One of the biggest mistakes we can make in life is to get carried away with our appearance. The continuous pursuit of self-image actualization can undermine the very essence of who we are.
At least once a year I like to go back and read the works of Bruce Lee, the legendary Martial Artist, actor, filmmaker and philosopher. I’ve long been an admirer of his, both for his skills as a Martial Artist and the quality of his thinking.
When he spoke, it was with great simplicity and directness. As was the way with his writing.
There’s a lot you can learn from his books; Artist of Life, Striking Thoughts and Tao of Jeet Kune Do, but his thoughts on self-actualization stand out because he was so committed to the concept. He was constantly cultivating and expressing his true-self.
Self-actualization is the highest state – This achieving the center, being grounded in one’s self, is about the highest state a human being can achieve.
Many people talk about self-actualization, but Bruce lived it. He was the embodiment of physical and mental development. A true Martial Artist. Honest and consistent in the way he thought, spoke and acted.
Self-actualization is the important thing. And my personal message to people is that I hope they will go toward self-actualization rather than self-image actualization. I hope that they will search within themselves for honest self-expression.
Most of us are aware of the idea of self-actualization, but where many fail, is when they get caught up in the image of the self as opposed to the actual self. They become more concerned about how they look to the outside world (self-image actualization) than what they truly are.
Many people dedicate their lives to actualizing a concept of what they should be like, rather than actualizing themselves. This difference between self-actualizing and self-image actualizing is very important. Most people only live for their image.
This is certainly nothing new but apps like Instagram and Tik Tok have thrust it into overdrive. We’re in one of the most narcissistic, self-serving times in history where people are willing to invest every penny and every moment they have chasing likes, attention and clout in the digital world.
Most people only live for their image, that is why some have a void, because they are so busy projecting themselves as this or that, dedicating their lives to actualize a concept of what they should be like rather than to actualize their ever-growing potentiality as a human being. Wasting, dissipating all their energy in projection and conjuring up of facade, rather than centering their energy on expanding and broadening their potential or expressing and relaying this unified energy for efficient communication, etc.
Actualising your image wastes your time and your potential. It places all of the emphasis on the flower while neglecting the leaves, the stem and the roots. It creates a void within, because the true self is ignored, neglected and allowed to wither.
Over time it undermines your self-awareness, competence, confidence and self-esteem. Hollow thoughts and hollow actions can only flow from a hollow self.
So aim for self-actualization. Focus on the honest and sincere development of your potential. Be more of what you are and devoted to true self expression.