Before you start jotting down ideas on to your word processor, let's first take some time to review the idea of ambition. Ambition is often defined as the desire for "power, honor or superiority." However, it can also be defined as the urge to "be something or do something." The term has also been defined as something that "requires full use of your abilities."
Therefore, you don't have to be arrogant to have ambition, nor do you have to be seeking power or material things. Having ambition could simply mean you want to use your resources for the betterment of your family or even for the good of all mankind. When you have ambition, meaning you know what you want to do and you know what you're good at, then you make the process of goal setting that much easier.
Start this process by first declaring what it is that you want to do and then "make peace" with that mission. That means that you must allow yourself the possibility to achieve this dream. Do not feel guilt over this mission. Do not sabotage your dream by saying things like "That could never happen to me!" You are your own destiny and have full control over your life. Whatever you want, you must go out and get. If you have any qualms or hesitations over achieving this life mission then you might want to consider reevaluating your ambition.
What if you're not sure about your true calling in life? Perhaps you know that you want to do something but haven't quite figured out what that is. If this is the case, it might help to take a careful analysis of your life thus far and your aspirations for the future. If you are looking for a career, ask yourself what commercial or non-profit industries you respect the most. Is there a particular talent that you have that you want to put to good use? Search for job openings that provide the opportunity to expand.
As far as the job search goes, remember that you don't have to stay put in a job that you don't enjoy. Many individuals work for a company for a number of years for the sole purpose of building a resume. As long as you maintain good relationships with your co-workers and superiors you can always fall back on those references.
If you feel empty in your life and don't really have an idea about where you are going, then try and determine what things you are passionate about. Is there a particular interest, hobby or viewpoint that is close to your heart? Has there been an experience in life that has taught you something important that you want to share with others? How can you use your resources and talents to explore this new direction in life?
Pondering on these matters may help you to determine and maybe widen your ambitions. Before you start setting goals, decide what is truly worth accomplishing. What is closest to your heart? The more personally fulfilling your goals are, the more motivated you will be to see them through to completion.
