The first level describes the physiological needs including food, water and shelter. These are considered basic needs. According to Maslow, it is only when these basic needs are satisfied that a person starts aspiring for greater things - luxury, security and others.
Level two needs are safety and security normally from dangers from the environment. These may include job security, security from attack and others.
After a person's physiological and safety needs are met, the third is the need for love and belongingness. This is called the social need.
Level four is made up of the need for self esteem and confidence, where a person desires to be to be respected and honoured for his achievement or competence.
The fifth is the need for self actualization. This level is considered to be the acme of all human needs. It is the stage in a person's life in which he achieves his goals.
ZOOMING THE LENS ON SELF ACTUALIZATION
Self actualization is reached when personal goals and ambitions are achieved. It is also said that, it is where an individual reaches his fullest potential.
For many, self actualization is unattainable. This is because we live in a world where people are made to believe that a person becomes self actualized only when he is famous or widely known. The likes of Albert Einstein, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln and others are cited as self actualized people. One would therefore think, "If this is what it means to be self actualized, then I can never be." This idea is however wrong.
WHAT SELF ACTUALIZATION CAN ACTUALLY MEAN FOR YOU
As stated, self actualization is basically about reaching one's goals and ambitions. It is never about the supposed 'higher' things in life. A person can have his ultimate goal as becoming a lawyer. If that goal is achieved, it can be said that the person is self actualized. Note that the keyword is ultimate. A person can only have an ultimate goal (or goals) which can be attained when other contributing aims and goals are achieved. To me, anybody can be self actualized, provided his very ultimate is achieved.
Nonetheless, it is said that only a few of the world's adult population achieve self actualization. This may be due to life circumstances and individual choices. Whatever be the case, strive to be part of the very few actualized people. Do you have an ultimate goal? What measures have you put in place to ensure your aspiration become a reality? You can be happy with the little you have achieved, but you will be happier when you achieve your biggest goal in life! Find yourself, have a personal development plan, set the plans in motion and with hardwork you could be on your way to self actualization!