We live in a paradox. Ambition is motivating and propels us forward, yet we never truly arrive. How do we handle our ambition without losing grip of where we are?
My story is telling. My goal was to write 10 books, and now I have written 14. Yes, you guessed it! I have learned that it’s about the journey, not the goal. Therefore, I decided not to have a goal at all. Why, you wonder? I have found that setting a goal is limited to what you know at that particular time in life. Therefore, no goal can possibly meet all future wants and needs. They obviously need to be changed along the way. I wonder, do we really need goals to live? Of course not.
We can participate in the hustle culture without having a goal, just by doing what we want to do and keeping at it even when it’s difficult. If you are doing what you love today, you are likely to love it tomorrow as well. That is all we need to do. The problem with following an endless horizon of ambition is when it becomes an unbalanced achievement journey that does not accept the present.
The pursuit of wealth, power, and fame can lead to a loss of self and a life filled with anxiety and discontent.
We must distinguish between what is within our control and what is not. Our actions, judgments, and intentions are within our control, while external outcomes are not. This understanding is crucial for managing ambition. When we focus on our efforts and intentions, rather than the elusive horizon of success, we ensure that we are grounded in the present. No, I am not suggesting that the now is all there is, because I love looking at a bright future. Ambition will surely get me there.
But I must not be blinded by it. As a writer, I cannot control the reception of my work or the recognition it may garner. However, I can control the quality of my writing and my dedication to the craft. I am sure you have the same situation in your line of work. The endless horizon of ambition serves as a reminder that the journey itself is highly valuable. Ambition needs to be controlled to become a tool for personal growth rather than a source of unending dissatisfaction.
I remind myself what I expect from what I do. Am I doing it out of love or to reach something? Neither is bad as long as we know our underlying reason. Our ambition should be based on whether it gives us meaning and inner peace.
In spiritual texts, we can read that we should live authentically. I say knowing what we love to do and doing that is a more concrete way of life.
By all means, continue towards the endless horizon of ambition and use it as a means for motivation. But, realize that motivation is not constant and what matters is controlling the frustration of unmet expectations and finding satisfaction in your hard work. That way, your work will lead to healthy personal growth.
