Markus and Nurius (1986) are credited with developing the concept of possible selves, which represents individuals' ideas of what they might become, what they would like to become, and what they fear becoming. It has been applied in research and practice with adolescents exploring career choices; adults in transition; and older adults envisioning and adjusting to life in the "third age." Possible selves have been called "behavioral blueprints;" they help guide behavior and action toward what we want to become (hoped-for selves) and away from undesired outcomes (feared selves). Research has uncovered differences in the way individuals construct possible selves that reflect different experiences regarding opportunity structure, stereotypes, and social messages about potential and identity. Studies have examined variations in terms of cultural background, gender, and class. Individuals need help to recognize the influence of the dominant culture and subcultures on their possible selves and to prevent foreclosure of options. Techniques for working with possible selves are imagery and visualization, narrative, and mapping. (Contains a 21-item annotated bibliography.) (YLB)