When people have ambitions, what kinds of expectations do they have of themselves?
Do you think people are sometimes unrealistic in setting goals for themselves? Why?
What are the positive and negative consequences of having high expectations of yourself?
Does ambition always bring success?
Who is the most ambitious person that you know?
Do you think younger people are inherently more ambitious than older people? Why/not?
Imagine that you're a parent. How could you instill a healthy sense of ambition in your child?
Read the quotes below about believing in your dreams. Which one do you like most? Why?
- ‘Work hard and dream the biggest dream you can –you’ll see amazing things happen!’
- ‘Dreams are all about what’s going to happen tomorrow. Don’t let your dream get in the way of being the best person you can be –right here, right now.’
- ‘You need dreams when life gets boring or difficult –they’re what gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps a smile on your face.’
What do you think is the most important ingredient in realising your dreams? Why?
believing in yourself
hard work
knowing the right people
luck
money
Do you agree with the statement below? Why (not)?
‘If you’re going to succeed in something, you need to get started before you’re too old. If you leave things too late, you lose the ability to change and learn.’
ANECDOTE
Think of someone you know who is older than you (a relative, a family friend, a colleague, someone well-known in your country) and has done something you think is brave or amazing. Tell the members of your conversation group about this person and their achievements.
To illustrate the point you can watch the video What is ambition?
