Thriving Ambition: Tips to Overcome Challenges and Stay Inspired

Israel Yemane
ILLUMINATION
Published in
4 min readFeb 3, 2024
Photo by Mahdi Bafande on Unsplash

This emotion is likely one of the most challenging for individuals with ambitious aspirations to grapple with. When faced with a downturn in my spirits, the temptation to throw in the towel becomes significantly stronger. However, it’s crucial to recognize that there exist various strategies to uplift one’s mood and regain a positive perspective. Here, I’d like to share three practices that personally contribute to elevating my spirits during such moments.

1 try to relax and do something that you enjoy : Consider taking a moment to relax and engage in an activity you genuinely enjoy. Personally, I find solace in taking a leisurely walk, especially when waiting for a taxi. Instead of hailing the cab immediately, I opt for a stroll home, allowing me the time to reflect on what went wrong and contemplate corrective actions. Taking this time to reflect transforms my mood from frustration to happiness.



Your preferred method of relaxation might differ; perhaps engaging in a physical activity that induces tiredness is more to your liking. However, it’s crucial to avoid resorting to habits like drinking, smoking, or immersing yourself in movies. While movies may seem like a temporary escape from problems, similar to drinking or smoking, they don’t provide actual solutions or contribute value toward your goals. In fact, they might inadvertently hinder progress rather than offer meaningful resolutions.

2 Reading or watching a documentary about someone who faced challenges on their way to success can be incredibly helpful. It makes you realize that you’re not alone in the struggles you’ve experienced, and it teaches you that failure is an integral part of the journey.

Let me tell you a true story that might help you, and while I’ve chosen not to disclose specific details like names and locations, it’s done out of respect for those involved. Certain parts have been condensed to preserve the main essence. My intention is to honor their privacy while still sharing a compelling narrative that I believe you’ll find intriguing.

There’s this guy, a university teacher with a wife and two kids. He’s a genuinely nice guy, juggling his teaching job and taking care of his children—cooking, cleaning, and the whole deal. Now, his wife, she doesn’t pitch in at all; she just sits around.



One day, he decides to hire a servant to help out. The servant’s doing a great job, especially with the kids. But then, the wife objects, and the servant leaves. So, the professor is back to doing everything himself.



Things take a dark turn when the wife asks for a divorce. The catch? The money he saved for a house is in her account. With the divorce, he loses not only his marriage but also everything he has.



This hits him hard, and he spirals into mental illness, stopping work. He moves in with his sister, and his brother, who works in a church, steps in to support them financially. One day, the brother finds the professor taking too long in a public restroom, fearing the worst. They break in to find him just cleaning up. Relieved but frustrated.



As time passes, he starts forgetting who he is. Rushed to the doctor, they narrowly avoid a worse situation. With medication and hospital care, he improves. The doctor suggests involving his ex-wife in his care.



She agrees for a while but eventually backs off. The brother takes over again, and gradually, the professor gets better. With the doctor’s green light, he leaves the hospital, starts living healthier, and even becomes a university teacher. He goes on to pursue a PhD. in Germany, lands a teaching job there, and manages to support his family and siblings.

3. Seeking Advice from Understanding Friend : In times of seeking advice, it’s invaluable to turn to a friend who not only knows you well but also comprehends the nuances of your current situation. This is particularly crucial as it helps ensure that the guidance you receive is grounded in a deep understanding of your unique circumstances. It’s essential to be discerning in your choice, opting for someone who possesses the ability to empathize rather than inadvertently cause distress.



A noteworthy consideration is steering clear of individuals who may unintentionally upset you or consistently contribute to a negative atmosphere. Choosing a confidant who brings positivity and support to the table can significantly enhance the quality of advice received.



Additionally, it’s wise to exercise caution when seeking counsel from people you are close to. Envy and resentment often originate from those within your close circle who are familiar with your life and experiences. This contrasts with strangers who lack the same depth of understanding, making it important to weigh the source of advice against the level of intimacy they share with your personal journey.



Essentially, when seeking advice, it’s not only about finding someone to talk to but also making sure that the guidance comes from a deep understanding of your situation. This helps create a supportive and positive conversation.

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Israel Yemane
ILLUMINATION

I'm sharing my knowledge and experience with you, and appreciating you for doing the same