Values Quotes – Elvis Presley on Ambition

Today’s quote is from Elvis Presley, the famous singer known as “the king of Rock and Roll.”

A great quote from Presley is:

“Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.”

Presley is clearly one who could talk from experience about the value of ambition.

As a differentiating value, Ambition means a strong drive for success; or a cherished desire.

But there are two sides to this value: one good and one bad.  Presley experienced both, and his analogy of comparing it to “a dream with a V8 engine” is perfect.

On the one hand, someone with ambition can go very far. They’ll break through barriers that hold others back. They’ll go faster and farther than those that just dream about it.

On the other hand, if someone with ambition is not careful they can loose control. They’ll literally drive themselves off the road of success, and crash and burn – as Presley did.

So if you embrace the value of ambition, I encourage you to put some controls in place. Engage others to hold you accountable, and to possibly slow you down if they see you speeding too fast. Also take some lessons from those who have already driven their dream with ambition. Learn to watch for the signs of danger to protect yourself – and all the others who are relying on you.

We can all learn from the “King”. Ambition can be a powerful value. But it can also kill you.

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Determination-Focus” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.