Rainesford Stauffer is an accomplished author and journalist, contributing to renowned publications such as the New York Times, The Cut by New York magazine, WSJ Magazine, Teen Vogue, Vox, and The Atlantic, to name a few. In her latest book, “All the Gold Stars,” she explores how the cultural, personal, and societal expectations around ambition are driving the global burnout epidemic. 

Speaking to Rainesford inspired me to share my own experience with burnout. I hope this conversation sparks your reflection on your own ambitions.Today we chat about:

• Where the attachment to ambition comes from

• How ambition manifests and why ambition is deeply personal

• The connection between burnout and exhaustion

• Why ambition is a privilege

• Why you can do less work and still be ambitious

• The ebbs and flows of ambition

• The link between loneliness and ambition

• Why the term “self-made” is a fallacy

• When ambition can become harmful

• Why it’s difficult to have unconditional self-worth and self-esteem 

Follow Rainesford on Instagram @rainesford_stauffer and grab her book here!