What a man CAN be, he MUST be: reflections on self- actualization

Ann Timmermans

Happiness is in there, only to be found internally as it is a state of mind. Instead of blaming others or trying to change the world around us, we should change our minds to develop a positive mental condition. True happiness and complete independence are results of self-realization, of psychological growth and maturation.

( Guru ft Roy Ayers: Take a look at yourself: "Step back, analyze and use your own eyes to see. I can't be you, you can't be me. For your problems you can't blame no one else.")

Introspection( from Latin intro spicere: to look within), the technique of self-observing and examining inner activities, of reflecting on your memories, emotions and thoughts is the indispensable chief psychological method of learning about and of recognizing conscious and non- conscious mental processes. Briefly the key to knowing the true self. 

(Black Star K.O.S: "We keep it balanced with that knowledge of self determination. Knowledge of self is like life after death with that you never worry about your last breath. At exactly which point do you start to realize that life without knowledge is death in disguise. Knowledge of self determination. Stand in Ovation, cause you put the hue in human. Cause and effect, effect everything you do and that's why I got love in the face of hate") .

Self-reflection leads to better future actions and motivates to live up to one's own internal standards. 

( A Tribe called Quest The Remedy: Q Tip: "We all got different things we got to deal with. Sometimes I think people always want to put the blame on something else instead of looking at ourselves. But if we look within ourselves, we can prevent a lot of this nonsense sometimes. It's about relating back to the essence".)

The humanistic movement believed that humans are unique individuals who should be recognized and treated as such.

American humanistic psychologists Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers developed and emphasized the psychological concept of self-actualization, which is a process of growing and developing as a person to fully use and exploit talents, to maximize individual potential, to become actually what one is potentially.

According to Rogers people evaluate experiences as positive if they enhance self-actualization and tend to seek these positive experiences.

Maslow described self-actualization as: " A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be at peace with his self. What a man CAN be, he MUST be". 

(Aloe Blacc: I'm beautiful: I'm gonna be the best me that I know how to be)

He believed that self-actualization is not just a human capacity but the highest human need in a hierarchy of needs. A hierarchy of five classes of needs( physiological needs, safety, belongingness and love, esteem and self-actualization) influence human behaviour.

As most people are preoccupied with what they do not have( deficiency orientation), Maslow advised to focus on what they do have(growth orientation). This orientation opens the door to personality growth and peak experiences, inspiring moments of intense joy, love, understanding and ecstasy. 

Maslow's The Farther Reaches of Human Nature( 1971) describes the eight ways in which individuals self-actualize.

1. Concentration: to experience fully, vividly, selflessly.

2. Growth choices: each decision is a choice of growth, to open yourself to
    new and challenging experiences

3. self-awareness: self-consciousness: know yourself. Take responsibility for
    your own negative mood, recognize feelings. Give a direction to your own
    development

4. Honesty: essential elements in self-actualizing are honesty and taking
    responsibilities for your actions

5. Judgment: follow your instincts

6. self-development: use your abilities and intelligence

7. peak experiences: think, act, feel clearly and accurately, more loving and
    accepting of others

8. lack of ego defences: drop them when appropriate

Self-actualized people have accurate realistic perceptions of themselves and the world around them, are motivated to help others. They tend to be open, unconventional and spontaneous, have a philosophical sense of humour and form very deep ties with only a few people. They need their independence and privacy. Self-fulfilled individuals have a childlike and fresh creativity and inventiveness.

Bear in mind that self-actualization is a never-ending process of making potential real. Try to see life clearly, utilize your capacities joyfully. Even simple experiences will be sources of inspiration and pleasure.

(Jurassic Five: Work it out: " Now if I know what I know you need to work it out. If you ain't happy with yourself you need to work it out.")

Article written by Ann Timmermans