NH Business Review Column: Ambition that Drives Success

A recent NPR “1A” show explored the topic “Rethinking Ambition.” Rainesford Stauffer, author of  All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive, reflected on reaching academic and professional milestones and asked, “What happens when so much of our self-worth is tied to how much we achieve?”

I am all-in when it comes to being ambitious and striving for success -- but only after serious personal reflection and understanding your why. Spend time to identify your purpose and define what is truly most important for you to do and achieve.

When we are clear what we mean by success, ambition is much more likely to follow; when the purpose is clear, so is our drive to achieve it. Yes, set high standards and work hard, but be sure to be moving forward in ways you truly embrace and believe in!

Also, ask:  am I driven by my own values and goals -- or focused on the expectations of others? Striving to meet somebody else’s definition of success is a sure-fire way to generate personal frustration and resentment. 

One challenge is prestige: our society gives more status to some professions. This is where we get sidetracked -- caught up in storylines that do not align with our personal passions and goals. We all need to put food on the table, of course, but there are many ways to earn a living and stay true to ourselves. 

You can read my full column at https://www.nhbr.com/ambition-that-drives-success/