It’s that time of year. The pace has dipped. Calendars are full of out-of-office replies. And for many professionals, especially leaders, the mid-year fog can settle in. You’re doing the work, but the energy isn’t quite there. In recent coaching sessions and RocheMartin Emotional Capital Report (ECR) debriefs, self-actualisation is showing up again and again as an Emotional Intelligence development opportunity. And interestingly, many people aren’t sure what it actually means.
So let’s simplify it.
What is Self-Actualisation, really?
It’s not just about achievement. It’s about feeling fulfilled by the path you’re on — growing, contributing, and doing things that matter to you. It’s a blend of purpose, progress, and joy.
“Self-actualising leaders operate from a clear sense of purpose and are emotionally engaged with the impact they make.” Martyn Newman PhD
Why it dips in summer
Even high performers can lose their spark when they’re:
- Overcommitted to everyone else’s priorities
- Disconnected from their own goals and values
- Or simply running on autopilot
And let’s be honest — many leaders (especially those who are also parents or caregivers) are running on low reserves by this point in the year. The struggle with the juggle is real when routines go out the window!
“Self-actualization isn’t a destination. It’s a continuous journey of personal growth, self-reflection, and living in line with your values.” — Growth Tactics
3 EQ Practices to Reignite Your Motivation
1. Reconnect with your “why”
Ask:
- What part of my work gives me energy?
- What would I miss if I stepped away tomorrow?
2. Audit your week for purpose and play
Self-actualisation isn’t built on busyness. Ask yourself:
- What do I need less of this week?
- Where could I swap pressure for play?
Sometimes, the most nourishing moments come when we give ourselves space. This week, I blocked out an afternoon not for work or planning, but just to be. Three friends, eleven kids, and hours at the beach. It wasn’t over-organised. It was simple, spontaneous joy: picnics, sea swims, cartwheels in the sand, crab fishing, takeaway chips… and sand absolutely everywhere!
These are the moments that feed the soul. The ones that remind us who we are outside of roles, tasks, and to-do lists.
Let’s normalise rest as part of leadership, not the opposite of it. Less pressure, more play. That’s not just a mindset — it’s a leadership skill.
3. Share the feeling
Motivation spreads and so do emotions. Emotions are contagious, and your energy (or lack of it) is felt by those around you, especially in leadership roles. A simple check-in or uplifting conversation can reignite not just your spark, but someone else’s too.
Why this matters now
“Emotional intelligence – including traits like self-awareness and self-actualisation – is one of the top 10 skills for the future of work.” — World Economic Forum , Future of Jobs Report
According to Gallup , only 33% of employees feel engaged at work globally — and that figure is even lower in Europe. Engagement is deeply connected to feeling valued, purposeful, and self-directed — in other words, self-actualised.
Final Thought
Self-actualisation isn’t a luxury. I’s the fuel that keeps leaders inspired especially in the long stretch between strategy days and year-end results.
“Less pressure, more play.”
It’s a reminder to protect the joy, curiosity, and freedom that fuels our best work — and our most human leadership. Your best leadership doesn’t come from constant motion. It comes from moments of clarity, creativity, and conscious choice. Let’s normalise rest. Let’s reconnect with purpose. Let’s lead from within.
✨ Call to Action
If you’re feeling a little “off purpose” right now or curious where Self-Actualisation and Emotional Intelligence sit for you or your team — let’s talk.
I offer RocheMartin ECR Self and Team assessments, 1:1 coaching, and team workshops designed to bring more clarity, energy, and meaning into your leadership and culture. Check out my services options.
📩 Drop me a message, book a discovery call or visit www.natashahughes.ie to learn more.
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