Self-Actualization: Finding Your Own Path

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Albert Einstein

That irrepressible glimmer of peace you feel when you’re doing what you love is only attainable after you’ve had an epiphany – your “Aha” moment. And it’s in this moment that self-actualization is taking place. It’s the moment when everything clicks; when you begin to come into alignment with that of which you were always meant to be.

The discovery of what makes your heart sing, your soul smile, and your spirit rejoice. However, not everyone arrives to the point of experiencing self-actualization. Granted, this is because we are all on different pathways of self-discovery, each with its own unique time zone.

And so today, we will be looking at 3 benefits associated with finding your own path through self-actualization. But before we get down to it…

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#1. Self-Actualization Leads To Fulfillment

After you’ve already gained a better sense of where you’re headed in life, you begin feeling a sense of fulfillment. You begin to feel this unwavering sense of genuine happiness. And this comes from almost anything you do. It can be a hobby, an act of good will, or even from your choice of career.

Additionally, as you begin buckling down even more into your passion, you come to understand that the work you’re doing is making an indelible mark on the world around you. And by capitalizing on your sense of fulfillment, you’re adding value to lives of others who bare witness to your work.

For me, blogging was when I first felt a significant surge of fulfillment in my life. Around this time last year, I was practically fresh out of university with my Associates Degree. Weeks later when I realized I’d have to defer my plans to continue my undergraduate pursuits, I was devastated.

It was a very low point in my life; but in those dark and dismal days, I did some introspection, took a chance on myself, and decided to put my work out there on a global platform. Since then, I’ve been overcome with the savory spirit of fulfillment. You see, because of self-actualization, I’m now able to work diligently on improving not only myself, but also my craft.

So, I say to any of you who may not have underwent such an experience, to not lose hope. Your time for fulfillment is imminent. Continue to listen to your gut, follow your passions, and don’t be afraid to brave out of your comfort zone. Trust me, you’ll be happy you did.

#2. Self-Actualization Increases Self-Confidence

Other than the wonders of feeling fulfilled, self-actualization can also help you believe more in your abilities to succeed. You see, by discovering your own path and by fully embracing your ability to succeed along said path, you begin to transfer that energy (that sense of confidence) into other areas of your life.

Soon enough, you’ll start to realize that you feel more certain of yourself when completing tasks or working on projects that don’t necessarily fall into your line of passion. For instance, someone who’s a really proficient vocalist may try their hand at a comedy slam open mic. He or she already has a feel for what it takes to hold an audience’s attention captive, so why not?

Now, they may not actually be funny, but hey they gave a try anyway. And I think that’s what truly counts – self-actualization opening you up to try your hand at new experiences, coercing you to become more determined to gain new proficiencies, and broaden your skill-set.

And while you continue to build upon your self-confidence, you become less moved or concerned with what others are doing or which paths they’ve chosen for themselves. It’s because you’re so confident along your own path, you no longer feel the need to compare your capabilities to that of others. You’re at peace.

But do be mindful not to allow your self-confidence to breed arrogance or ignorance. Remember, nobody is great at everything and there’s always more to learn and improve upon. So once you grow comfortable enough along your path, feel free to branch out occasionally and do something new. Besides, who are you to not be multi-talented?

Exactly!

#3. You Can Help Others Find Their Own Path

Whether or not someone you know shares similar passions as you do, by having activated the power of self-actualization you can be of great help to them. Since you yourself have already felt the pleasantries of personal fulfillment and enhanced self-efficacy, you can be an air of encouragement to those around you.

You can encourage them to face themselves, to do some introspection, and analyze both their natural and learnt abilities; inquire about their passions and brainstorm ideas on how they channel said passions into an outlet, into something that is greater than themselves, something worth wild.

Bare in mind now, I’m not telling you to force them down the path of something just because it’s the first thing they’re good at. But what I’m saying is support them as they find their way. Offer them some advice and uplifting words, allow them to explore their possibilities. Remember, the decision is ultimately up to them.

So while you’re waiting on self-actualization to take place for someone you know, facilitate a supportive atmosphere; allow them to grow and discover their gifts and passions. And while you’re at it, explore with them as they try new things. Don’t become down if things don’t pan out the first few times, it’s okay. They’ll find what’s right for them.

And above all, have fun discovering what it is you truly enjoy doing with your life.

**Final Thoughts**

Insighters, I think we’ve discussed quite a lot about the benefits of self-actualization. We’ve come to understand its ability to provide fulfillment, as well as boost self-confidence. And we’ve come to understand that once we’ve come to terms with these two forces along our own individual paths, we can help others discover their own path along the way.

No matter where you’re currently at in life, you have the ability to change it in a moment’s glance in order to bring about genuine happiness. Oftentimes, we may not know what truly brings us happiness, or the happiness we once discovered has become faint. Either way, we must understand that it’s all a process; life is a process of discovery, learning, and rebirth.

I know things can get overwhelming at times when your path seems uncertain, (you can read my post on life’s uncertainty here) but just remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and self-actualization is only the first step to unlocking the path that leads to your fullest potential.

As always, take care of yourselves. Put your health and needs first. And continue to be your best, unapologetic self. Love you guys!

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