Self-Actualization
Human needs have been ordered by psychologists into five categories with survival being the greatest and most basic need, followed by security, social acceptance, self-esteem and then self-actualization being at the top. Self-actualization is a term that describes a human's need to be who he truly is. A musician must make music; an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. It refers to man's desire for fulfillment, to become everything that he is capable of becoming. This need is something all people strive for throughout their lives. The characteristics of a self-actualized man are ideals and goals everyone can work towards each day.
Characteristics of a Self Actualizing Person (Note: All references of ‘he' refer to masculine and feminine people)
Realistic – He very realistic about all areas of his life and is comfortable with it. He is unthreatened and unfrightened by the unknown. He has a superior ability to reason, to see the truth and is logical and efficient.
Self-Acceptance – He accepts himself, others and the natural world the way they are. Sees human nature as is, has a lack of crippling guilt or shame, enjoys himself without regret or apology, and has no unnecessary inhibitions.
Spontaneity, Simplicity, Naturalness – Everyday is an opportunity to learn for him. He/She can ad-lib, break loose, improvise and is irresistible.
Problem Solver – He focuses on problems and people outside of himself. He has a mission in life requiring much energy, as it is his sole reason for existence. He is serene and is not a worrier and is devoted to duty.
Private – He can be alone and not be lonely. He is levelheaded in the middle of confusion. He remains objective, relaxed and unruffled in personal misfortunes. He is a self-starter, is responsible for himself, and owns his behavior.
Independent of Culture and Environment – He has a fresh rather than stereotyped appreciation of people and the basic good in life. Moment to moment living for him is thrilling, uplifting and spiritual as he lives the present moment to the fullest.
Experiences Highs and Lows – He experiences feelings of limitless horizons, the feeling of being more powerful and also more helpless than one ever was before. He is capable of losing a sense of time and space.
Relationships – Truth is clear to him as he can see things others cannot. He has profound, intimate relationships with few and is capable of greater love than others consider possible as he share his affection and friendliness with everyone.
Equality – He is able to learn from anyone, is humble and friendly with anyone regardless of class, education, political belief, race or color. He is not controlled by his culture. He fights for justice.
Moral – He knows the difference between good and evil and does no wrong. He makes a tedious task an enjoyable game.
Sense of Humor – Jokes to him are a teaching tool. He can laugh at himself, but he nevr makes jokes that hurt others.
Creative – He is original and inventive.
Imperfections – He has pain over being imperfect and rejoices is his growth process. He is impatient with himself when stuck.
Personality – He sees conflicts as a positive opportunity to learn. His work becomes play and desire to do an excellent job within his ability. He has a child-like quality but is very wise.