Ambition without service can become self-centred and lacking any purpose beyond personal gain. When ambition is rooted in service, it is meaningful, it gains depth and is impactful. Ambition with service is far more sustainable too. True ambition uplifts not just the individual but also the community.
Your actions on your path to ambition fulfilment, when tied only to self-interest, can lead to frustration, restlessness, or even exhaustion and burnout in the long run. But when ambition is infused with service, it is far more sustainable because the purpose extends beyond the individual that is you.
One way to consider and treat actions on the path to ambition fulfilment is to reflect on this popular shloka from the Bhagavad Gita (2.47) –
Karmanye vadhikaraste, ma phaleshu kadachana– Focus on action, not the fruits and results.
Mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ‘stvakarmaṇi – Not to be motivated by the results of action, nor be attached to inaction.
An ambition built on the foundations that serves the society and at the same time keeps you on the path of progress will always be more selfless, sustainable, and free from ego. To understand how to integrate your personal ambition with service one needs to take a step back and analyse the role nature and society plays in your life and not the other way around
Here is the question – What do you need to do in order to understand the role of nature and society in your life and life goals?
This question can get you started towards integration of work life balance beyond the comfort of your home. After all, this entire world is our home too.
To truly understand and align your ambitions with solutions for the society, first there is stepping back, then observation and finally reflection that one must practice. This is a process of detachment from the superficial aspects of society in order to gain deeper insight into its challenges and complexities.