| The first sets of needs according to Maslow's | | | | describes self-actualization as follows: |
| hierarchy of needs are: physiological, safety, social | | | | Self Actualization is the intrinsic growth of what is |
| and belonging. We treated those needs in the | | | | already in the organism, or more accurately, of |
| article: "How To Beat The Survival Game And | | | | what the organism is. (Psychological Review, 1949) |
| Achieve Self Actualization". To read this article see | | | | Maslow writes the following of self-actualizing |
| the resource box. | | | | people: |
| Now we come to the "Esteem" needs. This level | | | | * They embrace the facts and realities of the |
| of needs is about being respected, or recognized. | | | | world (including themselves) rather than denying |
| Being able to function in a way that you gain an | | | | or avoiding them. |
| adequate self image. Moving beyond any type of | | | | * They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions. |
| inferiority complexes etc. Here are some | | | | * They are creative. |
| suggestions for gaining adequate esteem or | | | | * They are interested in solving problems; this |
| status. Our focus will be on creating "optimal" | | | | often includes the problems of others. Solving |
| situations that do not steal your energy. A surplus | | | | these problems is often a key focus in their lives. |
| of energy is the best assurance of being able to | | | | * They feel a closeness to other people, and |
| move beyond the lower level needs and move | | | | generally appreciate life. |
| into the higher level need brackets. | | | | * They have a system of morality that is fully |
| Find ways to contribute | | | | internalized and independent of external authority. |
| Make sure these activities complement your | | | | * They judge others without prejudice, in a way |
| values. The key is avoiding conflicts of interest. | | | | that can be termed objective. |
| Also find activities that are low maintainance both | | | | In short, self-actualization is reaching your fullest |
| timewise and moneywise. This endeavor will | | | | potential." |
| reward you with self respect and esteem. | | | | Ultimately, reaching your fullest potential requires a |
| Recognition and admiration are important to both | | | | mastery of energy. Especially enough energy to |
| give and receive. They comprise a healthy | | | | be able to meet the lower level needs. The less |
| respect for our interdependence. There are lots | | | | energy you need to spend on the lower level |
| of "needy" people and it's easy to find groups | | | | needs, the more you will have available to meet |
| that help them. The environment faces threats | | | | the higher needs of self actualization. Finding |
| that need correcting. Liberating social causes | | | | creative and self perpetuating ways to meet |
| always need more voices to speak for them. You | | | | those needs and to gather and preserve energy |
| don't have to become a fanatic. Just contribute in | | | | are what Optimal Living is all about. |
| a measured and sane way. You will be rewarded. | | | | Energy comes back to you in several ways. |
| Express your self creatively. | | | | Money gives you security, food and shelter. From |
| Find a medium that appeals to your nature and | | | | mature relationships and group involvement you |
| express your deepest thoughts and feelings. This | | | | get nurture, care, support and help when needed. |
| could be something simple like a blog. You can | | | | When you learn to give out of your heart, you |
| start one free in many places on the Internet. | | | | receive meaning and satisfaction. Engaging in |
| Creative writing is a great way to stay in touch | | | | creative expression keeps you in touch with your |
| with your true self. If you're into photography you | | | | higher self and exercises that contact. From the |
| can upload your pictures and talk about them. If | | | | aesthetic side of life - art, music, yoga, |
| you do artwork, you can scan it and upload it. | | | | contemplation, openness and intimacy etc. you |
| Music is another way to express yourself deeply. | | | | experience an increase in awareness, subtle |
| MP3 files are easily created and uploaded with a | | | | pleasure, appreciation, admiration and the like. |
| computer. | | | | My hope is that this article will allow you to |
| After Esteem needs we move into the Being | | | | establish a more clear vision for your life. That it |
| needs area. This is the actual frontier of true self | | | | will get your creative juices flowing towards |
| actualization. Quoting now from Wikipedia: | | | | "Optimal Living" ways to meet your needs and |
| "Self-actualization (a term originated by Kurt | | | | gather energy. That you will gain the momentum |
| Goldstein) is the instinctual need of humans to | | | | to achieve "escape velocity" from the doldrums |
| make the most of their unique abilities and to | | | | of a life of mere survival and move more quickly |
| strive to be the best they can be. Maslow | | | | into self actualization. |