Can Contentment and Ambition Coexist? (And Does it Ultimately Lead to Happiness?)

For a long time I've struggled with a mind full of ideas. Lots of exciting potential of our time on Earth and what we could do with it to find happiness. I always blindly assumed that what I need to be happy is to achieve my goals and aspirations in life. But a few years ago, I was introduced to Buddhist teachings which suggest that TRUE happiness comes from contentment. From accepting where we are and what we cannot change, and being grateful for it.

The pursuit of happiness is often framed as a choice between ambition (the drive to achieve more) and contentment (the ability to be at peace with what is).

But what if true happiness lies in the balance of both? Can we strive for success while also feeling deeply satisfied with the present? And do we have any real evidence that those who strike this balance actually experience happiness?

To explore this, I thought I could begin by defining ambition and contentment from two perspectives: that of a high-powered leader and that of a Buddhist monk.

Defining Ambition – A CEO’s Perspective

Ambition is commonly associated with drive, success, and the desire to push boundaries. From a corporate leadership perspective, ambition is often framed as the essential force behind progress and innovation.

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, describes ambition as: “setting goals, pushing yourself to achieve them, and finding new ways to grow and succeed. It’s the desire to make a meaningful impact and create something larger than yourself” (Branson, 2015). This perspective suggests that ambition is about more than personal gain; it can be a force for positive change in the world.

However, unchecked ambition can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. Studies on goal-setting and motivation suggest that while having a sense of purpose increases life satisfaction, excessive ambition can result in chronic stress (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Figures like Elon Musk openly discuss the emotional toll of relentless ambition, with Musk admitting that despite his successes, he experiences extreme stress and sleep deprivation (Isaacson, 2023).

Defining Contentment – A Buddhist Monk’s Perspective

Contentment, in contrast, is the practice of accepting what is, finding peace in the present, and appreciating what we already have. A Buddhist monk might describe contentment as a state of inner calm, free from excessive desires or striving.

According to Thich Nhat Hanh (1998), “Contentment arises when we let go of the constant desire for more, allowing ourselves to simply be present with what is. It’s not about achieving more but about appreciating the fullness of the moment.” This idea aligns with psychological research, which supports that gratitude and mindfulness practices lead to higher life satisfaction (Lyubomirsky, 2007).

But, does complete contentment lead to stagnation? Can we maintain personal and professional growth while also being deeply satisfied with our current state?

So, Can Ambition and Contentment Coexist?

While ambition focuses on future goals, and contentment focuses on present appreciation, there is some evidence that the two can coexist when balanced effectively. Here are a few examples of individuals who have integrated both in their lives:

• Oprah Winfrey – Success Rooted in Gratitude
  Evidence of ambition: Built a media empire, constantly reinventing herself.
  Evidence of contentment: Advocates gratitude and mindfulness, frequently credits meditation with keeping her grounded.

• Marie Curie – Dedication with Quiet Fulfilment
  Evidence of ambition: Two Nobel Prizes, relentless dedication to scientific discovery.
  Evidence of contentment: Lived modestly, focused on passion rather than fame or material gain.

• The Dalai Lama – A Mission-Driven Life of Inner Peace
  Evidence of ambition: Advocates tirelessly for Tibetan autonomy and global compassion.
  Evidence of contentment: Practices daily meditation and preaches acceptance.

But, Does the Balance of Ambition and Contentment Lead to Happiness?

Scientific research suggests that it does. A study in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that individuals who integrate both goal-directed ambition and present-moment appreciation report higher well-being than those who focus solely on one or the other (Sheldon & Lyubomirsky, 2019).

Neuroscience supports this as well: dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with motivation and ambition, is balanced by serotonin, which is linked to contentment and well-being. Too much dopamine without serotonin can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction, while too much serotonin without dopamine can lead to complacency (Robbins, 2018).

For our examples above, can we assume that they are happy, because they have balanced these two approaches? Not necessarily, but here's a take on happiness from each of them:

• Oprah states: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more” (Winfrey, 2014). This suggests that ambition, when paired with gratitude, can contribute to happiness.

• Marie Curie – While there are no direct claims of happiness, Curie’s letters suggest deep satisfaction in scientific discovery (Goldsmith, 2005).

• The Dalai Lama explicitly states: "Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions" (Dalai Lama, 2012).

How to Develop the Skill of Balancing Ambition and Contentment

Achieving this balance is a skill that might be able to be learned through various techniques and therapeutic approaches:

• Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): Marketed in the 70's as a tool for people wanting to become more successful, claiming that if their behaviours can be understood and replicated, then we all can learn to achieve successes similar to theirs (Good Therapy, 2013), NLP techniques can help reframe ambition as a positive force without leading to stress. Anchoring techniques can then be used to cultivate a mindset of gratitude while maintaining drive.

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): This integrates mindfulness with cognitive therapy to help individuals stay present while setting goals.

• Journaling: Writing about both long-term ambitions and daily gratitudes helps integrate both perspectives.

• Meditation & Visualisation: Daily meditation fosters contentment, while visualisation techniques keep goals in sight without causing anxiety.

Some of the other well-known figures who seem to have mastered this balance include:

• Barack Obama – Maintains a strong work ethic while prioritising family and mindfulness.

• Bill Gates – Pursues innovation while dedicating time to philanthropy and personal reflection.

• Arianna Huffington – Built a media empire but shifted focus to wellbeing and mindfulness after experiencing burnout.

• Jane Goodall – Dedicated her life to conservation while living simply and practicing gratitude.

• Mister Rogers – Combined ambition in shaping children's television with a deep sense of kindness and contentment in everyday life.

• David Attenborough – Passionate about educating the world on nature, while maintaining a sense of calm and joy in his work.

Could you learn from any of these individuals to help you to develop the balance yourself?

Conclusion: Can Ambition and Contentment Lead to Happiness?

The evidence suggests that the balance of ambition and contentment is a strong indicator of happiness. The most fulfilled individuals:

✔ Strive for meaningful goals but are not consumed by them.
✔ Enjoy the journey rather than delaying happiness until success is achieved.
✔ Understand that success without fulfilment is empty, and stillness without purpose can feel incomplete.

Thus, rather than choosing between ambition and contentment, the key may be mastering the art of blending both.

Would you like help approaching this? Reach out to Happy Citta at any time for support.