Towards Self-Satisfaction: Theories and Concepts

Saif R. Farooqi

Abstract: Life poses many questions such as the reason for one's birth, the purpose of life, the goals one wants to pursue, etc. Such questions, if left unanswered, leading to a state of unknown displeasure and unhappiness. These questions keep on confronting the individual no matter how rich or successful the person becomes. Self-satisfaction, the sense of absolute fulfillment with oneself and one's accomplishments, is a way to find answers to such questions. It is the quest for self-satisfaction that helps the individual in finding answers to such troubling questions. Over the years there have been a number of psychological theories and concepts that inherently suggest ways of seeking self-satisfaction. This paper identifies such theories and concepts and elucidates how they can enable individuals towards the path of seeking self-satisfaction. The paper explores the theories of Victor Frankl, Carl Rogers, and Abraham Maslow, with an emphasis on their concepts of will to meaning, becoming oneself, and self-actualization respectively. Along with these theories, the paper also explores the concepts of intrinsic motivation, self-awareness, and delay of gratification with respect to self-satisfaction. The seeking of self-satisfaction guides in coping with the unpredictable and unstable nature of life and helps in bringing about a certain calmness and composure within an individual. The quest for self-satisfaction should, thus, be the major element of life.

Keywords: Self-satisfaction, Will to Meaning, Becoming Oneself, Self-actualization, Intrinsic Motivation, Self-awareness, Delay of Gratification

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 4, April 2023,

Pages: 495 - 497