Are You Going Too Far? - A Reflection on Ambition and Accountability Part 1

 Author : Jaime Menor Jr.

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Are You Going Too Far? A Reflection on Ambition and Accountability

In a world that constantly pushes us to chase our dreams, hustle hard, and always strive for more, it's easy to get lost in the pursuit of success. We’re told to stay focused, keep our eyes on the prize, and never look back. But what happens when, in our relentless drive, we unknowingly trample on others' rights? When we’re so fixated on our perspective of being right that we lose sight of the bigger picture?

It’s a tough question to ask yourself: Are you going too far? Are you so absorbed in your own goals that you’ve become blind to the impact your actions have on others? It’s easy to justify our behavior when we believe we’re in the right. But what if, in your quest for success, you’re causing more harm than good?

The Bible reminds us in Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." This verse calls us to pause and consider whether our ambition has led us down a path where we disregard the feelings, rights, and well-being of those around us. It’s a call to check ourselves before we wreck ourselves—and possibly others too.

Modern society often glorifies the lone wolf, the go-getter who stops at nothing to achieve their goals. But there’s a difference between healthy ambition and blind obsession. A popular saying goes, “Success is not about how high you’ve climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.” It’s a reminder that true success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about how we treat people on our way there.

Here’s the reality check: We cannot progress without a healthy dose of optimism and a clear vision of the road ahead. But let’s be honest—we rarely have both. Life is messy, uncertain, and full of gray areas. And that’s okay. What’s not okay is allowing our frustrations to morph into a disregard for responsibility and accountability. We can’t afford to stand still, cry our hearts out, or storm the streets in blind anger. We need a road map, a sense of direction, and some semblance of victory to keep moving forward.

And let’s talk about the dark thoughts that creep in when the road gets tough. When it feels like the world is crashing down, suicide is never the answer. But for public officials who’ve lost their way, who’ve chosen corruption and dishonor over service—well, maybe it’s time they consider a little seppuku, figuratively speaking. A return to honor, to accountability, to the realization that they’ve lost their right to lead.

At the end of the day, it’s about balance. We can be ambitious, driven, and focused, but we must also remain aware, compassionate, and accountable. We must never lose sight of the fact that our journey doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it affects everyone around us. So, as you push forward, chasing your dreams, ask yourself: Are you going too far? And if you are, it’s never too late to pull back, realign your actions, and move forward in a way that lifts others up, rather than pushes them down.