Which human need can be described as the drive to reach one's full potential?

The drive to reach one's full potential is accurately described as self-actualization. This concept, rooted in humanistic psychology, represents an individual's desire to fulfill their own capabilities and realize personal growth and self-improvement. Individuals seeking self-actualization focus on personal development, pursuing goals that align with their values, and enhancing their understanding of themselves.

It emphasizes the journey toward achieving personal and creative fulfillment, which can manifest in various ways, such as artistic expression, intellectual exploration, or living according to one’s core beliefs. This distinct need is often viewed as the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, whereby individuals can only pursue it after satisfying lower-tier needs such as physiological, safety, love and belonging, and esteem.