A key goal in life is, or should be, to become self-actualised. This is a term that originated from renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow’s theory of human motivation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Maslow defined self-actualisation as the:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c\u2026ongoing actualisation of potentials, capacities and talents, as fulfilment of mission (or call, fate, destiny, or vocation), as a fuller knowledge of, and acceptance of, the persons intrinsic nature, as an unceasing trend toward unity, integration of synergy within the person)\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ~ Abraham Maslow: Toward A Psychology Of Being<\/b> [1]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Moreover, Maslow believed that striving towards an actualised state of being is a necessary requirement for growth, fulfilment and satisfaction. He hypothesised that our outlook on life, and subsequently, our state of mind is correlated with whether our needs and drives are met.<\/p>\n Our basic needs relate to physical survival;\u00a0 <\/span>food, water, shelter and safety. These need to be met first. Then we strive to achieve social connection and self-esteem. Once all of these goals are met, we move on to seeking self-actualisation\u2014or achieving our full potential.<\/p>\n \u201cPreserving oneself and reaching out for fulfilment, for excitement and for enlargement. I have tried to express this as a contrast between living fully and preparing to live fully, between growing up and being grown\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ~ Abraham Maslow: Toward A Psychology Of Being<\/b> [2]<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Later, an additional need was added\u2014contributing something purposeful that is greater than ourselves. This is also referred to as “Beyond Self-Actualization,” “Transcendence,” or \u201cSelfless Actualization\u201d. [3]<\/span><\/p>\n In short, self-actualisation involves transcending the external needs of the ego and integrating fragmented parts of your personality that have been repressed. Once the foundations of your personality are in place – self-esteem, confidence and love – you can move from surviving mode into thriving mode.<\/p>\n Maslow suggested that basic needs are “deficit needs\u201d or D-Love which stands in opposition to what he labelled B-Love \u2014 a process of being. It is in the latter dynamic that we are self-actualised or moving towards self-actualising.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To give you some idea, Maslow defined B-love as feeling love for another person without needing anything in return, a selfless love which augurs unselfish acts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When we behave from a base of D-Love, on the other hand, a deficiency exists which creates love needs; affection, acknowledgement, appreciation etc. This is a state of being associated with the unhealthy traits of the Caretaker which I described in the Caretaker Part Two | Archetypes Explained series on YouTube.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <<<<Watch by clicking in the video below>>>>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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