Welcome to "Finding Happiness and Self-actualization". But what does that mean? What is the difference between self-actualization and some of the other terms you will find tossed around on the Internet and elsewhere?

In a nutshell, self-actualization is both a destination and a process, unlike most of the other terms, which are simply process. Some people have asked why I use the term self-actualization for this web site instead of personal growth, personal development, or self-help.

Personal-growth is fairly clear. It is the process of growing, and it relates to the person (as opposed to professional growth, for example). Personal growth is the process of expanding our horizons, improving ourselves, learning, etc. Self-growth means pretty well the same thing, and so does personal development. Self-improvement is similar, although it does clarify in no uncertain terms that we are growing in a positive direction.

All of these terms are process. None are destinations. Self-actualization is a destination. It is a state of being. If we grow or develop in our daily lives, we can become self-actualized.

Dr. Abraham Maslow first coined the term "self actualization. Here is what he has to say on the subject:

"A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be. This is the need we may call self-actualization ... It refers to man's desire for fulfillment, namely to the tendency for him to become actually in what he is potentially: to become everything that one is capable of becoming ..."

But self-actualization is also a process. Nobody arrives at a point where they can simply say, "Now I am self-actualized. I don't need to grow anymore." Simply put, personal growth is a fundamental element of self-actualization.

Two people can be on a similar personal growth path, and yet only one would be self-actualized. For example, Maryse might be expanding her horizons and learning how to increase her daily happiness in comfort and peace. She is at ease with herself as she appreciates all the lessons life is offering. She is growing, yes, but she is in a state of self-actualization.

Lilly, meanwhile, is also growing. Her mind is open to life's lessons and she desperately wants to increase her happiness. And yet, a sense of comfort eludes her. She is not at ease with her lessons, but rather they are raising disturbing questions she needs to answer. She is not in a state of self-actualization ... yet.

Hop aboard the self-actualization train

If you are a visual learner, as I am, picture a long railway track. This is your path of personal growth. You may be walking slowly along that path, as many people do. Or you may be running, and actually getting somewhere. If you are running, sooner or later you will notice the train of self-actualization. You may continue to run, trying to chase down the train.

When you jump the train, you have self-actualized. You have reached the destination of self-actualization. But, you are also still traveling down your path of personal growth. In comfort. At ease. Without losing your breath.

If you do not jump the train, and keep running, you will not be self-actualized. You will still have personal growth or personal development, but not self-actualization.

Self-help is a much broader term. It can be used for any do-it-yourself information – including everything on this web site. But self-help can also refer to do-it-yourself dental surgery – OUCH!!! – or, more likely, instructions on how to build a composting system or bake a delicious cheesecake – YUM!!

And positive thinking, another term I like, is really just a tool or an aspect of being happy or being self-actualized, and it is useful for personal growth or personal development. But positive thinking does not in itself create happiness.

Personal growth is important, but we want you to get all the way up to self-actualization and happiness. For more personal growth articles check the menu to the left.

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