What Does Ambitious Mean to You?

I’m testing something – will you play along? I’d love to know your reaction.

For a while now I’ve had something cooking inside. You know how you have an idea, and it needs to simmer just a bit? Well, this idea has been simmering for so long, I’ve got some legitimate concerns it may get overcooked and I’ll have to chuck the whole thing out.

To avoid that, I thought I’d give people a taste and see what kind of a response I get.

Do you think AMBITIOUS is a bad thing to say about someone?

I’m guessing that if you’re like me, you’ve  been influenced by voices – whether from your parents, your social circle, perhaps your religious background – voices that have told you to watch out… Don’t make it so obvious you want to get ahead. Be grateful for what you have. Or maybe, don’t be so “bossy.” Or “Who put you in charge?”

And, yes there is emotional intelligence behind all of those messages that carries wisdom. But you know what else is there? A voice in your head that – if you are not very attentive and very careful – will hold you back from what you could be and could achieve.

Ambitious: Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.

So, let me ask you, what the heck is wrong with that? I think the answer is NOTHING. So why do some of us squirm if the label is applied to us?

Do you agree? Disagree? What’s your view of ambition? Not nasty, walk all over everybody else’s ambition. But good, healthy “desire and determination to succeed,” at whatever success looks like to you, ambition?

I’d love to know your thoughts.