Life is about being yourself - Why do so many people pretend to be someone else?

Self-actualization is a term that has been used in various psychology theories, often in slightly different ways. An explicit definition of self-actualization according to Maslow is “intrinsic growth of what is already in the organism, or more accurately of what is the organism itself. Self-actualization is growth-motivated rather than deficiency-motivated.” This explanation emphasizes the fact that self-actualization cannot normally be reached until other lower order necessities of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are satisfied. While Goldstein defined self-actualization as a driving force, Maslow uses the term to describe personal growth that takes place once lower order needs have been met.

People that have reached self-actualization are characterized by certain behaviors. Common traits amongst people that have reached self-actualization are as follows: they embrace reality and facts rather than denying truth, they are spontaneous, they are interested in solving problems, and they are accepting of themselves and others and lack prejudice.