As individuals, we often grapple with how to manage our ambition, especially as men who may possess a great deal of it. Ambition has long been regarded by some as a destructive characteristic, responsible for much of the world’s pain and suffering. History is rife with examples of failed endeavors driven by ambition, as people have trampled on others to achieve success, leaving a path of devastation in their wake. At present, men require support more than ever, although many find it difficult to admit. A community of like-minded individuals can be immensely beneficial in navigating the challenges that arise from our innate ambition.
The inspiration from the post came from Jon Tyson’s weekly email at the Primal Path.
To lend each other a hand when we’re falling,
Frederick Buechner
Perhaps that’s the only work that matters in the end.
Tribe
The outlets for wholesome self-expression appear to be dysfunctional, leading us to turn to social media in search of validation and acceptance. However, this habit often leaves us feeling unfulfilled and continuously yearning for more. What we lack is genuine, physical connections with other individuals. As men, we require a community of like-minded individuals, a tribe to support us throughout our journey in life.
Impact
The overwhelming drive to make a significant impact on the world can be detrimental to our well-being. We often strive to create the most extensive impact on as many people as we can. However, if we take a closer look, we may find a disturbing aftermath of shattered emotions and losses left in the wake of our quest for success. Jon says, “In our desire to do great things, we can do great damage.”
Influence
There are those who advocate for prioritizing influence, striving to reach the widest possible audience by constructing a platform to disseminate their viewpoints and beliefs. Their aim is to exert a significant impact on the perspectives of others through the sheer force of their presence. However, effecting change without a clear objective is a squandering of resources, and pursuing change merely for the sake of change can result in a difficult journey.
We Need Help
The rest of this post is directly from his email. It’s to good not to post. I rarely post a writing directly from someone else. I couldn’t say it any better. To find more of his work refer to the dig deeper section at the end of the post.
“At the end of his magisterial book, Life After God, Douglas Coupland wrote, “My secret is that I need God–that I am sick and can no longer make it alone. I need God to help me give, because I no longer seem to be capable of giving; to help me be kind, as I no longer seem capable of kindness; to help me love, as I seem beyond being able to love.””
Needing help is not weak; it’s human.
We need help with our shame.
We need help with our lust.
We need help with our anxiety.
We need help with our apathy.
We need help with our cynicism.
We need help with our despair.
Jesus knew we need help. In fact, in John 14, 15, and 16, he named the Holy Spirit himself as the Helper.
Helping is divine.
This is where a man can channel his ambition. Into being helpful, coming alongside others who are struggling, and being present and encouraging. To give resources where there is lack, stability where chaos, and love where fear.
Channel your ambition into being a helpful man.
Don’t look up and envy.
Don’t look around and compare.
Don’t look within and critique.
Look down and help.
As Buechner wrote, “To lend each other a hand when we’re falling, Perhaps that’s the only work that matters in the end.”
Get a vision of becoming a helpful man.
Help with your kids’ homework.
Help with the dishes.
Help with the schedule.
Help with the youth group.
Help with the cleaning.
Help with problems in front of you.
Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But the good Samaritan reversed the question: ‘If I don’t stop to help this man, what will happen to him.'”
Get help. Give help. This is what you should do with your ambition. The world is waiting for a movement of helpful men. Let it start with you.
Dig Deeper
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