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