The concept of self-actualization

Although the concept of self-actualization was originally discussed by Gestalt psychologist Kurt Goldstein, it is most often associated with humanistic psychology, and psychologist Abraham Maslow, who used self-actualization as the pinnacle of his hierarchy of needs. 

Self-actualisation is at the top of the pyramid. It represents the full realisation of each human’s potential and is much less about happiness or achievement and much more about health and growth.

In my work I am most interested in helping leaders; misfits, innovators, alchemists and creatives, to know themselves, trust themselves and express themselves; living to their fullest potential - without dysregulating their nervous systems and/or burning out.

Reaching self-actualisation involves being true to yourself, achieving inner peace and real-ising your dreams sustainably and enjoyably.

Reaching your unique potential is the ultimate human need and is a core part of being...

Seriously strong self trust.

The three fundamental parts and eight things to implement.

At the core of everything I share about self actualisation there are three key tenets.

1. Know yourself
2. Trust yourself
3. Be yourself

They interlink and are all equally important, but the one thing I hear the most from creative, innovative, intelligent huge hearted misfits is: “I just don’t trust myself to… abc” or  “I just don’t trust myself to not xyz”

• I just don’t trust myself not to make a bad choice
• I just don’t trust myself to know what the right choice is
• I just don’t trust myself if there are biscuits in the house
• I just don’t just trust myself to say no
• I just don’t trust myself not to say yes
• I want to say yes, but I don’t trust myself

If any of these sound familiar, keep reading.

The other ways that self trust issues show themselves are as imposter syndrome, or as a fear of attention seeking, showing off;...

Every month I write a new age, (Aquarian age) Advice Column for Soulacy Magazine.

I thought I'd share a couple of the questions and their answers so you can see the type of thing I get asked and how I answer...

Dear Ebonie,

I’ve heard two conflicting schools of thought when it comes to manifesting. One says that you need to have precise clarity on what it is you’re trying to manifest so the universe knows what to start working toward to send your way. The other says that the universe/The Divine already knows what you want because, well, it knows everything, so rather than focusing on getting the clarity, focus on keeping yourself open to what you’re meant to receive. What are your thoughts on this?

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

This is a great question. First off, there is no ‘right’ answer to this. Although we live in a time when everyone seems to be the expert on everyone else, the only real expert on you, is you and there is no shortcut to understanding...

 “You can’t be more than the personal self image you hold of yourself at any time”

T Harv Eker

Self love is often presented as bubble baths and rose petals, pedicures and massages at day spas while wearing fluffy robes. 

These are of course lovely things that someone who loves themselves might absolutely do, but doing these things won’t in and of itself lead to self love.

In fact self-love is achieved through developing self confidence and raising self esteem.

In our initial chats many of the people I speak to tell me that if they just felt more confident, or if they could just get more confidence – that they would make more money, be more successful in their businesses, feel more satisfied in their relationships and like themselves more.

But here’s the thing, liking yourself does not come as a result of ‘being confident.’

Choosing to develop confidence allows you to learn & choose who you are and incrementally become...