How do possible selves shift throughout adulthood?

Many young adults in their 20s describe the aspirations of their possible selves as idealistic and grand-visions of fame, wealth, exceptional health, and athletic prowess. By middle adulthood, most people realize that their time and life opportunities are limited and they become motivated to balance images of their possible selves with their experiences in order to find meaning and happiness in their lives. Thus, middle adulthood is an important time of self-growth. Over their lifetimes, adults revise their possible selves to be more practical and realistic, typically aspiring to competently perform the roles of worker, spouse, and parent, and to be wealthy enough to live comfortably and meet the needs of children and aging parents.