Throughout the history of man we have seen a drastic change in the goal orientations exhibited by our race. From early colonialism; where expansion and imperialistic views dominated, to the industrial revolution, where innovation and quicker, more efficient ways of producing labor dominated. But one goal that has remained a under the radar, and yet coveted by man is the idea of self-actualization. Self-actualization is the process of realizing ones full potential, and once obtaining this realization, using it to better the world around us. "Self-actualized people tend to be accepting of themselves and others. They're self-confident but not self-centered. They focus on real-world and intellectual problems and have a few deep friendships rather than many superficial ones." This description of a self-actualized person hit home for me, because this has been a goal that I have been striving for since obtaining a new view on life as well as the world around me. I feel that this should be a goal all people strive for, because a world full of self-actualized people would be one that I would like to live in. Maslow, who did the main studies on self-actualization described moments that self-actualized people experience called "peak experiences" which are transcendent moments of intense excitement and tranquility marked by a profound sense of connection to the world. I hope that everyone someday can experience on of these peak experiences as they are one of the more gratifying experiences a person can have in life. I can't say that I have achieved this level of self-actualization, but it is something that I strive for everyday, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Sometimes people need to take a step back and look at their life and when keeping this in mind they may find little things that upset them may seem miniscule in the larger picture of life. Self-actualization is truly a goal that all men and women should strive for every single day.
Leave a comment