Has anyone here ever reached the top of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs/Self Actualization?

[ForeverTipsy]

If so, how long were you there for? I don't think I've ever met anyone who would admit to being there.

Here's a definition:

Self-actualization, to Maslow, is the ability to become the best version of oneself. Maslow stated, “This tendency might be phrased as the desire to become more and more what one is, to become everything that one is capable of becoming.”

I was my best me when i was 29-34.

It's been a slippery gradual down hill slope ever since 😂

The theory is that we’re all always in the process of becoming so always actualising. A process that’s ongoing rather than a destination to be reached.

That makes more sense @Jellycatspyjamas A lifelong journey of trying to be our best selves.

Bloody knackering some days though eh...

I did an adventure trip when I was 49 having quit my corporate job and sold my house, it involved being completely cut off for over 2 weeks. After about 10 days I found what I can only describe as my actual self,

No distractions just allowed my brain to put everything together, to think, and I felt good, strong, clear, creative.

As soon as distractions were back that mental state went. I can’t quite capture it again.

I don't believe anyone really gets there.

Most people have so many layers of conditioning to peel back, it's a long process. I agree whomever said it's a journey towards a destination. You need to know who you are, all your dark bits, and acknowledge them and how they drive you. Not what you tell yourself drives your behaviour. That's an awful lot of work to do.

That's my theory anyway. 🤷‍♀️

In my experience, it's quite the opposite of "knackering". The journey is supposed to be fulfilling, not a punishment (and most important to remember, is by no means linear).

I always feel, walking through bluebell woods in the spring is self actualisation for me - it’s just perfection!

Self acceptance as part of that process is quite knackering ime - knowing my strengths and my weaknesses and shadows and valuing them all in the same way is a never ending process.

Yes, this. This is probably the part I find the hardest. Accepting my perceived weaknesses and not constantly trying to learn, grow and change without sacrificing who I am.

Deep thoughts for a Friday morning!

That sounds absolutely amazing. I'm not quite 49 yet, so thank you for inspiring me and giving me hope. It's going on my mid-life bucket list (not sure I'm cut out for a silent retreat, but what you did sounds more achievable).

Spending time alone in nature helps me massively. Not sure I'll ever get to the top of that pyramid for more than a few hours though ;-)

No and I'm afraid to say that I've replaced the bottom layer with 'wifi'.

Having used the hierarchy through work for many years, it's not about reaching the top but understanding that to move higher up the pyramid you must have each need met in order to move ahead. So, if you're cold, or hungry, or your basic hygiene needs aren't being met, then you are unlikely to ever reach self actualisation.

This just made me laugh!

Yes, this is what I've been saying in a work environment for years with people I'm supporting. Need to practice what I preach hey ;-)

You need some Oliver Burkeman in your life.

I love that old triangle. Reminds me how lucky I (and most of us in the UK) are.
Interesting how having basic needs continually met doesn’t necessarily increase happiness though. We humans love struggle and hope.

Any time you are working towards becoming your best self or pushing your capability, you have reached that level, according to Maslow.

Maslow's Hierarchy of needs theory wasn't about getting to the top. His writings and theories discuss that everyone has gaps at each level - no one is complete at every level even physiologically as those needs are constantly coming, but to him self actualization should be the end goal for people. The whole pyramid image and concept of people having to complete each level in turn came from business people later, and then later in education it was butchered again with the idea children can't learn (self actualizing) without fully meeting the other levels first, which - while an understandable concept in support kids - has nothing to do with Maslow.

Personally, I like some of the reconstructed needs better, like this one where connection is at the centre as an essential with other needs around it. Self actualising really only fits as the ultimate within quite individualistic cultures, which Maslow was writing from, and even for many within them, isn't automatically the ultimate goal.

😀😀

I saw the new Vatican thriller Conclave last night, and was telling my 12 year old about it afterwards. When I was describing how the cardinals elect a new pope in total secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel, locked away from the world, no phones, no laptops, Wi-Fi disabled all round, with a Faraday cage to prevent bugs for eavesdropping, he said ‘No Wi-Fi??’ in a tone of amazement and outrage.

Do you subscribe to The Imperfectionist? I’ve recently signed up for the emails, but have a backlog to read…

I thought the top would automatically mean you were okay for money
otherwise how could you get there

depending on how much of a worrier I can be maybe I am there

maybe I haven't understood it

So I think I am there as if I was hit by a car tomorrow I wouldn’t mind (as long as it was quick death) as I have had a lovely life.

does that count? I am very happy I am here, but equally I don’t expect more, if you see what I mean.

I am a therapist and sometimes I do feel as though I'm very self actualised. Other days, not so much.

I thought the top of Maslow was Transcendence?

I think I'm there, I'm pretty happy with my lot and content with where I am in life, pushing for promotions etc is a self esteem and challenge thing rather than a needing more money thing.

Early 30s. Single, my own beautiful flat, loved my job, travelled independently and with friends, looked good and had no issues getting men when I wanted them, healthy, happy and good disposable income.
A lot of that has gone now that I'm married with kids and on the outside I probably have everything that I 'should' have and certainly much more than others have but I don't feel as free and liberated as I did then. The world was a less anxious place 15 years ago too.

The top of the triangle has nothing to do with feeling that you have all the material possessions or children that you "need". It is about a state of true knowing and self acceptance.