At the pinnacle of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is Self-Actualization. It is the desire to maximize one’s potential, and doing the best that we are capable of doing. In our International Women’s Day Series for 2018, Sidra Iqbal encourages women to work towards self-actualization:
“As children we were afraid or made to be fearful of big things, but as we grow up and try to perfect our ‘adulting’ game, we must face the BIG questions. One of such big questions is; who am I and what do I want? Focus on this question and revisit it often.
By asking this question, I am not asking you about the roles you assume like a sister, daughter, friend or your profession; doctor, teacher etc. It’s a bigger question asking you to put in perspective the true essence of you, as a being and never forgetting that.
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When you remember your essence you will know that it’s just not success, wealth or fame that you want. You will remember that you are born to fulfill the highest, truest expression of yourself as a human being, to uphold the promise of your being that the Creator dreamed for you. Hold that dream dear and stay true to that vision even when your plans fail. Continue to be in the driver’s seat of your life even when you think you are heading to a dead end. There will be a way I promise, but being the driver of your life is the only way of finding the road to your dream and enjoying the journey. Dream Big and don’t shy away from it. Happy Women’s Day to everybody.”
Sidra Iqbal is an internationally acclaimed television journalist and development activist. She is the first Pakistani to be presented the GR8 Women Awards – Middle East for Journalism 2014 by the Government of UAE and the Indian Television Academy. Sidra is a well-known TV personality, a powerful advocacy voice, development trainer, and a youth icon with keen interest in youth education and women empowerment.
