Self Actualization: The resolution of a lifetime

This post is for anyone who is struggling as a result of RIF, layoffs, or simply all who are in need of a mental reset prior to the beginning of a new year.

Although New Years resolutions are typically temporary, proper mindset holds the potential to become life changing.

As a busy professional, there's always a carrot dangling in your periphery. A promotion, new opportunities / home / investments, etc. There will always be a new goal to motivate you to do more.

But, what happens when things take a downturn? Where do you go for motivation? Is there a fundamental mantra you live by which helps you through the challenging times?

Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist who developed Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory of psychological health predicated on fulfilling innate human needs in priority, culminating in self-actualization.According to Maslow (1943, 1954), human needs were arranged in a hierarchy, with physiological (survival) needs at the bottom, and the more creative and intellectually oriented ‘self-actualization’ needs at the top.

Maslow argued that survival needs must be satisfied before the individual can satisfy the higher needs. The higher up the hierarchy, the more difficult it is to satisfy the needs associated with that stage, because of the interpersonal and environmental barriers that inevitably frustrate us.

I learned of Maslow while attending Assumption Senior High in E. St. Louis, IL which at the time earned the dubious distinction of "murder capital of the United States".

Not much positivity or new age thinking going on in public housing back then. Although the author's primary goal to illustrate how addressing fundamental human needs facilitates the higher functioning aspects of life, living in poverty and danger meant my core needs weren't being addressed, but I still required motivation.

The one aspect of that lesson that stuck with me from that day forward was simple. Regardless of my impoverished state, I could still achieve self actualization, becoming the absolute best version of myself through my natural gifts.

Although I lacked access to many of the most basic needs such as safety and physical comfort, I leveraged the love and guidance of my parents and caretakers to develop the esteem necessary to make decisions which eventually provided the basics I originally lacked, ultimately leading to a more highly evolved sense of being.

My life was changed that day. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs has played a fundamental role in shaping my professional preparation and personal journey throughout my life.

1. Physiological needs are biological requirements for human survival, e.g., air, food, drink, shelter, clothing, warmth, and sleep.

Face it, we work to survive. Not everyone can be Taylor Swift or Jay Z. Many of us take on tasks simply to maintain the basic everyday functions of living.

Unfortunately, for a myriad of personal reasons, many professionals get stuck at this phase, never endeavoring to lift themselves from this level of achievement. Everyday is a struggle, every week a new challenge.

2. Safety needs –? people want to experience order, predictability, and control in their lives.

My old man retired after 38 years with a diamond ring, a lapel pin and a spanking brand new minivan complements of Daimler Chrysler. That's over. You probably won't get a sheet cake in the breakroom for those 38 years now.

The marketplace is ever changing. In Marketing, I learned "the only constant in business is change". That was a long time ago, and it still applies. Volatility is the order of the day.

Right now there are professionals who've been "rightsized" for the holidays. I was hit in February this year, I understand. Rampant anxiety, doubt and fear replace what should be about family and fellowship during this season.

3. Love and belongingness needs?refers to a human emotional need for interpersonal relationships, affiliating, connectedness, and being part of a group.

Being laid off is one of the loneliest periods one can experience. You wonder what your colleagues are doing, how your replacement is performing, how well you were received, etc. It's an emotionally taxing experience.

The lack of connectedness is one of the most overlooked aspects of being affected by RIF.

4. Esteem needs are the fourth level in Maslow’s hierarchy and include self-worth, accomplishment, and respect.

I would venture to say the majority of content on LinkedIn correlates in someway to employees either feeling undervalued, disrespected or in some state of euphoria over a major accomplishment without much going on in between. It's almost like this platform has split personality disorder.

I am firm in my assertion if we as professionals focus personal esteem daily, regardless of present circumstance, we won't feel the need to constantly post every aspect of our personal journey on this platform. Modulate your feelings, witness the growth, reap the rewards.

5. Self-actualization needs are the highest level in Maslow’s hierarchy, and refer to the realization of a person’s potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth, and peak experiences.

None of this stuff matters if you're not in the right headspace. Your job is always going to issue goals and kpis. However, your approach to your personal growth will determine whether you exceed those goals.

The difference between the perennial President's Club recipient and "meets expectations" contributor is much smaller than you think.

The high achiever's personal goals and thirst for personal growth are much broader and varied than anything his / her employer can assign. Setting the bar to become a motivated, healthy, well adjusted contributor rather than simply being number 1 actually yields that number 1 result. The more you focus on being well rounded and flexible, the accolades start to pour in.

Characteristics of Self-Actualized People

By studying 18 people, he considered to be self-actualized (including Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein), Maslow (1970) identified 15 characteristics of a self-actualized person.

1. They perceive reality efficiently and can tolerate uncertainty;
2. Accept themselves and others for what they are;
3. Spontaneous in thought and action;
4. Problem-centered (not self-centered);
5. Unusual sense of humor;
6. Able to look at life objectively;
7. Highly creative;
8. Resistant to enculturation, but not purposely unconventional;
9. Concerned for the welfare of humanity;
10. Capable of deep appreciation of basic life-experience;
11. Establish deep satisfying interpersonal relationships with a few people;
12. Peak experiences;
13. Need for privacy;
14. Democratic attitudes;

15. Strong moral/ethical standards.

If you don't possess all of these attributes, that doesn't mean you're a loser. The author himself asserted only 15 humans at that time fit the bill.

Harnessing the majority of these traits would put you in the top 1% of professionals globally.

Why not strive to be your personal best everyday?

If I've helped one person with this post, my job is done. I really hope everyone's having a great holiday season.

Catch you in 2024!!!!!

Your friend,

DM