The concept of self-actualization is firmly entrenched in our daily lives. More and more people are seriously thinking about how to fully realize their potential. Modern psychological science has proved that the real possibilities of man are inexhaustible and limitless.
In other words, we often do not suspect what inner power is hidden behind our physical shell, what significant spiritual principle requires self-expression. Some call this beginning a soul, others talk about the need for self-actualization. One way or another, but the expression of one’s true nature is essential for each person to remain in harmony with himself and the world around him.
Theory of self-actualization
The first to introduce this concept was K. Goldstein. The scientist formulated the term "self-actualization." This is a special mood of consciousness when the need for creative realization, the disclosure of one’s abilities, and the release of opportunities come to the fore. A person who felt the need for self-actualization in herself will do everything to achieve her goal, including overcoming obstacles that arise, without fear of disappointment, leaving behind doubts and anxieties.
Abraham Maslow
From the first year students of psychological faculties are familiar with the famous pyramid of the needs of Abraham Maslow. Among other significant personality values, self-actualization is a separate step for him. Maslow spoke about the need of man to realize his destiny. What does it mean? This means being able to maximally open up to oneself and in public life, to prove oneself in some business that is of significant interest to the individual.
Abraham Maslow emphasizes that self-actualization of a person depends only on himself, and it cannot be shifted under the responsibility of another. Each of us has our own destiny, our own business, talent, which we must realize in this world. For this we come to this world. Such a significant matter reveals in a person his true essence and individual essence of the term "self-actualization". Maslow talks about it.
Self-actualization during adolescence
The youthful age is rather complicated in its essence; one cannot but agree with this. It was at this time that the values and foundations of ideas about the world were laid in a new way, from the standpoint of understanding oneself and others, a worldview was formed, self-actualization was developing. That is why many young people at the age of fifteen - seventeen show excessive perseverance, intolerance, even aggressiveness. Of the young people of this period it is often said that they are maximalists. This means that their need for self-expression is closely related to their self-image and how this world works. For example, if a young man has the talent of an artist, then he will begin to realize it at this age exactly as much as he believes in his luck. If among peers they do not understand him, laugh at his occupation, drawings, then there is a high probability that he will not have the courage to successfully fulfill himself in this period of development. At the age of fifteen to seventeen, the influence of peers on self-perception is still great, and their opinion can be crucial.
Self-actualization in young people
We are talking about adult individuals who have not only reached the age of majority, but also who have received a profession or are studying at universities. This period of development is characterized by the desire for independence, the affirmation of one's ideals, the embodiment of bold ideas and preferences.
The need for self-actualization is very high. For example, if at this time a young man begins his career, he wants to achieve some success, to rise higher in the career ladder. This time is most favorable for self-realization, since healthy ambitions will spur to decisive actions, lead to new achievements. In youth, self-actualization is not just a need, but a significant component of the formation of personality.
Self-actualization in a mature person
Sometimes it happens that a completely adult, accomplished person may feel a little out of place - out of place in the activity he is engaged in, experiencing difficulties in his personal life when building relationships. Self-actualization of a person at this age largely depends on how much the person herself allows herself to do what she likes. Most often, upon reaching maturity, many people “calm down” and often rest on their laurels. If this is a high position, then they do not strive to learn new things, stop engaging in self-education. If a person has not reached true self-realization before this time, then it becomes painful for him to think about it, and most likely he will prefer to close this topic for himself, choosing to immerse himself in a habit, because it is safer and more comfortable. So such a person is bored at work, not learning new things, not acquiring additional skills.
At the same time, this particular period of development can be an excellent launching pad and lead the person to certain accomplishments if a person wants to change his life and make significant efforts. Self-actualization of personality here is the last “warning bell”, a signal leading to change.
Happiness is what you are
Perhaps someone will say that he cannot afford to fully realize his full potential in life. In this case, for such people, self-actualization is an unattainable peak, on which they do not have the courage to climb. In order to constantly move in the direction you need, you need some courage. After all, in case of failure, you will definitely have to keep an answer to yourself. And they can also show those around them with a "finger": they say that he did not succeed, look, you are a complete loser. It is of little consolation that they laugh at a man who did not succeed, usually those who have never made any attempt at self-realization. A person who himself has gone through similar difficulties will at least seek to help with advice, and at best support, help.
Despite all the difficulties that any person who sets off for “free swimming” inevitably encounters, the movement toward self-actualization is worth it. You will ultimately be rewarded for all the labors and hardships that you still have to endure. For there is no greater happiness in the world than knowing that you are fulfilling your destiny and living for good reason.
The feeling of victory and the joy of the winner
Only one who reaches a high level in his business experiences a tremendous sense of satisfaction and calm. Such a person knows exactly why he lives, and his own existence will never seem senseless to him, as long as there is an inner core on which everything rests. The need for self-actualization inherent in every personality. But not every person knows how to achieve a state that makes possible everything that she dreams about.
Full bowl
When you reach a certain peak in business or any other business that requires internal resources, you do not just feel like a winner, but you become more confident in yourself, you can make bold plans, dreams for the next achievements.
It seems as if you are holding in your hands a whole world that understands and accepts you. Personal victories allow a person to feel significant, necessary, necessary.
Creative fulfillment
One can only imagine how enormous emotional uplift when creating their works people are experiencing creative professions: writers, poets, musicians, artists. For them, self-actualization is the meaning of life, the air they breathe. Take away from them this opportunity - they will go crazy. In fact, self-actualization is always associated with creativity, no matter what a person does, because he has to model a new reality, independently choose for himself guidelines, values, tools that he will be guided in the future.
Thus, the concept of self-actualization necessarily includes the desire for self-realization and the need of the individual for self-expression. It is certainly easier for ambitious and talented people to determine the field of activity for themselves. But even if you are far from Shakespeare, do not forget about your personality, that it can be manifested if you wish.