power of ambition

The Power of Ambition

An ambition is an eager, and sometimes an inordinate, desire for preferment, honor, superiority, power, or the attainment of something. To obtain object or goal that is immensely desired. It comes from the Middle English word “ambicioun,” meaning and excessive desire for power, money or wealth. Ambition is something that everyone, no matter their age or cultural background, has instinctively. Ambition can be a driving force for success, or in some cases a road to failure. Through ambitious undertakings we can set goals and find ourselves and our God-given talents.

We are told never to cross a bridge until we come to it, but this world is owned by men who have 'crossed bridges' in their imagination far ahead of the crowd. I was watching the Doctor Phil Show the other day, and he was talking about the five reasons for why successful people are as successful as they are. Number one on the list was a plan. A goal. A destination. An ambition. Without an ambition we have no purpose in our lives. In contrast, a goal can help us get organized and take steps towards achieving what we want in our day-to-day lives. My friend Ryan always used to tell me, and still does; “My life's ambition is to be happy with my place in, and contribution to Society.”That might be a nice thought, but is there really a workable goal there? No! “The ambitious man is essentially a visualizer and an actualizer... He can visualize something, and when he visualizes it he sees exactly how to make it happen.” - Robert L. Schwartz A person who aims at nothing is sure to hit it. We were given a brain for a reason, and this is a perfect excuse to use it.

Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. Following ones dreams and not giving a second thought to the comment of the people who put us down is what creates a successful entrepreneur. Spending time with people with a positive image and attitude can help one get motivated and realize their goals. Persistence can make everything possible, for persistence is an excellent demonstration of ambition. If one wants something to happen, one must, as a singer one put it, ‘pick themselves up and try again.’ Nothing will ever be just handed to anyone, except the odd exception.

In William Shakespeare’s Macbeth we can see how ambition can lead to devastating effect if our destination is reached by cheating. In general, concentrating on a false goal seems to cause far too much collateral damage to relationships and to self esteem. This is not to say that Macbeth’s ambition –to become king- was false. However he should have won this honor truthfully. Instead of earning the right respectfully, he stole it. Not only will this rout not be rewarding, for satisfaction is not gained, but it may cause paranoia leading to more of the same. Once one gets into this ever repeating chain the chance of getting out is a rocky road.

There is nothing that can stop us from achieving what we want in life. Our only obstacle is ourselves, and the extent of our ability to differentiate between a worthwhile and self destructive goal. If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it. Don’t steal a vehicle, but use your own, and no matter what road you take, you will end up where you wanted to be.