Examples of Self-Actualization Needs (Maslow’s Hierarchy)

Are you feeling unfulfilled in some aspects of your life? Do you feel like something is missing? If so, you may be seeking self-actualization.

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, self-actualization is one of the topmost needs. However, many people are still unsure what these needs are, much less how to achieve them.

According to experts and professionals, here are examples of self-actualization needs that we need to keep in mind:

Because of the demands and stressors of everyday life, most people have more pressing issues rather than a focus on reaching their full potential or becoming self-actualized despite wanting to do this.

But there are ways in which a person can start to travel down this path, in small, incremental ways that promote personal growth and ongoing development throughout one’s life.

Being able to do this often provides the motivation to continue to move towards what Abraham Maslow refers to as our ‘ideal self’ and become what each person is capable of becoming.

If a person can start making changes in their life, they too can live their lives in ways that truly resonate with their beliefs and how they want their life to look like.

Here are a few examples in which people can start to achieve self-actualization:

You have created a more purposeful and meaningful life

When a person is able to create more purpose in their life or live purposefully, they feel they are living their best life.

Related: How to Live a Meaningful Life?

You become comfortable with the uncomfortable

This is how people grow and thrive. Though fear of doing something may be present, they transcend it and do it anyway.

Growth comes from sitting with being uncomfortable and recognizing that by doing this, you continue to grow and will eventually become comfortable. You learn to sit with uncertainty.

You recognize the realization of your potential

You recognize the realization of your potential, which helps you fully develop your abilities. In doing this, you have gratitude and appreciation for life.

You are more concerned or focused on what will help you to grow

You are less concerned about what other people think of you and more concerned or focused on what will help you to grow.

The pettiness of life doesn’t weigh you down. There is a focus on self and putting your energy into doing something you want to do regardless of what other people think.

You are able to fully use your talents and strengths without being deterred by your challenges

You are able to fully use your talents and strengths but at the same time recognize the challenges you have — but are not always necessarily deterred by them.

Yes, they may hold you back a bit or challenge your thinking, but you still move forward, doing the best you can with what you have.

You continue to strive to be the best version of yourself. The challenges and failures of life are what truly encourage personal growth.

Self-awareness creates greater self-acceptance

With self-actualization comes greater self-awareness. Awareness of yourself creates greater self-acceptance — accepting your faults, challenges, or limitations but continuing to move forward.

Self-awareness is a key ingredient to growth and greater emotional intelligence.

You have reached a place where your ideal self is actually the person who you are

You have reached a place where your ideal self — who you want to be — is actually the person who you are; your behaviors reinforce your ideal self.

There is congruence between these two concepts. Although this takes time, taking small steps will help get you there. Your ideal self may be that person who is doing enough to feel that way. This allows you to continue to thrive in life.

In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow came up with his now famous hierarchy of needs.

It’s a common misconception that he was the one who stacked and illustrated them like a pyramid — with all the basics like food, clothing, and shelter making up the baseline — and self-actualization at the peak.

Maslow died of a heart attack while in the middle of his work, and it was those who continued with it after his untimely demise who came up with the pyramid concept.

So, what is self-actualization?

Here’s where it gets tricky: Human beings have all sorts of different talents, drives, and ways in which they feel whole and fulfilled, so this is definitely not a situation where one path fits all.

Notice that in each of these definitions, there is no mention of maximizing rewards for monetary gain (although “resources” could be construed that way).

Because our society places higher esteem and greater monetary rewards on different jobs and credentials, not everyone can achieve a state of self-actualization and get paid — or paid a livable wage —– for the things that fuel them with the most inherent value and satisfaction.

In fact, some may dismiss ways that could get them closer to self-actualization — from creative to physical pursuits — as trivial and self-indulgent, especially when they have their hands full with work or family life.

Self-actualization is intrinsic; it has no bearing on acceptance from others

Self-actualization is something intrinsic; it has no bearing on validation or acceptance from others.

As people continue to progress through life, learning and growing in the process, they may move in and out of self-actualization states through the different stages and life experiences.

Self-actualization needs vary from person to person

Self-actualization needs vary from person to person, but the overarching theme is one of true self-acceptance. The cost of ignoring this pull towards something else, something that could land an individual in a state of self-actualization, comes with consequences.

As people push themselves in meaningful areas, they are more likely to understand themselves. Come to grips with their strengths and weaknesses, and have a deeper, richer overall experience.

The freedom of self-actualization

There is immense freedom that comes along with self-actualization. When people learn to fully accept themselves — the loveable and the shameful parts — know their capabilities, trust and understand themselves, life is more enjoyable.

Self-actualized people frequently have moments of transcendence

According to Maslow, self-actualized people frequently have what he called peak experiences, which he defines as moments of transcendence. Moments of transformation and wonder. A peak experience can be found in a flow state, getting so lost in something meaningful that space and time cease to exist.

As humans, learning to walk our own authentic path is a challenge; many would rather walk the path others take and find themselves deeply unfulfilled as a result.

Steps to self-actualization

Know and accept yourself

The path to self-actualization starts with knowing and accepting yourself. It may sound easy, but in some cases, it is far from it.

Many excel at being dishonest with themselves or have become completely detached from themself.

Therapy is one of the best ways of coming to terms with all of this and learning to love and accept yourself. It’s not always easy — in fact, it can be quite painful at times — but it’s worth it.

None of the things you choose to do need to be expensive or grand. And if you’re unsure, try something new. Go for a hike, take on a new craft, or teach yourself a new skill.

Exploring the physical world around us lends itself to new ways of exploring our inner world.

Shut out the outside noise and go within a willingness to be uncomfortable

Self-actualization is not something that can be forced. It’s not something that only the rich and successful can attain. The path to achieving this state may seem long and windy, full of dead ends and overgrown, or nonexistent at times.

But those who take the time to shut out the outside noise and go within, with genuine love, compassion, curiosity, and above all, a willingness to be uncomfortable — and remain present and loving in their relationship to self even when it gets hard — those are the people who are more likely to reach self-actualization.

You’re doing something simply for pure self-fulfillment

Self-actualization is at the very top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow talked about how our basic needs must be met first, and if these are not met, we cannot work our way up to the pyramid.

If you don’t have access to shelter or food, you will be unlikely to find a niche hobby you can do in your free time.

At the very top of the pyramid is self-actualization. It’s something that Maslow talked about as a drive or desire within all of us. Not all of us achieve self-actualization within our lifetime, but we can always reach for a sense of joy for ourselves.

Self-actualization is about not needing any social gratification or public attention from anything you do. Instead, you are simply doing something for the pure joy and happiness it brings you.

Being able to let go of the judgment of others and transcend is the key. A person who lives from a place of self-actualization based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is living life daily as their authentic self.

There’s vulnerability and authenticity, but it can be highly freeing and inspiring to others. A person who is self-actualized or close to being self-actualized does not fear the judgment of others or rely on the judgments of others to build their own happiness or joy.

You stop caring about what other people think of you and just go about your life

Our society tries to make us think that we need other people’s approval or need certain things, such as what is pictured in an advertisement on TV.

However, a self-actualized person often mentally rises above self-doubt and various temptations and influences of advertisements, being comfortable with themselves just as they are.

Meditation can be a tool to develop more self-actualization skills

For some, yoga and meditation can be a tool to develop more self-actualization skills and remain in a state of self-actualization for a longer period of time.

When reaching for self-actualization, being around other people who are supportive of your journey can be powerful. If you choose to live a simple, minimalist, and authentic life that can bring you so much joy, it may cause judgment from friends and family.

Being around other self-actualized people who don’t seem to mind that you live a minimalist lifestyle or also live in a minimalist self-actualized lifestyle can be healing.

From self-authenticity and self-compassion, this level of acceptance bubbles over into friendships and relationships with family. When you are self-actualized, you may find you have deeper, more connected relationships.

Doing something simply for pure self-fulfillment is a form of self-actualization, along with being able to release the need for society’s approval.

Self-actualization is becoming aware of and developing one’s fullest potential. It is a lifelong journey that involves growth and development in all areas of life, including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

Below are examples of self-actualization needs:

To be seen as valuable

Your self-actualization needs are about being valued. It would be best if you felt valuable. When you recognize yourself as valuable, you may be able to achieve your goals and dreams.

For instance, in the workplace, you may feel the need to be appreciated for your knowledge and expertise.

To do what’s important

Self-actualization needs to involve doing what’s important to you. When you do things that matter to you, you’re likely to experience satisfaction.

This is often seen in people with a calling or passion in life. They feel a need to do something that has significance, and they are often willing to make sacrifices to pursue it.

Related: Why Is Passion Important for Success in Life?

To feel good about yourself

To feel good about yourself, you need to accept who you are, regardless of whether others approve of you.

Feeling good about yourself helps to look at your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses. It’s often easier to appreciate yourself when you focus on your positive qualities.

Related: Feeling Like You’re Not Good Enough? See Yourself for Your True Value

To grow and develop by taking risks

Self-actualization is also about continuing to grow and develop as a person. It’s not static; it’s a lifelong journey. As you learn and experience new things, you become more of who you are meant to be.

While in Vancouver, Canada, at a conference, I got stuck in an elevator with 11 other people I didn’t know for more than 65 minutes. My room was on the 22nd floor, and I did not feel safe!

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs reminds me of an elevator because to get to the top floor, where self-actualization manifests, you must travel through the other floors.

Physical safety, psychological safety, belonging and recognition are all fundamental human needs and must be met before traveling to the top floor, where self-actualization is located.

Like an elevator, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs constantly moves up and down. You are the passenger, and getting to the top of the elevator is determined by whether your safety needs are met.

Only once those lower-level needs are met will you travel up the shaft to the top of the pyramid to self-actualization experiences. This is not a one-time condition because each day, we must feel safe, not hungry, and physically comfortable.

So, organizations that ensure your lower-level needs every day are met will benefit from the high productivity of employees when they can reach the self-actualization state.

The state of feeling “in-the-flow” as you do your work

Self-actualization experiences are creative and innovative, which is when you feel in flow. Feeling “in the flow” is the experience of losing track of time and feeling timeless as you do your work, create your art, and solve the most significant problems.

Meeting the employee’s safety needs

Innovative organizations know this and create structures to help their employees reach that state.

How can organizations create in-the-flow self-actualization conditions? Taking care of the safety needs of employees is one.

For example, one organization I am familiar with provides a breakfast program for its workforce. Why? Because most of the workforce is comprised of young parents who are intensely busy, especially in the morning, as they prepare their children for daycare and school.

In a survey, the employees rated the breakfast program as having a higher value than flex time, as one example.

Related: How to Motivate Employees 

High-integrity organizations are more likely to engender self-actualization

High-integrity organizations create a sense of trust among their employees and managers and strictly adhere to their codes of conduct, addressing conflict swiftly.

Organizations with high turnover, poor safety performance, and absenteeism (as examples) may not create conditions that engender a sense of trust.

When trust exists, employees perform optimally, especially when their values align with the organization’s mandate.

Job offer due diligence

When vetting an organization to join as a volunteer or employee, you can easily access its key performance indicators, which are lagging indicators of performance.

Leading indicators include a code of conduct and companies that invest in the community and run a philanthropic foundation.

When you’re unsure if an organization is a high-integrity company as you consider the job offer, there are other strategies to evaluate the organization.

Become a customer of the organization, speak to former employees, and talk with current employees in the company’s sales, customer service, and investor relations departments.

People-focused and sales-centered, the people in these divisions will likely take the time to speak with you as either a prospective employee or as a potential customer.

As the famous actor Kevin Spacey said: “If you’re lucky enough to do well, it’s your responsibility to send the elevator back down.”

Innovative companies know this and prosper, along with their employees, shareholders, and customers.

Maslow described self-actualization as a person’s need to realize their full potential. This includes developing their abilities and talents and becoming the best that they can be.

While Maslow’s original theory focused on physiological and safety needs, later revisions added several other categories of needs, including self-actualization.

The need to feel fulfilled

A need to feel fulfilled may manifest itself in a desire to find a career that is personally meaningful or to pursue creative hobbies and interests.

For example, someone who needs to feel fulfilled may find satisfaction in working as a teacher because they think they are making a difference in the lives of others.

The need to grow and develop as a person

A need to grow and develop as a person may manifest itself in a desire for new experiences or a willingness to try new things.

For example, someone who has a need to grow and develop as a person may be more likely to take risks or to seek out new challenges.

The need to contribute to something larger than oneself

A need to contribute to something larger than oneself may manifest in a desire to make the world a better place or to help others in some way.

For example, someone may volunteer for a cause they believe in or donate money to charity.

Self-actualization is often thought of as the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. However, it is essential to remember that all levels of the hierarchy are interdependent and that none of them can be considered more important than the other.

It is a never-ending process of growth and development and an essential part of being alive.

Maslow recognized the importance of self-actualization, though how — and if — we get there is up to us as individuals.

As writers, self-actualization is an essential component of our creative process. Sometimes this journey begins from within; at other times, an external force is involved, like the “hawk.”

Be like the “hawk” — it represents taking flight and new beginnings

Imagine a young woman going through a difficult time in her life. She feels overwhelmed and needs to get out of Los Angeles. She finds a cozy cottage along the cliffs, books it, and drives eleven hours north to her next adventure.

Once she arrives, she completely breaks down, alone with her thoughts and in the company of her dog. The following day, they walk along the ocean, sit down, and she opens a journal to start writing.

Suddenly, the woman’s attention is drawn to the sky as a hawk flies high above her — so majestic and calm. As she watched the bird, she felt a strange sense of comfort.

Back at her cottage, the woman looks up the meaning of the “Hawk.” She discovers that it represents taking flight and new beginnings — seeing things from a new perspective, confidently moving in the direction of one’s creativity, to understand that the timing of things is universally from a force much stronger than you.

Spiritual messengers that awaken your intuition and journey. She took the Hawk as a sign sent to tell her that through the breakdown, there is the opportunity to rebuild and inspire the journey to self-actualization — to begin a new chapter in her life.

Self-actualization is the ultimate result of spiritual warfare

Imagine a professional athlete who has spent his entire life training to become the best version of himself and to live out the dreams that he knows he was meant for.

He is a pitcher, strong, and fast. Imagine one game he incurs the worst injury possible to his pitching arm. After undergoing surgery, he faces the ultimate warfare within himself. He slips further and further into an addiction he had never known — a darkness has taken hold.

Self-actualization should be the ultimate result of exploring the spiritual warfare that mankind faces daily. It can appear in any form, the darkness in this world, tempting to bring you down from your ultimate greatness.

There are many competing forces in our world: The lesson of self-actualization within spiritual warfare is the choice and free will that we were gifted and how we choose to live — how we choose to show up in our lives, rebuild from something devastating, and have to look within to get there.

As the great writer and explorer Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, “What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. It is always the same step, but you have to take it.” This story was about one man’s constant steps toward his self-actualization.

Self-actualization leads to raising “collective consciousness”

This makes it essential not only for the individual but for the planet and each other. When we live in our truth and in our power, when we entrust human beings to our world and all sentient beings, and when we live in compassion, kindness, love, understanding, and awareness, we raise higher vibrations across the globe.

The ripple effect would elevate consciousness and bring harmony, which is how we were meant to live.

We believe in soul contracts — our destiny of what and who we are meant to be with our time here on Earth. When aligned with that soul purpose, we live in tune with our greatest desires and reasons for being, i.e., what we bring to the planet and each other and how we care for one another.

We believe it is crucial to tap into that internal fire of who you were meant to be.

We have heard that self-actualization is not something everyone can experience and achieve. Our question is, “Why not?” We all have the ability to tap into our greatest power, to tap into our source, to tap into our divine purpose, and to live with passion and our fire.

Our story, Age of Atheria, is the result of the collision course mankind is currently on — if we do not do anything to be better as individuals and if we do not treat each other and the planet better, how to bring humanity together and heal, and the story of our characters on their own journeys to the higher self, to that of self-actualization.

Writing can help with self-actualization

As we continue our writing process, the journey to self-actualization has allowed us to tell a story we feel we are meant to, mold the clay, and ask questions.

For example, is there some force greater than we know pulling the strings, coercing us to destroy ourselves? Is it a frequency much of mankind has been tuned into? Is that what keeps us from self-actualization? Is that what is destroying our minds and, in turn, causing destruction upon our planet and each other?

How can we bring humanity closer to each other and to the Lightness we were all created from? How can we create a story that shows us a way? How can we inspire others to feel that fire within? To ask questions, to seek, to find? To find their destiny and live it?

In the past several years, our writing has allowed us to create our own fictional “Age” of Atheria. There are so many parallels and truths threaded throughout our story.

It is a story of elevating the collective consciousness’s frequency, unifying, coming together, and stepping into one’s internal superpower. It is up to us individually to realize and believe that we can make a difference.

Remember that the little things can make a big difference over time — things like doing the right thing when no one is looking, being accountable, and spreading love and generosity.

Elevating to our highest self can help us change the channel, shift the paradigm, and ultimately alter humanity’s path of self-destruction.

The self-actualization journey and signs

The journey to self-actualization should be an everlasting path of ascendance to the higher self and connecting to the soul’s purpose here on Earth.

As we evolve, we must decide if life is happening to us or through us. We get to decide every day how we choose to live life. Will it be with excitement and adventure? With self-love and understanding? Compassion and kindness?

When we realize and actualize that we can become our superhero in our own story, that is when the real-life magic happens. That voice is calling deep within your heart, beckoning you towards what you love, what makes you happy, what ignites your soul and lights the fire within.

Don’t forget to look for all the signs that lead you along your way. Look within. Look up, and don’t miss your Hawk.

You have fulfilling relationships and a sense of purpose in your life

According to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is the highest level of need and is only possible once all lower-level needs have been met.

A concrete, real-life example of self-actualization would be someone with a stable job, a comfortable home, and enough food and money to meet their basic needs. They would also have fulfilling relationships and a sense of purpose in their life.

Once all of these things are in place, the person would be able to focus on self-improvement and personal growth.

The key is that the person would be actively pursuing growth and development rather than simply existing daily.

Self-actualization needs are a fundamental part of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. These needs are “the desire for personal growth and fulfillment.”

According to Maslow, self-actualization is what we are all striving to achieve. It is the ultimate goal in life. However, it is essential to note that not everyone will reach self-actualization.

In fact, Maslow believed that only a small percentage of people would ever truly achieve it.

There are several different examples of self-actualization needs:

The need for achievement

One of the most common is the need for achievement. This refers to the drive to accomplish something in life, to meet our full potential.

For example, someone who is motivated by the need for achievement is often driven to succeed in their career. They may also be highly competitive and always striving to be the best at what they do.

The need for knowledge

Another common self-actualization need is the need for knowledge. This refers to the desire to learn and understand as much as possible.

People who have a strong need for knowledge are often curious and inquisitive. They may also be constantly seeking out new information and experiences.

The need for affiliation

Another example includes the need for affiliation (the need to belong to a social group). One scenario for this could be a person joining a study group to learn more and meet new friends.

In general, self-actualization needs are about becoming the best we can be and reaching our full potential. They are often about personal growth and development.

While not everyone will reach self-actualization, it is still something that we all strive for. Self-actualization needs are complex and often elusive. But they are an important part of what motivates us as human beings.

Self-actualization in Maslow’s hierarchy discusses a person’s need to reach their full potential. This includes becoming the best that they can be and achieving their personal goals.

In order to do this, individuals must first satisfy their lower-level needs, such as safety and security. Once these needs are met, they can begin to focus on self-actualization.

There are a few different ways that people can satisfy their self-actualization needs:

Expressing creativity through painting or writing

A person can satisfy their self-actualization needs by being creative. This could mean painting, writing, sculpting, or any other type of art. It could also mean coming up with new ideas or ways to do things.

Continuing to grow and learn

People can also satisfy their self-actualization needs by continuing to grow and learn. This could mean taking classes, reading books, or learning new skills. It could also mean exploring new hobbies or expanding your knowledge in different areas.

Helping others by simply being there for someone when they need you

Another way to satisfy self-actualization needs is by helping others. This could mean volunteering for a cause you care about or working in a job that helps people. It could also mean simply being there for someone when they need you.

Joining in on social movements

Finally, a person can join in on social movements to satisfy their self-actualization needs. This could involve protesting for something you believe in or working to make a change in your community. It could also mean educating others about important issues.

You have a strong sense of self-acceptance

Self-actualized individuals frequently have a strong sense of self-acceptance. They are able to accept themselves, flaws and all, for who they are.

This is a crucial characteristic since it enables individuals to live a real life. They are not attempting to be someone else. They are confident in their own skin and do not attempt to conceal their shortcomings from others.

Many people who have attained self-actualization, for instance, may freely discuss their issues with mental health or addiction. They are not frightened to share their experience because they recognize that it is a part of who they are and accept themselves for it.

Your way of thinking shifts from being self-centered to becoming problem-centered

People with self-actualization need to have more accurate perceptions of reality and are better equipped to deal with ambiguity because of this. They can embrace people and themselves for who they are as a result.

Morality, creativity, problem-solving skills, and the drive to achieve something are the main components of self-actualization.

Example: Maslow himself described Dr. Albert Einstein as one of the few individuals who had attained the condition of self-actualization, which serves as a very clear illustration of self-actualization needs.

We may now affirm the necessity of improving oneself while contributing to society. The desire to improve upon and go above and beyond what you are currently doing. If we use Apple as an example, consider their development.

Since the beginning, they have only focused on enhancing the client experience. They have been attempting to fulfill their needs for self-actualization in all of their endeavors.