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It follows that a fully self-actualised human being, that has satisfied all five levels of need, will
display rare characteristics. Maslow’s ground breaking work enables us to summarise the
characteristics we would expect to see. They certainly seem to paint the picture of someone
blissfully happy with their life as you can see from the following.

Maslow's Self-Actualising characteristics

· Keen sense of reality - aware of real situations - objective judgement, rather than
subjective

· See problems in terms of challenges and situations requiring solutions, rather than as
personal complaints or excuses
· Need for privacy and comfortable being alone

· Reliant on own experiences and judgement - independent - not reliant on culture and
environment to form opinions and views

· Not susceptible to social pressures - non-conformist
· Democratic, fair and non-discriminating - embracing and enjoying all cultures, races and
individual styles
· Socially compassionate - possessing humanity

· Accepting others as they are and not trying to change people
· Comfortable with oneself - despite any unconventional tendencies

· A few close intimate friends rather than many surface relationships
· Sense of humour directed at oneself or the human condition, rather than at the expense of
others
· Spontaneous and natural - true to oneself, rather than being how others want
· Excited and interested in everything, even ordinary things

· Creative, inventive and original
· Seek peak experiences that leave a lasting impression

Whilst money doesn’t appear directly in any of the levels it is clearly a factor in the acquisition of
many of the needs.

Having explored the basis for human needs analysis, we shall now move on to explore the key
needs that are most directly connected to our happiness in life.

All human beings experience similar problems and challenges in life that develop from the drive
to satisfy certain of the human needs. These needs are common to areas such as work, self
appraisal, social activity and of course friendships and romantic relationships. Of all the needs
Maslow and others have identified, there are five that we must consistently have satisfied in key
areas of our lives to feel balanced, fulfilled and happy.

1. Certainty, Safety & Comfort

These needs are at level 2 on the Maslow hierarchy.
For most people, certainty in life, in our finances, careers, relationships, health, friendships and
social lives is a prerequisite for happiness in those areas.