Reaching a level of self-actualization ~ doing what we are "born to do"

In 1943 American psychologist Abraham Maslow introduced the concept of “hierarchy of human needs” to the world.  It’s been reported that Maslow did not consider this work to be research as the term is commonly described; instead, it was a study of people.

This study of people has been depicted in various formats, one of which is the following:

Image: Copyright Wikipedia 2009

The highest level in the Hierarchy of Human Needs, self-actualization, relates to people doing what they

are “born to do” in their lifetimes.

Maslow claimed that once a person successfully achieves the lower levels of the hierarchy: physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem; that person is then positioned to achieve the true targeted lifetime goal of self-actualization.

This might involve a person:

• engaging in work or study he or she is passionate about – doing what he or she is “born to do”
• “owning” one’s personality and having a high sense of self-confidence through both successes and failures knowing who you are & being consistent with that knowledge
• sharing one’s creativity and skills in order to impact local and global change
• loving and respecting oneself and being able to easily love and respect others while appreciating and accepting all kinds of diversity
• having and utilizing the resources needed to sustain a healthy and balanced lifestyle 

Reaching the self-actualization level can happen for different people at different stages in their lives. And, because of the regular challenges and circumstances of life, some individuals may never reach the highest level of the hierarchy during a lifetime.

Those who have either achieved or are close to achieving self-actualization may look to help another person reach this same milestone.  This mentoring relationship can then represent further success for both individuals – the mentor and the mentee – leading to a greater number of people living successful lives where they are doing and excelling at what they are “born to do.”

Sharon M. Biggs, M.A., is a wife, mother, and 21st Century educational leader who serves as Co-Chair & President of Lifeline Foundation, Inc.  This 23-year educator is also Founder, Editor, and Chief Writer of LifelineExtensions.blog. View Sharon's other published works at http://www.examiner.com/.

Contact Sharon directly for more information: sharonbiggs@mylifelinefoundation.org

"Children are the globe's most precious commodity."
(Terence H. Biggs, Jr. ~ 2009)