When we embark on a journey of personal growth, it might seem like self-actualization is the pinnacle of this journey.
But there is something more, something higher.
There is something beyond self-actualization.
In our exploration of the realm beyond self-actualization, we encounter a concept that elevates our understanding of personal growth to a new dimension: self-transcendence. This concept is deeply intertwined with a powerful, transformative act: service to others.
So, what does it mean to serve? At its core, service is about extending ourselves for the benefit of others. It is about contributing to the world beyond our individual needs, desires, or ambitions. It could be through our professions, volunteering, or simply through acts of kindness in our daily lives.
In "The Farther Reaches of Human Nature," Maslow expounds on the concept of self-transcendence. He sees it as an extension of self-actualization, an ongoing process of growth and development that doesn't cease when one has reached their full potential. Central to this stage of development is the act of serving others. According to Maslow, as we move beyond self-actualization, we begin to seek fulfillment not just from personal accomplishments, but from contributing to something larger than ourselves.
This progression from self-fulfillment to service of others is not about negating our needs or self-worth. Instead, it is about acknowledging our interconnectedness and recognizing that our own growth and happiness are intrinsically tied to the well-being of others. It is about stepping outside of our individualistic pursuits and embracing the broader human community.
Living a Life of Service
Now that we understand the value of service in the journey beyond self-actualization, how can we incorporate it into our lives? Here are some strategies:
1. “Identify” Your Passions: Start by asking yourself what truly matters to you. What lights a fire in your heart? Identifying your passion, or rather, developing a passion by making a decision to commit to something, can provide direction as you look for opportunities to serve. (You can also read “How To Develop Passion” and “Why You Don’t Know What to do With Your Life.”)
2. Leverage Your Skills and Talents: Each of us has unique abilities. Think about how you can use them to benefit others and make at least your surroundings, if not the world, a better place. And no, you cannot use the excuse that you don’t have anything to offer that could benefit others. Everyone has.
3. Start Small: You don't have to start with grand gestures. Small acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor, donating to a food bank, or volunteering a few hours at a local charity, can make a significant difference. Even by “just” giving a genuine smile to a stranger on the street, you are making someone’s day better and potentially creating a domino effect of kindness.
4. Make It a Habit: Consistency is key when it comes to service. Try to incorporate acts of service into your daily or weekly routine. Over time, these acts will become a natural part of your life. (Read my essay series on consistency or my book, The Art of Showing Up.)
In living a life of service, we move beyond the sphere of self and embrace the beauty of a life that is not lived only for oneself.
We begin to see that our fulfillment lies not only in achieving personal goals but also in helping others achieve their goals or overcome their obstacles.
We start to understand that true growth and happiness come from extending ourselves for the welfare of others.
Make no mistake, the journey beyond self-actualization is not about renouncing personal growth but about enriching it. It's about understanding that, as individuals, we are part of a larger human community, and our growth and fulfillment are intrinsically tied to the growth and well-being of others.
Service to others, then, becomes a pathway to our own personal growth, a journey towards becoming more fully human, a pursuit towards the farther reaches of our own nature.
Let’s keep growing together.
Thank you for reading.
P.S. This essay was adapted from a part of the Lesson 6 of my free course, (Re)Build.
If you haven’t joined the (Re)Build course, bad news: it’s already started and the enrollment is closed.
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All the value from the (Re)Build, and MUCH more, will be available inside the Sisyphus Society once it opens for new members on Monday, June 26th.
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All you need to do is enter the sweepstakes here.
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Free Resources:
My free ebook: The Lost Art of Reading
Paid Resources:
The Art of Showing Up: A Clear and Practical Method for Mastering Consistency
The Gold Pill: Timeless Ideas for a Life Worth Living
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There lies shared-Actualization. Shared living and growing. That´s the highest level of actualization.Thanks for sharing mate.