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Published by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee
Saturday, December 1, 2001
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For some reason, ambition has gotten a bad
rap. Ambition is thought about in negative terms such as
pushy, aggressive, or egotistical. According to my Funk
and Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary, ambition means:
Eager desire to succeed, to achieve power,
wealth, fame, etc.
The object of aspiration or desire To desire and seek eagerly
Like anything, ambition can go too far.
However, there is nothing wrong with wanting to do better
in life. There isn't a quota that says only a certain number
of people can have what they want. If we are ambitious and
work for what we want, then we deserve to reap the rewards
of our determination and ambition.
Marie C. Wilson was embarrassed by her ambition,
but then realized that being ambitious can create change.
"The first time someone ever referred to me as ambitious,
I cringed with shame. Then I thought, 'I'm ambitious for
a just society, for a democratic country, for women to be
powerful and safe, for men to be able to be caring and not
be penalized. I'm ambitious for these things for myself
and my children, for our children. And I want the power
I need to work with others to make this happen. What's to
be ashamed of?' Of course, ambition can be ruthless and
wrong, but it can be the energy that fuels justice, leadership,
and change." (The O Magazine, September 2001, pg. 300)
Ambition is a funny thing because we get
a confusing message from society. We are told to win, but
not to win too much, to go for what we want, but not to
want too much. I have been told that I am too ambitious
and that it makes others uncomfortable. If someone is uncomfortable
with our ambition, it has to do with that person, not us.
As long as we don't hurt others to get what we want, there
is nothing wrong with being ambitious and wanting to make
a difference.
Coaching
It is OK to have goals, create a plan, and
then be ambitious about making those goals a reality. The
better each person does the better society does as a whole.
If we all contribute our best and accomplish ambitious things,
all of society, including generations to come, will be better
for it. It isn't selfish to want to do your best and fully
contribute to the world. Being selfish, in my opinion, is
not being willing to share your gifts and be the magnificent
person you were meant to be.
Where could you be more ambitious?
Daily Success Formula
Striving to do your best
+ Setting Goals + Wanting more than average = Being Ambitious
Quotes
"Ambition never comes to an end."
Yoshida Kenko
"I've always tried to go a step past
wherever people expected me to end up." Beverly Sills
"The men who succeed are the efficient
few. They are the few who have the ambition and will power
to develop themselves." Herbert N. Casson |
