What does the ideal self represent?

The ideal self represents a vision or concept of the person one aspires to become, encompassing aspirations, goals, and values that one wishes to embody. This construct often serves as a motivational benchmark, guiding individuals in personal development and helping them to strive for improvement in various aspects of life, such as behavior, skills, and overall character. The ideal self reflects qualities and attributes that one admires and wishes to cultivate, thus illuminating the path toward self-growth and fulfillment.

While the other options touch on aspects of self-perception, they do not capture the essence of the ideal self, which is fundamentally about aspirations and desired qualities rather than an assessment of current identity or societal norms.