Ambition and the people around you

[Dandy]

Big hello to everyone,

I would like to hear your opinion on this subject. Do you have problems with showing your ambition ? I find sometimes very hard to talk with the people who are very curious to find out what are you up to. When I say the truth some of them act weird and they act judgmentally. Sometimes they try to point out that life is not only work, job, learning languages, learning a new skill etc...

I was one of the best students during my college years and I never understood why some people lied that they didn't study or work hard? On the contrary I was always saying that I must work if I wan't to be good (grow).

It is not bothering me too much, I have a wife and few really good friends but sometimes I am irritated that I can't be really me. I must pretend that I did some things accidentally (learned a foreign language by accident ) or something like that.

Thank you in advance for your opinion.
See you

[Agota]

What kind of strange people you have around you?

..learned foreign language by accident, lol

I'm sharing my ambitions with other people less and less, because I'm tired of explaining myself to everyone. In case you're really ambitious, you have to accept the fact that most people won't understand your ambitions or will simply think that you're nuts for aiming that high. I'd say it makes more sense to channel your energy into achieving your goals than waste it on explaining everyone why you want what you want and why you think it's possible.

[Dandy]

Thank you for the answer Agota.

. I'd say it makes more sense to channel your energy into achieving your goals than waste it on explaining everyone why you want what you want and why you think it's possible.

This is absolutely true.

[wanzulfikri]

It is hard to be yourself if you want to follow others.

I find that having little expectation of how you want people to perceive you really helps.

Let them think what they want. It is your life.

[Bongza]

When you came to this earth, history was created of you, when you were born, the time you were born, which hospitaal so live your life according to your plans while living your life, you continuing with your history and live to leave a legacy behind something that people will remember you by.

Do not ever try to please other people because most people do not know what they want out of life, the quickest way to make a history is to do nothing.

[Prinie]

I didn't realize people hid their ambition until I got to college.

I don't hide it. I use to get people telling me about there's more to life, etc and they are right. But who are they to decide what I dabble in? When they see how my ambition paid off, they usually change their tone. That's just people. lol

[Swifthawk]

Originally Posted by Dandy

Big hello to everyone,

I would like to hear your opinion on this subject. Do you have problems with showing your ambition ? I find sometimes very hard to talk with the people who are very curious to find out what are you up to. When I say the truth some of them act weird and they act judgmentally. Sometimes they try to point out that life is not only work, job, learning languages, learning a new skill etc...

I was one of the best students during my college years and I never understood why some people lied that they didn't study or work hard? On the contrary I was always saying that I must work if I wan't to be good (grow).

It is not bothering me too much, I have a wife and few really good friends but sometimes I am irritated that I can't be really me. I must pretend that I did some things accidentally (learned a foreign language by accident ) or something like that.

Thank you in advance for your opinion.
See you

I do know that sometimes it is possible to come off as elitist or to sound holier-than-thou when talking about your personal ambitions for self-improvement to others.

When someone asks you how you have been doing, replying with something like "Just bettering myself everyday with acquiring new skills, learning new languages, and improving myself" sounds pretty strong for an everyday conversation.

It can also sound cocky because a lot of people try to talk about how great they are, or what they are trying to do, but their actions show otherwise.

Therefore, even someone with a genuine interest in self-improvement can come off that way. It's not necessarily true, just something that can happen.

[cheesedip1]

Originally Posted by Agota

. I'd say it makes more sense to channel your energy into achieving your goals than waste it on explaining everyone why you want what you want and why you think it's possible.

Yes!


I like to tell people after my goals, sort of, but usually I'd rather acheive them first, lol. That way it doesn't look like I'm all talk.

[Rimuel]

Very likely, it's the people that aren't interested in personal development stuff that would react that way.

Those who are keen on the personal development route, and actually do something to head towards them, will view your goals with great respect. Unfortunate these people comprises 1% of the population :P (according to Steve -- what he calls "Smart people").

People are just people. If the majority swings one way, you're likely to get negative feedback if you swing the other way. I propose one of two solutions. The first is, only mix with people who are interested in personal development. This is the ideal. In psychological-speak, it's called finding your "in-group". Unfortunately the world is far from an ideal canvass.

The second, perhaps more practical, solution is to only talk about your personal development goals and endeavours with people who are similarly inclined. Scout for these people so that you can actually have the opportunity to talk. Avoid talking about them with those that are in the outgroup.


Oh and by the way, next time anyone tells you "there's more to life than just ...." respond with this:

"Yes, and in fact there's too much in life; if I actually try to look at all the possibilities, I'll never get started!"

[Dandy]

Originally Posted by Rimuel

Very likely, it's the people that aren't interested in personal development stuff that would react that way.

Those who are keen on the personal development route, and actually do something to head towards them, will view your goals with great respect. Unfortunate these people comprises 1% of the population :P (according to Steve -- what he calls "Smart people").

Oh and by the way, next time anyone tells you "there's more to life than just ...." respond with this:

"Yes, and in fact there's too much in life; if I actually try to look at all the possibilities, I'll never get started!"

You are absolutely right. I should probably answer like that. Thank you for the contribution!