The Truth Is Often Stranger Than Fiction

Yea... I can't let it go, what are you going to do sue me?


Sometimes I think even the most educated people get the two mixed up. So we shall ask Mr.Webster what the true definitions are.

Ambition- 1 a : an ardent desire for rank, fame, or power b : desire to achieve a particular end

Motivation- 2 : a motivating force, stimulus, or influence : incentive, drive


So by me wanting to eventually be the head of Special Education, I have the desire to achieve a particular end as well as the desire for power. This classifies me as ambitious. If I wanted to do nothing with my life and just peddle along on a slighlty above minimum wage job with no dreams or aspirations, then I would be considered low to no ambition.

As for motivation, we all have our moments of great motivation and moments of no motivation. It even happens to the most ambitious of us. Such as I have the drive to become a special education teacher, but I am taking my time, getting the education I need and the experience I need before I take the leap. But after 5 and a half years of undergrad I may take off a year before grad school so I don't burn out.

So when deciding whether someone is ambitious or not, remember the difference between being ambitious and being motivated.