Real Ambition

What's stopping you from realising your ambitions?

What kind of successful person do you want to be? If you think being ambitious is a negative trait, it's time to think again. Real Ambition will help you understand why some people achieve their ambitions and exactly what is getting in the way of yours. We will give you a clue – it's YOU!

Packed full of scientific evidence and cutting edge global research Real Ambition offers five simple secrets to success, giving you the tools to keep track of your dreams every day.

Written in association with Psychologies Magazine the leading magazine for intelligent people, covering work, personal development and lifestyle issues Real Ambition is:

• Packed full of tips, techniques and advice to help achieve your dreams
• Based on scientific evidence and cutting edge global research
• Rigorous with credible content presented in a light and accessible manner
• Inspirational yet down to earth and practical

Inspirational and motivational, yet practical and down-to-earth, Real Ambition provides expert guidance and a roadmap to achieving your dreams.

Foreword by Suzy Greaves, Editor, Psychologies v

Introduction 1

1: What Does Ambition Mean to You? 7

Chapter 1: Redefining ambition and success 9
Take The Test: How do you define success? 22

Chapter 2: What do you really want? 29
Take The Test: What are your unmet needs? 48

Chapter 3: How does real ambition feel? 53
Take The Test: What ambition would make you feel fulfilled? 68

2: What’s Stopping You From Achieving Your Ambitions? 75

Chapter 4: Are some people more likely to succeed? 77

Chapter 5: What’s getting in the way of your success? 91
Take The Test: How do you sabotage yourself? 107

Chapter 6: Ambition Traps 113

3: How Can You Achieve Your Ambitions? 135

Chapter 7: Can you learn to be ambitious? 137

Chapter 8: What kind of successful person do you want to be? 149

Chapter 9: Five simple secrets to success 165

Chapter 10: Keeping track of your ambitions every day 183

What Next? 197

About Psychologies 199

References 201

Psychologies Magazine (Kent, UK, https://psychologies.co.uk/work) is the leading magazine (print and digital) for intelligent people, covering work, personal development and lifestyle issues and striving to help its readers learn about and understand themselves and the world around them.

"An indispensable guide to formulating goals in line with your deepest values – and then actually making them happen."
Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking

QUIT DREAMING

Do you want to be successful but feel frustrated, because you don't know what you want and how to change things? Don't panic. This book will help you identify your real ambition and help you make it happen.

CREATE SUCCESS, YOUR WAY

By defining success on your terms, you'll be able to create your own model of ambition and turn your dreams into reality. Psychologies magazine brings you the latest research and the best experts, renowned in their fields, to help you create a life that reflects your real values. Real Ambition will help you to:

• Work out what really inspires and fulfils you
• Get clear about the goals that make sense to you
• Identify and overcome the obstacles that are holding you back
• Discover and apply five simple secrets to success
• Keep track of your ambitions every day

When you have real ambition, life feels easier because you are comfortable in your own skin and living life authentically. So stop dreaming about what "could be" and start working toward your goals today!

"Real Ambition invites you to look beyond material success and find a deeper path to fulfilment."
-Ed Halliwell, author of Into The Heart of Mindfulness