What is Self-Actualization?

What is Self-Actualization from Abraham Maslow's pyramid and definition, and is it the key to happiness Free Download pdf Quick Guide to Professional Communication Skills: www.alexanderl...
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Self-actualization is a common term of psychology but it has important implications for leaders.
Reference:
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50, 370-396.
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Communication Coach, this channel, helps rising leaders like you increase your impact and lead your teams with more excellence. The channel focuses on communication skills for leaders, presentation skills, group and team skills, and conversation skills. If you're looking for self-paced communication skills training, this is the channel for you.

[@alexanderlyon]

Free Download pdf Quick Guide to Professional Communication Skills: www.alexanderlyon.com/free-resources

[@RoopaDudleyPaintings]

I do Art and I reached my Self-Actualization in 2013; and even made a painting about it. Doing what I love and loving what I do is how I define Self-Actualization. Creating Art can be totally frustrating and painful process, but the end result is what keeps me going when all I want to do is stab my painting. I feel blessed and at peace doing what I do and look forward to creating more meaningful art.

[@samschultz2412]

I reached the state of self- actualization nearly every day I go to work. It can, and most typically does give me a sense of accomplishment bring me a great sense of gratification and this brings me and attitude of being gratified. Because it's talking take a badly damaged piece of furniture and turn it into something sellable at the least and usable then this is great. But in my line of work quite frequently I have the opportunity to make extravagant and beautiful exercising my creativity and improvising with materials that I have available. This to me is an outstanding form of recycling materials that may otherwise be trashed. As well as..."I'm going to use an analogy " a great source of gravity through the polishing of rocks" if you will. Love y'all Sam

[@alexanderlyon]

Thanks for sharing your example, Sam. That sounds very satisfying.

[@chaemc969]

It's the point of getting clear about what we are meant to be and want to do in life. Then get intentional about the steps needed to get there. While doing so believe that you can have it, enjoy life even through the tough times and in time with hard work and patients All things will happen!

[@kathconstance4684]

Re-watching this is so valuable - so I am sharing.

[@anything7970]

Highschool kids should be shown this video before they choose their career path

[@BachClarinet]

"self actualization is not tied to far or fortune." Great quote.

[@paulabenner9054]

I agree that self actualization can be reached after the other more basic needs are met as in Maslow’s pyramid. I think of it as a state of psychological maturity and awareness of oneself to the extent that outside forces do not bother you as much. You are stable and comfortable enough with who you are to be able to handle stress that life throws at you.Even though you have reached self actualization, it doesn’t mean that you are always happy and content. For example, what you want to do with your life can change. There may be a period when you aren’t doing exactly what you want, but you can still have self actualization and change your goals or pursuits in life.

[@anthonyrossmaund3161]

I really look l i like the advocacy work I'm getting to do. Its a privilege to be in this kind of work. I feel blessed when I'm helping people. It is the smiles and appreciation I see when I'm helping people that is the most rewarding to me.

[@elliceestrada1732]

This is literally one of the coolest videos I’ve ever seen!! I just learned about self actualization from my therapist. Thank you for explaining it. I am interested in hearing your take on happiness vs self actualization, do you have a different video where you talk about the difference more in depth? Thanks again for this video.

[@alexanderlyon]

Hi, Ellice. I'm glad the video is helpful. I don't have a video on happiness. It's a good idea. I may do one in the future.

[@francismausley7239]

All must struggle to become their true selves..."The more we search for ourselves, the less likely we are to find ourselves; ...the more we search for God, and to serve our fellow-men, the more profoundly will we become acquainted with ourselves,.." ~ Baha'i Faith

[@DamonCart]

I agree with most of what Alex says in this video. He scratches the surface on the problem with Maslow's theory. Maslow's Pyramid is an oversimplification of life. It's useful as an ideal, but we're not one hierarchy of values. We're a heterarchy with varying values in each context. Happiness can be found in fulfilling the values in all of your major life contexts. Perhaps the reason artists like Van Gogh were so unhappy is because they over emphasized actualizing only one area of life.

[@alexanderlyon]

Yes, good points.

[@afsanamimi2636]

I always keep in mind the quote by Earl Nightingale, "We become what we think about" (and I wholeheartedly believe so). Hence I try to skip the idea of "Be what you meant to be" (bcz it sounds to me as if something SPECIFIC has been written for you and you're pursuing to find it. But I believe, literally a person can be ANYTHING, if he persistently-consciously emerge into it.) Therefore, I always ask myself, "What is it I desire if there's no limit?" Most of the time I get the answers, "English mastering, being in a great surrunding, communicating greatly always with me and others." And the most rewarding part for me is TO BE ME, UNDERSTANDING ME, and RESPONDING ME DEEPLY. That's the source of happiness and self-actualization mean to me.💜 Btw, thanks so much for your video, it was astounding.🎉

[@alexanderlyon]

Thank you for sharing your perspective, Afsana.

[@moose8354]

Great vid, please continue teaching and posting vids! As I was listening, something clicked and you helped me re-align on the spot. To be SELF-ACTUALIZING, present progressive tense, is a more appropriate way to describe the feeling. To remain in the state of self-actualization is to keep on doing what makes you fully alive. Thank you - This video helped me find my way back 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@andrewm_.]

You're such a great teacher! This, by far, is the best explanation I could find! Thanks Alex!

[@alexanderlyon]

Glad it was helpful, Drew.

[@martynblackburn9632]

I contrast self-actualisation with self-image. If we are pursuing the latter, we are probably doing so at the sacrifice of the former.

[@neenagh_talks]

I find this video highlights a lot of the reasons for frustrations I have been having over the past few years. The issue is that I feel skillful & talented and anything I have turned my hand to I have been 'successful' in the sense that I've won awards and everyone talks about how well I am doing. But I know there is more, a level I haven't unlocked yet - I know this because of the way I feel. The dissatisfaction , the desire to be doing bigger and better things (personally for me). The issue is - I know that lies within my creative realm which is an area of my life I have neglected during working life, distracted by jobs. So I am stuck between art work and writing - do I choose one , or dabble with both? I dont know whether I want to write for personal or an audience and the same with my art. I just dont know where to start but I know I need to express myself.

[@alexanderlyon]

I think the most important thing is to realize how you feel when you are doing these activities. Which activities engross you and make you feel engaged and passionate. So, I don't see that choosing either art or writing is necessarily the idea, if you like them both. I also find myself, like you, wanting to pursue bigger goals and I think that's part of it. The goals do not need to be outwardly measurable "success" either. It could be simply working on and/or completing an important, meaningful project.

[@lystralong3669]

Very good presentation! I totally agree self-actualization does not always mean happiness. True happiness can only be found in the creator. The rest before true happinesd feels good, but is not the end it all and be it all if everything.

[@silklake798]

Hi Alex! I liked today's clip. I think my self actualization is training people to help them develop personal skills so that they could perform better in their professional and social life.

[@alexanderlyon]

Hi Silk lake. Sounds like we have some similar work we are "fitted for," as Maslow would say. I just feel at my best when I'm teaching and training. Thanks for sharing.

[@silklake798]

@@alexanderlyon you are welcome Alex 😊

[@anthonyrossmaund3161]

I have been told many times by many people that I'll never reach this point because I have to many barriers in my way. Me being the biggest one in my way. I for a long time disagreed with maslows hierarchy of needs because i believe we can work on two or more parts of his chart. I really like this line of thinking though and use it in my CBD groups.

[@woetmann1]

i actually do not agree with that self-actualization is NOT equal to happiness. Because in my experience, a self actualized person is a master of life. Not just his craft, but also realtionships, presence, family and friends. Its about living your potential. I do not agree that Van gogh lived up to his potential, when he just were alone, depressed and broke.

[@alexanderlyon]

Hi, Simon. I'm going by Maslow's definition, as I mention in the video. If you Google "self-actualization definition" or look it up on Wikipedia, you'll see that they way I talk about it in the video is consistent a commonly used approaches and definitions of the term--the need to strive to meet one's full potential. Of course, there are certainly other opinions about what the word means, especially in popular culture. So, you are free to have your own opinion. Maybe you should make your own video about it explaining what you personally think it means.

[@dcrisp8888]

Well done. Thank you!

[@user-eq6oy1um7e]

To me, self-actualization could be a piece of writing or talking with a friend in the night. I don't believe that it should occupy one's major career. That's too ambitious.

[@alexanderlyon]

Interesting point of view. Thanks for posting.

[@ambrs.c]

Thanks for this Alex! Very wise words.. I actually agree with you that self-actualization (which could be connected with Mihaly's theory of flow if you have heard of it) is an experience which is deeply satisfying. When everything connects and you're doing something with the whole of your being, it brings much satisfaction to you at that moment. I have had this several times before. But like you have said, we cannot possibly be in that state at all times because life encompasses many areas, such as the social aspect, family and vocation. Self-actualization might be satisfying but life encompasses so much more.

[@alexanderlyon]

Well said, Amb Rose. Thank you for your insights.

[@ramadevi-cg8is]

Thanq for the info regarding self-actualisation. This term has great value to hv the fullest confidence. This could be achieved with experience , contentment n success. Self-realization is more important to be assessed with a great satisfaction. When there is contentment nothing in the world is so imp than feeling with happiness. That's the desired outcome to feel happy. This is what I feel to express. Happy to learn so many things from ur speeches n lessons n helping the world by spreading ur thoughts n principles. With profound regards.ml

[@kathconstance4684]

Hi Alex, I take Maslow's hierarchy of needs to be what we need to reach fulfillment rather than happiness. Your point on that the happiness or fulfillment will not necessarily permeate all aspects of a persons life might not take into account that relationships and connectivity are dealt with further down the pyramid. That a person can be satisfied at work and not at home or vice versa is all too common; so the goal is to encompass all of the areas. I am just glad to be aware of it as It provides me with the rationale needed to justify drive, competitiveness and ego. Thanks for the content so far.

[@alexanderlyon]

Good insights!

[@Turkeyrolls]

That last bit at the end was very valuable and mind opening. Thanks for posting!

[@alexanderlyon]

Glad it was helpful.

[@tamikarobb-scott5599]

insightful presentation Coach, i do agree with your point of view, i initially saw self-actualization as a goal to achieve to be happy, feel accomplished etc but strangely did not experience this, i then questioned if i actually arrived at self-actualization and have begun to further explore topics on this subject. Im now subscribed to your channel :-)

[@renrenpango8139]

it must be when Im playing games I can do everything and im very pump by it.

[@kneeyeah]

Thank you very much Sir. I was struggling with my assignment about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory.

[@alexanderlyon]

Happy to help, Kenny.

[@paulhogan2389]

So leadership that's what this is about I thought I came here for that but to become a better leader this is my bone that I could throw that may help you if anybody feels like sharing I am listening. Leadership: I refer to this KZbin video whether you've seen it or not I have found myself as a officer in the military trying to accomplish the same process of thinking and leadership not truly backing off and seeing the whole picture and to be honest some individuals looked at me as if I was a little too dynamic less restrained by doctrine possibly doing an injustice or the wrong thing. But I knew within myself it was the right thing and only outside forces made me falter in question what I was doing. I'm not going to post a link but a quick KZbin search and it will take you right to it. It's called turn the ship around. Better fact I will repost that link and one other link that I found useful to develop leadership skills thank you.

[@dhirajsinha1618]

what an explanation ! really great.first time I watched ur video and imt subscribed . i am also struggling to this path of what is my need of self actualization i.e. what that really makes me happy.

[@alexanderlyon]

Welcome aboard!

[@yuchenzhou9571]

To some extent I agree with what Alex said. But this is only on an ideal level, not realistic, so I think there is some one-sidedness.

[@Abhinav93152]

Thank you sir really helped me alot thanks love you

[@fernandoesteves6428]

I disagree to an extent. Self-actualization sits on the top of the pyramid. Many people struggle for different reasons to meet the needs on the pyramid. Things like Physiological and Safety can require money to meet. I believe it is an accomplishment to fulfill Physiological and Safety needs and this directly applies to one's Esteem. Esteem is very subjective and may or may not be influenced by external metrics.

[@alexanderlyon]

Thanks for your point of view, Fernando.

[@kawaii_princess_castle]

@@alexanderlyon For self-actualizing people, this need and the values that motivate them are so important and basic that if you deprive them of them they get pathologically sick. These values are called B values and are: beauty, truth, justice, eternal verities, perfection, goodness, virtue, oneness, comprehensiveness, going beyond dichotomies and polarities. It is in here kzbin.info/www/bejne/goakmphjYsl6npI

[@ScribblebytesWorldwide]

@Ken Richard Thays why my entire channel is a metamodern exploration of Self-Actualization. I turn the pyramid upside down by parodying what it means to be Self-Actualized in today's vernacular while demonstrating that it's not about fame, but about what my good friend Ars said up there (which is what Maslow explains fully in his book A Psychology of Being). My character "Charlie" in The Late Flight Show is an Oscar-winning actor who decided to "give back to the community" by doing vlogs about acting. To society they'd say he's already Self-Actualized but because the piece is framed in the context of Metamodernist Performance Art, we know that its ironic and then through that lens, the piece directly questions the viewer by asking: is Self-Actualization an internal or external state? And then finally, the viewer has to finish the artwork inside themselves, by experiencing the answer to that question for themselves. It's like Alchemy.

[@phinkuhh2398]

i kinda understood the meaning of self actualization

[@kamlakarmore9221]

Great lecture

[@alexanderlyon]

Many thanks, Kamlakar.

[@ChrisBier5]

Love this! Thanks Alex!

[@alexanderlyon]

Thanks, Chris. I appreciate the encouragement.

[@robertjsmith]

are you saying that free will exists?

[@alexanderlyon]

Well, that's not the topic of this video. But, if you're asking me if I believe humans make real choices, then 100% yes we do.

[@hihello7014]

Watch Watch

[@rayanalih1808]

Coz real happiness come from the rememberance of God, worshiping God, the one true Lord. I recommend you to try to study Islam and understand this religion..

[@alexanderlyon]

I have read parts of the Koran, gone to lectures, etc. I respect other's beliefs. For me, I am a Christian.