THE VIRTUES PROJECT
An NCF Contribution IDEALISM

What Is Idealism?
A person with ideals is a person who really cares about what is right and meaningful in life. When you practice idealism, you have beliefs that mean something to you and you follow them. You don’t just accept things the way they are. You want to make a difference. Idealists dare to have big dreams and then act as if they are possible.

Why Practice It?
People without ideals or dreams live as if nothing matters very much. They have no dreams of what is possible. They settle for whatever happens. Without idealism, the world’s problems would never change. When you practice idealism, you trust that tomorrow can be better than today. You see what is possible and act to make it happen.

How Do You Practice It?
Idealism begins by picturing what you would ideally like to see happen. It could be a vision of what you will do when you grow up or of something you want to achieve now. It could be a dream of having the best friend ever, or a new invention, or making the world a better place. When you practice idealism, you have dreams and then act to make the ideal real. You make a plan and step by step, your dream can come true.

What would Idealism look like if…….
• You would like to see your school free of prejudice?
• People tell you your dream is impossible?
• You want to make the ideal gift for your mother?
• You feel somewhat hopeless about achieving a goal?
• You don’t know what you really care about?
• You have a dream of becoming a great musician or athlete?

Signs of Success
Congratulations! You are practicing Idealism when you…..
• Really care about what you value in life
• Dare to have big dreams
• Have a vision of what is possible
• Have a plan to make your ideals real
• Take action to make your dreams come true
• Do something to make a difference in the world.

Affirmation
I live by my ideals. I believe in my dreams. I have faith that anything is possible.