Become Self-Actualized

My coach is a woman named Joan King. Joan was diagnosed with breast cancer and took the diagnosis as motivation to teach others. After months of radiation and chemotherapy, she came out more determined than ever. A year after being cancer free, she was told that it had metastasized into her liver. While many of us would have considered this diagnosis a death sentence, she knew better.

She began an experimental treatment and knows that her body is healing. She lives her life the way she wants it to be. I’m happy to say that today she is as motivated as I’ve ever seen anyone. She enjoys and appreciates every moment of her life, as she inspires the people around her every day.

In 1954 Abraham Maslow wrote, A Theory of Human Motivation, wherein he outlined what he termed the “human hierarchy of needs.” The bottom of the pyramid begins with basic physiological needs like breathing, food and water. The next level is safety and security. The third step is love and belonging. The fourth, self-esteem, and finally at the top of the pyramid is self-actualization. I contend that self- actualization goes beyond anything shown on the diagram below. It’s a state of being that is full acceptance of what is, and the ability to navigate from this mindset. To me, Joan epitomizes the definition of self-actualization.

Could you become self-actualized? I’d like you to take a moment and think about where you would put yourself on the pyramid below. Are you content with your position on the pyramid? In weeks to come we will discuss techniques and thoughts of how to elevate ourselves. For now, get very clear about where you are, and start to explore where you would like to be.