Podcast Episode 82: Ambition is Not a Dirty Word: Encouraging Women to Dream Big Even Despite Recent Setbacks

Do you have ambition?

The following is a transcript from the Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast

Podcast: Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Podcast

Host: Lynn Nichols

Listen Here Episode 82:

Lynn is a heartfelt advocate for personal growth and empowerment, and writes with raw insight on navigating narcissistic abuse, toxic relationships, and sometimes the societal challenges tied to the patriarchy. With a deeply experiential approach, her stories shed light on the emotional complexities of breaking free from toxic patterns and reclaiming one’s voice. L.N. offers fresh perspectives on gender dynamics, self-worth, and healing, encouraging readers to rebuild from within and revolutionize their relationships.

Lynn is also a trauma-informed narcissistic abuse recovery coach and podcast host. She creates videos on her YouTube channel to bring the message of healing and recovery. Learn more on her website here.

For far too long, the word ambition has carried a negative connotation when applied to women.

Society has painted an image of ambition as something unbecoming of a woman — something too bold, too assertive, or too selfish, and someone who is definitely not in their role as a quiet little subservient woman.

Not only are women not desiring to be humble, but we are not desiring to be meek.

Instead, women have historically been expected to take on support roles, prioritizing the ambitions of others — whether a spouse, children or extended family — while sidelining their own dreams.

This dynamic has been particularly pronounced in traditional households, where ambition was often perceived as a threat to the family unit.

Related: Hope without expectation – why women are forging their own path

A woman with career aspirations or big goals was seen as neglectful, self-centered, or even unnatural as if her primary duty was always to serve, support, and nurture others.

This narrative has kept countless women from fully realizing their potential, binding them to societal expectations rather than encouraging them to break free.

What’s next? And while rumors speculate regarding the removal of DEI programs, are they going to ban any promotional testimony or storylines from childfree women who are strong advocates for this lifestyle?

Are they just after conformity and compliance?

But here’s the truth: Ambition is not selfish. It’s courageous.

Women have every right to set goals, dream big, and chase after their passions.

They do not need to apologize for wanting more out of life, nor do they need to temper their ambitions to make others more comfortable.

Where is your list of ambitions? Go get it, revise it, and keep it near you.

Ambition is not inherently a masculine trait — it’s a human one.

You have these desires and drive for a reason.

You have a voice that needs to be heard.

Women historically have been silenced.

Was there a reason for this?

Why Ambition Was Demonized in Women

The demonization of women’s ambition is rooted in societal structures designed to maintain male dominance.

In patriarchal systems, a woman’s subservience wasn’t just preferred; it was essential for preserving the hierarchy.

Women were expected to focus on being caregivers and homemakers, while men were seen as the breadwinners and decision-makers.

Any deviation from this norm was labeled as a rebellion against “tradition.”

Ambition in women has also been misconstrued as a threat to relationships.

Women with lofty goals have been painted as cold or “too independent,” as if their desire for achievement somehow made them incapable of love, partnership, or nurturing.

This outdated mindset has perpetuated the idea that a woman’s ambition diminishes her femininity, creating a false dichotomy between being ambitious and being a “good” wife, mother, or daughter.

Breaking the Barrier

Women can be ambitious and nurturing.

Just like men can be masculine and feminine.

They can pursue their goals while being phenomenal partners, mothers, and friends.

For women living in households where traditional roles are still the norm, ambition doesn’t need to be a divisive force.

It can be a shared opportunity for growth. The men in their lives — husbands, brothers, fathers — can choose to support their ambitions instead of seeing them as a challenge to the status quo.

Men who uplift ambitious women play a crucial role in creating a more equitable society where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.

Why Women Should Embrace Ambition

Women who chase their dreams pave the way for future generations. By stepping into leadership roles, breaking barriers, and refusing to settle for less, ambitious women inspire others to do the same.

Women with ambition build lives that are not dictated by others, giving them the freedom to make choices that align with their values and desires.

It allows women to define success on their own terms, rather than through the lens of societal expectations.

Ambitious women learn to navigate setbacks and emerge stronger on the other side.

Women learn by trial and error, failing and succeeding, just like the men do.

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Related: Does Patriarchy Teach Silence?

Now What?

To every woman reading this: It’s okay to want more.

It’s okay to set standards for yourself and to go after what you want unapologetically.

Don’t let outdated societal norms or the discomfort of others hold you back.

Surround yourself with people who celebrate your ambition, and don’t be afraid to step into spaces where you may be the only woman.

Or run it yourself.

You don’t always have to have an immediate team. Sometimes it’s better to go it alone. Or go it alone for a while, then build a team. Whatever works for you.

You do what best serves you.

Ambition isn’t selfish.