Building better habits is tough, and slow progress can feel discouraging. But viewing self-improvement through the lens of an ideal can shift your perspective and fuel meaningful change.
We often imagine an ideal version of ourselves when we aim to grow. Specific goals, like saving a certain amount, are clear-cut. But changing behaviors or emotions? That’s messy. As humans, our journey isn’t linear, it’s full of ups and downs as we strive for a better self. The reality? We’ll never fully become our ideal. An ideal, by nature, is something to chase, not completely achieve.
The Stoics understood this with their concept of the Sage—an ideal figure, sometimes real, sometimes imagined, embodying their highest values. They knew no one could perfectly match the Sage, but that wasn’t the point. The pursuit itself drove growth.
Why embrace an unattainable ideal? Because it gives direction and purpose. It reminds us that self-improvement is a lifelong journey, not a race to a finish line. This mindset eases the pressure to be “perfect” and lets us focus on small, actionable steps.
The question isn’t “Am I flawless?” but “Am I progressing?” Celebrate the little victories. Keep moving forward. Your ideal isn’t there to judge, it’s there to guide.
The best to you.