The concept of the “ideal self” reflects my dreams and goals, embodying the best version of myself. It is the image where I feel confident, successful, and balanced in life. My ideal self includes engaging in activities that inspire me, striving to do good, and living a purposeful life. It is the person I wish to become.
On the other hand, the “ought self” is the version of me that I feel I should be to meet external expectations, such as those imposed by society or family. For example, I often feel the need to focus on stability and responsibility because these values are important to my family and those around me. This self-concept is tied to fulfilling commonly accepted notions of success, even if they do not align with my true aspirations.
Sometimes, my ideal self and ought self align, but often they are in conflict. A clear example of this is my desire to dedicate more time to creative pursuits, while I feel that I should focus on traditional measures of success. This discrepancy causes stress and makes it hard for me to freely express my thoughts and feelings. The fear of disappointing others’ expectations has a significant impact on my interpersonal communication.
Reflecting on these concepts has helped me understand the importance of listening to my inner voice. I’ve realized that being honest with myself and with others is key to inner peace and effective communication. I am now learning how to balance my pursuit of the ideal self with my obligations to those around me. This balance is essential not only for improving my communication skills but also for achieving a deeper sense of fulfillment and tranquility.