Each of us has repeatedly heard such a word as “potential”. This is in psychology such a concept, which is given not one or two definitions. Moreover, a lot of scientific work and research is devoted to this topic. It really represents a certain interest, so it is worth delving into its study.
Erich Fromm's research
It is generally accepted that potential is, in psychology, a person’s ability to multiply their internal capabilities, develop, be productive, and effectively interact with other people and the world around them. The famous German sociologist Erich Fromm devoted his life to this quality, as well as studying the process of personality development .
The scientist believed that each person is unique in his own way. He assured: it is the realization of our inner potential and the development of personality that is the main goal of each of us. If a person seeks to manifest his “I”, not paying attention to obstacles, external stimuli and temptations, he gains real positive freedom and gets rid of antisocial aspirations. What does it mean? Positive freedom is the most complete realization by an individual of his abilities and the parallel conduct of an active lifestyle.
About activities
Potential is a topic in psychology that contains a lot of important nuances. It is important to note that the internal strength inherent in each person is focused on certain types of activities. In the process of his life, the person sets priorities, designates goals for himself and subsequently achieves them.
Many believe that under certain circumstances, the potential can be fully realized. This is usually observed when a person overcomes life's difficulties, trials and obstacles. By suppressing his own fears, the individual realizes such abilities that he might not even have suspected.
Potential is the same in psychology as in philosophy. But sociology considers this concept not only as the internal strength and energy of the individual. The potential is considered to be the combination of material and spiritual capabilities that can contribute to the achievement of certain goals.
Personal potential
I would like to talk about this quality in more detail. Speaking in scientific language, this is the name of the integral characteristic of the level of personal maturity and the manifestation of the phenomenon of self-determination. The latter means the ability of a person to make his own choice.
Austrian psychologist Victor Frankl believed that a person’s free attitude to his physicality and needs is determined by a powerful personal potential (PL). This means that motives and circumstances can dominate him only as much as he himself wants. Moreover, this quality reflects a person’s successful overcoming of the given circumstances.
Characteristic LP
It is also believed that personal potential includes both the ability of the individual and a system of constantly multiplied resources (volitional, psychological, intellectual, etc.). This is a very important quality. It is it that helps an individual in all his adaptation periods in various fields, affects the formation of professional skills, self-realization, career, development of abilities.
The concept of LP successfully reveals the idea of transforming a person in a changing world. A person with a powerful drug is not only able to adapt to certain conditions. He can change them so that they play into his hands and contribute to the achievement of goals. The ability of an individual to carry out his plans, in spite of everything, is a most valuable quality that helps not only in professional activities, but also in everyday life.
Creative aspect
Above, a little was told about such a concept as personal potential. Psychology, in addition to it, distinguishes another type of this quality - creative (TP).
In each of us there is a beginning that gives rise to fantasy in our consciousness, imagination. It pushes a person to improve, to go forward. The psychology of the development of the creative potential of the personality proves that the implementation of TP leads to brain hyperactivity, to the predominance of the unconscious over consciousness. Often, the combination of intelligence and creative generates genius in a person.
An individual with a powerful TP, as a rule, has a pronounced initiative, self-confidence, the ability to bring things to the end, the desire to constantly improve and learn something new. Such people constantly motivate themselves, personally create the conditions for achieving their goals, monitor the quality of the work performed (what is the manifestation of perfectionism), and analyze in detail problems before they are solved, if any. All these qualities characterize a person with TP only from the best side. It is not surprising that it is precisely such people who best manifest themselves in labor activity.
Creativity
Another aspect deserves attention. Psychology highlights the creative potential as a separate topic. This quality determines the ability of a person to carry out creative activity, express himself and go beyond standard knowledge. "Creative" in this case involves a behavioral, emotional and cognitive aspect.
If we talk about personality potentials in psychology, it is worth noting that KP is the most valuable and practical quality. A person with creative potential is capable of extraordinary realization of himself not only in any activity, but also in feelings, sensations, and behavior. Such people are able to change and go against stereotypes. They are given out by non-standard thinking, the ability to formulate original ideas, as well as ignoring the usual framework and boundaries. They have diverse interests, they are always happy to learn new skills and knowledge. Such people make others want to get to know them and communicate more closely.
Work area
A few words must be said about the labor potential. This is a definition in psychology, which is displayed in a separate category. This is the name of the set of qualities that characterize the labor abilities of a person.
Labor potential (TP) is expressed in the individual's ability to maintain normal relations in the team and to take part in his activities. A person with TP is able to generate and analyze advanced ideas, and also possesses the necessary practical skills and theoretical knowledge to carry out work duties. He is distinguished by good health, the presence of moral principles, activity, education, competence, the ability to organize his time in practice, accuracy, discipline. People who know how to realize their labor potential are valuable workers.
Self improvement
Psychology studies the development of personality potential in the most thorough way. The same topic is of interest to people who want to engage in the formation of their inner strength and the realization of hidden opportunities.
To improve your potential, you need to create a powerful motive for yourself. He will become an active force that will help awaken hidden opportunities. A person is capable of many actions if he becomes obsessed with what he strongly desires.
You can be inspired by the success of a person who has achieved impressive achievements in the field of interest. Moreover, you should familiarize yourself with their strategy, tips and try to understand the way of thinking, and then apply the knowledge gained in your own practice.
It is also recommended to divide the goal into several stages. The more there will be, the better. They will connect the current state of affairs with the desired. This is about the same as conquering the peak. Overcoming a certain daily distance, at the end it will turn out to reach the top. The technique is effective, but the most important thing is desire. A man craving something is capable of such acts, the implementation of which he did not expect from himself.