Grit and Flow as Prescriptions for Self-Actualization

Abstract

Psychology as a discipline has historically focused on psychopathology and associated evidence-based modalities to alleviate symptoms of mental illness and distress. In recent decades, however, there has been a shift towards studying the positive aspects of human experience that make life worth living. This Positive Psychological perspective was utilized by Humanistic Psychologist Abraham Maslow when he created his theory of Self-Actualization, in which he postulated that the highest aim a person can strive towards is to become the absolute best version of themselves, and to maximize their abilities and potential to the highest possible degree. Aside from describing a hierarchy of needs required before Self-Actualization could be realized, Maslow left little recommendation for how the phenomenon could be enacted. This article recommends the combined utilization of the non-cognitive trait of Grit along with the implementation of activities that promote the full-immersion state of Flow as prescriptions for Self-Actualization. Additional emphasis is placed on the importance of healthcare professionals utilizing the concepts Grit and Flow in their clinical practice with patients. resources for survival, followed by “Love Needs” of friendship, family, intimacy, and a sense of connection with others. The penultimate level of needs on the hierarchy are “Esteem Needs”, holding our needs for self-esteem, confidence, self-efficacy, achievement, and the respect of others, finally followed by the top level of the pyramid, “Self-Actualization” [4]. According to Maslow, we must satisfy the needs at one level of the hierarchy/pyramid before moving on to the other levels. In other words, we can’t concern ourselves with our sense of achievement or confidence (Esteem Needs) if we don’t have shelter or enough food to stay alive (Physiological Needs); there are priorities. Looking at this hierarchy of needs, we can see how our ancestors with underdeveloped prefrontal cortices who were lower on the food chain were primarily (if not solely) concerned with meeting their Physiological and Safety needs. However, the contemporary human with enhanced cognitive faculties and modern technology ensuring safety from predators has the luxury of being able to climb farther up the hierarchy towards Self-Actualization; we have the capacity to orient ourselves towards thriving, rather than