What is self-actualization? Plus, 10 examples you can try today
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Explore what self-actualization is according to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Plus, 10 examples of self-actualization you can practice to improve your wellbeing.
Think of someone like Mahatma Gandhi. You might associate him with the pursuit of higher purpose and inner truth, but he didn’t start out that way. Born during a time when India was in the middle of social and political unrest, Gandhi’s journey took him from a young lawyer to a global symbol of peace and nonviolent resistance. His humble beginnings didn’t stop him from achieving his greater purpose in life.
Many would agree that Gandhi is an example of someone who achieved self-actualization. He let go of what didn’t feel right to him (money and power to start) and instead focused on what did (freedom and civil rights). By doing this, Gandhi achieved what some might say he was born to do.
Of course, not everyone is born to give up their stuff and create a national movement of peace, but we all have our own purpose and path in this life. You can’t just wake up, snap your fingers and become the best version of yourself, but you can decide to get on the path to discover it.
What is the definition of self-actualization?
Self-actualization is the process of becoming everything you’re capable of being. Instead of striving to meet societal expectations, you focus on fulfilling your own unique potential. This makes the journey deeply personal, because everyone has their own set of skills, interests, and aspirations in life.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow introduced the idea of self-actualization as part of his broader theory on human motivation. He believed people have an inherent set of needs that must be met in order to achieve the highest level of self-fulfillment. Self-actualization is at the top of this hierarchy, as it represents the pinnacle of personal development and is where people feel most satisfied and complete.
However, achieving self-actualization isn’t about reaching a single goal — it’s a continuous journey of growth, learning, awareness, and self-improvement.
What is Maslow’s hierarchy?
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that explains human motivation based on a set of needs that must be met in a specific order. The hierarchy is often illustrated as a pyramid with five levels, each representing different types of needs, with self-actualization at the top.
1. Physiological needs
The first need in the pyramid is our basic needs for survival, which are food, water, shelter, sleep, and air. Without meeting these basic requirements, we can’t focus on anything else.
2. Safety needs
Security, stability, and protection in our environment come next in the hierarchy. For example, personal safety, financial security, health and wellbeing, and safety nets against accidents or illness are critical to ensuring people feel safe and secure.
3. Love and belonging needs
Social connections and relationships, like friendships, family bonds, romantic relationships, and community, are third on the pyramid. Strong relationships can provide emotional support, love, and a sense of belonging, which are essential building blocks of a fulfilling life.
4. Esteem needs
Next comes the desire for respect, self-esteem, and recognition, perhaps through achievements, status, recognition from others, and self-confidence. Esteem needs can be divided into two categories: esteem for yourself (dignity, achievement, and mastery) and the desire for respect from others.
5. Self-actualization
The process of realizing one's potential sits atop the pyramid. This includes pursuing personal growth and achieving your goals, as well as creative expression and self-improvement. Self-actualization is about finding true happiness and fulfillment.
How Maslow’s hierarchy works
Maslow believed that these needs must be satisfied in a specific order. Obviously, if you struggle to find food and shelter, you won’t be able to focus on achieving personal goals or building relationships. And if you have difficulty with self-esteem, it’s likely you’ll struggle with self-actualization. Each level of the hierarchy builds upon the previous one.
But, Maslow also acknowledged that the hierarchy isn’t always rigid. People may pursue multiple levels of needs simultaneously, and, sometimes, higher-level needs can come before lower-level ones. For example, you might pursue a meaningful relationship even if your safety needs aren’t fully met.
Self-actualization isn’t a final destination but an ongoing process of growth, learning, and self-discovery.
How self-actualization and wellbeing are connected
Pursuing self-actualization can lead to a happier life. It means you’re chasing a path where you prioritize personal growth, self-acceptance, personal and emotional fulfillment. Whether or not you achieve these goals, the pursuit of them can still improve your day-to-day life.
You have a sense of purpose and meaning
Aiming for goals and enjoying activities that are deeply meaningful to you—rather than just going through the motions to please others—can give your life direction and significance.
Having a clear purpose helps you stay motivated, focused, and gives you a reason to get up in the morning and pursue your goals with passion and energy. This can contribute to long-term happiness and satisfaction.
Your personal growth is prioritized
Continually learning new skills and expanding your horizons can make you more resilient and capable. And being able to adapt to new challenges and opportunities can help boost your confidence and self-esteem.
You practice authenticity and self-acceptance
Understanding what you stand for and accepting your strengths and weaknesses means you can make independent choices that align with who you really are.
Learning to take responsibility for your actions and decisions, rather than being influenced solely by others' expectations or societal pressures, can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Self-acceptance and being who you truly are can positively impact every aspect of your life.
You have emotional fulfillment
Activities that bring you joy and satisfaction—such as creative pursuits, meaningful work, or volunteer opportunities—can boost your mood and emotional wellbeing.
You experience creativity and expression
Art, music, writing, or any other form of creativity that allows you to express yourself has been repeatedly proven to benefit your physical and mental health.
Your support circle consists of healthy relationships
Building and maintaining deep, meaningful relationships based on mutual respect, understanding, and genuine connection, can help you feel supported and valued.
Your loved ones can provide support during difficult times, share in your joys and successes, and contribute to a sense of community and belonging.
You are resilient and utilize coping skills
Developing skills that help you overcome challenges and setbacks is an important part of self-actualization. If you can bounce back from difficult emotions and situations, you can better maintain your mental health and wellbeing.
You have improved physical health
Your physical health is closely linked to mental and emotional wellbeing. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep can help improve your mood, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
You may have peak experiences
According to Maslow, when you’re self-actualized you often have "peak experiences," which are moments of intense joy, creativity, and fulfillment that stand out as highlights of their lives. These times can provide a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, and reinforce the pursuit of personal growth and self-fulfillment.
10 examples of self-actualization you can practice in your life
Each step you take toward realizing your potential can bring you closer to living a fulfilling, meaningful life. There’s no pressure to explore every possibility, just try one or two simple practices and gradually add more as you feel ready.
1. Set personal goals for different areas of life
Identify what you want to achieve in all the different parts of your life. Think about your career, education, health, and relationships. What do you wish to pursue? What do you want to go for?
Try this: Write down SMART goals, which stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Break them into smaller steps and track your progress.
💙 Get specific with goal-setting by following Jay Shetty’s advice to uncover The ‘Why’ Behind Your Goals.
2. Learn continuously as you move through your days
Prioritize being a student of life by pursuing lifelong learning to expand your knowledge and skills. Not only will this help keep your mind sharp, but your curiosity could open up an entirely new path for you — and you’ll never know until you try.
Try this: Dedicate time each week to read books, take online courses, attend workshops, or join a club or group for a subject you're interested in.
💙 Make learning non-negotiable and Schedule Me-tings with yourself, which is time set aside regularly for you and only you.
3. Practice creativity wherever possible
Express yourself and try to think outside the box when it comes to exercising creativity. Maybe you loved arts and crafts as a kid and have been wanting to pick it back up, or perhaps you’re a storyteller at heart and have wanted to try creative writing. Give yourself permission to explore.
Try this: Make time for activities like drawing, painting, writing, playing a musical instrument, or crafting. Try different forms of creative expression to find what you enjoy the most.
💙 Join Tamara Levitt as she helps you explore Creativity during this session of the Daily Calm.
4. Build meaningful relationships with your family, friends, and community
Create deep connections with friends, family, and others who support and uplift you. Having meaningful connections in our lives can positively impact our mental wellbeing, physical health, and emotional health. Make time for those family gatherings or catch up phone calls. Let the people you love know that you love them.
Try this: Spend quality time with the people you love, communicate openly, and show appreciation for their presence in your life. Join social groups or communities where you can meet people with similar interests.
💙 Discover the importance of Nurturing Relationships during this session with Tamara Levitt.
5. Help others when you can
Helping others can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, not only because you may feel good after helping someone, but it’s also a way to connect with others. Find ways to meaningfully give back. If you love animals, you could visit a local shelter. If you want to help those who are unhoused, a local soup kitchen could be the place to go.
Try this: Volunteer for a cause you care about, offer your skills and knowledge to help someone in need, or perform random acts of kindness or service.
6. Stay true to yourself and your moral values
Be honest about your feelings, beliefs, and values, and live in a way that aligns you with what you hold close, what gives you purpose, and what centers you around the truth. If any part of your life feels like it forces you to compromise your values, let it go.
Try this: Think about your core values and make sure your actions and decisions fit with them. Avoid situations or relationships that make you compromise your authenticity by going against who you are to your core.
💙 Develop a nourishing practice of Caring for Yourself with this session from the Radical Self-Care series.
7. Take care of your health (this one is non-negotiable)
Make your health a priority. Learn to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your physical and mental wellbeing. This could mean moving more, eating better, or seeing your doctor for those pesky annual exams.
Try this: Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga. Make regular health check-ups with your doctor a priority as part of preventative wellness.
💙 Get moving (even from the comfort of your own home) with a Mindful Movement session of The Daily Move.
8. Reflect on your progress as you go and celebrate your victories
Regularly assess your growth and achievements to help stay motivated and focused. This might look like reminding yourself of where you started, where you are now, and where you want to go. Think about how a younger you might be delighted by what your life looks like today.
Try this: Keep a journal of your experiences, challenges, and successes. Set aside time each month to review your goals and make adjustments as needed.
💙 Want to start journaling more? Check out these seven tips to get you started.
9. Embrace challenges and remember that failing up is a thing
Whenever possible, see if you can step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges that help you grow. This could mean overcoming shyness by stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to rock climb, or cook. Embracing new challenges is an excellent way to grow and evolve.
Try this: Push your limits, perhaps taking on a new project at work, learning a difficult skill, or facing a fear. Take on challenges with positivity and a willingness to learn.
💙 Discover what’s on the other side of fear by Taking the Exquisite Risk with Tara Brach.
10. Practice mindfulness in ways that feel good to you
Stay present and aware of your thoughts and emotions as you pass through your days. Try noticing what you’re thinking or feeling, especially during moments of stress. If you’re out for a walk, get present by reminding yourself that you’re benefiting your health and giving yourself some moments of peace. Soak that in, then keep walking.
Try this: Dedicate time each day to mindfulness activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walking. Focus on being fully present, and observe your thoughts without judgment.
💙 Unsure where to begin? Here are 10 mindfulness exercises to incorporate into your daily routine.
Actualization examples FAQs
How can I start my journey toward self-actualization?
Self-actualization involves understanding yourself and your goals. Start by asking yourself what you truly want to achieve in your life, both in the short and long-term. Break these goals down into smaller, manageable steps that you can work on daily or weekly.
Keep track of your progress, celebrate your achievements, and remember that change is inevitable. Don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as needed. Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and inspire you. Keep learning and stay open to new experiences and challenges.
What are the common obstacles to achieving self-actualization?
Fear of failure, lack of confidence, and distractions might be some of the most common obstacles you face. Here’s how they might affect you:
Fear of failure can hold you back from taking risks and pursuing your goals. To overcome your fear, start with small steps and gradually take on bigger challenges.
Lack of confidence can prevent you from recognizing your abilities and potential. Focus on your strengths and achievements, and seek feedback and support from others.
Social media, negative relationships, or procrastination, can divert your attention from your goals. Manage distractions by setting clear priorities, creating an environment that helps you focus, and try time management techniques.
Can self-actualization be achieved at any age?
At different stages of life, your goals and methods may change, but the pursuit of self-actualization is a lifelong journey.
Younger people may focus on education, career goals, and building relationships, while older people might concentrate on legacy, personal fulfillment, and giving back to their community.
Embrace the process of becoming your best self at any age —your happiness depends on it.
How does self-actualization differ from self-improvement?
Self-improvement focuses on specific areas of your life, such as skills, habits, or behaviors. You’re aiming to become better in particular aspects, such as learning a new language, improving time management, or developing healthier habits.
Self-actualization, on the other hand, is broader and deeper. It involves realizing your full potential in all areas to become the best version of yourself, achieving personal fulfillment, and living a meaningful life. Self-actualization includes self-improvement, but goes beyond it to address your overall wellbeing and purpose.
Are there specific practices to help nurture self-actualization?
There are many practices that can help you work toward self-actualization including goal-setting, mindfulness, continuous learning, and building strong relationships.
Goal-setting: Identify what you want to achieve and create a plan to reach those goals.
Mindfulness practices: Meditation and deep breathing can help you stay present and aware of your thoughts and emotions.
Continuous learning: Keep your mind active and engaged, whether through formal education, reading, or new experiences.
Building strong relationships: People you love and respect can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
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