Ambition is a good feeling. It gives us the willpower to make changes in our life, and it pushes us to want to always make one more step towards the future we desire. However, when you get stuck in periods of ambition without action, it can feel like you’ve got so many plans but nothing to do with them.
Whether you’re planning something big like a home renovation or are looking to use your ambition to further yourself in your career, kicking your ambition into action is possible.
Here are some ways you can use ambition to your advantage to stop staying stuck and get started towards your dream career or family goals.
Create a Plan
To start off, you’ll want to create a plan. Before you can even make your dreams come true, you need to understand every single facet of them. If your aim is to be promoted to the new COO of your company, you’re going to need to outline the following:
- What makes you a good candidate for the promotion?
- What relevant experience do you have?
- Why do you want it?
- What will you do when you have the promotion?
- How can you shine out above competitors?
- How can you apply or express interest?
- What gives you ambition?
After answering these questions, create a step-by-step plan to get started towards your goal. Even if you have no experience, have only been working for the company for a little while, and think you’re a good fit, you can make it work out.
All you need to do is develop steps that fit your situation. For example, if you don’t yet have experience, take a class in your free time to get some.
Execute One Step at a Time
Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, it’s best to be patient. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself. Start from the very first step on your list. Make sure it’s a single action and not a group of activities.
Now, perform the task. Do it to the best of your ability and put all of your ambition into the task, as if it was already helping you succeed right now. Once you’re done, move to the next part of your plan. Don’t think about the future or the past. Continue moving forward.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re finding yourself feeling stressed out or fearful, you’re not alone. Work stress is so prevalent that many different studies have been done on it. There are also many ways to combat it.
Getting help is one way to fight your stress at work and continue on your path of motivation and completion. If you’re struggling to focus, complete tasks, and stay on track to the point that you feel constantly stressed, you may be struggling with a mental health condition.
It’s always a good idea to speak to a professional when you get into this situation. A therapist or counselor trained in organization and workplace assistance can help. You can find therapy online or in person. Some workplaces even have their own employee mental health line to call for confidential support.
Don’t Pressure Yourself
Even though pushing yourself may feel like a positive step in the right direction, it can be detrimental to some people. For some, being patient and giving yourself space when you need it is the best way to get things done. If you’re continuously telling yourself you’re a failure for not completing a task when you’re tired, then you’re likely not going to want to complete a task any time soon.
Accepting your body’s boundaries and limits is essential. If you are tired, sleep. If you need a glass of water, get it. If you need a break, take it. If you can’t have a break at work, practice mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques after work or on your lunch.
Don’t Give Up
On a similar note, don’t give up. Don’t be hard on yourself even when you need to take a period of time away from your original task. It’s okay to take a break, and you will get back to it. Just take it one step at a time when you’re ready. Your ambition can get you wherever you want to go if you’re patient and kind to yourself. Most importantly, believe in your potential. We all have it!
Marie Miguel Biography
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.