In today’s high-performance culture, ambition is celebrated. But beneath the polished CVs and highlight reels lies a quieter struggle: ambition trauma. This term captures the emotional toll of constantly pushing to be the best, often by comparing yourself to others and feeling like you're not enough.
Ambition itself isn’t the enemy. The problem comes when our goals are measured against someone else’s life. The idea of being “the best” becomes a moving target, often defined not by our values, but by curated success stories. In chasing a version of success that isn’t our own, we can lose sight of what truly matters to us.
Professionals across all industries are feeling this pressure. Many wrestle with impostor syndrome, burnout, and anxiety, not because they aren’t doing well, but because they don’t feel as successful as their peers. The standards we impose on ourselves are often shaped by social media, industry norms, and relentless hustle culture.
I felt this myself when I would compare myself to fellow Linlithgow resident Russell Dalgleish, serial entrepreneur and investor. But when I got to know Russell he was able to confirm that he had exactly the same doubts that I would harbour. he simply took action to address these.
Breaking free from ambition trauma means shifting focus inward. What does success mean to you? What values drive your work and life? Instead of measuring yourself against others, reflect on your own accomplishments, no matter how small. Real growth often happens quietly, outside of the spotlight.
You don’t have to prove yourself by outperforming everyone else. You don’t need to suffer in silence. If ambition has started to feel more like pressure than purpose, it’s okay to pause. You can redefine success on your own terms and move forward without the constant weight of comparison.
Struggling with this? You're not alone. Reach out. Clarity and confidence are within reach and you don’t have to drown in self-doubt to find them.
Website: inlcudesyou.com