Much has been written about the contributions of Abraham Maslow to the field of psychology, especially in terms of his ideas about self-actualization.The space where a person has let go of basic and ego-needs and is able to live authentically and in the moment.
The following are his descriptions of the keys to self-actualization:
- Experiencing life “vividly, selflessly, with full concentration and total absorption”.
- Making choices moment to moment that foster growth rather than fear;
- Becoming more attuned to your inner nature and acting in concert with who you are;
- Being honest with yourself and taking responsibility for what you say and do rather than playing games or posing;
- Identifying your ego defenses and finding the courage to give them up;
- Developing the ability to determine your own destiny and daring to be different and non-conformist;
- Creating an ongoing process for reaching your potential and doing the work needed to realize your vision;
- Fostering the conditions for having “peak experiences” in which we think, act, and feel more clearly and are more loving and accepting of others.
By thinking about life in this way, we are freer, more open, less worried about what other’s think or pleasing them. We are in touch with ourselves and our own needs and less judgmental of everyone.
Just for today, pick one of these ideas from above to focus on.
