Is there a fine line between being content and being ambitious?

[JJ092003]

We're taught to be content with what we have, because there are others that would dream of having those things.

But we're also taught to be ambitious and to improve our lives.

So where do we draw the line between being happy with what we already have, and being driven to want more?

[ShiftingMonke]

As long as you don't take the things you have for granted, you're not being greedy. You can be both ambitious and humble. I think it matters far more WHY you want more.

Do you want a better job so your partner doesn't have to work and can pursue their dream, or because you want to show off your extra cash and make others jealous of you?

Do you want a bigger house so you can show it off on social media, or because you know your mother can't live alone but can't afford a nursing home?

Seeking clout, fame, or envy isn't a healty reason to have ambition. But improving the lives of loved ones, or seeking financial security is perfectly fine. Generosity with ambition is a truly honorable trait.

[SnowedIn]

Being ambitious doesn't have to mean greedy or just wanting more. Wanting to improve or be good at something (ambition) isn't a bad thing and isn't necessarily a sign of discontentment.

I'd say that ambition is bad when it gets in the way of contentment. If one outweighs the other.

[weysally]

we don't draw the line, being ambitious can get you all the things you want, so you become content, its like what some said to me when we were going on holiday to Hawaii, they said we were lucky, lucky be fucked we worked for it

[Wish4UrB00ty]

Well I think the line is at wanting more. Being ambitious isn't necessarily wanting more it is wanting the best you can do. If you can do better then why not want more? but contentment is being satisfied, fulfilled and relaxed.

[Mayo503]

That’s down to the person really
So I say your not happy with what you got… so you want more