When You've Outgrown Your Own Ambition

You have achieved more than you set out to 10 years back.

The title. The work. The seat at the table. You got there.

And there's no obvious next peak in the same direction that motivates you.

You are grateful for where you have reached. You're not complaining.

However, one question remains

What next?

The next may not be at work.

The next may not look like now.

However in your mind there is one.

When You've Outgrown Your Own Ambition, here are some places to look for 'what next'

1. Gravitate towards meaning now that the achievement bucket is full

Achievement is what you accomplish. Meaning is why it matters.

Search for the "why". And take small steps towards realising it.

2. Shift towards 'building/creating' rather than focusing on what you can get out of it

Early career ambition is about getting — the role, the title, the money.

Peak career ambition is about building — the work, the legacy, the team, the impact that

outlasts you, the garden thats yours, the hobby that energises you etc.

3. Follow your energy radar

Do more of what energises you - the art project, long conversations with community, a late evening stroll - whatever keeps you in good spirits

All of this will ask you to

• Give permission to want something different in the next.

• Find a new edge that may give you excitement.

Reflection questions for leaders:

1. What did you believe at 30 that you no longer believe?

2. What would you do if the title stopped mattering tomorrow?

3. What's the conversation you keep postponing with yourself?

4. What would you build if no one was watching?

5. What's one thing you want to try but feel it's "too late"?

6. If you weren't proving anything to anyone, what would you do?