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Ambition Addiction: How to Go Slow, Give Thanks, and Discover Joy Within
Ambition is a blessing. It is a key motivator driving people to achieve their hopes and dreams. But for many, accomplishment is never enough. In a culture obsessed with fame and celebrity, the burning desire for acclaim, conquest, and domination can be overwhelming—to the detriment of one’s personal life. This is ambition addiction: the all-encompassing yearning for success at any cost.
Self-described ambition addict Benjamin Shalva (Spiritual Cross-Training) has written an insightful and illuminating book for anyone who wants to control that destructive strain of ambition and live with integrity. He identifies the signs and symptoms of ambition addiction and profiles iconic achievers to help readers identify unhealthy motivations. Then he reveals the five steps to living a fulfilling life of healthy, productive ambition in which grand but elusive fantasies give way to the true happiness of the here and now.
Self-described ambition addict Benjamin Shalva (Spiritual Cross-Training) has written an insightful and illuminating book for anyone who wants to control that destructive strain of ambition and live with integrity. He identifies the signs and symptoms of ambition addiction and profiles iconic achievers to help readers identify unhealthy motivations. Then he reveals the five steps to living a fulfilling life of healthy, productive ambition in which grand but elusive fantasies give way to the true happiness of the here and now.
- GenresNonfiction
172 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2016
About the author
Benjamin Shalva
4 books7 followersBenjamin Shalva is a poet, hospice chaplain, and rabbi whose work explores loss, solace, ritual, and awe. His poetry and prose have appeared in publications including Image, Spirituality & Health Magazine, and The Washington Post. His debut poetry collection, House of Mourning (Kelsay Books), is a meditation on loss, end-of-life care, and the mysterious terrain between despair, desire, and renewal. He is also the author of two works of nonfiction, Spiritual Cross-Training and Ambition Addiction (Grand Harbor Press), which blend memoir with teachings from the world’s contemplative traditions.
In addition to his literary work, Benjamin serves as the Manager of Jewish Care, Support, and Rabbinic Services at Gilchrist, Maryland’s largest hospice organization. With over a decade of experience accompanying patients and families at the end of life, he specializes in spiritual care, grief support, and interfaith engagement.
Benjamin teaches and leads workshops on death and dying, grief and healing, mindfulness meditation, poetry, and creative writing. His approach draws from Jewish, Buddhist, and Yogic traditions, as well as his background in the literary and performing arts.
Benjamin lives in Baltimore with his wife, their two children, and their two hound dogs.
In addition to his literary work, Benjamin serves as the Manager of Jewish Care, Support, and Rabbinic Services at Gilchrist, Maryland’s largest hospice organization. With over a decade of experience accompanying patients and families at the end of life, he specializes in spiritual care, grief support, and interfaith engagement.
Benjamin teaches and leads workshops on death and dying, grief and healing, mindfulness meditation, poetry, and creative writing. His approach draws from Jewish, Buddhist, and Yogic traditions, as well as his background in the literary and performing arts.
Benjamin lives in Baltimore with his wife, their two children, and their two hound dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 15, 2016
This book resonated with me in so many deep, unexpected ways. I have always thrived on my ambition--but I now recognize more than ever before that it can be a driving force behind my anxiety. AMBITION ADDICTION helped me recognize the symptoms of when my ambition is driving me towards unhealthy habits, unrealistic expectations, a sense of failure or anxious thoughts, and yes, the addiction to approval, validation, or recognition. Even better, it guided me through truly helpful steps to refocus, relax, and re-center in the moment, not to mention set healthy, realistic goals. Best of all, Benjamin Shalva brings warmth, humor, and personality into every page; this book was truly engaging and fun to read! Ambition is a great thing, but you can be both ambitious and healthy, peaceful, and mindful too!
December 4, 2016
There is a large chunk of "self help/improvement" books on the market and none of them really focus on doing too much. This book, Ambition Addiction is perfect for us MUST DO, MUST DO, MUST DO people. It's not to say that this book will fix everything with the snap of your fingers or once you read the last page. This book gives you the tools to be aware of what needs to be done without making you feel bad for what you are currently doing. Shalva uses a set of repetitive goals for easy follow through examples. Shalva also is an Ambition Addict himself and together the reader and the author can work together to overcome the MUST DO!
December 28, 2023
"The Ambition Addiction" by Benjamin Shalva is a refreshing take on the modern obsession with success. Shalva challenges the relentless pursuit of achievement and invites readers to reflect on the true meaning of a fulfilling life. With a blend of wit and wisdom, he shares personal anecdotes and offers practical insights to help readers strike a balance between ambition and contentment.
Shalva's writing is engaging, and his conversational tone makes the book accessible to a wide audience. Instead of preaching, he invites readers on a thoughtful journey, encouraging them to question societal norms and reassess their own aspirations. The book doesn't dismiss ambition but rather advocates for a mindful and holistic approach to success.
Whether you're a high achiever looking for a reality check or someone feeling overwhelmed by societal expectations, "The Ambition Addiction" provides a much-needed perspective shift. Shalva's blend of humor, humility, and profound insights makes this book a valuable guide for anyone navigating the delicate dance between ambition and well-being.
Shalva's writing is engaging, and his conversational tone makes the book accessible to a wide audience. Instead of preaching, he invites readers on a thoughtful journey, encouraging them to question societal norms and reassess their own aspirations. The book doesn't dismiss ambition but rather advocates for a mindful and holistic approach to success.
Whether you're a high achiever looking for a reality check or someone feeling overwhelmed by societal expectations, "The Ambition Addiction" provides a much-needed perspective shift. Shalva's blend of humor, humility, and profound insights makes this book a valuable guide for anyone navigating the delicate dance between ambition and well-being.
October 9, 2020
About 70% Generic Assumptions & only 30% useful tips
Very less in-depth insights and tips but verbose, ambiguous and generic assumptions. The first part of the books was boring. The middle part is a bit fun and useful. The last part is beat around the bush or repeat what he had said. Also this is about his marriage life, if you are single it’s hard to relate.
Many many negative energy transmitting words and explanations about the ambition addicts. The author can write about the bad habit and negative things enormously but not how to solve those problems.
Mostly I got negative energy from reading this book. If you’re an ambition addict and stressed out and depressed I don’t recommend this. Go read Happy this year once and for all.
Very less in-depth insights and tips but verbose, ambiguous and generic assumptions. The first part of the books was boring. The middle part is a bit fun and useful. The last part is beat around the bush or repeat what he had said. Also this is about his marriage life, if you are single it’s hard to relate.
Many many negative energy transmitting words and explanations about the ambition addicts. The author can write about the bad habit and negative things enormously but not how to solve those problems.
Mostly I got negative energy from reading this book. If you’re an ambition addict and stressed out and depressed I don’t recommend this. Go read Happy this year once and for all.
January 14, 2019
Much Needed.
I loved this. And I needed to hear it. Despite my quest to reach my book goal for 2019 (thus affecting my reading pace), I slowed my reading of each page, to actually absorb what he was saying. Some of his suggestions are definitely corny (to me), but can be incredibly helpful for people who really feel like they have hit a rock bottom and don't know where to start, what in their life to analyzze, or what to do. Some of the other exercises I can actually see myself doing, and as I read through the steps, could visualize how my own would look or what they would say.
I loved this. And I needed to hear it. Despite my quest to reach my book goal for 2019 (thus affecting my reading pace), I slowed my reading of each page, to actually absorb what he was saying. Some of his suggestions are definitely corny (to me), but can be incredibly helpful for people who really feel like they have hit a rock bottom and don't know where to start, what in their life to analyzze, or what to do. Some of the other exercises I can actually see myself doing, and as I read through the steps, could visualize how my own would look or what they would say.
November 4, 2018
Thankfully I don't think I'm an addiction addict. I do read plenty of self help books and, while I think most are BS, they often have lots of little pieces I can take and apply to my life.
So while not being an addiction addict I do think that I'll "donate time" more often after reading this.
Definitely worth the read.
So while not being an addiction addict I do think that I'll "donate time" more often after reading this.
Definitely worth the read.
December 29, 2019
Wow! I'm an addict!
Great book especially for people working in startups.
I totally love how it all started with a self-test of identifying if you actually are an ambition junkie. It turns out the tests and methods of detecting and recovering are solid.
Great book especially for people working in startups.
I totally love how it all started with a self-test of identifying if you actually are an ambition junkie. It turns out the tests and methods of detecting and recovering are solid.
April 7, 2020
The book has good examples and very interesting stories, and it's a breath of fresh air in this suffocating "hustle till death" mentality that we now live, we have to understand that while lofty goals are great to say, the journey is also part of the enjoyment.
February 15, 2017
**OBTAINED: Goodreads Giveaway**
Ambition Addiction: How to Go Slow, Give Thanks, and Discover Joy Within by Benjamin Shalva was very unique take on the mindfulness, self-help genre. It really put a lot of things in perspective and should be a must read for those of us that feel the pressure of ambition and that struggle with the incessant must-get-things-done-now mentality. This book focuses on how ambition, although usually considered a blessing, can also be a curse, or an unhealthy attribute when allowed to distort our livelihood and well-being. Although our society, and many other societies, view ambition as a healthy quality it can also function as a doubled-edge sword, and cause many unhealthy serious issues. While this book focuses on the downfalls of being too ambitious and how to refocus, it never claims that pure, healthy ambition is a negative attribute, just perhaps a dangerous one. It was very enlightening. Here is the book blurb description....
"Ambition is a blessing. It is a key motivator driving people to achieve their hopes and dreams. But for many, accomplishment is never enough. In a culture obsessed with fame and celebrity, the burning desire for acclaim, conquest, and domination can be overwhelming—to the detriment of one’s personal life. This is ambition addiction: the all-encompassing yearning for success at any cost.
Self-described ambition addict Benjamin Shalva (Spiritual Cross-Training) has written an insightful and illuminating book for anyone who wants to control that destructive strain of ambition and live with integrity. He identifies the signs and symptoms of ambition addiction and profiles iconic achievers to help readers identify unhealthy motivations. Then he reveals the five steps to living a fulfilling life of healthy, productive ambition in which grand but elusive fantasies give way to the true happiness of the here and now." -Book Blurb
[OFFICIAL RATING: 4 STARS]
Ambition Addiction: How to Go Slow, Give Thanks, and Discover Joy Within by Benjamin Shalva was very unique take on the mindfulness, self-help genre. It really put a lot of things in perspective and should be a must read for those of us that feel the pressure of ambition and that struggle with the incessant must-get-things-done-now mentality. This book focuses on how ambition, although usually considered a blessing, can also be a curse, or an unhealthy attribute when allowed to distort our livelihood and well-being. Although our society, and many other societies, view ambition as a healthy quality it can also function as a doubled-edge sword, and cause many unhealthy serious issues. While this book focuses on the downfalls of being too ambitious and how to refocus, it never claims that pure, healthy ambition is a negative attribute, just perhaps a dangerous one. It was very enlightening. Here is the book blurb description....
"Ambition is a blessing. It is a key motivator driving people to achieve their hopes and dreams. But for many, accomplishment is never enough. In a culture obsessed with fame and celebrity, the burning desire for acclaim, conquest, and domination can be overwhelming—to the detriment of one’s personal life. This is ambition addiction: the all-encompassing yearning for success at any cost.
Self-described ambition addict Benjamin Shalva (Spiritual Cross-Training) has written an insightful and illuminating book for anyone who wants to control that destructive strain of ambition and live with integrity. He identifies the signs and symptoms of ambition addiction and profiles iconic achievers to help readers identify unhealthy motivations. Then he reveals the five steps to living a fulfilling life of healthy, productive ambition in which grand but elusive fantasies give way to the true happiness of the here and now." -Book Blurb
[OFFICIAL RATING: 4 STARS]
November 18, 2016
Walk away & move on great piece of advice.
Steve Jobs was arrogant, conceited but I guess he always got what he wanted.
Is that good, well he was defiantly not a team player. True/false the movie you did have to feel sorry for his ex-wife/son.
Bill Parcell someday a NFL Hall of Famer.
Martha Stewart; well?
As a former athlete, as a pitcher or Quarterback you control the team. Of course, you want to win, somebody must win someone must lose. Bottom line!
As a coach, there is a whole lot of variables you should take into consideration, but yep you still want to win. That’s ambition, a goal whatever you want to call it.
I truly think there is always those out there that take ambition to an extreme, me, me & me.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written self-help or improvement book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great informative movie, PP presentation, or better yet mini TV series. 5 self-help tips. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Steve Jobs was arrogant, conceited but I guess he always got what he wanted.
Is that good, well he was defiantly not a team player. True/false the movie you did have to feel sorry for his ex-wife/son.
Bill Parcell someday a NFL Hall of Famer.
Martha Stewart; well?
As a former athlete, as a pitcher or Quarterback you control the team. Of course, you want to win, somebody must win someone must lose. Bottom line!
As a coach, there is a whole lot of variables you should take into consideration, but yep you still want to win. That’s ambition, a goal whatever you want to call it.
I truly think there is always those out there that take ambition to an extreme, me, me & me.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written self-help or improvement book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great informative movie, PP presentation, or better yet mini TV series. 5 self-help tips. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
November 15, 2016
We are always told to reach for the stars and that we can do whatever we set our minds to - most would agree that having ambition is a good thing. Ambition Addiction takes a new approach to the subject and goes deeper into how ambition can truly be destructive. We can get so caught up in what everyone else is doing and being the best that we forget to simply BE! I learned a lot from this book and would highly recommend it!
November 16, 2016
This is a great tool for someone who is addicted to achieving more and more, and feels like the "mindfulness" has nothing to do with their life and yet feel overwhelmed at times by chasing and chasing and chasing success. That would be me in a nutshell. Benjamin Shalva has written a book that those of addicted to our iphones need to read, absorb and find a way to heed his advice and learn from his personal experiences. OK....breathe!
December 17, 2016
This was a Giveaway book (thank you).
In reading this, I vacillated between a 3 and a 4 star rating and opted for a 4 star. It started out slow and a bit repetitive. I found the charts to be illustrative, but not practical for everyday use. However, the meat of the book is good and relevant.
As an ordained minister, I believe I will utilize this in my pastoral counseling and will likely recommend this book, as the need arises. In the end, this is what moved it from a 3 to a 4.
In reading this, I vacillated between a 3 and a 4 star rating and opted for a 4 star. It started out slow and a bit repetitive. I found the charts to be illustrative, but not practical for everyday use. However, the meat of the book is good and relevant.
As an ordained minister, I believe I will utilize this in my pastoral counseling and will likely recommend this book, as the need arises. In the end, this is what moved it from a 3 to a 4.
November 15, 2016
This is something I definitely have struggled with my entire life. And on top of feeling a comfort of someone else who understands and also struggles with overachieving and ambition addiction, the book helps you realistically deal with how to overcome. Thank you Benjamin Shalva for sharing your personal story, advice and inspiration!
December 24, 2016
Having been a smoker for over 30 years and quitting I thought this was a great book and wish I would have had it when I quit. In short this is a MUST READ for anyone struggling addictions of any kind. I won this great book on GoodReads and look forward to being able to having it with me everywhere.
November 15, 2016
In Ambition Addiction, Benjamin Shalva reminds us all to pause, take a step back and examine what really matters in life. This book is a refreshing read, especially for those true workaholics out there!
December 13, 2016
This is defiantly a good book. I won this book threw a Goodreads giveaway to read for an honest review. I really liked it.
December 14, 2016
I have to disclose that I won this on goodreads. Interesting read. Not a 100% what I usually read,
but enjoyable. Would definitely give it a thumbs up.
but enjoyable. Would definitely give it a thumbs up.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews