Self-Actualization is something that we hope to influence in everyone that comes across our platform. But what exactly does it look like? What does a person who is self-actualized have that everyone else does not have? And what is so significant about these 13 characteristics? In this article we merely want to introduce the characteristics of a Self-Actualized individual so that you can get an idea of what Self-Actualization looks like, since we will be referencing this concept a lot. As we move further into this topic, it is imperative that you understand the personal benefits of being Self-Actualized. One of the many benefits are in fact these characteristics. You will think, understand, feel, and communicate in a way that allows you to reach your full potential, with yourself and the world around you. You will discover your talents, capacities, creative tendencies, and constitutional potentialities. Another benefit is being able to live a fulfilled life that is based in passion because you embody these characteristics. In the book, Toward A Psychology of Being, by Abraham Maslow, he highlights all of these as characteristics of the Self-Actualized individual. They are as follows:

• • • Superior perception of reality.
    • Increased acceptance of self, of others and of nature.
    • Increased spontaneity.
    • Increase in problem centering.
    • Increased detachment and desire for privacy.
    • Increased autonomy, and resistance to enculturation.
    • Greater freshness of appreciation, and richness of emotional reaction.
    • Higher frequency of peak experiences.
    • Increased identification with the human species.
    • Changed (the clinician would say, improved) interpersonal relations.
    • More democratic character structure.
    • Greatly increased creativeness.
    • Certain changes in the value system.

We do not want you to look at this list as a task or a to do list but simply a aspirational goal if you will, that is more like a gradual growth rather than an erratic leap from one quality to the next just to “get it done.” This is not about the end goal but enjoying the journey to the end goal regardless if it is what you expected or not. Once on this journey you will naturally begin to embody these qualities without force or fight because the realizations you will come across and the work you will do, will push you into this very rewarding way of being. 

We will often reference Abraham Maslow when it comes to Self-Actualization because we fundamentally like the way he breaks down his thoughts and theories regarding Self-Actualization and the possibilities of what it is and what it may encompass. I use words like “may” and “possibilities” because although it is not a new concept, we have only just scratched the surface and there is so much to discover and learn about this fulfilling process. As Self-Actualization becomes a significant element in our next phase of consciousness, not only personally but on a grand scale, I think then we will further discover the gifts that it has to offer. Self-Actualization is a topic of great depth and we do not take our approach to try and expand upon the many facets of this intricate topic lightly so, we have decided to break this down in segments in order for you to really understand and grasp the many working parts of Self-Actualization. In the coming weeks we will be breaking down each of these qualities so that you can understand what they mean, how to participate in achieving them, and some of the mental set backs that you may come across while trying to evolve. We hope that you are just as excited to learn about Self-Actualization as we are to help you understand it.