Without ambition, our goals would likely stay small and unrealized. We need that extra drive to push ourselves to new heights and boost our Return on Life in multiple areas.
But too much ambition can harm our physical and emotional health, which, ironically, can make it that much harder to accomplish the things we're sacrificing so much to pursue. If you focus all your energy, every moment of every day, on one single activity, you're much more likely to burn out than you are to get where you want to go.
Ask yourself these three questions to find a healthier balance between ambition and wellbeing that will help you experience a more well-rounded version of success.
1. What is my "Why"?
More often than not, the things we want to accomplish run deeper than one specific goal.
Do you just want a promotion? Or do you want a bigger say in the company's direction, the opportunity to lead a team, the means to give your family a better life?
Do you just want to run a marathon? Or do you want to improve your health, push yourself athletically, or try a new challenge?
Why do you want to cut back on your spending and boost your saving? Are you buying things that aren't making you happy? Are you worried that you're going to run out of money? Can you see retirement on the horizon, but you don't feel financially prepared?
Reconnecting with your "Why" can help you take a more holistic approach to your ambitions. Your "Why" might also remind you that there's more than one way to reach a goal, whether that means turning down the pressure ("Completing a half-marathon would still feel great!") or refocusing on what's most important ("I should buy less stuff and plan more family vacations.")
2. What else do I like to do?
There's always some give-and-take when we establish goals and make a schedule to hit them. But too much ambition in one area of your life might keep you from doing other things that you love. At the same time, your hobbies and other interests might help you approach your main goal from a more advantageous angle or give you a chance to recharge before approaching the next big step.
For example, if you enjoy golf, don't cancel you weekend tee times so that you can work on other fitness goals. Incorporate golf into your overall wellness routine by walking the course, limiting your snacking, and working on your mental game so that you can bring that calm clarity to your runs or bike rides.
Are long hours at the office limiting your crafting or reading time? Round out your reading list with books that will help you solve your current work challenges. Use your latest woodworking project as a means to clear your head and stimulate your creative thinking. Innovative ideas and breakthroughs have a way of appearing in that kind of positive headspace.
3. Who are the people that matter the most?
Yes, your family needs money. But they also need you in your chair at dinnertime to chat about the day and on the couch to share family movie night.
Your friends might be impressed when you tell them about the Ironman you finished. But another activity that helped you achieve your fitness goals -- like joining a rec basketball league -- might have given you all a chance to spend more time together.
Saving more money might make you and your spouse feel more secure as you approach retirement. But what are you two really saving that money for?
Life-Centered Financial Planning can help you make stronger connections between how you’re using your money and the things you want to achieve. Let’s meet to discuss what goals you’re thinking about setting for the year ahead.
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