ideal self

USAGE SUMMARY

"ideal self" is correct and it can be used in written English.
It is most often used in the context of a person's desired identity or goals for themselves and is often used in psychology or self-help. For example, "John has been striving towards his ideal self, focusing on improving his mental and physical health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Identification of gaps between one's IDEAL self and REAL self.

Princeton University

How exactly does a mentor develop a vision of the mentee's ideal self?

Harvard Business Review

The path from the actual to the ideal self passes through anxiety, frustration and humiliation.

The New York Times

Although not ideal, self funding has given me an extra drive to succeed.

The Guardian

Personal strivings assessment was designed to develop discrepancy between current and ideal self.

Addictive Behaviors

She had herself photographed naked every morning -- front, back, left, right -- as she "carved" her "ideal" self through abnegation.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

There are some who think a platter of bagels, cream cheese and lox is an ideal self-contained meal.

The New York Times - Food

Someone–I forgot who proposed the ideal self-regulation of the shadow banks.

Forbes

This is the ideal self-study guide for students, researchers and practitioners in engineering and computer science.

Duke University

Marina Abramović Presents New Work Investigating Brainwave SynCanonization.

Vice

We all grow up with less than ideal self-worth.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ideal self" to clarify the gap between current reality and desired aspirations, motivating self-improvement.

Common error

Avoid equating your "ideal self" with an unattainable standard of perfection. Focus on realistic and adaptable growth rather than an absolute endpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ideal self" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in sentences discussing personal aspirations, self-improvement, and psychological concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to define a person's desired identity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ideal self" refers to the version of oneself that one aspires to be, encompassing desired traits, goals, and values. It is grammatically correct and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, primarily in contexts related to news, media, science and academia. When using this phrase, it's important to focus on realistic growth rather than unattainable perfection. Alternatives include "aspired self", "desired self", and "envisioned self". By understanding and appropriately using the term "ideal self", individuals can effectively articulate their aspirations and navigate their personal development journey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

desired self

Replaces 'ideal' with 'desired', highlighting what one wishes to become.

aspired self

Replaces 'ideal' with 'aspired', focusing on the act of striving towards the self.

future self

Focuses on the self one aims to be in the future, rather than an abstract ideal.

envisioned self

Changes 'ideal' to 'envisioned', focusing on a mental image of one's future self.

ultimate self

Replaces 'ideal' with 'ultimate', implying the highest attainable version of oneself.

perfected self

Substitutes 'ideal' with 'perfected', emphasizing a state of completion or flawlessness.

projected self

Highlights the self one intends to present or become.

best version of oneself

Expands the phrase to specify achieving one's highest potential.

model self

Uses 'model' instead of 'ideal', portraying a self that is exemplary or a standard to follow.

self-image goal

Shifts the focus to a specific goal related to one's self-perception.

FAQs

How do you use "ideal self" in a sentence?

You can use "ideal self" to describe the version of yourself you aspire to be, for example: "She is actively working towards becoming her "ideal self" by pursuing her passions and overcoming her fears."

What can I say instead of "ideal self"?

Alternatives to "ideal self" include "aspired self", "desired self", or "envisioned self", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "ideal self" and "real self"?

The "ideal self" represents who you aspire to be, while the "real self" reflects your current attributes and characteristics. Understanding the gap between these can motivate personal growth.

Is pursuing your "ideal self" always beneficial?

While aiming for your "ideal self" can be a powerful motivator, it's important to maintain realistic expectations and avoid setting unattainable standards that can lead to disappointment or stress. Focusing on progress rather than perfection is key.