Ambition is complicated. Yet the messages we receive from an early age are simple: “Winners never quit.” “Reach for the stars.” “Follow your dreams.”

But like most simple messages, reality often paints a very different picture. Long hours that lead to burnout, or individual striving that results in loneliness.

Rainesford Stauffer ran up against these realities. And, in her work as a journalist, she spoke to others who did, as well. That’s what led her to rethink what ambition could be, and to write about it in her book, All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive.

In this interview, we talk about the roles history and religion have played in our ambition. We also discuss times when embracing ambition is a good thing. Ultimately, we try to uncover unexamined assumptions that can drive how we live our lives. 

Episode Links

There’s No Such Thing as Getting Ahead by Rainesford Stauffer

Seeking Self-Esteem: Construction, Maintenance, and Protection of Self-Worth by Jennifer Crocker and Lora E. Park

Too Much of a Good Thing: The Effect of Contingency of Self-Worth on Goal Setting by Xi Chen

Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins

The Team

Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here.

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