It is in my opinion that we should all have some goals in our lives. Something to aspire to, and something to live for. When done correctly, advancement in your career choice could essentially inspire others to be something greater than themselves. However, when done incorrectly, advancement will make you the target to some really ugly emotions. I know you must be questioning if there really is a negative side to ambition and advancement. Well there is. ​

Pros:
Before diving into the negative, let’s start with some positive thoughts on ambition and advancement. Ambition will definitely be the driving force to your life’s work. In fact, it will define your career if you are passionate in your vocation. It has been in my experience that hard work and dedication speaks volumes of the employee. Advancement gives way to significant pay raises while at work, and allows you to gain status. However, this should not be the only thing influencing your decision to advance.

Cons:
While ambition and advancement in the work place are great tools to have, they may also cause some unforeseen problems. When most people advance in their vocation, they lose sight of humility. They become egocentric, and self involved. Their ambition and advancement become primary goals. The betterment of the team becomes cloudy with every bit of success earned. This causes resistance among the team, with increased passive aggressive behavior. Individuals who have been very outspoken with their ambition and advancement also are met with envy, and disdain.
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Successful implementation:
Successful implementation of ambition and advancement should be considered. These are just a few of my suggestions:

1. Set your own personal core values. Not too long ago, I wrote and article on the benefits of value setting. If you have not read it, then you are definitely missing out. Setting you own values, gives you a guideline to acceptable behavior, especially in the work environment. Although many of us have different opinions as to what acceptable behavior is or is not, there are some things that we can all agree are unacceptable. In the work environment, most companies set a standard of values, or mission statements that align with company’s overall goal. Review these, then try to implement them in your own personal life. As you progress, you can always adjust, or change them to fit your lifestyle.
2. Educate yourself. There are is dozens of self help books in achieving goals in and out of the workplace. One of the negative aspects of ambition and advancement is envy. Through self discipline, you can find ways to deflect these unwanted feelings. 
3. Surround yourself around positive influences. If you look at those who have advanced in their careers, you can find a mentor who could help you navigate through unforeseen circumstances. Let’s face it, you are traveling in unknown territory. Their wisdom can be a great asset. 
4. When setting values, you should set goals as well. Know when your end game. I personally prefer to set smaller goals to achieve the overall big goal. Don’t lose sight of the overall picture either. Know that with each small success you are getting closer to the main objective.
5. Learn to build others as well as yourself. One of the bigger problems most people have is that they lose sight of the team that works for them, or with them. If you keep this suggestion in the forefront of your objective, you will be less likely to become so egocentric that it hinders your growth. 
6. Let your work speak for you. You should not brag about your successes often, as this may cause mixed emotions of those on your team. 

I truly wish the all the success that your life has to offer. This is in itself is one of the reasons why I decided to publish this article. Done correctly, advancement does have its benefits. In a world in which materialistic possessions trump anything of value, it is important to remember that things that cannot be bought have the highest quality. I wish you all best on your journey to success and advancement. Whatever it may be.