apply our creative energies into creating something beautiful. A creative outlet doesn’t have to be your 9-5 job. In fact, the novelty of finding a creative outlet outside of work means you have something to look forward to, that can bring meaning to your life.
7. Develop Your Spirituality and Faith
A lot of the research on self-actualisation suggests that it is strongly linked to spirituality and faith. In pursuing your higher-self, you may ask yourself some big questions, such as “what is the meaning of life?” “what is my purpose?” “do I have value?” and “is there more to this life?” I would suggest asking these questions and seeking their answers, rather than living complacently.
8. Learn to Trust Your Feelings
Feelings help guide us to find direction in life. Often, sadness can be a sign that we have lost something, frustration indicates that we are stuck in a difficult situation and excitement signals that we are anticipating something positive. Reflect on your feelings and what they tell you about your current life situation and where you would like to go.
9. Contribute to Something Bigger than You
Reaching your higher self is about contributing to something that is higher than you. That might be to a worthy cause, a friend, a community or a movement. It’s about looking outside of yourself and applying your skills to making the world a better place.
10. Open Yourself to New Experiences
Lastly, self-actualisation requires openness. You have to be motivated to change and become a better version of yourself. You have to want to extend your gifts, talents and potentials and see how far they will stretch.
I hope these ideas help you on your path towards self-actualisation!
