What is the Connection Between Self-Actualization & Self-Discipline?

Hint: one is a desired outcome, the other is a skill

Photo by AJ Jean on Unsplash

Big words, yes. But it’s helpful to understand how they’re connected.

First, self-actualization. What does it mean?

It can be any of the following:

• Becoming a better (making progress towards the best) version of yourself
• Reaching your full potential
• Becoming everything you are capable of becoming

This last definition comes from psychologist Abraham Maslow, whose name you may recognize as the author of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs*. According to Maslow, there are 5 core human needs:

1. Basic needs — food, shelter, clothing (what you need to survive)

2. Need for safety — having stability and security

3. Relationship needs — feeling love and having a sense of belonging

4. Esteem needs — accomplishment, respect for other people, self-respect

5. Self-actualization — achieving one’s full potential

Where does self-discipline fit into this?