Imagine fearlessly pursuing your dreams. Despite those "hating on" the ambitions you tenaciously set out to explore the landscape, solve the tough problems, fight for important causes and leave a dent in the world.
No matter the day, you wake up energized and enthused to navigate the rugged terrain. When everyone else is hitting a wall you’re able to ramp up and stay productive. And the moment your competitor loses motivation you separate yourself with an unwavering drive.
“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.” -Mark Twain
The trailblazing entrepreneurs, trendsetting business owners, and inspiring leaders have learned and understand the value of ambition. Although many others often view ambition in a bad light it does not constitute a character flaw. It’s a trait with positive, long-term implications for both individuals and organizations.
Ambition has shown proven returns in career success, organizational growth, and economic and social value. Here’s how you can use it for long-term success in your business:
BE BOLD
Stop playing it safe all the time. It’s time to level up. Instead of wallowing in the status quo step up and step into your fear. Do something challenging (not stressing) – individually, collectively, - that makes a difference. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, calls this the flow channel where the challenge to skill ratio is "just right" for getting into the zone; your optimal state of consciousness.
His research (along with others) encourages you to do innovative, courageous things to achieve your potential. It provides a proven path for transcending the norm (most of which is mediocre) and pushing boundaries.
Learn the landscape of next level success and you won't have trouble creating a life of enduring value. The journey won't always be you'd hope for, however, a journey that will stretch you daily, testing your will, endurance, and perseverance will bring plenty of rewards.
ENVISION VICTORY
Thoughts are things. Author of "Becoming Supernatural", Dr. Joe Dispenza confirms this by saying, "The thoughts we think sends an electrical signal out into the field. The feelings we generate magnetically draw events back to us. Together, how we think and how we feel produces a state of being, which generates an electromagnetic signature that influences every atom in our world. This should prompt us to ask, What am I broadcasting (consciously or unconsciously) on a daily basis?"
More and more science is proving the mind is arguably the greatest strategic tool we have. Use it to bring to life what you imagine to be possible. Craft a sustainable strategy with a success mindset. Pull together your aspirations, capabilities, and strengths to forge a more fulfilling future. Train your brain to recognize risks, see opportunities (this doesn’t mean be stupid) instead and execute. Go for it. Play to win.
GROW RESILIENT
You, like a muscle under tension, can grow from stress. Recognizing your stress threshold is a make or break point. Be mindful of your edge, walk the line and test your limits. Train yourself to work well under pressure without overwhelming yourself.
Creating environments (your internal environment too) that "stretch" you can help to boost resilience, decrease stress and improve performance. Set milestones that scare you a little bit and accept discomfort as an opportunity for growth. Make this a practice and you'll be able to withstand or recover quickly from tough times and conditions.
BELIEVE IN 10X
Humans, in general, think much too small. It’s not your fault, it’s an instinctive mechanism in our brain to keep us feeling safe. Most will conform to this along with cultural norms. Despite the difficulty to define what it means to be a high performance company, I challenge you to think limitless, believe in possibilities and realize your potential. Think in the top 3% and above (whatever that is for you). Ask yourself what can be done? What hasn’t been done yet? And what can I do to bring this to life?
Ambition is often viewed as selfish, greedy or excessive. Ambition, however, is more far-reaching and flexible. It doesn’t reduce us to selfish, materialistic desires; it bends us and expands us for the greater good. Ambition is rarely just about oneself. It is an integration of unselfish contribution and personal growth; created not without courage, sacrifice, and failure.
Explore your ambitions, shape them and be grateful despite struggles. Free the desire to succeed and the willingness to strive for each achievement with an unbridled spirit. Feast on the fruits of virtue, wisdom, and serenity. Find the insight and strength to control its blind forces. And you’ll not only have great success but both a life of true distinction and a lasting legacy.
Looking to be more ambitious this year? Join other bold believers in Dominate Your Dreams HERE...
