Striving After an Ideal

Personal Development: Striving After an Ideal

We all have conceptions of the ideal.

1. The ideal man.
2. The ideal woman.
3. The ideal holiday destination.

Ideals don't exist in reality. They are our ideas of what would be true if we could have the world the way we want it.

I would like to make the point that idealising is a very valuable thing to do, that you could use the idea of idealising in a purposeful, conscious manner, in order to improve your chances of success.

The Ideal Diet

It may be useful to ask yourself:

"If I was going to follow an ideal diet; a diet that would give me more energy, better levels of nutrition and yet fewer calories; so that I can lose fat and feel great, then what would be that ideal diet?"

Then your task would be to write the diet down on a sheet of paper and then follow it.

The Ideal Appearance

Another example: It may be useful to ask yourself:

"If I was going to idealise my personal appearance so that I presented the best possible image of myself to the outside world, an image that tended to cause people to judge me favourably as a serious contender, then what would that look like?"

Ideally, you would then figure out what you should look like, then you would make a written list and then strive to follow your own idea of the ideal.

You would idealise your own visual appearance, instead of putting on clothes without thought.

The Ideal Candidate

Another example: When approaching an interview situation you could ask yourself,

"If an ideal candidate appeared for interview at ABC Publishing, then what preparation would that ideal candidate have done before the interview, to ensure that they had the absolute best chance of winning?"

Then you would make a list of all the preparation an ideal candidate would do, then when you have made your list, you follow your own list.

The Ideal Product or Service

Another example: if you are a sales person, you could ask the customer:

"If you could imagine your ideal, (house, car, ring, holiday etc) then what would it have and not have, that would make it absolutely perfect? Would you please, give me the list of things that ideally you need to have and what it must NOT have, in order to be ideal, to your taste?"

Then you make a list of all the requirements that must be present and all that must be absent in order that the customer would feel that the product was ideal.

You would take that list and you would make your product to fit the order.

The Ideal Weekend Break

Another example: It may be useful to ask your partner:

"What would be the ideal weekend break? What kind of things would have to be there for you to say, 'That weekend was absolutely perfect'?"

Then when he or she answers the question, you take careful notes, then you go to work to make it happen.

The Ideal Person

Last example: if you were to ask yourself:

"What do I think would represent the ideal man, (if you are a man) or an ideal woman, (if you are a woman). You give it careful consideration. You ask yourself, "What are the moral, psychological, physical attributes of an ideal man/woman?"

The ideal person would be....

Honest. Kind. Good sense of humour. Good with kids. Nice to animals. Well read. Well educated. Nice mannered. Polite. Hard working. Confident. Achiever of valuable goals. Saves money for the future, (does not spend it all). Health conscious. Well spoken. Optimistic. Self-disciplined. Good listener. Fit. Doesn't drink too much. Never takes drugs. Well organised. Tidies up after himself/herself. Understands well how to use modern technology. Always prompt. Professional at all times. Courageous in times of emergencies. Tight buns...

Then, when you have such a list, you would measure yourself up against it. You can see immediately where you score highly and where you don't.

Your ongoing task is to play to your strengths and work on your weaknesses.

Of course, you will never be perfect. You will never reach your own ideal. But the point is that trying to strive towards an ideal is a very valuable exercise in self-discipline and personal development.

So take some time to make a list of your ideals

• Your ideal home.
• Your ideal income.
• Your ideal weekend.
• Your ideal lifestyle.
• Your ideal you.

Then make it your business to spend a proportion of your time, bringing your ideals closer and closer into reality. It's fun.

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Definition: Personal Ideal

A personal ideal is a clear, written picture of the best state you can reach. It sets the highest bar for areas like health, work or life. Because it is specific, it guides every daily choice. You may never reach it, yet moving towards it drives real growth.

Article Summary

An ideal is a clear picture of what good looks like. Write that picture down, be it a diet plan, job bid or dream weekend, and you give your mind a target. Check yourself against the list and act each day to close the gap. You may never reach the picture, yet the steady push towards it drives real personal growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Did You Know: Key Statistics

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Personal Development

• Harnessing Aristotle's Ideas for Personal Development
  Unlock growth with Aristotle personal development. Definition, genus, differences, proprium and accidens guide clear goals, self-awareness and positive change.
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• Why Some People Are More Successful Than Others
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• How to Get the Best From a Training Course
  Discover practical training course tips to get the most from training. Prepare with self-analysis, engage fully on the day and build a post-course action plan.
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• A good training needs analysis
  Discover the six habits that shape a success personality. Take our quick self assessment quiz, spot skill gaps and get clear steps to boost goals, time use and
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• How to Improve Self-Confidence
  Learn ten clear steps to improve self-confidence: positive self-talk, daily progress, smart goals and healthy habits build lasting belief in yourself daily.
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