Self-Actualization in Action
How to Apply Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to Your Life
He studied self-accepting, self-aware, spontaneous people (like Abe Lincoln) who knew how to be happy. Here's how to apply Maslow's hierarchy of needs to everyday life.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is also known as Maslow's motivation theory. His hierarchy of needs is about how to be happy and self-actualized. Once you move past the basic needs, you need to find your calling (Maslow's self-actualization). Self-actualization involves self-acceptance, self-awareness, unconditional positive regard, and a host of other wonderful positive qualities!
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs includes everything from chocolate to fear of intimacy.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's hierarchy looks like the Food Pyramid for Healthy Eating, but it's based on survival and growth, not food and nutrition (though the concepts are very similar). In this description below, #1 (Physiological needs) is the broad base of the pyramid. Self actualization (#5) is the pinnacle.
- Physiological needs: air, water, food, sleep, sex, excretion.
- Safety needs: secure country, community, job, family, health, resources.
- Love/belonging needs: family, friendship, sexual intimacy
- Esteem needs: confidence, achievement, respect of others, respect by others.
- Self-actualization: creativity, spontaneity, problem-solving, acceptance of reality, lack of prejudice.
Self-actualization
Maslow studied successful, productive, and wealthy people – who had found their callings – to determine how people fulfill their potential. Abe Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Albert Einstein were some of his "lab rats".
Self-actualized people share certain characteristics:
- Spontaneous in taking action and making decisions
- Interested in solving problems
- Creative in work, family, social, and recreational pursuits
- Close with other people – strong support network (but not a vast one)
- Strong morality system
- Objective perspective, without prejudice
- Focused energy on one particular task: their calling or mission in life
Figuring out who you are are is closely tied to self-actualization and growth.
To become self-actualized
Carl Rogers agreed with Maslow. His beliefs that people are basically good and able to self-actualize led him to postulate that there are three conditions that promote growth.
Genuineness. You've achieved self-actualization if you can be open with your thoughts and feelings – if your external behavior matches your internal thoughts – if you can drop the façade and be transparent, then you're on the road to actualization and growth. Being honest and real encourages others to be genuine as well.
Acceptance. Unconditional positive regard has been described as an "attitude of grace". When you offer it, you love someone without judging their actions, thoughts, or feelings. You're self-actualized when you value people even as you know their failings and dark sides. Nurturing acceptance and unconditional positive regard toward your own self is key to a happy, peaceful and fulfilled life.
Empathy. You recognize and can relate to another's emotions and experiences. You reflect their feelings and meanings nonjudgmentally; you can put yourself in another's shoes and feel what they're feeling. Self-actualization involves being empathetic.
According to Rogers, these three conditions are ideal for self-actualization. Nurturing genuineness, acceptance, and empathy can help you – and the people around you – find your true calling and fulfill your potential in life.
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