Obviously, Mr. Dalí and Mr. Burke associate the word ambition with very different meanings and sets of benefits.

Ambition is a concept that carries very different connotations depending on our cultural background, education, professional environment, and social context. It also resonates differently according to our personality type and personal values.

As a matter of fact, the Cambridge Dictionary offers two definitions of ambition:

In some cultures, ambition in children is discouraged at school. Comparison with others, competition, and stretch targets are presented as destructive. In other cultures, the best kindergartens are reserved for children who already demonstrate ambition at the age of three.

At first sight, these nuances around ambition may seem anecdotal. Yet in career coaching, we often discover that the meaning our coachees attach to the word “ambition” is connected to a whole set of beliefs that can either empower or limit them.

In some situations, professionals seeking greater satisfaction in their career limit themselves and unconsciously narrow their field of possibilities because they believe that aiming for more professionally would make them appear “ambitious.” In their minds, ambition is associated with being egotistical, greedy, selfish, or self-centered—qualities they strongly reject.

In coaching, we welcome ambition and the emotions it generates with full respect for what it represents within each coachee’s personal world map. However, to help our clients move toward their goals, we often work together to build a relationship with ambition that feels both acceptable and empowering.

When guided by values and aligned with a meaningful purpose, ambition can reflect healthy self-esteem as well as a stronger ability to envision and shape the future. Seen as the power to pursue what truly matters to us—in any area of life—ambition can accelerate our path toward meaningful goals and aspirations.