What Is Self Actualization?

What is self-actualization? “People have an inherent tendency toward growth and development and that this tendency, under the right circumstances, lead people toward actualizing their human potential, which means to become all that they are capable of being” (Deci et al., 2013). The Self-Determination Theory highlights competence, autonomy and relatedness as needs that are universal for human functioning. Competence is one’s own ability to interact with the environment. This need of competence is not measured by level but by how one views themselves. The view of competence is a notion in many motivation theories. The next need is Relatedness. Relatedness is the need to form emotionally secure bonds with people. This can refer to significant others, friends or cultures. Belonging is a necessity to human survival, this helps individuals develop themselves. Environments can help humans realize their talents and be supported by others. The need for Autonomy is one’s sense of their ability to make choices. Humans have a need to feel as though …show more content…
Personally when I make decisions about my future and make steps such as going to a university I see my overall mood improve greatly. These ideas could be applied to others. At work there can be slow days where workers can drag on and not perform as well as they could be. A good way to improve worth ethic would be to boost morale. Employers can play music, or offer coffee to employees these gestures would lift overall mood and therefore boost their performance on the job. Relatedness is a need in the Self-Determination Theory. This emphasizes emotional support and connection as a necessity to improve oneself. To help others fulfill themselves and strive towards their goals, one must be a friend; this connection will not only help the other person but you as