Examples of Self-Actualization
Now we know what self-actualization is, but what does it look like? When first describing self-actualization, Maslow described the top of his hierarchy of needs by remarking that:
“[a] musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately happy”
(Maslow, 1943).
- Extrapolating from this quote, we can see self-actualization in examples like:
- An artist who has never made a profit on his art, but he still paints because it is fulfilling and makes him happy.
- A woman who finds joy in achieving mastery in a niche hobby.
- A father who gets a sense of purpose from raising his children to be a positive force in the world.
- An employee at a nonprofit who uses her ever-increasing skills to improve the lives of others.
To give some real-world examples of (presumably) self-actualized people, Maslow (1970) also once named a few people who he considered to have reached a level of self-actualization in their lifetimes.
These included:
- Abraham Lincoln
- Thomas Jefferson
- Albert Einstein
- Eleanor Roosevelt
- Jane Addams
- William James
- Albert Schweitzer
- Aldous Huxley
- Baruch Spinoza
In that same book, Maslow also listed a few other potential cases of self-actualization. These included Eugene Debs, Frederick Douglas, Ida Tarbell, Harriet Tubman, George Washington, George Washington Carver, and Walt Whitman.
While all of the above names were public figures in one way or another, it is interesting to note that Maslow listed a wide variety of people, from abolitionists and authors to philosophers, politicians, and poets, meaning that there is no one “type” of person or career that lends itself to self-actualization; anyone can reach self-actualization, and they will do it in their unique way.
A recent study conducted by Krems et al. (2017) explored how non-psychologists viewed self-actualization. The authors found that “lay perceptions of realizing one’s full potential are linked to the fundamental motive of achieving status and esteem.”
In other words, participants most associated realizing their potential (and the drive to do so) with reaching some level of internally-recognized success (esteem, which is notably on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs itself) and some level of externally-recognized success (status).
This conflicts with Maslow’s (1943) initial separation of status/esteem and self-actualization; however, the authors point out that “a functional reading” of Maslow’s work, such as the one discussed by Kenrick et al. (2010), indicates that “many of the behaviors involved in pursuing one’s full potential are linked to status, both directly and indirectly” (Krems et al., 2017).
This is not to say that self-actualization must be accompanied by external status or accolades, or that external markers of success are necessary for self-actualization to be realized; but, it does underscore the link between success and self-actualization, suggesting that Maslow and Goldstein may have been right in viewing self-actualization as the driving force in our lives.
What our readers think
Perhaps aging and matured wisdom through experience may also contribute to self-realization. As described in Erickson’s Theory Stage 8.
Well done, young master Selva.
I found your essay both informative and mentally nourishing (although the latter may be due in part from the recent stimulate I took for one of the many illnesses I’m constantly battling on my road to self actualization)
I believe this process of becoming self-realized means a person is developing well grounded self-worth for more unconditional positive regard, which in turn upon experiencing and understanding these intuitive systems (or our full potential) can allow one to learn to leverage these abilities to a much greater degree at will — having more moments of being self-actualized.
For the average person and in terms of self-actualization, this I think can be summarized into three oversimplified practical areas to maintain: stable energy levels through consistency in prioritizing basic self-care, a person wholeheartedly accepting/embracing the moment to be present-minded in openly expressing themselves for meaningful experiences/interactions, and decondition/replace false beliefs and limiting mindsets that hold one back to more unconditional intrinsic aspects of these underlying processes in experiencing the moment.
Essentially, this can be a result from a person having secure high self-esteem, and a high autonomy orientation. These individuals are further along the process of self-realization have become virtuosos in these abilities, actively seeking uncertainty and challenging themselves by leaning into stressors with a growth mindset due to knowing any friction/resistance they experience is proof of progress and change happening within their body in manifesting the embodiment of these virtues they practice reaching ever so closer to these ideals.
I believe Knowledge of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs was Necessary for my Transitioning from Child to Adult!
Super article. Yes, personally, Maslow`s Hierarchy of Needs gives me direction since young, leading to becoming a vegan before taking the natural next step embracing Utopianism and even Minimalism (like relating to reducing being materialistic) too, while exploring layering positivity on positivity, and discovering that it displaces negativity entirely when applied fully. There is no end to enjoying and embracing feeling good and whole constantly and spontaneously, as a normal way and quality of life, beyond being a mere exception, also made possible by acknowledging, understanding and resolving the past to open up the present totally as exciting and adventurous being alive and thriving, while putting intelligent and ideal beneficial self interest first and foremost without ever being a slave to anything or anyone. Being one`s own friend results in the ability to be there for another similarly as well, all part of bringing out empathy and the best in ourselves and each other.