Lesson Summary
In this lesson, students will imagine and illustrate their ideal selves. They will explore introspective questions and create a visual representation of themselves. This exercise acts as a guiding vision, setting a clear target for personal growth. Its purpose is to inspire students to take steps toward becoming the best version of themselves.
Additionally, the class will study basic human anatomy and learn how to draw the human figure. They will gain an understanding of how the different parts in the body all work together to configure the human form.
Lesson Objectives
Imagine and depict their ideal selves.
Explore introspective questions to create a visual representation of the best version of themselves.
Study basic human anatomy and draw the human form.
Just as architects require a blueprint plan to construct a building, individuals require some form of plan to become someone they respect and admire.
It’s healthy to have goals, however if someone ties their entire self-worth to social status based on achievements, wealth, intelligence, or beauty, where can they find their worth when these fade? Achievements can be fleeting, and wealth may vanish. Intelligence and beauty naturally change with age. Those who value you solely for these traits may depart when they diminish. Keep these considerations in mind as we talk about and create a vivid portrait of your desired self.
Personal Characteristics
Who do you admire most in the world? (e.g., Elon Musk, J.K. Rowling, Bill Gates, Thich Nhat Hanh, your mom and dad, etc.)
What qualities do you admire in them, and why?
What traits do you aspire to embody from them?
What matters most in your life? (e.g. family, career, friendship, or money) Why?
What are your proudest achievements so far?
What is a healthy source for building our self-worth?
What activities do you enjoy? (socializing, art, writing, etc.)
What tasks do you prefer to avoid? (e.g., exercise, math, paying bills, etc.)
Can you foresee a career that brings you joy?
What contribution do you want to make to society? How do you want serve others?
What are some of your life goals?
What does your future look like in your imagination?
Do you envision parenthood in your future?
If there were no limits in life, what would you choose to have and do?
Physical Characteristics
What will my body type be? (e.g., slender, fit, muscular, petite, etc.)
How tall would I like to be?
What clothing style will I adopt? (e.g., hip-hop, casual, formal, simple, etc.)
What type of hairstyle will I have?
What personality traits will define me? (e.g., funny, cool, kind, mysterious, friendly, etc.)
What impression do I want to leave on others?
What kind of friends do I want?
What kind of lifestyle appeals to me?
What habits will lead me to my ideal self?
What habits can I form or actions can I take right now to become my ideal self?
Write your desired obituary for yourself, then work backwards from there.
Human Anatomy
Visualize, Sketch, and Create — "You and your life are your ultimate artistic creation."
Imagine Your Future Self: Take a moment to envision your future self. How will you style your hair? What clothing will you wear? Consider your physical attributes, facial expressions, posture, and height. Write down words or phrases that capture the essence of your future self. Are you intelligent, cool, kind, friendly, funny, sociable, creative, or charming? Select qualities that resonate with your ideal image.
Conceptualize with Rough Sketches: Begin with rough concept sketches of your future self. These preliminary drawings will help you refine your ideas.
Bring Your Future Self to Life: Now, transfer your vision onto a larger sheet of quality paper. As you draw, infuse the qualities you aspire to embody into your artwork. You can use a photo reference or a mirror for accuracy, but remember, this is your future self taking shape.
Highlight Your Desired Traits: Emphasize the personal and physical attributes you want to represent in your illustration. If confidence is your aim, illustrate it in your posture. If style is a goal, draw fashionable clothing. For sociability, give your future self a warm smile. You might even depict yourself in a role or job you aspire to have.
Add Color or Paint: Once satisfied with your drawing, use a black permanent marker to ink over your pencil lines. Then, infuse your artwork with color using markers, crayons, or paint. Bring your vision to life on the canvas.
Student Self-Actualization Artwork
Terminology
Human Anatomy — The study of structures in the human body.