What is self-actualization?

While self-actualization has been talked about for the last two centuries and approached and documented differently in various books and doctrines, it remains a single process of completion. Or at least this is how it is often understood by the majority of people who show some interest, whether in self-development or spirituality.

Now, the first question that will probably come to mind is whether this process of completion can be accomplished while living, or if it is something that can only be accomplished once we leave this realm of life. I honestly don’t know. I do not have the answer to that. It would probably make more sense once we leave this realm, but either way, let’s try to dive into it.

What I know about self-actualization is something that many others in the spiritual community would probably agree with as well. Self-actualization is indeed a process of completion, but it is not a single process of completion where we are finally perfect and God-like. It happens in cycles or waves. Maybe some humans have reached that level, like certain Buddhist monks who spend most of their days in deep meditation. But still, having retreated from the way we live our lives in cities and so on, I am not so sure about that either.

If it were true, I would be truly happy for them, and it would show that self-actualization is not a one-size-fits-all kind of process, but something more personal and honest to our own unique story and development. It would be silly for us to go up to these monks, point the finger, and say, “You are not self-actualized! You know nothing about real life out here.”

We obviously do not know their story, their choices, or what led them to their path. So I guess what I am trying to say here is that sometimes, two things can maybe be true at the same time, and while we don’t see their struggles, it doesn’t mean they are not faced with any. One thing that I’m sure of is that, no matter what our lives and paths look like, the lessons are the same. A billionaire could very well be learning the same lesson as an average Joe in Ohio right now.

Learning to adapt to complex systems | Self-actualization

From the individual to governmental, economic, and even environmental systems, there are complexities that we can no longer deny, but that require understanding and adaptation. Each of these systems is different in itself and requires different skills, but at the same time, they are similar and interconnected.

We could even say that the entire world is consciously or unconsciously striving for self-actualization in one way or another. All systems are moving toward a process of completion, where harmony overrules chaos more than anything else. Harmony is not just a human ideal. It is visible in nature itself. From planetary orbits to ecological cycles, systems are constantly realigning toward balance. Chaos is easy, and sometimes the path to self-destruction is tempting, as it appears to be the path of least resistance. Harmony, however, requires effort. It requires a rewriting of what didn’t work out.

The personal system requires self-awareness and emotional regulation. The governmental system requires critical thinking and the ability to see clearly between structure and power. The environmental system requires responsibility and long-term awareness. None of these systems operates alone. What affects one system will inevitably affect another.

For example, a shift in policy changes economic and political behavior. Economic pressure affects individual psychology. Environmental instability reshapes communities, governments, and markets. Everything is feeding into everything else.

So when we think about self-actualization today, it is not just about inner completion, but also about learning how to remain centered while navigating these complex and overlapping systems. Not being swallowed or deterred by them. Not pretending they do not exist or have no effect in shaping our thinking. But understanding their patterns and adapting without losing clarity.

Trusting the body

I’m going to keep it short here because I’ve spoken about this topic in many other posts, including my first book, which you can find on the sidebar. But it is most definitely worth mentioning, especially if we are striving for self-actualization. I like the analogy of the body being the trunk of the tree, with the mind being the flowers of the tree. If we try to accept this analogy for the sake of this post, then let me be even clearer. When we think of a tree, its flowers bloom and blossom according to cycles and the four seasons. But for the tree to stand strong, it must have healthy roots and a healthy trunk.

When we look at society, we are all in a hurry for some reason, and we don’t know why we are in a hurry, let alone where we are going. It’s like we thrive off panic and speed. Often, we unconsciously do so because we must accomplish everything fast, and we do this at the expense of ignoring emotional signals. We comply even when we feel discomfort. That discomfort is not random. It is the body signaling misalignment long before the mind rationalizes it. We especially do this in relationships, and probably more women than men, but who knows.

We are often rewarded for suppressing our true emotions, whether at a workplace or at home with our partners, or in social and friendly circles. The more we suppress, the more accepted we feel. If we were to truly embody our truth, it would be far too inconvenient for most people, and they would start looking at us as if we were some sort of alien. When you are authentically and comfortably living your truth and start saying no as a full sentence, and that it doesn’t need explanation, of course, you will be discouraged or ostracized for it.

So perhaps, self-actualization is not about becoming perfect and going to heaven. It is more about learning to navigate complex systems, whether cultural, social, political, or economic, without abandoning yourself or your emotional truth. It is about remaining centered in everyday life while everything around you is moving fast.