Why ambition is good?

What is ambition?

According to dictionary.com ambition is an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment.  Ambition can get a bad reputation at times, especially when it feels as a competition against others, or it is the sole motivator for the individual.  When motivation is balanced, healthy, and not all consuming it can be a very good thing.

Why ambition is good

People that tend to be more ambitious often obtain higher levels of education which can lead to careers that are considered more lucrative.  Often people that have ambition are more likely to set goals and achieve them.  They are also more likely to be vulnerable and take risks which can open their world up to things that others might be fearful to try or do.  Athletes and performers tend to score higher on levels of ambition as well and it helps them with the event and performing the task. Those that have higher ambition are also said to be more satisfied with life and their overall happiness.  Again, this ambition needs to be healthy and balanced.  It should be used to motivate them and not to have the mentality of them against the world. 

When can ambition be bad?

Just like most things in life things can be good and things can be bad, and the goal can be finding that middle ground.  Ambition can be unhealthy or bad when it consumes the person in a negative way, and they become tunnel vision.  Some are ambitious out of fear of failure which can lead to lower self esteem and self-criticism.  For some the act of setting goals is positive but when those goals are unattainable those can further drive those feelings of lower self esteem and worth.  Also, sometimes those that are highly ambitious in an unhealthy way can have the ideas of perfectionism and this can be a huge setup for unmet goals, unmet needs, and again affect self-esteem.  Creating some down time as well is very needed in achieving that healthy balance.   To take a break from goal setting, school, work can help with self-care and promote a healthier mindset when it comes to ambition.