Across the various fields of psychology, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory has long underpinned the understanding of motivations behind our behaviours.

 Maslow argued that our needs exist in a hierarchy, with each stage needing to be achieved for one to progress to the next.  Maslow's theory contends that, as we strive to meet our most basic needs, we also seek to satisfy a higher set of needs, until we grow to become "self-actualized" or "all that we can be."

This could mean discovering a deep purpose and passion and can also be defined as reaching our full potential in all facets of our life.

It was Maslow's understanding that everyone has the potential to self-actualize, but that the hardships of life knock us back and create barriers that we must overcome.

Self-actualization is the pinnacle of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, representing the highest level of psychological development. It involves achieving a state of harmony between our inner self and external reality, leading to a sense of fulfillment.

Self-actualized people are characterized by autonomy, creativity, authenticity, and a deep understanding of themselves and others.