Mastering Ambition w. Zen
How high achievers can go big while staying calm
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Hey Growers 🌱
Can one achieve major success while being zen?
I don’t want to be successful if I’m super stressed and miserable in the process.
When I ask most ambitious people this question, they often respond that you need stress.
For some reason, I disagree.
Let’s explore!
Bad Stress vs. Good Stress
I believe there are two types of stress.
Bad stress is when you’re dealing with something that doesn’t align with your core purpose.
Good stress comes when we want the stress because we are passionate about what we are doing.
A basketball player who is playing in their championship game might be stressed, but this is exactly where they want to be. Playing for a chance to win the championship!
Bad stress would be if the basketball player was working at a restaurant and never got the chance to hoop. :(
Entrepreneurs dealing with problems in their business is exactly where they want to be. The alternative is working for someone else and not building their dream.
New Type of Leadership
In the movies, we often see the erratic CEO giving commands around the office. Their crazy behavior is portrayed as critical to productivity and high achievement.
Steve Jobs was glorified for his brash treatment of colleagues in order to deliver extraordinary results.
I don’t think this style will win in the future.
There’s a fine line between pushing your team hard to win vs. being an asshole.
Elon Musk has demonstrated how to be a kind leader while also pushing his team to the limit.
A calm CEO, who confidently inspires their team to be great, out of vision and not fear, will be able to mobilize a group of people to achieve great things.
Someone who is erratic will ultimately push away their best comrades.
Can Ambitious People Be Content?
I do believe you can be both ambitious AND content.
A common theme I hear is that the most ambitious people are never happy since they are always striving for more.
If you’re truly in the present moment, then you are content with where you are. Since you are not wishing to be in the future.
You can be present while also moving toward your dreams.
Being content while leaning into your ambition is actually a superpower since you’ll never falter and you’ll be able to keep going until the end.
If you aren’t happy, you’ll always be focused on outcome instead of process. Eventually, you’ll delve into bad stress and may lose will power to always strive for more.
Why Not Be Zen?
If given the choice to be zen, why would you say no?
Who doesn’t want to be zen and happy?
There is a way to be highly ambitious and achieve great things, while keeping a calm inner spirit and enjoying the journey.
This is the path I am taking.
Thank you for reading! 🌱
Aidan
Completely agree with the point on good vs bad stress. Personally when I have been stressed out with things I don't align with, such as a job or a social commitment i regret taking up, that stress is extra taxing. But when I have had stress that comes from working towards my purpose / long term vision / values, its much easier to take a deep breath and remember why you are going through the stress, and attack it head on. Nice article Mr Gold.
Ambitious AND zen, that’s the dream! I think the key is twofold. First, what is driving your ambition? I don’t think you’ll ever be content if you’re ambitious for the sake of being ambitious. But, if you understand your underlying goal, you can be content knowing you’re making progress towards that goal every day. The second is what you mentioned. Be present. Focus on what you’re doing right now and don’t be distracted by the next thing. Keep up the great work, Aidan!