To answer the question posed in the subject line, many people would resort to the tactic of first looking up the definition elsewhere, such as in the dictionary or using an online search. Some might refer to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Either of these options could potentially yield a perfectly acceptable definition. However, this type of approach completely misses the point. After all, we are considering "self actualization."

I would argue that the primary ingredient of self actualization is doing things for oneself. This is not to imply that one must never rely on anybody or anything else. Rather, the point is that we each much set our own standards for, create our own definitions of, and take action to manifest the most important things in our life.

My definition is that self actualization means becoming clear on what we most want in our life and taking the necessary steps to bring that into our life. Another way to express this is that a self actualized person "does not have all that s/he wants, but wants only what s/he has." Think about it.

What's your definition of self actualization?

In love, peace, and true purpose,
Coach Marc