The first Encarta Dictionary definition for ambition is a strong feeling of wanting to be successful in life and achieve great things. (example) “She lacks ambition”
The synonyms for ambition include goal, aim, objective, aspiration, dream, hope, desire and purpose. All of those synonyms are part of “coach talk” but I rarely use the term “ambition.”
NBC Evening News (October 31, 2011) chose a report from the November Issue of More Magazine to highlight a new trend among college educated professional women. In its third annual workplace report, More “partnered with the Polling Company/WomanTrend to survey women about their attitudes toward their jobs. Their responses make clear that in the search for balance, women are sacrificing ambition. When asked point-blank, 43 percent of women described themselves as less ambitious now than they were 10 years ago; only 15 percent reported feeling more ambitious.”
The NBC news feature highlighted two women who had chosen to step back from a major promotion or modify their career path in order to “not regret” giving up so much in order to maintain a highly paid professional target. Had they become apathetic? No. These women wanted more time for a balanced life.
“Women are finished living to work; now we want to work to live.”
My question is this: Why does it have to be considered newsworthy when women choose to leave a relentless pace behind in order to live a balanced life? This is not “sacrificing ambition.” Ambition for purposeful life goals and a balanced life are not mutually exclusive.
Any Life Coach can tell you that this kind of healthy ambition defines what a “successful” life includes for both men and women. It is the foundation for achieving truly great things.
Tags: Ambition, Cinda Gorman, More Magazine, NBC Nightly News, Seasons of Purpose
