New Year's Day, 2025. Tired, but not hungover. Bored, yet restless. I took pen to paper to try a new year's exercise I'd heard about: write a letter to your future self, describing what you'd achieved and how it made you feel. As a self-development junkie, I'm aware of the neuroscience behind this exercise, as well as the simple yet powerful act of putting pen to paper. (In fact, it's surprising I'd never done this before!) So, with nothing better to do, I found some pretty stationery and set to writing...
Then something unexpected happened.
I'd already gone to town on manifesting and vision boarding and planning my 2025 throughout December. (In fact, if you're in the mood for it you should definitely check out my interview with Life Coach of the Year, Simon Alexander Ong). So, to repeat all of my goals just in a different form felt too easy. But, most importantly, the act of physically writing slowed me down and forced me to pause.
Pen in hand, ready to write, the ink held centimetres away from the paper.
What do I actually need coming into 2025?
I had a revelation.
Instead of wanting MORE, I need to appreciate all I've already achieved. How far I've come. Everything I've got.
I know, I know - practising gratitude is nothing new. But this was a deeper inner realisation for me. You see, my predominant emotion over the past couple of years has been one of frustration. And how far has that got me? I realised this negative energy had been sending me into a downward spiral. And not only is this energy totally unproductive (wasteful, even) but I'm simply over it now! I just don't want to feel frustrated any more!
(Sometimes, it really can be that easy. Think of a tap tap tap of a light hammer against a rock until finally, suddenly, it cracks in half and splits open!)
Ok so now the challenge becomes:
How do I stay hungry yet full at the same time?
Whilst I'm generally a positive person, I've never allowed myself to fully lean into gratitude and contentment for fear of becoming complacent. I still need hunger, drive, fire, to crack the whip. But how do I reconcile that hunger with satisfaction? How do I recognise and appreciate all that I have, whilst also look forward and aim for more?
Is this the curse of ambition?
Of course, I took to ChatGPT for the answers, and it did not disappoint...
Ambition is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship. It pushes you to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve what others might deem impossible. But ambition has a dark side—it can create a relentless feeling of "never enough." For entrepreneurs, this can lead to a cycle of chasing goals without ever pausing to appreciate the wins. How do we reconcile the hunger for progress with the need for gratitude? In this blog, we’ll explore how to balance being full yet staying hungry.
The Double-Edged Sword of Ambition
Ambition is what sets entrepreneurs apart. It’s what drives someone to leave the comfort of a secure job to start a business, to work late nights crafting a vision, and to push through setbacks with determination. However, this same driving force can feel like a curse.
The “curse of ambition” is the constant feeling of dissatisfaction, even after achieving significant milestones. Have you ever hit a goal only to immediately think, “What’s next?” This relentless forward-thinking, while valuable for growth, can rob you of the joy that comes from savoring your progress. Over time, this can lead to burnout, stress, and a hollow sense of accomplishment.
For example, countless entrepreneurs hit financial or business goals only to feel unfulfilled because they’ve conditioned themselves to focus solely on the next big thing. It’s like climbing a mountain, only to realize there’s always another peak ahead.
Gratitude: The Antidote to Restlessness
Gratitude is one of the most underrated tools in an entrepreneur’s arsenal. It serves as an anchor, grounding you in the present moment and helping you appreciate the journey as much as the destination.
Progress itself is the reward.
Research shows that practicing gratitude improves mental health, boosts resilience, and enhances overall well-being. For entrepreneurs, it also fosters clarity, allowing you to make decisions from a place of confidence rather than fear of falling behind.
Here are practical ways to cultivate gratitude in your daily life:
Start a gratitude journal: Each morning or evening, write down three things you’re grateful for. These can be business wins, supportive colleagues, or even small personal joys.
Reflect on your milestones: Take time to revisit your accomplishments—whether it’s landing your first client, launching a product, or hitting revenue goals. Celebrate how far you’ve come.
Practice mindfulness: Simple activities like deep breathing or mindful walks can bring you back to the present and help you appreciate what you already have.
Gratitude isn’t about complacency—it’s about giving yourself permission to enjoy the fruits of your hard work without feeling guilty.
Finding the Balance: Hungry Yet Fulfilled
So how do you reconcile ambition with gratitude? The key lies in reframing your mindset.
Redefine success: Instead of seeing success as a final destination, view it as a journey. Progress itself is the reward.
Set meaningful goals: Ambition is vital, but ensure your goals align with your values and bring you closer to what truly matters, whether that’s freedom, impact, or personal happiness.
Celebrate intentionally: Pause to savor achievements, both big and small. Build rituals around celebration—whether it’s a team lunch after hitting a milestone or simply reflecting on your wins at the end of the week.
Balancing ambition with gratitude allows you to stay hungry for progress without losing sight of what makes the journey worthwhile.
Ambition and gratitude may seem like opposing forces, but they’re actually complementary. Gratitude ensures that your ambition doesn’t consume you, while ambition keeps you moving forward. By cultivating both, you can enjoy the journey and still dream big.
Remember: The path of entrepreneurship is not just about reaching the summit—it’s about finding joy and meaning along the way.
What’s one thing you’re grateful for in your entrepreneurial journey today? Take a moment to reflect, and write it down!
Comments