For a lot of us twenty-something-year-olds, identity has been SERIOUS a war. “Where am I right now?”, “Where am I going?”, “What do I want?”, “What do I have?” These questions are what causes the many little heart attacks we experience throughout our lives whenever we pause to consider our progress in life. This is to be expected considering that there’s so much expectation from our elders and peers, of nothing less than greatness from us.
Related article: Like TED, ‘self’ is an idea worth sharing’.
Regardless of all the expectations and criticism of our life choices, the greatest obligation we have is to ourselves. Simply because in order to truly contribute to a better society, we need to first find the peak of our respective characters and skills. It’s the only way to make sure that we reach our full potential and make it all the way up the pyramid to “self-actualization”.
“What a man can be, he must be. This need we call self-actualization.” – Abraham Maslow
Self-discovery an elusive path to self-actualization?
From a young age, we are taught to find some very elusive path that will carry us through life. A path that will gift the best we have to the world and to us, all the happiness we can manage. But the problem here is that we have confused our priorities. We want to work hard to be financially independent first and then work on ourselves. When it should be the other way around.
Those who walk the pilgrim’s path of self-discovery only fear that telling you of its hardships might discourage you. It is not in any way easy – otherwise everyone would be doing it, and it’s certainly not fast. But do not be discouraged. Be inspired. The world thirsts for people who are not simply authentic but also apologetically so.
READ how self-learning is transforming the youth.
Coming to a self-made conclusion
According to me, the goal each one of us should have is to find our best self. Before you can worry about making money and getting rich (unless somehow making money is your talent). Take the pilgrimage. Find your personality, your talents and integrate them without moderation into your work, life and love.
“A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.” – Abraham Maslow
I fear that we work for money first and happiness second, or even third sometimes. But happiness should always be first. “Pour your heart in” Shouldn’t just be a thing we say but rather a principle we religiously follow.
What steps are you taking towards self-discovery? Share your comment with us.
Does self-actualization mean anything to you? Drop a comment and tell us why you feel the way you do.
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