Unlock Your Ambition and Achieve More in Your Video Business
Ambition is one of the most powerful forces that drive success, yet it is often misunderstood or even suppressed. As a video production business owner, your ambition dictates how high you set your sights, how far you're willing to go, and what you’re prepared to do to achieve your goals. However, if you don’t have a clear understanding of your relationship with ambition—if you feel uncomfortable expressing or harnessing it—it can hold you back from achieving anything truly significant.
Ambition as the Fuel for Growth
When I coach video production business owners, I often see an internal conflict around ambition. Many people in the industry have been conditioned to associate ambition with greed or selfishness. But in reality, ambition is neither good nor bad—it’s simply a natural drive that, when embraced and directed properly, can propel you toward greater achievements.
Ambition is what enables you to push through the inevitable challenges, obstacles, and roadblocks that stand between you and your goals. It’s what keeps you going when projects become difficult, when clients are demanding, or when competition is fierce.
Before we dive into the tactical side of growing a business, it's essential to address this fundamental psychological aspect. Because no matter what strategies or systems you put in place, if you’re unconsciously stifling your ambition, you’ll never reach your full potential.
Overcoming the Negative Associations with Ambition
Many people in the video production industry have grown up with negative associations toward ambition, often rooted in early childhood experiences. These beliefs may have been shaped by parents, authority figures, or the cultural environment in which they were raised. Here are a few common patterns:
1. Ambition as Greed
From an early age, many of us were taught that greed is bad. We were encouraged to share, not to take more than we need, and to be considerate of others. While these are valuable lessons, they sometimes get misinterpreted to mean that wanting success or financial prosperity is inherently selfish.
A classic example of this is the portrayal of greed in movies like Wall Street, where characters like Gordon Gekko promote the idea that "greed is good." This can create a subconscious fear that striving for more will make you appear greedy or self-serving. The reality is that ambition, when used ethically, is about growth, impact, and fulfilment—not selfishness.
2. “Don’t Get Too Big for Your Boots”
Another common message from childhood is the warning not to overstep, not to think too highly of yourself, or not to aim "too big." Often, this comes from a place of protection—parents or mentors don’t want you to fail, so they encourage modesty and "realistic" goals. However, this can have the unintended effect of stifling ambition and keeping people stuck in a limiting mindset.
3. Fear of Outshining Others
Sometimes, people around us unconsciously discourage ambition because they fear being left behind. This can come from parents, mentors, or even peers who feel threatened by someone else's success. The idea of "never outshining the master" (as described in The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene) plays into this dynamic. But holding yourself back to make others comfortable ultimately serves no one.
Embracing Ambition as a Strength
If any of these patterns sound familiar, it’s important to recognise them and consciously work to shift your mindset. Ambition is not something to be ashamed of—it is the driving force that allows you to build a successful video production business, provide value to clients, and create a meaningful impact.
Here are a few ways to develop a healthier relationship with ambition:
1. Reframe Ambition as a Positive Force
Rather than seeing ambition as greed or arrogance, view it as a commitment to growth and contribution. Your ambition allows you to create better videos, serve clients at a higher level, and build a business that supports both you and your team.
2. Set Bold Yet Aligned Goals
Give yourself permission to dream big. Define goals that challenge and inspire you but still align with your values and vision. Ambition doesn't mean chasing superficial success—it means striving for meaningful accomplishments that resonate with you.
3. Surround Yourself with Ambitious People
The people you surround yourself with have a significant influence on how you view ambition. If you’re around those who downplay or dismiss ambition, it can be easy to internalize those beliefs. Instead, seek out a community of like-minded professionals who encourage and challenge you.
4. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship
One of the most effective ways to break through self-imposed limitations is by working with a coach or mentor. Having someone who can help you recognise and overcome unconscious barriers is invaluable. That’s why I provide coaching specifically for video production business owners—to help them clarify their ambitions, set strategic goals, and take the necessary actions to achieve them.
The Role of Ambition in Your Video Production Business
If you want to build a thriving video production business, ambition isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It fuels your ability to:
Take on bigger and better projects
Develop deeper relationships with clients
Create innovative, high-quality content
Scale your business in a way that aligns with your vision
By embracing ambition and removing any self-imposed limitations, you set yourself up for long-term success.
Take the Next Step
Ambition is not something to suppress—it’s something to harness. If you’ve been holding yourself back, I encourage you to reflect on why and take steps to reframe your mindset. Whether it’s through mentorship, joining a community of like-minded professionals, or working with a coach, taking proactive steps to embrace ambition can be transformational.
If you're ready to unlock your full potential and take your video production business to the next level, my coaching program is designed to help you break through barriers, clarify your vision, and implement strategies for sustainable growth.
Searching for a coach to help you build a business that truly reflects your ambition. Learn more about my coaching program here.