Does Where You Live Define Ambition - Or Does Ambition Define Where You Live?

Most people think about where to live based on practicalities—jobs, family, cost of living. But what if your location is actually the biggest factor shaping your ambition, success, and even sense of purpose?

It’s a question I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.

For years, Shanghai (and Asia) was the backdrop of my ambition. It was where I built a career, co-built a business, scaled success, and was surrounded by energy. The city shaped my drive just as much as my own choices did. The fast pace, the people, the environment—it all pushed me forward.

Then, I left. After selling my business, I stepped away and started spending time in different places—Bangkok, the US, Europe—exploring where best suited the life I want now.

It made me wonder: Does where we live determine what we strive for? Or do we choose places based on the ambition we already have?

The Hidden Influence of Location

Lately, this conversation has been coming up with friends.

✅ One friend, living in a quiet European city, feels like she’s missing energy—she’s craving more ambition, more challenge. She’s thinking about moving somewhere more dynamic.

✅ Another, living in rural countryside, wonders if she’s losing momentum in her career. She has big ambitions but feels like the environment around her maybe too slow.

✅ And then there’s me—now exploring what kind of environment I need in this phase of life. Shanghai in my 30s and early 40s was perfect—fast-paced, high-energy, career-focused. Now? A more intentional pace feels right.

It’s made me realize: different places serve different purposes at different stages of life.

Where you live can amplify ambition or pull you in a new direction. And while not everyone has the privilege of freely choosing where to live, if you do, it’s worth asking: Is your environment aligned with the life you want now?

Do You Need to Move to Change Your Ambition?

I used to think ambition was internal—if you’re driven, you’ll succeed anywhere. But stepping away from Shanghai taught me something else:

• Environment does shape what you believe is possible.

• Being surrounded by ambitious people makes you more ambitious.

• Being in a place where people value balance and creativity shifts your priorities.

So maybe the real question isn’t just where should I live? but rather:

Is my current environment aligned with the life I want to build?

How to Rethink Location Through the Lens of Ambition

If you’re questioning whether you’re in the right place, ask yourself:

1️⃣ Does my environment support or limit what I want next?
2️⃣ Are the people around me pushing me forward, or making me feel stuck?
3️⃣ Is this place aligned with the version of success I want today—not five years ago?
4️⃣ Would I feel more inspired, challenged, or fulfilled somewhere else?
5️⃣ Am I here because I actively chose it, or because it’s just where I’ve always been?

I’m exploring these questions myself. Maybe the answer isn’t about choosing between fast-paced cities or quieter locations—but creating a balance between both.

(And if you’re fortunate enough to have that choice, it’s worth thinking about.)

What About You?

Has a place ever shaped your ambition? Or have you ever felt like your environment was holding you back?

💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts—reply and share your experience.

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📌 About Nick Cakebread

Nick Cakebread is a founder coach and advisor, helping entrepreneurs and leaders scale their businesses, grow, navigate transitions, and redefine ambition. Learn more at nickcakebread.com.