What’s your next move?
I have a new ambition brewing.
Reflecting on my feelings from the summer, I realized I’m longing for something new, as I shared in my September solo podcast episode. And as I wrote in a prior newsletter, I’ve come to believe that this longing isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can coexist with contentment, simply signaling that I’m ready to step onto a new growth curve.
At such inflection points, I’ve found that new ambitions can manifest in different ways:
Clear and Intuitive: Sometimes, what I want to pursue is crystal clear. It's an instinctive pull, like my desire to write a book. I think, “I just want to write a book.” These intuitive ambitions feel deeply rooted, as if they’ve seeped into my bones.
Opaque and Elusive: Other times, like now, my next step isn’t immediately apparent. The path forward seems shrouded in fog.
When the vision is unclear, I’m reminded of one of my favorite books on life quests by Po Bronson and aptly named What Should I Do with My Life? He interviewed people about their journeys to find meaningful work and his primary conclusion was: we often only get a subtle glimpse.
When I’ve paused to reflect on past experiences when my path forward was murky, what I’ve realized is that there were breadcrumbs showing me the path. In hindsight, I can see the threads that pointed the way forward. The challenge lies in recognizing these subtle signs in the moment.
Which approach is better when seeking our next ambition? Should we rely on instinct and intuition or carefully analyze the patterns in our lives?
The truth is, both approaches are worthy:
Intuition can provide a strong, instinctive pull towards a goal.
Pattern recognition can reveal a path that isn’t immediately obvious.
These methods aren’t mutually exclusive, nor do we always have a choice in following one approach vs. the other. The situation dictates which will guide us best.
Regardless of whether our next step is clear or clouded, moving forward often requires a leap of faith. We can’t always see how our journeys will unfold, but that uncertainty is part of the adventure.
As we navigate these transitions, it’s important to remember that both clear intuitions and subtle clues are valid guides. The key is to remain open to new possibilities and be willing to take that first step, even when the final destination isn’t known.
In the end, our journey of life and work ambitions is just that—a journey. It’s not about having all the answers upfront, but about being willing to explore, learn, and evolve along the way.
How about for you? This fall, do you have a new ambition brewing, too? What might be your next move? Is it clear and intuitive or opaque and illusive? Are you listening to your gut, or deciphering the patterns?
Want to get insights, tips, and tools on how to live with Sustainable Ambition? Join in here. WELCOME!
Sustainable Ambition offers a strategic approach for pursuing our professional and personal goals in a way that is motivating, meaningful, and manageable from stage to stage, rather than be all consuming in a way that compromises other important aspects of our lives or sacrifices our well-being.
We offer 1:1 Executive Coaching, Leadership Coaching, or Career Strategy Coaching, as well as VIP Leadership Brand Sessions and Workshops on a range of Sustainable Ambition topics. We also provide tips and inspiration, advice on career management over the decades, guides on key Sustainable Ambition topics of interest, and coverage of tools and inspiration.