Actualizing the Self

What does Self-Actualization mean?
is the realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities, especially considered as a drive or need present in everyone.

It would appear that the two key words here are:  TALENTS and POTENTIAL 

Does this imply that EVERYONE has a talent?

Does this imply that EVERYONE has potential?

What I remember from my College Days is the PERSONALITY is what attempts to regulate talent and potential...  I mean isn't this why some people with extremely high IQ's never achieve anything?

I also remember a dude named MASLOW...

Self-actualization, in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, is the highest level of psychological development where the "actualization" of full personal potential is achieved, which occurs only after basic and mental needs have been fulfilled. Wikipedia

So, could we say that inmates who have been sentenced to LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE have self-actualized because all their other needs have been met funded by the tax payers?

Don't answer that...  it was a rhetorical question...




Using myself as an example:

• My basic needs are met
• My Psychological needs are met
• I don't think I am self-actualizing at all

My days are spent writing silly ass little thoughts down on a blog in the hopes that someone will read and like what I have to say...  when I am not writing, I am doing chores around the house, exercising, cooking and eating, sleeping, and going to doctor's appointments...

I am not achieving my full potential in any of that behavior.

OH SHIT...   I FORGOT...  I AM A NOBODY...  if I was Tom Cruise, or Denzel Washington, or James Comey, or Sean Hannity then people would be falling over themselves making sure that no only did they read my posts but that they commented on my posts in the hopes of getting recognized for being clever and send a response...

It is difficult and damn near impossible to self-actualized if you are an unknown and no one knows you...  of course, Buddhist Monks might tend to disagree with me as they strive towards reaching enlightenment without anyone being around or even knowing about them...