PsychologistAbraham Maslowdeveloped ahierarchy of needs, representing all the various needs that motivate human behavior.
At the peak of this hierarchy is self-actualization.
It is important to note that self-actualization isn’t about being perfect or achieving all your life goals.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
These experiences can also be transformative.
In other words, peak experiences are moments of transcendence in which a person emerges feeling changed and transformed.
They maintain a sense ofgratitudefor the good things in life, no matter how often they experience those things.
They tend to lack inhibition and can enjoy themselves and their livesfree of guilt.
Not only do self-actualized people fully accept themselves, they also embrace others for who they are.
Other individuals are treated equally regardless of background, current status, or other socio-economic and cultural factors.
This original perspective allows the individual to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of each experience.
People With Self-Actualization Value Privacy
Self-actualized individuals value their privacy and enjoy solitude.
They Have a Philosophical Sense of Humor
Self-actualized individuals generally have a thoughtful sense of humor.
They Have a Sense of Purpose
Self-actualization is also marked bya sense of purpose.
This purpose is often humanitarian in nature.
They feel deeply connected to other people and experience tremendousempathyfor the plight of others.
This sense of empathy and purpose often drives them to work toward making the world better.
An example of this characteristic of self-actualization would be a person who takes action to help reduce social injustices.
The journey toward achieving a goal is just as important and enjoyable as actually accomplishing the goal.
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