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Self-actualization is the realization of a person’s full potential. It is found at the peak of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and is considered the exception rather than the rule since most people are working to meet more pressing needs.

PsychologistAbraham Maslowdeveloped ahierarchy of needs, representing all the various needs that motivate human behavior. The hierarchy is often displayed as a pyramid, with the lowest levels representing basic needs and more complex needs at the top.

At the peak of this hierarchy is self-actualization. Maslow’s hierarchy suggested that when the other needs at the pyramid’s base have been met, you can focus on this pinnacle need to achieve your full potential.

It is important to note that self-actualization isn’t about being perfect or achieving all your life goals. Instead, it is a state of mind that allows people to approach problems, relationships, and needs with acceptance and understanding.

Characteristics of Self-Actualized People

Some of the key characteristics of self-actualization include:

Self-Actualized People Have Peak Experiences

One characterization of self-actualization is having frequentpeak experiences. According to Maslow, a peak experience involves feelings of intense ecstasy, joy, and wonder.During such experiences, people often lose track of time and acutely feel that what they are experiencing is important, valuable, unique, and special.

These experiences can also be transformative. People may walk away feeling as if they have been fundamentally changed or gained insight into the world and themselves.

In other words, peak experiences are moments of transcendence in which a person emerges feeling changed and transformed.

They Have a Continuous Sense of Appreciation

Self-Actualization Involves Acceptance

Another key characteristic of self-actualization is the ability to accept themselves and others as they are. They tend to lack inhibition and can enjoy themselves and their livesfree of guilt.

Not only do self-actualized people fully accept themselves, they also embrace others for who they are. Other individuals are treated equally regardless of background, current status, or other socio-economic and cultural factors.

Self-Determination Theory in Psychology

Self-Actualized People Are Realistic

Another major characteristic of self-actualized people is a sense of realism.Rather than being fearful of things that are different or unknown, the self-actualized individual can view life as it unfolds logically and rationally.

They Are Problem-Centered

As an example, someone with self-actualization may help a friend find ways to overcome an issue at work or in their personal life.

They Are Independent

Self-actualized people also tend to be very ​independent.They don’t conform to other people’s ideas ofhappinessor contentment. This original perspective allows the individual to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of each experience.

Self Efficacy and Why Believing in Yourself Matters

People With Self-Actualization Value Privacy

Self-actualized individuals value their privacy and enjoy solitude. While they also love the company of others, taking time to themselves is essential for their personal discovery and cultivating their potential.

They Have a Philosophical Sense of Humor

Self-actualized individuals generally have a thoughtful sense of humor. They’re able to enjoy the humor in situations and laugh at themselves, but they don’t ridicule or joke at the expense of another person’s feelings.

A person with self-actualization maylaugh at themselvesif they say something silly, for example, but wouldn’t make fun of someone else who did the same.

Spontaneity Is a Sign of Self-Actualization

They Have a Sense of Purpose

This purpose is often humanitarian in nature. They feel deeply connected to other people and experience tremendousempathyfor the plight of others. This sense of empathy and purpose often drives them to work toward making the world better.

An example of this characteristic of self-actualization would be a person who takes action to help reduce social injustices.

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Self-Actualized People Focus on the Journey

While self-actualized people have concrete goals, they don’t see things as simply a means to an end. The journey toward achieving a goal is just as important and enjoyable as actually accomplishing the goal.

Beyond Self-ActualizationAccording to a 2018 study looking at the personality characteristics most associated with self-actualization, many self-actualized people are also on the path toward Maslow’s dubbed term of self-transcendence.While not part of the original hierarchy, Maslow described self-transcendence as a higher state in which people see beyond their own concerns and perspectives, achieving a state of feeling at one with the world and those in it.

Beyond Self-Actualization

According to a 2018 study looking at the personality characteristics most associated with self-actualization, many self-actualized people are also on the path toward Maslow’s dubbed term of self-transcendence.While not part of the original hierarchy, Maslow described self-transcendence as a higher state in which people see beyond their own concerns and perspectives, achieving a state of feeling at one with the world and those in it.

According to a 2018 study looking at the personality characteristics most associated with self-actualization, many self-actualized people are also on the path toward Maslow’s dubbed term of self-transcendence.

While not part of the original hierarchy, Maslow described self-transcendence as a higher state in which people see beyond their own concerns and perspectives, achieving a state of feeling at one with the world and those in it.

Reasons to Learn More About Your Personality Type

How to Achieve Self-Actualization

Fortunately, there are things that you can do to become more actualized, live more authentically, and bring a sense of purpose and meaning into your life.

Final Thoughts

Self-actualization can improve your well-being, but it is important to recognize that it may look different for each person. Achieving your full potential takes time; it is more about the journey toward becoming your fullest self than reaching a specific destination. By recognizing the characteristics of self-actualized people, you can practice some of these strategies in your own life.

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7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kaufman SB.Self-actualizing people in the 21st century: Integration with contemporary theory and research on personality and well-being.Journal of Humanistic Psychology. 2023;63(1):51-83. doi:10.1177/0022167818809187Maslow AH. Religions, Values, and Peak-Experiences. Viking; 1970.Talevich JR, Read SJ, Walsh DA, Iyer R, Chopra G.Toward a comprehensive taxonomy of human motives.PLoS One. 2017;12(2). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172279Söderhamn U, Dale B, Söderhamn O.The meaning of actualization of self-care resources among a group of older home-dwelling people–a hermeneutic study.Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2013;8:1–9. doi:10.3402/qhw.v8i0.20592Martela F, Pessi AB.Significant work is about self-realization and broader purpose: Defining the key dimensions of meaningful work.Front Psychol. 2018;9:363. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00363Andringa TC, van den Bosch KA, Vlaskamp C.Learning autonomy in two or three steps: Linking open-ended development, authority, and agency to motivation.Front Psychol. 2013;4:766. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00766Trull TJ, Widiger TA.Dimensional models of personality: The five-factor model and the DSM-5.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):135–146. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.2/ttrullAdditional ReadingSullivan E.Self-actualization.Encyclopaedia Brittanica.

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kaufman SB.Self-actualizing people in the 21st century: Integration with contemporary theory and research on personality and well-being.Journal of Humanistic Psychology. 2023;63(1):51-83. doi:10.1177/0022167818809187Maslow AH. Religions, Values, and Peak-Experiences. Viking; 1970.Talevich JR, Read SJ, Walsh DA, Iyer R, Chopra G.Toward a comprehensive taxonomy of human motives.PLoS One. 2017;12(2). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172279Söderhamn U, Dale B, Söderhamn O.The meaning of actualization of self-care resources among a group of older home-dwelling people–a hermeneutic study.Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2013;8:1–9. doi:10.3402/qhw.v8i0.20592Martela F, Pessi AB.Significant work is about self-realization and broader purpose: Defining the key dimensions of meaningful work.Front Psychol. 2018;9:363. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00363Andringa TC, van den Bosch KA, Vlaskamp C.Learning autonomy in two or three steps: Linking open-ended development, authority, and agency to motivation.Front Psychol. 2013;4:766. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00766Trull TJ, Widiger TA.Dimensional models of personality: The five-factor model and the DSM-5.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):135–146. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.2/ttrullAdditional ReadingSullivan E.Self-actualization.Encyclopaedia Brittanica.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Kaufman SB.Self-actualizing people in the 21st century: Integration with contemporary theory and research on personality and well-being.Journal of Humanistic Psychology. 2023;63(1):51-83. doi:10.1177/0022167818809187Maslow AH. Religions, Values, and Peak-Experiences. Viking; 1970.Talevich JR, Read SJ, Walsh DA, Iyer R, Chopra G.Toward a comprehensive taxonomy of human motives.PLoS One. 2017;12(2). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172279Söderhamn U, Dale B, Söderhamn O.The meaning of actualization of self-care resources among a group of older home-dwelling people–a hermeneutic study.Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2013;8:1–9. doi:10.3402/qhw.v8i0.20592Martela F, Pessi AB.Significant work is about self-realization and broader purpose: Defining the key dimensions of meaningful work.Front Psychol. 2018;9:363. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00363Andringa TC, van den Bosch KA, Vlaskamp C.Learning autonomy in two or three steps: Linking open-ended development, authority, and agency to motivation.Front Psychol. 2013;4:766. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00766Trull TJ, Widiger TA.Dimensional models of personality: The five-factor model and the DSM-5.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):135–146. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.2/ttrull

Kaufman SB.Self-actualizing people in the 21st century: Integration with contemporary theory and research on personality and well-being.Journal of Humanistic Psychology. 2023;63(1):51-83. doi:10.1177/0022167818809187

Maslow AH. Religions, Values, and Peak-Experiences. Viking; 1970.

Talevich JR, Read SJ, Walsh DA, Iyer R, Chopra G.Toward a comprehensive taxonomy of human motives.PLoS One. 2017;12(2). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172279

Söderhamn U, Dale B, Söderhamn O.The meaning of actualization of self-care resources among a group of older home-dwelling people–a hermeneutic study.Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2013;8:1–9. doi:10.3402/qhw.v8i0.20592

Martela F, Pessi AB.Significant work is about self-realization and broader purpose: Defining the key dimensions of meaningful work.Front Psychol. 2018;9:363. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00363

Andringa TC, van den Bosch KA, Vlaskamp C.Learning autonomy in two or three steps: Linking open-ended development, authority, and agency to motivation.Front Psychol. 2013;4:766. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00766

Trull TJ, Widiger TA.Dimensional models of personality: The five-factor model and the DSM-5.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2013;15(2):135–146. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.2/ttrull

Sullivan E.Self-actualization.Encyclopaedia Brittanica.

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