Unit 5: Visualizing the Future
Activity 1: Exploring Future Selves- The Ideal and Actual Self
Part A: Reflection
Research in psychology indicates that individuals often think about their future selves in the same ways as they think about other people (Markus & Nurius, 1986). The ideal self refers to the person one hopes or aspires to become in the future. It includes desired qualities, skills, and achievements that may not yet be fully realized. By contrast, the actual self reflects the attributes and experiences one has developed to date.
How often do you think about the future? What kinds of topics do you normally think about?
Reflection
Part B: Reflection
Read each of the statements below and discuss your answers in your groups.
Inspiration
Part C: Research
Research
Carry out an online search for quotes about the future.
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Identify at least two quotes that you relate to, and share your findings with your group.
Part D: Watch the Video and Respond to the Question
How does this video make you feel? Share your answers in your group.
Video
Watch the motivational video, Visualize Your Future with Jim Carrey and Oprah Winfrey.
Part E: Listening
In the video Visualize Your Future, how were the following phrases used, and what do they mean in context?
Listening
Part F: Discussion
Below are a few quotes from the video. Discuss your opinions about these quotes in your group.
Discussion
For your convenience, you can download an MS Word version of the activities to work on your device or print and fill by hand.