As is the case from excitement and discontent alike, ambition can be overdone. Those who are brave enough to change their path – if this is desired – in their career are faced with wonder of how to do so. The change many seek is to go independent, to work as a contractor/consultant or to start one´s own business. The Japanese call this the Datsu-sara Suru.

The trouble of the Datsu-sara dance is how far we take our desired change. For myself, as an example, I am passionate about environmental and sustainability efforts around the world, but most specifically in the U.S. and even more specifically in urban areas; big cities. While much can be learned around the globe as to how sustainable practices can be incorporated into these urban areas, I do not desire, particularly, to be the individual out doing the labor. My strengths and interests are more in delegation, management, and planning efforts to incorporate new initiatives, new practices. I have had a discussion recently with a guy who is the exact opposite. He, unlike myself, feels out of place in cities and away from life. I feel at home in cities and feel the abundance of life, but would like to see growth in green spaces in urban areas. While this may not lead me to a career, a broader realization of what I enjoy and how my efforts should be focused is confirmed.

It had taken me much time to learn more of who I am and what I truly feel. Even further, to be able to admit this to one´s self is challenging. Is it not best to take a moment and examine not what you want, but how you enjoy achieving the things you do each day, week, or month? Perhaps this will aid you in realizing what you are best at, what you enjoy most, and what your purpose in life is. Maybe the industry which is best for us could be many, but the role of what we do for a company is the most important. Personally, I have spent much time looking outside myself for answers when what I enjoy most was already known. Oddly, it took me pushing outside myself to realize that. Thus, being overly ambitious can lead to good, but don´t expect that good to necessarily be a previously unknown.