Creative self-realization of personality: 4 cornerstones

Components of success in self-realization

Psychologist S. Maddi conducted extensive research and built on their basis a theory of personality that has the makings of realizing one’s own potential. Among the characteristics of a fully functioning individual, he cited the following:

Availability of creative potential.
Feeling of independent control of life.
Possession of free will and action in all life situations.
Spontaneous decision making in different environments.
High level of adaptability, increased mobility.

These characteristics in themselves do not guarantee self-realization. According to many psychologists, it is not so much innate qualities that are important as acquired ones. A special role in setting on the path to realizing an individual’s potential is played by self-confidence, purposefulness, determination, healthy passion, love of work and awareness of the goal. In addition, such a person must be able to quickly select, change and supplement strategies, adapt to changing conditions and change tactics if necessary, but at the same time remain sober and calm.

Some look at the problem of self-realization from the point of view of humanistic psychology, while others rely on religious dogmas about the presence of a soul in every person. What support and basis to choose for starting to move towards realizing your own potential is a strictly individual question. Nevertheless, it is known that regardless of the fulcrum, the successful application of knowledge and skills in the areas chosen by the individual for self-realization is an invariable component of finding happiness in life.

Types of self-realization

Man is a social being, so he always actualizes his abilities in society. For this reason, it is wrong to consider the problem of self-realization in isolation from other people. There are several main types of self-actualization:

Personal;
Creative;
Professional;
Social.

Self-realization is not an easy process

Important! Each of these species is closely related to the others. A person needs to develop in all directions

In many ways, the foundation of the growth process is laid in childhood; in adulthood, the individual is able to determine his own behavior.

Personal self-realization

A person’s personality begins to form in childhood. It was then that the question of personal fulfillment first appeared. The child wants others to approve of his actions. With age, this desire becomes even stronger, which leads to success or, conversely, complexes.

It all depends on the dominant motivation: positive or negative. If a person is not afraid of losing something or being judged by others, then he has a much greater chance of achieving success.

The path to your dream is not easy

If the motivation is positive, a person can choose one of the following target tendencies directly related to the personality:

The desire for financial well-being;
Achieving high social status;
Development of your abilities.

Important! In practice, one of these tendencies turns out to be dominant, but each of them determines the others. For example, well-developed skills increase the likelihood of earning money, just as high social status is associated with decent income

An example of personal self-realization is when in pedagogy a student, under the influence of a teacher, forms the necessary qualities.

Creative self-realization

The desire to create something new is closely related to the development of humanity. All masterpieces created by people, achievements in science are due to the desire to create. The Bible says that man is created in the image and likeness of God. You may not believe in God, but if He exists, then creativity is really what a person has in common with higher powers.

Thus, creative self-realization of the individual is an important internal component of human life. Statistically, creative people are more successful than those who act in a stereotypical manner.

This is especially true in the 21st century, a time of rapid technological development.

Creativity is the most important quality for developing a broad outlook

The important thing is that every person has creative abilities to one degree or another. Only the manifestations of the creative act change: these are poetry, prose, painting, sculpture and many other ways to realize oneself

Everyone can find something to their liking.

Professional self-realization

Professional self-realization is unlocking your potential at work. Success in building a career is also valuable for a fulfilling life. Here the reason lies not only in money and increased social status. It is much more important to feel approval from others.

Climbing the career ladder

Important! Work is only a part of life; it cannot replace other types of fulfillment. Workaholism harms a person because in the pursuit of money and status, he loses everything else

Social self-realization

This is the realization of one's potential in the society in which a person belongs. This is precisely the highest level, as Maslow said.

Creative self-realization

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Why is creative realization so important? The fact is that the creativity of any individual is directly related to his ability to realize his potential and talent as a whole, which is reflected in his success in all other areas of life.

Experts note that to the greatest extent, the disclosure of a subject’s capabilities occurs when he performs socially useful and necessary activities.

Creativity is expressed in various types of activities, artistic, scientific, technical, industrial, etc.

At the same time, A. Maslow emphasizes that true creativity manifests itself in a person not only in art or science, but also in everyday real life, in the everyday choice of life situations, and acts as an indicator and way of self-expression and self-realization.

Creativity additionally includes productive behavior in any life situations where there is novelty, the need for versatile thinking and the creation of unusual ideas.

Creative self-realization of a person is a search for oneself. Summarizing all existing scientific definitions, the answer is affirmative.

The ideal is considered to be diversified development, which leads to harmony in relationships with one’s “I” and with the outside world.

Thus, creative self-realization of the individual is a path that will lead to understanding oneself, satisfying one’s needs necessary to achieve spiritual comfort.

Creativity is a special approach to solving certain problems, a way of activity, and not the activity itself as such.

What hinders the self-realization of youth

Here are some of the most basic problems of youth self-realization

Inconsistency with social requirements

It’s unlikely that anyone in childhood dreams of becoming a successful plumber or loader. Everyone wants to be astronauts and flight attendants, pilots and ballerinas. But over time, a person realizes that it is not always possible to realize dreams. Society does not need millions of dancers and actresses; preference is given to professions in the field of science, physical labor or engineering. The first problem of personal self-realization is the discrepancy between the desired and the actual. You have to make a choice between your childhood dream and a profession that is more prestigious and profitable. But often young people do not understand that they can realize themselves not only in their career. Self-realization is the totality of all areas of life, such as creativity, hobbies, family, environment and the like. It turns out that today’s youth, for the most part, prefer to choose a profession that is more profitable, but for which they have absolutely no heart. Of course, therefore, the opportunity to realize oneself in the labor field in this case is extremely small.

Lack of social requirements

The overwhelming majority of young people in the modern world are aimed at earning a good income. But mastering a profession and hard work are not part of the plans of young people. The lack of work incentive primarily arises due to the lack of prospects for future life; the individual does not see the point in making efforts. Such qualities as laziness, passivity, lack of initiative begin to predominate, and a feeling of hopelessness arises, which can lead to stress and personal conflicts of the individual.

Lack of social references

Young people lack social guidelines, because what was important for the previous generation is rapidly losing its value within the framework of urbanization and modernization of the modern world. Therefore, the further choice of the goal and path of youth begins to be determined by the circumstances and requirements of society, and not by the abilities and desires of the individual himself.

Therefore, it is extremely important to develop the ability to adapt your professional and personal goals to the development trends of modern society, to be able to adapt without disturbing your mental balance.

Reduction of social programs

The problems of self-realization of youth directly depend on social activities. In order to fully demonstrate their potential, to determine their inclination towards a particular field of activity, young people need to be provided with a foundation, so to speak, an arena for implementation. Reduction of various youth programs, inability to find conditions for active amateur performances, difficulties in the right to direct participation in educational, political, and labor activities. The younger generation has absolutely no place to show their potential, since society is not able to provide accessible leisure areas for realization.

Social insecurity

For successful self-realization, the younger generation must feel support and support from others. This is not only about the family and the general education system. The state must fully create favorable conditions for the livelihoods of the younger generation and the formation of a harmonious personality. If young people do not feel guarantees, a certain guarantee of the success of their future, then this contributes to the emergence of a feeling of fear and uncertainty about the future. Which, like any negative thoughts and emotions, creates obstacles to the self-realization of young people.

Moral and spiritual chaos

The last period of development of modern society notices a tendency towards the dehumanization of culture, the meaning of art is demoralized, the image of man becomes degraded, spiritual and moral values fade into the background. Empathy and altruism are giving way to greed and consumerism. The spiritual values of collectivism are replaced by selfish individual goals. All these factors, as well as the lack of a clear national idea among young people, are also part of the essence of the problem of youth self-realization. The media and social networks have a detrimental effect on the fragile young psyche. One should not underestimate the value of the Internet and all its benefits (which in the modern world occupy an important place in the self-realization of an individual), but here again it is necessary to develop in young people the ability to correctly filter information.

Professional consciousness and fulfillment in the profession

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In the process and result of professional self-realization, people develop professional consciousness.

Professional consciousness consists of several aspects:

Awareness of one’s own belonging to the relevant professional community;
Obtaining knowledge and opinion about the degree of compliance with professional standards, about the place in the system of professional roles;
Obtaining a person’s knowledge of the extent of his recognition in the relevant professional group;
Knowledge of strengths and weaknesses, ways of self-improvement, probable aspects of success and failure;
Perspective about yourself and work.

Depending on the degree of development of these qualities, the individual’s fulfillment in the profession is judged. However, not every professional activity can be considered an area of self-realization. It is not so important what the specific professional motivation is, since it will not in any case reflect active self-realization. Activities that are carried out primarily through will are highly energy-intensive. For this reason, it can be tedious, draining, and quickly leads to burnout.

The professional business in which a person is realized should be interesting and attractive for him. What is important here is that the basis of attractiveness is provided by an understanding of the general social and individual value of work. The predominance of labor values in the hierarchy of values will almost always be a guarantee of success in self-realization.

A person’s orientation toward self-development within the profession plays an important role. An individual’s career aspirations can determine the possibility of achieving successful self-realization in the chosen field. Active professional self-realization and self-improvement prevent the manifestation of “burnout.”

What it is

Each personality is individual. A person has his own desires and dreams. They may not agree with generally accepted ones, but they have the right to exist, unless, of course, they violate the law. Often, success is achieved by a person who firmly pursues his goal. He overcomes difficulties and continues the difficult path towards his cherished dream. Only in this case can success be achieved. A person who succumbs to the opinions of society and forgets about his own desires will never achieve success.

Personal self-realization consists of a person’s attempts to achieve desired goals in a more effective and efficient way. Often the opportunity for self-realization appears not in one, but in several types of activity. For example, in a person’s life, in addition to professional activities, there are many others. This can include family relationships, personal relationships, friends or various hobbies. A person sets himself further goals related to each of these activities and tries to achieve success in each of them. In this way, a certain strategy for future life is built, with the help of which a person’s actions are carried out. Strategies can be divided into the following types:

The first type is associated with personal well-being. In this case, a person tries to provide himself with a comfortable existence and favorable conditions.
The second type is associated with personal success. Refers to career growth when a person strives to reach certain heights and achieve success at work.
The third type is associated with life self-realization. A person is trying to master skills that will help him achieve certain successes in life.

The choice of a particular strategy may be determined by several factors:

From the conditions proposed by society and the public. In some cases they play a very important role.
From the social class and religious denomination to which the person belongs.
From the personal and psychological characteristics of a person.

Sometimes conditions force a person to abandon his own preferences and take a different path. For example, in modern conditions of the global crisis, a person often chooses a well-being strategy. Thus, he tries to survive in difficult conditions. In countries with more favorable conditions, people can choose a strategy for success.

The process of self-realization depends on certain conditions in which a person finds himself. Factors that influence a person’s maturation also become catalysts for the future scenario of life’s path.

What is self-realization? This is the internal desire of the individual to fulfill all his desires and aspirations by overcoming troubles and difficulties. World practice confirms that a person who strives to fulfill his aspirations always achieves the desired success. At the same time, those who do not try to achieve something find themselves in an unenviable position. Instead of taking advantage of the opportunities life has given him, he simply wastes his time.

What hinders the self-realization of youth

Here are some of the most basic problems of youth self-realization

Inconsistency with social requirements

Lack of social requirements

Lack of social references

The younger generation sometimes does not have time to adapt to such a rapidly changing society. The experience of the past and the modernization of society are sometimes so different from each other, and these changes occur in a short period of time, that they introduce a certain dissonance into the fragile consciousness of the younger generation. Young people lack social guidelines, because what was important for the previous generation is rapidly losing its value within the framework of urbanization and modernization of the modern world. Therefore, the further choice of the goal and path of young people begins to be determined by the circumstances and requirements of society, and not by the abilities and desires of the individual himself. Therefore, it is extremely important to develop the ability to adapt your professional and personal goals to the development trends of modern society, to be able to adapt without disturbing your mental balance.

Reduction of social programs

Social insecurity

Moral and spiritual chaos

The concept of human self-realization

This concept can be interpreted slightly differently in different areas, but the main essence remains the same in any of them. In a general sense, self-realization is the activation of the full potential and abilities of the individual, the active life position of the individual to realize their capabilities in various areas of activity and relationships within the framework of individual potential.

This process involves the realization of one’s own abilities, skills, knowledge and talents, regardless of whether they were innate or acquired. It is permissible to implement both prosocial and antisocial elements of implementation. Actions must always be purposeful and conscious, perceived by the individual as important components of his existence.

The concept of professional self-realization

Professional self-realization is a continuous heterochronic process of developing the individual’s potential in creative activity throughout the entire life course. At the same time, the bulk of test methods are developed primarily to study self-actualization. This is due to the fact that the category “self-realization” is extremely problematic to study due to the large number of its components.

If we take into account the latest scientific trends, psychologists refuse to consider the concepts of self-actualization and self-realization as synonymous, and most often survey material and personality research methods are focused mainly on the self-actualization of the individual. And based on the results of her research, experts are attempting to enter the field of self-realization.

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To the maximum extent, the development of a person’s abilities occurs in activities that are significant to society. The implementation of such activities is determined not only by external factors (society), but also by the internal needs of the person himself. Activity in this situation becomes amateur activity, while the realization of abilities in it can acquire the character of self-realization.

The most extensive prospects for self-realization are open in professional activities, which are of great importance in the lives of many people who devote their main resources of time and effort to it. Within the framework of professional activity, abilities, career and personal growth are developed. A person who has achieved self-realization receives an appropriate social status and financial support for his life.

Following your own professional path and using professional skills is one of the essential factors in achieving the required degree of success in life.

Problems of personal self-realization

The issue of self-realization interested the outstanding minds of antiquity. In the works of Aristotle there is a lot of discussion about the significance of this phenomenon, for example: “Happiness is achievable through the realization of a person’s potential talents.”

The problem of self-realization was an aspect of the studies of the American psychologist A. Maslow. The scientist believed that a person’s need for self-actualization, self-expression, self-realization of inherent potential is at the highest level, “decorating” the pyramid of needs. Maslow believed that satisfying this highest need is the most difficult task in comparison with overcoming the initial levels: needs of a physiological nature (the need for food and water, for rest), for safety and social aspects (friendship, love, respect). According to the psychologist, no more than 4% of the human population manages to reach such a high “bar” of the pyramid, while satisfying even 40% of the thirst for self-realization, the individual feels happy.

Not all scientists share the point of view of the author of the “Hierarchy of Needs” regarding this distribution of personal needs according to the importance. However, there is no doubt about the fact: the realization by a person of his existing potential, the successful application of knowledge and skills in practice in areas of activity that are significant to a person is an invariable component for a happy life of an individual.

On the path of personality development and its ultimate goal - self-realization, serious psychological problems often arise caused by a clear discrepancy between energy potential, intellectual capabilities, the level of acquired skills and knowledge and the degree of actualization of skills in reality. Due to various circumstances: intractable or ineradicable interference from the external environment (for example: living in a zone of a protracted military conflict), interfering internal factors (for example: poor eyesight with a natural talent for drawing), a person’s true abilities do not coincide with the desired end result of the activity. This discrepancy between capabilities, aspirations, and desires with the actual situation in a person’s life leads to a feeling of dissatisfaction, and in some people it potentiates pathological mental deviations.

The sudden cessation of the prospect of bringing existing skills to life is a strong stress factor for a person. For example: a talented and purposeful athlete, as a result of an accident, is forced to content himself with moving in a wheelchair, and the natural consequence of the resulting inability to express himself in the sports field is the formation of severe and prolonged depression. Another example of external interference could be the collapse of many years of work by a promising scientist as a result of the termination of project funding. The following negative development of events clearly demonstrates: although the primary disease is essentially alcoholic depression (dependence), the disease was aggravated by the loneliness of a menopausal woman who was unable to realize herself in life in the desired capacity - as a wife and mother.

Types of self-realization.

Since a person is a biosocial phenomenon, it is not correct to consider the issue of his formation as an individual in isolation from society. There are several types of self-realization:

Personal;
Creative;
Professional;
Social.

They are all interconnected and must be present in a person’s life. The main catalysts for their development are the upbringing and education of the child, which lays the model for his behavior in the future. Let's look at them in more detail.

Personal self-realization.

Since each of us positions himself as an individual, this issue becomes important from early childhood. The child wants respect, understanding, approval of his actions. This tendency only intensifies with age, either leading to success or to depression and complexes. Driven by this desire, a person chooses several possible strategies for his life path:

The desire for well-being and material wealth;
Success in conquering “peaks”, career growth;
Development of your skills and abilities, including hobbies.

In any of the listed points, the individual’s personality and its self-realization are placed at the center, regardless of the type of activity. The main thing is to gain recognition and approval. First of all, from relatives and friends

That’s why it’s so important to harmonize the space around you, starting with your immediate environment.

Creative self-realization.

The desire to create something new is inextricably linked with the evolution of the human species. All masterpieces of world culture, achievements of science and technology are caused by this impulse. Thus, self-realization of the individual through creativity is rooted in the deep foundations of human existence. Creative, out-of-the-box thinkers are always more successful than those who act in a formulaic way. This is especially true in the 21st century – an era of rapid development of technology and information flows. Thanks to creativity, we shape our response to the surrounding reality and expand our worldview. The most important thing is that any of us can create. Only the forms of expression of the creative act change. Poetry, prose, painting, sculpture, metal and wood crafts, modeling, embroidery, origami, ikebana, graphic design and many other areas. Everyone can find a suitable activity

And it’s not so important to become the best, the main thing is to gain recognition and approval

Professional self-realization.

Success at work is also important to most people. And it's not just about money and promotion. No. Much more important is the feeling of being in demand, approval and recognition from colleagues and management

It is important to remember that work is only part of life. It cannot replace other aspects

This type of self-realization has the following goals:

A sense of belonging to a specific community of people;
The desire to take one’s place in the service hierarchy;
The desire to be recognized among colleagues;
Understanding your professional strengths and weaknesses;
Planning your future.

Anyone, looking at this list, can easily determine at what stage he personally is.

Social self-realization.

Associated with the acquisition of general social success in the amount that is necessary for a particular individual to feel happiness. This type of self-actualization is collective in relation to the previous ones. In fact, social self-realization is precisely the highest degree of human needs that Abraham Maslow spoke about. To achieve success in society, you can take completely different paths. Become a first-class employee, be a private entrepreneur, engage in acting or any other activity.

Society is so diverse that there is a place for everyone. And, accordingly, in any manifestation of human activity one can be recognized and receive approval. Although, it’s worth making a reservation. Truly successful people do not depend on the opinions of others; they have already proven everything to everyone. Those who have not yet managed to fully realize themselves look for confirmation of their successes in the reviews of others. But this is just one of the stages of personality development that almost everyone goes through.

Self-realization is an integral component of a person’s full life, without which he is unthinkable as a biosocial species. This state can be achieved in various ways, including personal recognition and creative, professional and social fulfillment of a person. The main thing to remember is that the listed types of self-realization are interconnected parts of one whole. And to feel successful, you need to improve in each of them.

Pay attention to the development of systems thinking

The time has come for all countries to work together to solve energy problems, preserve the environment, and overcome the problems of industrialization. In the professional self-realization of a young specialist, not only theoretical knowledge will be important, but also other additional competencies. He must work quickly in electronic systems, understand information flows, be able to work in a team: be communicative, organized and responsible. Have a good command of a foreign language and a broad social outlook.

Particular attention is paid to the employee's environmental knowledge. Humanity has come to realize global environmental crises that threaten the planet's ecosystem. Therefore, an environmental approach is included in the conditions of any professional activity. Biotechnology is rapidly developing - the use of living systems to solve various problems of humanity.

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The main factor of production is not capital, but knowledge. Specialists with a wide range of scientific knowledge will be in demand in any field. For example, the nature of the fuel will change - genetically modified organisms and microorganisms will be used in bioreactors and waste processing.

There is already such a profession as an architect of living systems, where bioorganisms: worms, bacteria are used in the creation of new technologies. Urban farmers will appear who, using biotechnology, will grow fruits without soil or wood.

Any enterprise or business campaign will require specialists in biotechnology, scientists, researchers and designers, creative workers - ergonomists and designers will be in demand. Masters of arts and crafts will be especially valued, as the value of handmade creations and the exclusivity of the product will increase.

A lot of new professions are emerging in medicine. They become universal, covering the intersections of many sciences. In order to successfully implement yourself in the medical profession, you need to have knowledge of computer science, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, psychology, ethics, and economics. Medical marketer, tissue engineer, bioethicist, molecular nutritionist, bioinformatician - this is an insufficient list of new medical professions.

Many different remote professions have emerged, such as freelancer, copywriter, targetologist, content manager, but it is assumed that they too will soon “retire”.

Understanding freedom in the modern world

In the ancient world, freedom was a luxury, since not everyone could have it. There was a clear division between people of noble pure blood and slaves who did not have freedom. With the exception of those individuals who became slaves due to debt. A couple of centuries ago, serfdom existed in Russia, under which the free actions of some residents of the country were severely limited.

The slave did not have the opportunity to express himself, and therefore to develop too. His main task was always to carry out orders from his masters. They were responsible for their subordinates.

In the modern world, things are a little different. Here, with the abolition of slavery and serfdom, the concept of will was distorted and acquired a completely new meaning. In real time, independence manifests itself in the form of the ability to independently make choices and accept the consequences that arise from them. The only condition is not to go beyond what is permitted by society. Simply put, people are given the full right to choose, but only from the options offered. But this is enough for effective self-actualization.

Awareness of the will of choice and independence occurs in two stages:

1. Conscious need.

An internal moment in which an individual only thinks about the meaning of life, the people around him and the ability to choose how to move on, with whom to communicate.

2. The ability to choose.

So the first stage smoothly flows into the second, where the person has already thought about the fact that she will have to either make her choice or create new opportunities for this.

Religion's opinion on self-realization

Various world religions consider the problem of human self-realization from a different angle. The central role in the process is played by the human soul, which is not attached to the physical body and space, is a kind of ephemeral supreme being and completely occupies the body and consciousness of the individual. In order to reconnect with your present self, you need to leave the confines of your own body and consciousness.

In fact, in religious teachings, self-realization is the answer to the main question of the entire universe, the fundamental question: “Who am I?” The meaning of this answer through the realization of one’s own potential is that one’s own “I” is not the emotions experienced or the thoughts that arise, not the body or consciousness, but only the experience acquired over time.

People who are too closely connected with false manifestations of their own “I” waste all their energy and potential on negative experiences such as anxiety, fear and constant stress. As a result, thoughts, feelings, emotions and the physical body change, but the person himself remains exactly the same as he was at the very beginning of the path, that is, he does not develop and does not self-realize.