Self-Actualization vs Self-Realization

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Self-actualization and self-realization are two psychological terms that are often confused with one another. While both concepts are related to achieving one’s full potential, they are different in terms of their focus and the approach they take to achieve the goal. In this essay, we will explore the difference between self-actualization and self-realization.

What is Self-Actualization? Self-actualization is a term that was coined by Abraham Maslow in his hierarchy of needs theory. According to Maslow, self-actualization is the highest level of human needs, which involves reaching one’s full potential and becoming the best version of oneself. Maslow believed that self-actualization is achieved when all lower levels of needs such as physiological, safety, love/belonging, and esteem are met.

Self-actualization involves achieving personal growth, developing new skills, and pursuing creative endeavors. Maslow believed that self-actualized individuals are more fulfilled, happier, and better adjusted than those who have not reached this level of personal growth.

Carl Rogers considers self-actualization as an ongoing process throughout a person’s life. The term was eventually adopted and popularized by American psychologist Abraham Maslow as the highest in the hierarchy of needs in his theory of human motivation. Maslow describes it as a “desire for self-fulfillment”, a tendency to actualize potential, becoming more and more what one is. He gives as examples the need of an artist to create his chosen art, an athlete to be the best in his field, or a mother to achieve her ideal of motherhood. Maslow describes self-actualizing people mainly as being creative, and having deep interpersonal relationships; among their many characteristics.

What is Self-Realization? Self-realization, on the other hand, is a term that has been used in different contexts, such as religious and spiritual practices. In essence, self-realization involves discovering one’s true nature or essence, and achieving a state of being where one is fully aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. Self-realization often involves a process of introspection and self-reflection, and it is often associated with meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices.

Although the term is still more popularly used today as how it is conceptualized in eastern traditions, the term found its way to the writings of western philosophers. It is most evident in the psychodynamic perspectives of personality where the mystical aspects are removed, but the concept still retains some metaphysical and spiritual quality in that the self still relates to an inner world and the achievement of a ‘whole’ self.

Carl Jung coined the term individuation as the condition of psychological well-being which is achieved through the process of self-realization, integration of the opposite aspects of the self, especially the conscious and unconscious. Individuation and self-realization have come to mean the same thing through the years. Karen Horney views self-realization as the fulfillment and use of one’s maximum potential and it is this view that Abraham Maslow based his concept of self-actualization.

Differences: Self-Actualization and Self-Realization One of the key differences between self-actualization and self-realization is their focus. While self-actualization is focused on achieving personal growth and becoming the best version of oneself, self-realization is focused on discovering one’s true nature and achieving a state of being where one is fully aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions. Self-actualization involves external factors such as learning new skills and pursuing creative endeavors, while self-realization involves internal factors such as self-reflection and meditation.

Another difference between self-actualization and self-realization is their approach. Self-actualization is often achieved through external factors such as education, career development, and creative pursuits, while self-realization is achieved through internal factors such as meditation, introspection, and self-reflection. Self-actualization involves setting goals and achieving them, while self-realization involves letting go of the ego and surrendering to the present moment.

The following table highlights the major differences between Self Actualization and Self Realization −

Characteristics

Self-Actualization

Self-Realization

Places of formation

Self-actualization is the motive or drive to realize one’s full potential.

Self-realization is the process of fully realizing one’s personality.

Origin

Self-actualization is mainly a western concept originally coined by Kurt Goldstein

Self-realization traces its roots to eastern concepts, particularly Indian philosophy.

Proponents

Self-actualization is used by humanistic psychologists specifically by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers

self-realization is used mainly by psychodynamic theorists like Carl Jung and Karen Horney.

Self and its parts

In self-actualization, the self is viewed only in terms of identity and the consciousness.

In self-realization, the self includes the unconscious.

How the self relates to the world

In self-actualization, the self relates to the outside physical world, in creating things and relating to other people.

In self-realization, the self relates more to an inner world, in realizing potential and in achieving the completeness of personality.

Behavior/Characteristics of a person

A self-actualized or actualizing person is creative and has deep interpersonal relationships.

A person who achieved self-realization has inner peace and has a strong spiritual fulfillment.

Common usage

Self-actualization is commonly used in humanistic psychology as well as everyday life

Self-realization is used in psychodynamic perspectives of personality and spiritual or religious conversation.

Conclusion In conclusion, self-actualization and self-realization are two related concepts that have different focuses and approaches. Self-actualization is focused on achieving personal growth and becoming the best version of oneself, while self-realization is focused on discovering one’s true nature and achieving a state of being where one is fully aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, and actions.

Self-actualization is achieved through external factors such as education, career development, and creative pursuits, while self-realization is achieved through internal factors such as meditation, introspection, and self-reflection. Both concepts are important in achieving personal growth and becoming a more fulfilled and happy individual.