Personal experience of ambition
Being 60 has accelerated my ambitions for the simple reason that I now have more time and energy to devote time to my interests. I still work and ambition plays a great part here. I have ambitions in other parts of my life too, apart from work. My outside work interests offer personal fulfilment.
The word ‘Ambition’ is often given a bad rap. It is seen as a characteristic with negative connotations, especially for women. I have been at the receiving end of comments such as, ‘hard woman’, ‘tough bitch’ and been asked whether I still cook the family meals.
I am neither ‘hard’ nor ‘tough’ and certainly don’t have aspirations to be a ‘bitch’. I don’t cook many family meals because my daughter has superior cooking skills to mine and opts to cook instead. My ambition does drive me every single day. It’s my purpose for waking up.
But being ambitious does not mean that I am inaccessible to family and friends. Quite the opposite, in fact. One of my ambitions is to be a caring and nurturing person with healthy and meaningful connections. An ambition could be something as simple as wanting to bake a great banana cake or, on the other side of the spectrum, to climb a mountain.
It saddens me when I hear midlife women talk about how their days of being ambitious are behind them. They speak the word ‘ambition’ as if it were a millstone around their neck. Such talk is often accompanied by a deep sigh of, believe it or not, regret.
Stopping being ambitious is a self-inflicted overt act which seems to reek of avoidance rather than a conscious one of seeking greater autonomy. Giving up being ambitious hasn’t made them happier but, instead, is marked by a fear of continuing a character trait that involves hard work and commitment.
In many ways, giving up on being ambitious in your midlife is a sign of self-inflicted ageism. You reach a certain age in the spectrum of midlife (45 to 70 years) and decide that ambition is a younger person’s game. Ambition isn’t for the older generation.
WRONG!
Midlife is a great phase in life
Midlife is a time of introspection and self-discovery, often marked by significant shifts and transformations. It is a period when individuals reevaluate their goals, aspirations, and purpose. For women, this phase presents a unique opportunity to embrace ambition and carve out a path towards personal fulfillment and success. In this blog post, I will explain why ambition in midlife is not only a good thing to be but also an empowering force that propels women towards new heights.
- Redefining Success
Midlife offers a chance to redefine the meaning of success. As women evolve and grow through various life experiences, their values and priorities may shift. Ambition allows women to introspect and explore their true desires, independent of societal expectations or preconceived notions. It enables them to seek success on their own terms, whether it be in their careers, personal relationships, or personal growth.
- Embracing New Challenges
Ambition in midlife encourages women to embrace new challenges and push beyond their comfort zones. It opens doors to opportunities that may have been previously unexplored, igniting a sense of adventure and curiosity. The pursuit of ambitious goals brings with it a sense of purpose, vitality, and rejuvenation, breathing new life into midlife years.
- Inspiring Future Generations
Ambitious women in midlife serve as powerful role models for younger generations. By embodying ambition and pursuing their goals, they challenge traditional narratives and stereotypes surrounding aging. Their stories inspire younger women to dream big, believe in themselves, and pursue their own ambitions fearlessly. Midlife becomes a catalyst for breaking barriers and empowering future generations.
- Creating Impact and Leaving a Legacy
Ambition in midlife provides an opportunity for women to create a lasting impact and leave a meaningful legacy. As life experiences and accumulated wisdom converge, women possess a wealth of knowledge and skills that can be channeled into making a difference in their communities and society at large. Whether it’s through leadership roles, mentorship, entrepreneurship, or philanthropy, ambitious women in midlife can leverage their unique perspectives to effect positive change.
- Personal Growth and Self-Actualization
Ambition propels women towards personal growth and self-actualization. It encourages them to continuously learn, evolve, and develop new skills. Pursuing ambitious goals can lead to a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment as women realize their true potential. Midlife ambition enables women to embrace their authentic selves, tap into their passions, and become the best versions of themselves.
- Building Resilience and Overcoming Challenges
Midlife is not without its challenges, but ambition serves as a guiding light during difficult times. It fuels resilience and determination, helping women overcome obstacles and setbacks. Ambition fosters a growth mindset, empowering women to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than roadblocks. By navigating these hurdles, ambitious women in midlife develop resilience that can inspire others facing similar struggles.
Embrace ambition in your midlife
Ambition in midlife is a powerful force that can transform the lives of women, paving the way for personal fulfillment, success, and societal impact. By embracing ambition, women redefine their own narratives, inspire future generations, and leave behind a legacy of empowerment.
Midlife becomes an extraordinary period of self-discovery, growth, and achievement.
So, let us celebrate and encourage ambition in women at every stage of life. It is through our aspirations and achievements that we can trailblaze for younger women. .
