Working It
How much ambition is too much? With Lucy Kellaway
Aug 13, 2024
Lucy Kellaway, a former journalist turned teacher, and Stefan Stern, an author exploring ambition's complexities, dive into the contradictions of professional desire. They question if relentless ambition truly leads to happiness and highlight the importance of balancing career aspirations with personal well-being. Kellaway shares insights on the benefits of tempering ambition to enhance life satisfaction, while Stern reflects on how societal pressures shape our understanding of success. Together, they argue that ambition can sometimes be more harmful than helpful.
18:39
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Quick takeaways
- Ambition, while essential for career growth, can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction if not aligned with realistic goals.
- A broader perspective on ambition that includes uplifting others fosters collaboration and shared success instead of individual competition.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Ambition
Ambition is often viewed as a vital component of career success, yet its complexities can lead to negative outcomes. Many individuals struggle with aligning their talents and abilities with lofty goals, leading to feelings of frustration or even misery. The conversation highlights the idea that ambition should not just be self-serving; it can be oriented towards uplifting others, including family and colleagues. This broader perspective encourages a more collaborative approach, where success is shared rather than solely focused on individual achievement.
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