Aspiration Development and Self-Fulfillment

High achievement partially derives from the development of strong aspirations, which in turn provide impetus for talent development. The combination of aspirations and talents can bring forth long-term self-fulfillment. Aspirations are powerful and persistent long-range life goals that manifest as robust desires for achievement of ideals to which the individual ascribes great value. Self-fulfillment is best defined as the attainment of a satisfying and worthwhile life well lived.

Ethical philosopher Alan Gewirth described how aspirations develop over time from nebulous, fleeting early wishes, to unsatisfied desires, and later to a sensed need for accomplishment with regard to dimensions of life such as knowledge acquisition, professional expertise, personal identity and autonomy, avocations, and roles in the family or community. Ultimately, aspirations can strengthen into powerful beacons for ...