10 Reasons Why We Should Reach for Self-Actualization
If I will be asked what’s my favorite theory in psychology that would be Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. His theory is all about stages of Human Development which is “reaching one’s own potential” as the last stage of development or the so-called “Self-Actualization".
As a Human Being we have the capabilities to develop holistically may it be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. What I like in this theory is that it sees man as a positive being. Some believe that Human being is naturally evil which kind of disappointing for me.
In this post I want to focus on Self-Actualization. I want to tell everyone that you can be more of what you are now. A better member of the family, a better student and a better person but you have to work and make an effort to reach that potential of yours.
We have to reach for self-actualization because:
1- We Grow
Growing is a manifestation that we are alive. Animals, plants even bacteria grow in numbers, how much more is the human being? We may stop growing physically, but our mind will keep on. When it comes to your mind it’s your choice how will you develop yourself. Whether you like it or not, we grow.
2- We are part of one.
Right after you were born you became a part. Part of the family, of the school, of the company and of the community. There’s no way you can get out of it. People are expecting you to contribute something in the society. With self-actualization and your sense of individualism you will know the best way to contribute for the betterment of the community.
3- We Have Responsibilities for Others
Some may not accept this, but as a member of this community we have to care about the other members as you care about yourself. There’s no point of being a better member when the other members are not. Self-Actualization will open us to work with others, if we work together in our same ideals, the result is incredible, the impossible before will become possible today.
4- We learn to Accept More of Ourselves and Our Life Circumstances
Self-Actualization is understanding that “Life is not always about happiness”. It’s not always about laughters and joy. We have to understand that we can’t get everything we want in life. If you aim for self-actualization you will be contented of what you are in the present but continuously seeking for improvement. Also learning to unburden yourself from struggles that are not even meant to take.
5- We can find Solutions to Our Problems
When we have a problem most of us tend to overthink about it. Instead of working for a solution we trouble ourselves by questioning why that problem exist in the first place, which somewhat a waste of time. Self-actualization will enable us to determine the right solutions for our problems with the use of our potentials.
6- We Appreciate More Life
Self-actualization is realizing you’re not perfect, that you have weaknesses, that you are vulnerable, that you are hurt. But the best thing is we are alive, we are breathing, we have chances and we have one precious life for growth. We are moving because we have a purpose, we have responsibilities. We have the capabilities to help others and be an inspiration.
7- We Can Have a Healthier Social Lives
Social life is very important because it gives us a sense of belongingness that motivates us to be a better member of the community. People around us influence us directly or indirectly that’s why we have to be careful in letting someone enter in our social circle. Self-actualizing will make us realize that a few caring friends is enough. A few people you have deeper connection with and truly know the real you.
8- We Become True to Ourselves
Seeking for our full potential is accepting that we need to grow. We need to evolve just like other living things in this world. As we get to know more about ourselves we will find out that not everything that the society tells you to do is ought to be done. This will save us from unworthy suffering. We will become true about ourselves, about our strengths and weaknesses that enable us to prioritize our responsibilities.
9-We Create Purpose in Our Life
It’s part of our life to ask ourselves “Why we are here on Earth?” “What is our purpose?” This is only natural because we want to picture ourselves in the future achieving something. We want to have a clear understanding what exactly we want to do 10 years from now. Self-actualization may help us realized that “Life is not only about finding for happiness it’s about creating our purpose!” Why we have to waste our time searching for it when we can create one?
10- The World is Full of Suffering
In life, we will meet people that will either encourage or discourage us. Things may not work the way we planned it. Suffering is inevitable, if you practice self-actualizing you will be more open to world’s imperfections, it will be easier for you to accept that the road to a meaningful life is filled with countless sufferings. Are you suffering today? Are you tired? Have you ever wonder how many people you inspired despite those sufferings?
Everybody knows things but most of them have a hard time to express. They look outside the world hoping that someone will come to help them and do the job at their own place. You didn't. You did a great job. Most of time, they just don't realize their own potential or they got some lack in their own education, victims of a society or their own family, the bad consideration they have about themselves inherited from what they have been falsely told.
Yeah! That's why we should have a sense of individualism for to know better ourselves and not be a puppet of this society. Check out my post about individualism. Thank you for reading :)
Humans are naturally curious and many strive to better themselves or reach their true potential. Others like to stick back to the safe path and some sometimes take the risk to learn from it as to better themselves in the process. Growth is an important part in life, no matter where your path leads.
Thanks for sharing this mate.
That's true @thegoliath! Thanks for reading.
You're welcome.
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STOPAnother great post on a subject very close to heart! The reward I have gotten in form of meaning from sacrifices like this so far has definatly been worth it. Real purpose I feel can help some when struggling with depression. :)
You're really right @privat. Thanks for reading
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I struggle with these things all the time, but I strive to actualize. Thanks for the helpful article!
@dougkarr According to Victor Frankl in his book "Man's Search for Meaning" There are some "worthy" sacrifices. Like what I said we can be better, always focus on the things that can improve us. It's hard but not impossible.