After basic bodily and ego needs have been fulfilled, the highest level of psychological development is self-actualization as shown by Maslow's hierarchy. He believed that needs lower down in the hierarchy must be satisfied before individuals can attend to the needs higher up. The physiological needs including air, water, food, shelter, sleep, clothing, and reproduction are essential for survival. Next come safety needs of personal security, employment, and health. Love and belonging in friendship, intimacy, and family give connection to others. Esteem is found in respect, status, self-respect, and freedom. Self-actualization is the need to become the most that you can be, to fulfill your potential.
The documentary "The Secret" based on the book by Rhonda Byrne claims that self-actualization pivots on the Laws of Attraction: that is think positively, and positive things will come to you. Be grateful for what you have instead of focusing on what you don't have. Next visualize what you want, believe it can happen and you will receive your desires. Thought can become things. The fallacy here is that wishing even with planning does not always grant your wishes.
Many people around the world have a great struggle just to attain their basic physiological needs. Those that are secure in meeting these basic needs may continue the struggle going up the pyramid. Too many roadblocks stop their progress. Those of us that are fortunate enough to near the top of the pyramid may be slowed toward self-actualization by our culture, society, and even those that we love. Some people even dwell in self-defeating behaviors that stop them from completing this last step - self-actualizatiion.
We should realize that even if we get to this step, we should feel obligated to help our fellow humans attain all that they can. Attaining this highest form of development goes beyond ourself. Continue developing, learning, and creating all your life and help others do the same.
