Maslow's hierarchy of needs--Have you ever self actualized?

Question

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs

Have you ever felt as though you reached self-actualization? Was it for a short period of time? Or do you feel as though you are still there?

If not, what do you think you need to overcome to reach it?

Answer 1

Yes, and I can only speak from my own experience. I think people can only determine that for themselves. I have found Self actualization is a fluid thing that ebbs and flows.
It is not a constant state for me . It may be for others but I would not presume to know the interior life of others.

All my other needs have been fulfilled but I am still working on the prejudice thing.
When I view things without prejudice I am self actualized.

Answer 2

Great question! It is something I have wondered myself, long before I ran across the term "self-actualized". My personal understanding is that becoming self-actualized is very much within human reach. In fact, anyone who has a solid and honest view of themself and others, cultivates a healthy lifestyle, and strives for continual growth of these things fits the bill. Also, it seems that Maslow's ascension describes a self-actualized Idealist, using a MBTI term. Continuing with the MBTI perspective, then each major temperament is going to have a different self-actualized frame of reference. Not necessarily better or worse, but definitely with different strengths and weakness to work on balancing out. It is definitely not a matter of striving for perfection, which leads to the cycle flip flopping between the despised self and the idealized self that Karen Horney describes. Something else to consider is regression, and it is completely likely that someone who has is self-actualized can through neglect, stress, or physical trauma. Like I said, great question. So, the answer is yes, I know people who have attained self-actualization.

Answer 3

The thing about Maslow's is that it's a pyramid. The basic needs have to be met before the higher ones can even be contemplated. People who are cold and hungry don't worry about actualization. They just want to survive. Self actualization is not a state of mind that we zip in and out of. It's not something you can do with material possessions, drugs or meditation either. It is knowing that you are the best person that you can be, and you are satisfied with what you are. Very few people actually reach this level. Even well-educated successful people have things that nag at them and prevent their reaching this state. Maybe Gandhi and Mother Theresa got there, but maybe not. You have to be able to say that you don't yearn for anything, and most of us really want something we don't have. Basically, most people are selfish and that's probably the biggest roadblock. I'm not sure we are meant to reach this plane on Earth. Maybe we are made aware of its existence so that we will strive towards Heaven.

Answer 4

I am sad to say that I am nowhere near self actualization. At most, I've gone past the first two tiers, but nothing more. But I'm young and I believe I've got the rest of my life to reach self actualization.

Answer 5

I have been there but keep on searching for different things as man is unsatiable being.I have my ups and downs but I am don´t stop in a certain point..keep on searching..as life is a process of experiencing..feeling..needing.

Answer 6

Too many basic survival needs to deal with.
Self-actualization is a given-nothing to be reached, only to be aware of.

Answer 7

i'm still on the third stage.. why?
it's because of friendship.. i want to know who really are my true friends.. you know, some consider you as their friends but they don't consider you as a true friend..

i think you need to overcome all the doubts and questions about life..