This resonates with me so much! As one who very recently went back on the job market, I find my ambitions are wholly different. After years of hard-charging, climb-the-ladder, everything-else-aside work, I'm much more grounded at this point and am looking for that Broad Ambition. As a first step, I signed up to take training to be a travel agent which is completely opposite of my healthcare executive career but travel brings me joy. EXCELLENT article, Rick.
Another wonderful read - I continue to find myself struggling with exactly this dilemma. The way you were able to flip that narrative on its head helped put into words so many of the emotions I've struggled to place. When the 'basic ambition' story is so ingrained in you it is helpful to hear from others who've battled through it as well. Thank you for your writing it continues to inspire / guide me!
Hey Nolan - I appreciate the thoughtful comment, it means a lot.
"Flipping the narrative" is a great way to put it. In many ways, I've kept the same virtues as before (e.g. have a bold ambition), but now just reshuffling their focus at something new.
It was a mental block to think these virtues should be directed a certain way.
I think I relate to my ambition changing shape, but I haven't figured out the new shape as accurately as you have, this piece has given me a lot to think about
Thoughtful and meaningful- ambition. For me at age 74 my perspective is how it evolves with age. I got an education, a professional degree/license and worked at that until it wasn’t satisfying. And long ago I renovated a couple dwellings, one very significantly, where I now look back and say “ takes a young driven person” for that kind of multi year project. Satisfying to complete but daunting in terms of time, energy and commitment. No more of that.
And now I find pursuing opportunities for family, enjoying the beauty of the natural world and reflecting on life, culture, history and politics fills my time. And a few less ambitious construction/wood shop projects. Ambition sublimated to be present and observe that which is important and perhaps actualizing myself.
Really enjoyed this, as usual, and once again I’m going to have to go think on it a few days before I know how I feel about it. For me, I like the word “broad” but the word “ambition” still feels like a concession to the striving impulse that I feel estranged from.
I think what I'm doing here is rather than REJECT these words (e.g. "ambition," "productivity," "work" coming next), I'm trying to HIJACK them for my new situation.
I'm trying to look at these old values from a new angle, perhaps expanding my lens of them.
This strategy allows me to keep some of my values intact (e.g. be bold with your ambition), but now evolve them.
Absolutely, and I think you’re doing a good job with it honestly (the hijacking for your own purposes). I think I’ve taken a different approach, which has lended more toward rejection … and occasionally left me without anchor. Tricky issues!
Yes yes a thousand times yes! I've been listening to the podcast "sustainable ambition" which is all about this topic.
Very interesting... thanks for the recommendation!
This resonates with me so much! As one who very recently went back on the job market, I find my ambitions are wholly different. After years of hard-charging, climb-the-ladder, everything-else-aside work, I'm much more grounded at this point and am looking for that Broad Ambition. As a first step, I signed up to take training to be a travel agent which is completely opposite of my healthcare executive career but travel brings me joy. EXCELLENT article, Rick.
Thanks Lisa! As a former healthcare guy myself, I get it!
Another wonderful read - I continue to find myself struggling with exactly this dilemma. The way you were able to flip that narrative on its head helped put into words so many of the emotions I've struggled to place. When the 'basic ambition' story is so ingrained in you it is helpful to hear from others who've battled through it as well. Thank you for your writing it continues to inspire / guide me!
Hey Nolan - I appreciate the thoughtful comment, it means a lot.
"Flipping the narrative" is a great way to put it. In many ways, I've kept the same virtues as before (e.g. have a bold ambition), but now just reshuffling their focus at something new.
It was a mental block to think these virtues should be directed a certain way.
I think I relate to my ambition changing shape, but I haven't figured out the new shape as accurately as you have, this piece has given me a lot to think about
Well, one thing I'll say is: life helped. Specifically kids + aging.
It gave me a new lens on these problems... without which, I probably would have been still stuck in my old "basic ambition."
Yeah I can definitely do the aging part, but no kids to speak of so far, so I will have to stay a basic ambition bitch for now aha
Thoughtful and meaningful- ambition. For me at age 74 my perspective is how it evolves with age. I got an education, a professional degree/license and worked at that until it wasn’t satisfying. And long ago I renovated a couple dwellings, one very significantly, where I now look back and say “ takes a young driven person” for that kind of multi year project. Satisfying to complete but daunting in terms of time, energy and commitment. No more of that.
And now I find pursuing opportunities for family, enjoying the beauty of the natural world and reflecting on life, culture, history and politics fills my time. And a few less ambitious construction/wood shop projects. Ambition sublimated to be present and observe that which is important and perhaps actualizing myself.
Your story amplifies the idea that "there is no one, universal ambition" even in our own life (not to mention others).
Most mature people articulate similar stories at these. It's the ones that don't adjust with the seasons that seem to have the most issues.
Really enjoyed this, as usual, and once again I’m going to have to go think on it a few days before I know how I feel about it. For me, I like the word “broad” but the word “ambition” still feels like a concession to the striving impulse that I feel estranged from.
I think what I'm doing here is rather than REJECT these words (e.g. "ambition," "productivity," "work" coming next), I'm trying to HIJACK them for my new situation.
I'm trying to look at these old values from a new angle, perhaps expanding my lens of them.
This strategy allows me to keep some of my values intact (e.g. be bold with your ambition), but now evolve them.
P.S. and always, thanks for your support!
Absolutely, and I think you’re doing a good job with it honestly (the hijacking for your own purposes). I think I’ve taken a different approach, which has lended more toward rejection … and occasionally left me without anchor. Tricky issues!
Maybe we're both in our own stages of grief 🤣