This might be a minor point, but being self-actualized means determining for yourself what's meaningful. Almost by definition, trying to be #1 isn't that, becau

This might be a minor point, but being self-actualized means determining for yourself what's meaningful. Almost by definition, trying to be #1 isn't that, because you're basically living for #2, trying to get them to realize you're better. If you're #1 at something, and then suddenly everyone with a lower rank decides to stop trying to beat you and goes and does something else, you've got nothing. You depend on them to believe that the game is worth playing, and if they stop doing that, being #1 means nothing. You haven't achieved real meaning when you're dependent on other people to believe in it. That's why status is not the same as self-actualization.