How can we embrace self-actualization as a lifelong journey, rather than a destination?

As coaches, we support individuals through life decisions and towards meaningful fulfilment; using Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman’s sailboat metaphor, we help clients secure their sailboat.

If they have too much water coming into their boat, let’s say there is a leak and they don’t feel safe and secure in their foundations, they will focus a lot of their attention on trying to save their sailboat, they will not be so focused on moving, they will be focused on stabilising their boat. Some clients are coming to us with real safety issues, real self-esteem, foundational and relationship issues; we are not therapists, but we can still help them problem solve and figure out how they might want to secure their boat.

Eventually if they are stabilised, sometimes they get stuck in their stabilisation and they don’t grow. And growth often involves pain; if they avoid fear, if they avoid pain, if they avoid suffering, if they avoid the potential for rejection, they will not grow. Eventually they have to open up that sail once they feel stable enough and move in their desired direction; what is the port that they are sailing to, what is their purpose, calling. And it’s not going to be plain sailing all the time, there are going to be winds.

 Self-actualisation is not a destination, it’s a direction and a lifelong journey, and we help the client create who they really want to become and embrace the journey.