There's a rather peculiar idiosyncrasy in our modern lexicon: the word "ambition." You would think a term that signifies drive, determination, and a hunger for growth would be universally embraced. But somewhere along the line, "ambition" acquired a smear of negative connotation. Akin to arrogance or selfishness, ambition is often seen as a vice, not a virtue.
Why?
Society has a history of being skeptical of those who dare to stand out, to go against the grain, to dream bigger.
The Chinese proverb, “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” highlights this very sentiment. Ambition, it seems, frightens us. But should it?
A 2018 study conducted by Judge, Piccolo, and Kosalka explored the relationship between ambition and career success. The results were enlightening. Ambition, unsurprisingly, corresponded with greater career achievement. But it also introduced an unexpected variable: happiness. Contrary to popular belief, ambition did not necessarily guarantee greater life satisfaction. It seems our trepidation towards ambition might be linked to this inherent tension between personal achievement and broader happiness.
But is the answer to avoid ambition?
In a world riddled with challenges, from climate change to global inequality, ambition is not just a personal pursuit – it’s a societal imperative. Ambition drives innovation. Ambition propels us out of stagnation. Without it, we become passive bystanders, critical or content with the status quo.
Consider this: Would Mahatma Gandhi have led India to independence without ambition? Would Malala Yousafzai have become a global advocate for female education, had she not possessed the ambition to rise above her circumstances?
So, while individual ambition may, at times, be linked to personal dissatisfaction, societal ambition is unequivocally linked to progress. A 2011 study published in the "Journal of Applied Psychology" reiterated this. By analysing the impact of national ambition on economic growth, the researchers discovered a strong positive correlation between a country's level of ambition and its subsequent economic progression.
We must, then, distinguish between self-serving ambition and ambition oriented towards the greater good.
As with any force, its value is determined by its direction.
Yet, the skepticism remains. Part of it might be cultural. Western societies often champion the individual, the hero. The lone wolf narrative is romanticised. In many non-western cultures, however, the community takes precedence over the individual. It’s here that ambition, especially if seen as self-centered, clashes with ingrained values.
But regardless of the cultural perspective, ambition's essence remains the same: an inherent desire to improve, to advance. Whether that drive is oriented towards individual success or societal progress, the underpinning energy is identical.
As we navigate the nuances of ambition, it’s helpful to remember the words of Japanese writer Haruki Murakami: “When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what the storm is all about.” Ambition is that storm, challenging us, reshaping us, and, if harnessed correctly, making us better than we were.
Ambition might be a misunderstood term, but it’s a force we need. Yes, it’s crucial to balance personal aspirations with holistic happiness. But it’s equally vital to remember that without ambition, progress remains elusive. Ambition isn’t the problem. How we perceive and channel it might be.
Embrace ambition, but direct it wisely.
I believe that amplified ambition drives global goals. If you audit your ambition, is it at the level needed to advance your global goals?