What is ambition and why does it matter?

Ambition is the second of Sedbergh’s four core HARK values.

Humility | Ambition | Resilience | Kindness

Ambition refers to a strong desire and determination to reach goals, excel, and reach significant achievements. It involves setting high aspirations and working to fulfil them, often driven by a sense of purpose. Ambition can pertain to various aspects of life, including career, education, personal growth, and community engagement.

While ambition drives pupils to set and achieve goals, humility ensures that they approach their ambitions with authenticity, self-awareness, and consideration for others. The combination of ambition and humility prepares students for a well-rounded and successful adulthood, characterized by personal growth, meaningful achievements, and positive contributions to their communities.

People who are ambitious tend to have some behaviours in common. Collectively these behaviours reflect the drive, determination, and focus that characterise ambitious people as they work toward achieving their goals and aspirations.

What Does Ambition Look Like? Top 10 Behaviours

Do you want to be more ambitious? We’ve boiled down the behaviours that characterise ambitious people to a “top 10”:

1. Set Clear, Measureable Goals: Ambitious people set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. They are results-oriented and have a clear sense of what they want to achieve and create a roadmap to reach their objectives.
2. Take Initiative: Ambitious people are proactive and take the initiative to seize opportunities. They don’t wait for things to happen; instead, they actively seek out chances to grow, learn, and make progress.
3. Work Hard and be Committed: Ambitious people understand that success requires consistent effort; they are willing to put in the effort and work diligently to achieve their goals.
4. Persevere: Ambitious people don’t easily give up. They are determined and push through challenges and set-backs to reach their desired outcomes. Sometimes that means they need to step outside of their comfort zone or embrace uncertainty and venture into new territories to achieve their goals.
5. Have a Positive Mindset: Ambitious individuals maintain a positive attitude and outlook. They view challenges as opportunities for growth and approach obstacles with determination rather than defeat. That includes being adaptable and adjusting plans if circumstances change.
6. Manage Time Efficiently: Ambitious individuals manage their time effectively. They prioritize tasks and allocate their time efficiently to balance multiple commitments.
7. Network: Ambitious people recognize the value of building relationships and networking. They connect with mentors, peers, and professionals to gain insights, collaborate, and create opportunities.
8. Strengthen Self-Confidence: Ambitious people have self-confidence and believe in their abilities. They trust themselves to handle challenges and succeed in their endeavors.
9. Innovate and be Creative: Ambitious individuals think creatively and innovate to find unique solutions to problems. They are open to exploring unconventional approaches and thinking outside the box.
10. Practice Responsible Citizenship: Ambition often extends beyond personal success. Ambitious individuals often seek ways to give back to their communities, contribute to causes they care about, and make a positive impact on society.

Developing ambition at School equips our pupils with skills and qualities that empowers them to pursue their aspirations and overcome challenges – contributing to their success and well-being.