Episode #307 – The Mindset, Mentality, and Characteristics of Ambitious People
Caleb: Welcome to “The Animal Health and Veterinary Employment Insider,” brought to you by The VET Recruiter. In this podcast, Animal Health executive recruiter and Veterinary recruiter Stacy Pursell of The VET Recruiter provides insight and practical advice for both employers and job seekers in the Animal Health and Veterinary industries. The VET Recruiter’s focus is to solve talent-centric problems for the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession. In fact, The VET Recruiter’s mission is to help Animal Health and Veterinary companies hire top talent, while helping Animal Health and Veterinary professionals attain career-enhancing opportunities that increase their quality of life.
Today, we’ll be talking about the mindset, mentality, and characteristics of ambitious people. Hello, Stacy, and thank you for joining us today.
Stacy: Hello, Caleb. As always, I’m glad to be here.
Caleb: It seems that our past few podcast episodes have dealt with ways in which people can enjoy more success in their Animal Health career or Veterinary career. Will this episode be along the same vein?
Stacy: Yes. First, we examined the personality traits that lead to a more successful Animal Health or Veterinary career. After that, we examined habits that lead to more success, and today, we’ll be examining what makes people ambitious.
Caleb: Let’s start with a definition. How would you define ambition?
Stacy: Ambition is an innate desire for success, achievement, and personal growth. It is the fuel that propels individuals to set challenging goals and relentlessly pursue them. Ambition involves a strong determination to surpass limitations, overcome obstacles, and reach higher levels of excellence.
Caleb: It seems as though ambitious people are driven to succeed. Does that mean they’re intrinsically motivated?
Stacy: That’s correct, and we’ve also discussed this recently. When a person is intrinsically motivated, their source of motivation comes from within. When a person is extrinsically motivated, their source of motivation comes from outside of themselves.
Caleb: Is it better to be intrinsically motivated or extrinsically motivated?
Stacy: As a general rule, it’s better to be intrinsically motivated. That’s what helps propel ambitious people and keeps them motivated. When you’re extrinsically motivated, you have to rely on outside forces to keep you motivated.
Caleb: So what is the mindset and mentality of ambitious people?
Stacy: There are multiple characteristics that speak to the mindset and mentality of ambitious people, and I’d like to address them one at a time.
Caleb: What is the first one?
Stacy: Ambitious people are passionate and driven, as we’ve alluded to already.
Ambitious individuals are characterized by their remarkable passion and unwavering drive. They possess an intense enthusiasm and dedication towards their goals and aspirations. This passion fuels their actions and propels them forward, even in the face of adversity.
Caleb: It seems as though ambitious people are relentless in their pursuit of excellence.
Stacy: Yes, that would be accurate. Driven by their passion, ambitious people exhibit relentless perseverance. They possess an inherent belief in their abilities and a strong sense of purpose. They understand that success requires consistent effort, hard work, and determination. They are willing to put in the necessary time and energy to achieve the goals that they have for their Animal Health or Veterinary career, often going above and beyond expectations.
Caleb: What other characteristics define ambitious people?
Stacy: They are positive and optimistic.
Caleb: Why is that important?
Stacy: Ambitious individuals possess a belief in their own abilities and potential. They maintain a positive attitude towards their goals, viewing them as achievable and within their reach. These people tend to focus on opportunities rather than limitations. They maintain an optimistic perspective that encourages them to seek out possibilities and solutions, no matter the situation in which they find themselves.
Caleb: Stacy, we’ve discussed looking for opportunity in the midst of change and even in the midst of adversity before on the podcast. Are you saying this is something that ambitious people typically do?
Stacy: Yes, that’s right. Ambitious people have an optimism that enables them to identify and capitalize on opportunities that others may overlook. By seeing the potential for growth and advancement, ambitious individuals are more likely to take calculated risks, embrace change, and explore new paths to success.
Caleb: What else do ambitious people do?
Stacy: Ambitious people are also goal-oriented. They possess a clear vision of what they want to accomplish. They set specific, challenging, and measurable goals that align with their long-term aspirations. And as we just discussed, ambitious people possess an internal drive and a strong sense of ambition that propels them forward.
Caleb: Wow, I’m beginning to see the importance of being intrinsically motivated as opposed to extrinsically motivated.
Stacy: Yes, everything that we’ve been discussing really underscores how important intrinsic motivation is. Something else we’ve discussed recently is focus, and being goal-oriented provides ambitious individuals with a sense of focus and prioritization. They understand the importance of effective time management and allocating their resources towards activities that contribute to their goals.
Caleb: Once again, many of the things that we’re discussing seem to feed upon each other or are interrelated with each other.
Stacy: Yes, that’s correct. And another characteristic of ambitious individuals is that they’re self-disciplined.
Caleb: This is part of an ambitious person’s mentality that makes sense.
Stacy: Absolutely, and this one is related to the goal setting that we discussed earlier. That’s because ambitious people understand that achieving their goals requires consistent effort and dedication. They recognize the importance of staying focused and disciplined in their actions, even when faced with distractions or obstacles.
Ambitious people are also proactive in managing their time and resources effectively. They prioritize tasks, create schedules, and establish routines that optimize their productivity. And perhaps most importantly, self-discipline allows ambitious individuals to overcome challenges and setbacks. They understand that success is not always linear and that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles. By cultivating self-discipline, they develop the mental strength and perseverance needed to persist through difficulties and bounce back from failures.
Caleb: Almost nothing beats the ability to be resilient. And it seems as though that’s one trait or characteristic that almost all successful people possess.
Stacy: Yes, that’s right. It’s almost impossible to be successful at anything, either in your personal life or in your Animal Health or Veterinary career, unless you’re resilient.
Caleb: What’s next on our list?
Stacy: The next characteristic of ambitious people is that they’re visionary thinkers.
Caleb: What does that mean, exactly?
Stacy: Ambitious individuals have a clear sense of purpose and long-term goals. They possess a deep desire to make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting legacy. This overarching vision motivates them to think creatively and strategically.
In addition, ambitious individuals are not bound by conventional thinking. They have the courage to challenge the status quo and explore uncharted territories. They embrace risks and uncertainty, and that’s because they understand that great achievements often require stepping outside of comfort zones.
Caleb: We’ve talked about stepping outside of your comfort zone before, too. That’s also a factor in success.
Stacy: Yes. Not only that, but because ambitious people are visionary thinkers, they also possess a growth mindset. They believe in their ability to learn, adapt, and grow. This mindset enables them to see setbacks and failures as learning experiences rather than roadblocks.
Caleb: Ah, yes, the growth mindset. That’s another key to success. What else characterizes ambitious people?
Stacy: Sometimes ambitious people are excellent communicators.
Caleb: How does this help them succeed?
Stacy: Many ambitious people understand the importance of effective communication in achieving their goals. They recognize that clear and persuasive communication is essential for conveying their ideas, influencing others, and building relationships.
In addition, ambitious people are adept at articulating their thoughts and ideas with clarity. They possess strong verbal and written communication skills, enabling them to express complex concepts in a concise and understandable manner.
And perhaps most importantly, ambitious people are active listeners. They understand that effective communication is a two-way process and they prioritize listening to others. By actively listening, they gain insights, understand different perspectives, and build rapport with others.
Caleb: I just had a thought. How about persuasion? Do ambitious people persuade others through communication? I was thinking about how lawyers and politicians do that.
Stacy: Absolutely! Ambitious people, such as lawyers and politicians, leverage their communication skills to build compelling arguments and present ideas convincingly. Their ability to convey the value and benefits of their proposals or initiatives sets them apart as influential communicators. But you don’t have to be a lawyer or a politician to be an ambitious person—or a persuasive one.
Caleb: What do we have next? What’s the next characteristic of ambitious people?
Stacy: The next characteristic is being creative and innovative.
Caleb: What do you mean by creative? You’re not talking about artistically creative, are you?
Stacy: Not necessarily. I’m not ruling it out, of course, but I’m mainly talking about creativity in terms of solving problems. Ambitious people seek unique solutions and approaches that set them apart from the competition. This drive to be distinct and make an impact motivates them to think creatively and explore innovative paths.
Ambitious people also actively seek out diverse perspectives and experiences. They understand the value of diverse inputs in driving creativity and innovation. By collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds, disciplines, and cultures, they broaden their perspectives and tap into a wealth of ideas and insights.
Caleb: So ambitious people not only use their own creativity, but they also tap into the creativity and ideas of other people in order to solve problems.
Stacy: Yes, that’s right, and you can see how that would make them even more valuable to employers. That’s because there is almost no end to the number of problems that organizations have, and they’re always looking for solutions to those problems.
Caleb: So what’s left on our list?
Stacy: We have two more characteristics left, and I’m a big believer in both of them.
The next characteristic of ambitious people is that they are often continuous learners. They understand that knowledge and skills are critical for achieving their goals. They recognize that the world is constantly evolving, and staying current is essential for success.
In addition, ambitious people seek out opportunities for growth and improvement. They actively pursue learning experiences such as attending workshops, seminars, and conferences; enrolling in courses; and reading industry-related materials.
And third, ambitious people embrace challenges as learning opportunities. They view setbacks and failures as valuable lessons rather than roadblocks. And once again, these are all things that we’ve discussed before.
Caleb: I’m, guessing that when you mention something as much as we’ve mentioned resilience and looking for opportunity in the midst of adversity, it really illustrates how important those things are.
Stacy: Oh, they’re very important. They’re among some of the most important factors in terms of success, and I’m talking about both personal success and professional success.
Caleb: So what is the final characteristic that we’ll be discussing today regarding ambitious people?
Stacy: Ambitious people are often strong networkers. They understand that networking opens doors to new opportunities. They actively seek to expand their network and grow their Animal Health or Veterinary career by connecting with individuals in their industry, related fields, or relevant professional circles.
Ambitious people often also recognize the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. They leverage their network to exchange ideas, insights, and expertise with like-minded individuals. And because of all this, ambitious people also prioritize relationship-building.
Caleb: What does that mean, they prioritize relationship-building?
Stacy: It means that they invest time and effort into fostering genuine connections and cultivating professional relationships. These relationships can lead to mentorship, collaboration on projects, referrals, and other mutually beneficial opportunities.
Not only that, but ambitious people also understand that networking is a long-term endeavor. They maintain regular contact with their network, keeping them updated on their achievements, goals, and aspirations. This ongoing cultivation of relationships ensures that their network remains active and supportive.
Caleb: Stacy, I have a question. How can a person become more ambitious in their Animal Health or Veterinary career? I mean, not everyone is naturally ambitious, so how can you create that mindset and then use it to succeed?
Stacy: There are multiple things that you can do. For one thing, find your passion. Identify activities or areas that genuinely interest and inspire you. Passion fuels ambition and drive.
Second, cultivate a growth mindset and not a fixed mindset. Embrace a belief that abilities and skills can be developed through effort and learning. Adopting a growth mindset allows you to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, which also fuels ambition.
In addition, surround yourself with ambitious people. This can be inspiring and motivating. Seek out mentors, colleagues, or friends who are driven and ambitious. Their energy and mindset can positively influence your own aspirations and help you adopt an ambitious perspective.
I would also say step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks. Be willing to embrace new opportunities, even if they feel unfamiliar or challenging. Pushing past your limits and embracing calculated risks can lead to growth and exciting opportunities.
And finally, develop a strong work ethic, which should not be surprising. Consistently invest time and effort into your goals and projects, even when faced with obstacles or setbacks. A strong work ethic will fuel your ambition and increase your chances of achieving success.
Caleb: Stacy, we’re just about out of time, so is there anything else that you’d like to add before we wrap up today’s podcast episode?
Stacy: Yes, I’d like to reiterate that success starts in a person’s mind, including with the way they think. This has been the thread that has run through our last few podcast episodes, and it definitely applies to success in a person’s Animal Health or Veterinary career.
There are three main things that success in the mind starts with.
Caleb: What things are those?
Stacy: Success in the mind starts with a positive mindset, the ability to embrace challenges as opportunities, and the willingness to take risks. It’s in a person’s mind where their decisions are made, and those decisions directly impact their actions. This is why I’ve devoted so many podcast episodes to the mental aspects of success. I strongly believe that what happens in your mind and the way you think ultimately dictates how much success you’ll have in your Animal Health or Veterinary career.
Caleb: Stacy, thank you so much for joining us today and for all of this great information about the mindset, mentality, and characteristics of ambitious people.
Stacy: It’s been my pleasure, and I look forward to our next episode of the Animal Health and Veterinary Employment Insider!
Caleb: Before we go, if you are a veterinarian or Animal Health profession be sure to check out our hot Animal Health jobs and veterinarian jobs at www.thevetrecruiter.com If you are an Animal Health employer or Veterinary practice needing to hire, reach out to Stacy at www.thevetrecruiter.com The VET Recruiter has 25 plus years of connecting Animal Health employers with top talent in the Animal Health industry and veterinary profession. We would love to help you too. Have a great day everyone and we will see you back next week.