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Article Title: Beat the Survival Game and Meet the Higher Needs of Self
Actualization
Author: Thomas Digges
Category: Coaching, Inspirational/Motivational, Goal Setting
Word Count: 820
Keywords: self actualization, transformation, self development, self
improvement, spirituality, energy
Author's Email Address: gfnproject@gmail.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
The first sets of needs according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs are:
physiological, safety, social and belonging. We treated those needs in the
article: "How To Beat The Survival Game And Achieve Self
Actualization". To read this article see the resource box.
Now we come to the "Esteem" needs. This level of needs is about being
respected, or recognized. Being able to function in a way that you gain an
adequate self image. Moving beyond any type of inferiority complexes etc. Here
are some suggestions for gaining adequate esteem or status. Our focus will be on
creating "optimal" situations that do not steal your energy. A surplus
of energy is the best assurance of being able to move beyond the lower level
needs and move into the higher level need brackets.
Find ways to contribute
Make sure these activities complement your values. The key is avoiding conflicts
of interest. Also find activities that are low maintainance both timewise and
moneywise. This endeavor will reward you with self respect and esteem.
Recognition and admiration are important to both give and receive. They comprise
a healthy respect for our interdependence. There are lots of "needy"
people and it's easy to find groups that help them. The environment faces
threats that need correcting. Liberating social causes always need more voices
to speak for them. You don't have to become a fanatic. Just contribute in a
measured and sane way. You will be rewarded.
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After Esteem needs we move into the Being needs area. This is the actual
frontier of true self actualization. Quoting now from Wikipedia:
"Self-actualization (a term originated by Kurt Goldstein) is the
instinctual need of humans to make the most of their unique abilities and to
strive to be the best they can be. Maslow describes self-actualization as
follows:
Self Actualization is the intrinsic growth of what is already in the organism,
or more accurately, of what the organism is. (Psychological Review, 1949)
Maslow writes the following of self-actualizing people:
* They embrace the facts and realities of the world (including themselves)
rather than denying or avoiding them.
* They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions.
* They are creative.
* They are interested in solving problems; this often includes the problems of
others. Solving these problems is often a key focus in their lives.
* They feel a closeness to other people, and generally appreciate life.
* They have a system of morality that is fully internalized and independent of
external authority.
* They judge others without prejudice, in a way that can be termed objective.
In short, self-actualization is reaching your fullest potential."
Ultimately, reaching your fullest potential requires a mastery of energy.
Especially enough energy to be able to meet the lower level needs. The less
energy you need to spend on the lower level needs, the more you will have
available to meet the higher needs of self actualization. Finding creative and
self perpetuating ways to meet those needs and to gather and preserve energy are
what Optimal Living is all about.
Energy comes back to you in several ways. Money gives you security, food and
shelter. From mature relationships and group involvement you get nurture, care,
support and help when needed. When you learn to give out of your heart, you
receive meaning and satisfaction. Engaging in creative expression keeps you in
touch with your higher self and exercises that contact. From the aesthetic side
of life - art, music, yoga, contemplation, openness and intimacy etc. you
experience an increase in awareness, subtle pleasure, appreciation, admiration
and the like.
My hope is that this article will allow you to establish a more clear vision for
your life. That it will get your creative juices flowing towards "Optimal
Living" ways to meet your needs and gather energy. That you will gain the
momentum to achieve "escape velocity" from the doldrums of a life of
mere survival and move more quickly into self actualization.
To reach our Optimal Living Resource Site: http://gfnproject.com/optimal_living_resources.htm
T Sebastian Digges is an author and self actualization coach.
See his other writings here: http://gfnproject.com/ArticlesMain.htm
