Be Ambitious But Don't Be A Jackass

“Ambition breaks the ties of blood, and forgets the obligations of gratitude.”

- Sir Walter Scott

Like all professionals that want to be better, salespeople are constantly looking for opportunities to grow. We read, participate in webinars, attend online training courses, read some more, and generally try to absorb every last piece of information that relates to our profession. And quite frankly, we’ve been programmed that way (or should have been) since day one. A desire for growth and the ambition to achieve are built directly into our sales DNA. 

At the same time, we need to be mindful of how much of ourselves, and our time, we dedicate to our craft. It’s so easy to get consumed with the idea of “being the best”, but there are some subtle signs that can help us recognize when we need to rebalance, reassess, or just take a break. Here are the 3 triggers that stood out the most when I assessed my own habits:

• Easily getting irritated (especially when the stakes are low). Losing your cool over the coffee pot being empty or accidentally dropping your phone… yep, it may be a sign that burnout is around the corner. Stop. Breathe deep. Take a walk. Gain some perspective on your day and your goals and realize that You. Are. Only. Human.

• Sacrificing all your time with family and/or friends. Life-long learning requires dedication and sacrifice if you want to be good at something and there is no shame in making the choice to stay in and study rather than meeting up with someone or attending an event. It’s when you stop interacting and participating entirely that might be cause for concern. Give yourself permission to disconnect - it gives your mind, body, and soul a chance to power down and make you better prepared for the next learning sprint.

• Eating habits are drastically impacted. I’m guilty of eating at my desk or on the run at least 6 out of 7 days a week and I know many others in the same boat. Certainly not the greatest habit however I balance it out with quality family time each evening, and that includes sitting around the dinner table without distractions or stress. It also means eating a properly balanced diet! 

If this is something you have struggled with, I really hope these help. What are your triggers? Please feel free to share in the comments!