Difference between self-concept, self-actualization, self-awareness and self management
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What does it mean to be self-aware? is the inherent knowledge of one’s character, emotions, and motivations, and abilities to quantify an ability for introspection. Originally, self-awareness came from the idea of self-actualization by Abraham Maslow in his development of the Hierarchy of Needs Theory. Maslow outlined five needs, with the fifth need being self-actualization: Show “[Self-actualization] is the final group of needs which is usually at the top of hierarchy. It is the need to develop fully and to realize one’s capacities and potentialities to the fullest extent possible. This is activated after all other needs have been fulfilled.”[13] Maslow’s view of self-actualization is that only by learning and progression through the other needs, can one’s self-actualization or self-awareness be fulfilled. It would be fair to make the claim that in the world of leadership and management, that awareness of leadership and management capabilities must be achieved before becoming a truly self-aware leader or manager. But how does one become self-aware as a leader or manager? Kimani believes that the ability starts with the capacity to motivate others through passion and goals[14]; in a sense, motivation must be a mix of conscious and unconscious factors of needs, rewards, and expectations. The role of self-awareness within the learning organization is vital. The ability as a leader and manager is important in the realm of expectations. Whether in faculty or administration, the ability to understand the needs of self to be motivated in front of peers is a valuable asset when developing learning to pass on to students. The mutual expectation between the administration and faculty is an important organizational dynamic in any learning organization. How can self-awareness be measured? The key to that is taking a deep look at a person’s abilities, drawing from past experiences; then, making effective choices on the expectations you desire to achieve. When acknowledging abilities, and tailoring those abilities to build effective expectations, becoming self-aware will ensue. The most common way for an individual to accomplish a greater sense of self awareness is through reflection. Using the Johari Window exercise, reflection upon the past as a manager is helpful. Figure 6 provides a template for this exercise.  Four boxes are created which outline an individual’s open area, hidden self, unknown, and blind spot. From there, organize the boxes in reference to what is known to the person, and unknown to you, and what is known and unknown to others[15]. The Johari Window exercise is used to figure out how an individual’s past experiences shape her or his future managerial experiences. In addition, it provides insight to multiple parties on how one individual will manage, or how one can manage a specific individual. At first, it may be difficult due to the reluctant nature to be candid about one’s self-awareness. That is why it is important to focus on the area of the blind spot, and to gain helpful and constructive feedback from family, friends, and co-workers. However uncomfortable it is to pursue, it can be beneficial in helping to develop self-awareness.
The term is also used colloquially to refer to an enlightened maturity characterized by the achievement of goals, acceptance of oneself, and an ability to self-assess in a realistic and positive way. Self-actualization can be explored in therapy.
What Is Self-Actualization?The process of self-actualization is different for everyone, and not all individuals achieve all levels of the hierarchy throughout their lives. While Maslow believed achieving self-actualization is somewhat rare and posited that only about 1% of the adult population has self-actualized, current research shows this number may be higher. Further, self-actualization has not been found to correlate with age, gender, income level, or race. Self-actualization is thought to be best conceptualized as the sum of its parts rather than as traits viewed in isolation. For example, a person who has a creative spirit, which is one trait of self-actualization, may still not be fully self-actualized. Some experts say the theory of self-actualization is more about how open a person is to growth and health rather than about achieving ideals such as perfection, success, or happiness. In addition, those that do self-actualize will not necessarily remain in that state. People may travel between several levels of the hierarchy over their lifespan, based on life circumstances, individual choices, and mental health. Maslow’s Hierarchy of NeedsAlthough the concept of self-actualization was originally discussed by Gestalt psychologist Kurt Goldstein, it is most often associated with humanistic psychology, particularly the humanistic psychologist Maslow, who used self-actualization as the pinnacle of his hierarchy of needs. Maslow developed the concept of the hierarchy of needs to address both the basic and esoteric needs of human existence. Its stages include physiological needs, safety needs, the need for love and belonging, the need for esteem and, finally, self-actualization. Once the most basic needs for an individual to remain alive have been met, desires that concern safety and affection follow, then esteem needs. Once esteem needs such as self-confidence and self-respect have been met, a person might begin to self-actualize. The hierarchy also serves as a model of development in which babies start at the lowest level by attempting to gain food, water, and shelter. The needs associated with self-actualization include:
When these needs are met, a person may be more open to the process of self-actualization. Self-Actualization Characteristics and TraitsFor Maslow, self-actualization describes the desire that leads to the realization of one's full potential: A self-actualizer is a person who has reached the apex of human existence. In other words, that person has become everything they’re capable of becoming. This realization of potential can occur in many ways but generally includes the achievement of sound psychological health and a strong sense of fulfillment. In general, self-actualized people:
Because self-actualization involves a strong sense of purpose and self-awareness as well as the imperative that one's basic needs are met, it can be a challenging goal to reach. However, people who do self-actualize at some point in life may be able to retain access to this level because they have learned the necessary skills to achieve fulfillment. Not all people seek self-actualization as a goal, and different people or cultures may have differing opinions about what constitutes a self-actualized state of being. Examples of Self-ActualizationSelf-actualization may manifest in many forms, and some of how a self-actualized person may appear can depend on their age, culture, and other factors. A few examples of behavior a self-actualized person might exhibit include:
Becoming self-actualized is not always a straightforward process, and it can take years for some people to reach self-actualization. To learn more about how therapy can help you become more self-actualized, click here. References:
What is the difference between selfSelf-awareness also influences self-concept. It is the quality or trait that involves conscious awareness of one's own thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and traits (Cherry, 2018A). To have a fully developed self-concept (and one that is based in reality), a person must have at least some level of self-awareness.
Is selfCarl Rogers described self-actualization the continuous lifelong process whereby an individual's self-concept is maintained and enhanced via reflection and the reinterpretation of various experiences which enable the individual to recover, change and develop (Rogers, 1951).
What are the 3 stages of selfThere are 3 Stages of Self-awareness to self-mastery in all areas of your life, especially persona, business and money:. Self-awareness. How aware are you of your strengths & weaknesses? ... . Self-education. How much are you investing in yourself? ... . Self-mastery. Do you plan your day around your energy levels?. What are the 4 different views of selfSelf-awareness must account for: 1) what others say/think about us, 2) how we think and feel about ourselves, 3) who we really are and 4) who we want to become.
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