More years ago than I care to think about, I first learned about Abraham Maslow and his hierarchy of needs in a university organizational behaviour course. In Maslow’s original work, self-actualization was the pinnacle—the ultimate goal. Later in his career, though, Maslow expanded the hierarchy beyond self-actualization to self-transcendence.
If you were paying attention in your business or psychology classes, you may remember that Maslow’s hierarchy of needs has five levels: physiological, safety, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. The principle of the theory is that each level must be satisfied before an individual can move on to the next level in the pyramid. For that reason, self-actualization—or the desire to be the best we can be—was viewed as the ultimate goal.
The original hierarchy has stood the test of time, but in his later work Maslow introduced the concept of self-transcendence as a new level in the hierarchy.
Shifting From Self-Actualization to Self-Transcendence
A recent article in Positive Psychology described self-transcendence as a shift in focus from oneself to higher goals and purposes. Individuals pursuing self-transcendence foster deep connection with others, nature, or the universe. They may achieve this by contributing to causes greater than their own personal interests.
Psychologists indicate this shift in focus can improve resilience and help individuals navigate life’s challenges, leading to greater peace, connection, and sense of purpose.
In an earlier post, I discussed how the Japanese concept of Ikigai can improve wellbeing and provide a sense of purpose by matching skills and passions with what the world needs. There’s a natural alignment between Ikigai and self-transcendence.
In a society that has become increasingly individualistic, this recognition of the value of self-transcendence offers a touch of hope. If shifting our focus from self to others can improve wellbeing, you have to wonder why more people aren’t doing it.
Perhaps it needs to start with each of us. Visit my earlier post Charitable Giving and the Helper’s High for ideas on how to get started.
What are your thoughts on the shift from self-actualization to self-transcendence? Drop me a comment below and let me know.
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A focus on self AND higher goals and purpose! I can get behind that. Thanks, Michelle! 🥰
Right. Sounds like a win-win to me! Thanks for reading, Vicki! 🤗
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“Psychologists indicate this shift in focus can improve resilience and help individuals navigate life’s challenges, leading to greater peace, connection, and sense of purpose.” What a great way to not only improve our own circumstances but that of the world! Beautiful, Michelle!
Right! That’s one of the things I love about self-transcendence. Unlike self-actualization which is really all about “me”, it shifts the focus to doing good for others and helping yourself at the same time.
It’s wonderful when we transcend our little self personality-ego into the oneness of all, our true nature of divine consciousness and interconnectedness becoming Masters of ourself. There are so many different ways to express this oneness of Life and ‘being in the flow’. Thanks for this thought-stirring post. 🥰🤗💕
Thank you for reading. You’re right. There are so many positives to looking beyond oneself.
You put me back in my college days with this one Michelle. We should continue to work on making ourselves better.
Exactly. There’s always room for improvement.
What a meaningful purpose, Michelle, that Individuals pursuing self-transcendence foster deep connection with others, nature, or the universe. I love this!
I agree, Cristiana! It shifts the focus from self to others, which is never a bad thing!