The Stress of Being the Best Version of You

According to Maslow the highest level we are able to achieve is self-actualisation. All we do and experience are building blocks on the path of "getting there", although not everyone ever does reach that point in their lives.

Not Dealing With Our Stressors Leads To Even Higher Stress Levels

As we journey towards reaching our fullest potential, we often encounter stressors that can feel overwhelming. Striving to become the best versions of ourselves, the pressure to excel in various, if not all, aspects of our lives can lead to heightened stress levels. Understanding these stressors and adopting coping mechanisms is crucial for us in maintaining balance and well-being while on this journey.

Fear of Failure

One of the primary stressors associated with self-actualisation is the fear of failure. When we set high expectations for ourselves, the prospect of falling short can induce anxiety and self-doubt. To cope with this stress, it's essential to reframe our perspective on failure. Instead of viewing it as a setback, we can see it as a valuable learning experience that propels us forward. Embracing a growth mindset allows us to approach challenges with resilience and adaptability.

Be Uniquely You, Stay Authentic

Often the pressure to meet societal standards and expectations can also contribute to stress during the self-actualisation process. Whether it's achieving career success, maintaining relationships, or adhering to cultural norms, the fear of not meeting others expectations can be debilitating. To alleviate this stress, it's important to prioritise self-awareness and authenticity. By staying true to our values and aspirations, we can navigate our path with confidence, irrespective of external judgments.

Don't Forget To Love Yourself

The pursuit of perfection to the detriment of all else can be a significant source of stress for those striving for self-actualisation. The overwhelming need to excel in every aspect of life can lead us to burnout, dissatisfaction and ultimately depression. Practicing self-compassion and creating realistic goals are vital coping strategies in this regard. Learning to embrace our imperfections and celebrate our progress, no matter how small, begins to lead us to a sense of fulfilment and contentment.

Create a Roadmap of the Path of Your Life

It does not matter where we are along the path of life, we all want to be better than when we started, I often say that as a parent one of my key goals is for my children to have a far better starting block than I did. Part of self-actualisation is creating a legacy, but do focus on quality of life along the way. The pursuit of happiness is different for everyone, setting yourself up for success will lead to a wonderful shift. Realise that as you are reaching that goal, you should be shifting the goalposts. This works far better than huge unattainable goal, that will result in stress and all thats associated with it.

What are you doing and creating in your life thats helping you on your journey and staying as stress free as possible?

Jason Sandler is a Speaker, Trainer, and Author working with people and companies to help create productive, confident, and focused people. Look for him on other social media platforms as well. www.jasonsandlerspeaks.com