Behaviours That Lead to Self-actualisation

Self-actualisation: The growth of an individual towards fulfilment of the highest needs. In particular, those necessary for meaning and fulfilment in life. Self-actualisation is a concept theorised by Abraham Maslow and is a component of the humanistic theory in psychology. The humanistic theory is often thought of as the nice or optimistic perspective on human nature. Maslow believed that people are ultimately motivated by a desire for personal growth and that they will often overcome many obstacles while they strive to attain a sense of personal fulfilment.On this basis, Maslow conceptualised what he referred to as a hierarchy of needs. At the most basic level is biological and physiological needs such as air, food, water and sleep. Next are safety needs, which include security, stability and freedom from fear. Further up there is belonging and love; engaging with friends, family and/or a partner. Second from the top is self-esteem; being respected and recognised; and finally there is self-actualisation.Self-actualisation is a very unique experience, largely due to the fact that what constitutes reaching a self-actualised state is exceptionally different from person to person; and is consequentially often achieved in very different manners. However Maslow predicted that only 2% of the population would ever truly reach this state. He was therefore interested in observing the characteristics and behaviours of the self-actualised person. Maslow therefore studied 18 people he considered to have reached this desirable human state including Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein to come to a consensus of some of the common characteristics and behaviours that lead to it.Experiencing life like a child, with full absorption and concentrationWhen children play, they don’t worry about where their parents are lugging them off to next. When children interact with others they are not subconsciously wondering about what their friend might think of them or their ideas. They are fully committed to the present moment, and their attention cannot be wavered from the task they are currently facing.Trying new things instead of sticking to safe pathsYes this is something we have likely heard before however it is important to realise the extent to which people tenaciously neglect to follow through with this behaviour. Safe paths don’t often lead to failure however they also do not often lead to great accomplishment above and beyond that of the ordinary. While taking risks is in essence a risky and uncomfortable thing to do; it does appear to be a commonly exhibited behaviour in the self-actualised individual.Listening to your own feelings in evaluating experiences instead of the voice of tradition, authority or the majorityTradition, authority or majority is how a lot of people make the majority of decisions in their lives however as Maslow stated, approximately 2% of the population will truly reach self-actualisation. There has been recent research into the validity of your gut feeling (check out my blog on this topic if you’d like to know more); so use it!Avoiding pretence (‘game playing’) and being honestBeating around the bush, indirect comments and truth avoidance are often comfortable short-term solutions to uncomfortable long-term problems. By being direct and honest from the get go, with yourself and with others you are likely to avoid many of the repercussions that are likely to catch up with you in the end.Being prepared to be unpopular if your views do not coincide with those of the majority­­­Columbus was criticised and ridiculed extensively when he proposed that the world was round and not flat; unfortunately this is a common response to views that differ from the ‘norm’. It is important not to feel disheartened by this and to not give up on your pursuit of truth, morality and fulfilment.Taking responsibility and working hardIt’s easy to blame the world when things don’t work out the way we want them to and granted there are certainly circumstances that can support or hinder our progression towards certain desirable outcomes. It is however ultimately each persons decision to rise above these challenging circumstances, taking responsibility and work towards ones goals and self-actualising potential.Trying to identify your defences and having the courage to give them upThis is arguably one of the most difficult things to achieve as our defences are often subconscious and require great insight to identify and even greater will power to give up. This constant and conscious state of awareness and active change however do appear to be a crucial stage of the process of self-actualisation.It is important to acknowledge that each person is different and therefore not only differs in terms of what self actualisation looks like to them but also the process in which they take to achieve it. These behaviours however do appear to be advantageous in reaching ones goals, desires and sense of fulfilment.