"Self-actualization is more a sense of self-awareness that indicates that a person understands individual strengths and shortcomings and has engaged in a personal quest to deepen self-understanding as well as the understanding of others and the world around them." 

Dean, G. (2003). Why do adult educators educate adults? Pennsylvania ABLE Fieldnotes. Harrisburg, PA: Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education. Retrieved May 23, 2008, from http://www.pde.state.pa.us/able/lib/able/fieldnotes03/fn03why.pdf

 "Self-awareness is the key attribute underpinning our emotional intelligence."

  Sparrow, T., & Knight, A. (2006). Applied EI: The importance of attitudes in developing
  emotional intelligence. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.