20/03/2025
Ambition is often seen as the engine behind high achievement, pushing individuals to set bold goals and strive for greatness. From career success to academic excellence and personal growth, ambition fuels performance in many areas of life. But while ambition can be a powerful motivator, it also has its downsides—leading to stress, burnout, and even ethical compromises if not managed wisely.
So, is ambition always good? Or can too much of it work against us? Let’s explore what science says about how ambition affects performance, well-being, and long-term success.
Research confirms that ambition is a strong predictor of success. Ambitious individuals tend to:
Set challenging goals – Studies show that people with higher ambition continuously push themselves toward greater accomplishments. Whether it’s aiming for a promotion, starting a business, or pursuing advanced education, ambitious individuals set their sights high and put in the effort to achieve those goals.
Work harder and persist longer – Ambition creates internal motivation that drives individuals to stay committed, even in the face of setbacks. Research finds that ambitious employees tend to be more engaged and productive in the workplace, often outperforming their peers. Similarly, students with high ambition achieve better academic results because they dedicate more time to studying and skill-building.
Develop resilience – Pursuing ambitious goals isn’t easy. Challenges and failures are inevitable, but ambitious people are more likely to view them as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to give up. This mindset helps them bounce back from setbacks faster and continue striving toward success.
Achieve higher career and financial success – Long-term studies show that ambitious individuals tend to secure higher salaries, more prestigious job titles, and better career advancement opportunities than their less ambitious peers. Their drive helps them seize opportunities and climb the professional ladder more quickly.
While ambition can be a powerful asset, unchecked ambition can also lead to negative outcomes. Here’s how:
Burnout and chronic stress – Research suggests that highly ambitious individuals are more prone to workaholism, which can lead to exhaustion and mental fatigue. Many ambitious people push themselves so hard that they neglect work-life balance, leading to stress, anxiety, and even health problems.
Disappointment and dissatisfaction – Ambition often creates a never-ending cycle of wanting more. Even after achieving one goal, ambitious people tend to set an even higher one. While this can be motivating, it can also lead to chronic dissatisfaction—where success never feels like enough.
Strained relationships – Extremely ambitious individuals may prioritise their careers over their personal lives, which can lead to strained friendships, family conflicts, or even loneliness. A hyper-focus on achievement sometimes comes at the cost of meaningful relationships.
Ethical risks – Studies show that people with high extrinsic ambition (driven by money, status, or power) may be more willing to cut ethical corners to get ahead. This is particularly relevant in high-stakes careers where ambition can lead to unethical behaviour like misrepresenting qualifications, exploiting others, or even breaking the rules.
If you want to leverage ambition effectively while maintaining your well-being, here are some strategies to keep in mind:
Balance ambition with well-being – Ambition should push you to do your best, but not at the cost of your mental and physical health. Set boundaries around work, prioritise rest, and make time for personal fulfilment outside of your goals.
Focus on intrinsic motivation – Ambition is most fulfilling when it’s driven by internal goals (passion, personal growth, or making a difference) rather than external rewards (money, titles, or social validation). Research shows that intrinsic ambition leads to greater long-term happiness and ethical decision-making.
Celebrate progress, not just outcomes – If you’re always chasing the next big milestone, you may never feel satisfied. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate small wins along the way. This helps sustain motivation while reducing stress.
Develop resilience – Challenges and failures are inevitable. The most successful ambitious individuals learn from setbacks rather than getting discouraged by them. Cultivating a growth mindset—where obstacles are seen as learning opportunities—can help you maintain ambition in a healthy way.
Remember: Success isn’t everything – While ambition can open doors, research suggests that achieving ambitious goals doesn’t dramatically increase happiness. In fact, some highly successful people report being only slightly happier than their less ambitious peers. True fulfilment comes from a balanced life that includes meaningful relationships, personal well-being, and a sense of purpose.
Ambition is one of the most powerful drivers of success, pushing people to achieve great things. But like any strength, it needs to be managed wisely. When ambition is balanced with resilience, ethical standards, and self-care, it leads to growth, achievement, and personal fulfilment. However, when it becomes obsessive or purely extrinsic, it can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and ethical risks.
The key takeaway? Let ambition be your fuel—but not your master. Stay driven, set meaningful goals, and push yourself to grow—just don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way.