Today’s workplace requires women to create space for their ambition. In an ever-changing environment, it’s easy to get lost in the hassle and lose sight of your goals and ambitions.
Women are generally known to focus on their performance while downplaying their ambitions, trusting that reputable work will garner promotion. Too often, they’re left out of the circles of influence where decisions that affect their careers are made. Whether you’re making time to network or taking on new projects at work, carving out time to invest in your career is crucial. By creating space for ambition, you are setting yourself up for success both now and in the future.
Why is ambition in the workplace important?
Below are reasons why ambition is essential for you as a woman in the workplace;
- It is the key driver of success. If you want to achieve in your career, it is imperative that you be ambitious and set your sights high.
- Having a strong sense of ambition helps you overcome obstacles and challenges in the workplace. You are able to push through difficult times and come out on top.
- Lastly, being ambitious makes you more visible and respected in the workplace. When you are ambitious, you stand out more and can be seen as a leader. This can earn you respect from your colleagues and superiors, which can lead to greater opportunities and advancement in your career as a woman.
How to Create Space for Ambition in Your Career and Life
It’s no secret that women are pushed to work harder than men to succeed in the workplace. But what’s often not talked about is the fact that women also have to create space for ambition in their careers and lives.
Some of the ways to create space for ambition in your career and life are:
- Set boundaries
This is perhaps one of the most important things you can do for yourself. If you don’t set boundaries, you will quickly become overwhelmed and bogged down by your work and responsibilities. By setting boundaries, you will be able to focus on your goals and ambitions.
- Schedule time for yourself
Another way to create space for ambition is to schedule time for yourself. This may seem counterintuitive, but you’ll need to make time for yourself if you want to achieve your goals. Use this time to brainstorm, plan, and reflect on your goals.
- Find a mentor or sponsor
A great way to create space for ambition is to find a mentor who can help you navigate your career and provide guidance and advice. Having someone who believes in your aspirations will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
- Take risks and understand your value
It is crucial to trust in your own beliefs and imaginations, be comfortable to bet on yourself and take action for you to see a change in your life.
- Build a supportive network of like-minded people
Build contacts strategically and connect with associates that could open up a new doorway in future, people who might turn out to be instrumental in meeting your goals. Every business contact you make should be influential in ushering you into new opportunities.
What can you do today?
There’s no question that ambition is a key ingredient for success in the workplace. But for women, there’s often an extra obstacle to overcome when it concerns achieving their ambition. Society still expects women to be primarily responsible for domestic duties, even when they already have demanding careers. This can leave them feeling pulled in two directions and unable to focus on their goals.
So, what should you do to succeed in the workplace?
Create space for your ambition – make time for yourself to focus on your career goals, even if it means saying no to other commitments.
Surround yourself with supportive people– this is crucial because you’ll need all the encouragement and support to encourage your ambitions.
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want– Ambition is a quality that’s often admired in men, so don’t be shy about asserting your own ambitions and going for what you deserve.
So, if you’re feeling stuck in your career, or like you’re not reaching your full potential, ask yourself: what would it take for me to feel more ambitious? And then go out and make it happen.
Sources: forbes, fastcompany, businessinsider, indeed
