Maslow theorizes that basic needs have to be met before the next level of needs can be possibly obtained. Being self-actualized is postulated as a person's full potential being realized, such as one becoming an artist because of one's artistic ability, etc. Do those that meet this criteria (reach their full potential) realize that they have become self-actualized or do those that say they are self-actualized not really so? Carl Rogers talks about the realization of recognizing self-perceptions, that when they are realized and controlled then one can exert control over their external world. Objects don't have to have control over self, it's the direction of self by the individual themselves that may direct outcomes so to speak.
