Finding true meaning in your life: Self-Actualization
Personal Development — By Zuzanna on September 26, 2009 at 1:45 pmWe are free human beings responsible for our own lives. We want to have a happy, fulfilling life. We create it and give it a meaning. Or do we?
At first, when we come to London we think about getting a job and a roof above our heads. We run after money from one job to another, or stick with one even if we’re not happy there (‘the job market is not good now, etc.’). Once we feel safe with the basics then we look for new friends with whom we can have fun and new experiences. We go out, enjoy our time in London, plan the future ahead, not only the coming month.
Then you may get to the moment where you sit down, think about your life, looking for your purpose. You want to ’self-actualize’ in the most satisfying way. E.g. in this stage of your development may choose to start your own business over having a secure job. You are not afraid to be creative and original. When you are self-actualized there’s no problem which can stop you from achieving want you want to pursue, as you see each problem as a challenge. You don’t worry about what other people think about your actions as you fully accept yourself and you have the support of a small but close-knit group of friends.
Abraham Maslow came up with a concept of human needs. He created a hierarchy of needs shown nicely in a pyramid.
source: http://www.imteachingfrench.com
Which level are you on at the moment? How far it is the top? What are your needs in your life and what motivates you in your everyday activities?
Find out more from humanistic psychology and Maslow’s self actualization concept from the movie below.
So live your life in full, because ‘If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life‘ - Abraham Maslow.
7 Comments
The content in the video is quite interesting, like the whole topic. But the delivery and quality of it…
Find something better next time.
It’s sad that people sometimes don’t even realize for most of their lives that there is something more then just work and money. I know people who just go to work, come back, get a beer, watch tv, go to sleep. Everyday. They don’t go to any museums, parks or galleries. I understand that some may want to save money, but these are for free. No excuse.
People wake up! Your’re in the best city in the world. Get the most of it when you’re still here!
I had a friend who used to work hard, running from one work to another, not earning that much anyway. She was in this kind of state of mind – ‘Life is hard, we do what we need to. I need to earn for my living, rent, pension, save for a deposit’. She was stressed, tired and unhappy.
Then something happened and she changed her job to slow-paced. She had more time to look at her life, ay what she really loves doing, what she wants to do in future. After few months she totally changed her career, every few months she goes travelling. She smiles now everytime I see her.
I think the only way to be truly happy is to self-actualize yourself.
Self-actualization – knowing that you’ve made a difference.
Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W-w6m6t6Uk
I wonder how many expats in London get up in the morning happy that they go to work they’ve chosen?