“Entelechy” seems to have two main meanings – each is closely related to the other:
- The first relates to a state of being in which an individual fulfills [actualizes] their true and full potential. The state of “entelechy” means that you:
- Have come to appreciate your potential and purpose in life
- Through resolve and tenacity of purpose, have worked diligently and continuously to cultivate and utilize your talents so that you are performing at a level that approaches your maximum potential
- The second identifies the internal force that guides, motivates and enables an individual to recognize and realize their full potential. The motivational force in the journey toward informed self-actualization.
I use the word “entelechist” to identify a guide and/or coach on the journey toward one’s realization of full potential.
More from other sources . . .
Entelechy, (from Greek entelecheia), in philosophy, that which realizes or makes actual what is otherwise merely potential. (from Britannica.com)
Entelechy, in Greek entelécheia, was coined by Aristotle and transliterated in Latin as entelechia.Aristotle invents the word by combining entelēs (complete, full-grown) with echein (= hexis*, to be a certain way by the continuing effort of holding on in that condition), while at the same time punning on endelecheia (persistence) by inserting telos (completion). This is a three-ring circus of a word, at the heart of everything in Aristotle's thinking . . . (from Wikipedia.org)
* The definition of hexis as used by Aristotle is more than mere disposition – it is the most essential, individual, personal and abiding character and constitution of a person.