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Sustainable Ambition: How to Prioritize What Matters to Thrive in Life and Work
Amazon Best Seller
#1 New Release
Work-life balance is a myth. We need a better, more sustainable way to achieve our life and work goals.
You want to pursue meaningful work and succeed professionally, and you know that personal pursuits matter and fuel your happiness, too. But in today's world, the pressure to do it all can leave you stretched thin and questioning everything—your direction, your choices, and even your ambitions themselves. Time-management techniques and productivity hacks aren’t enough. The endless search for balance feels like chasing a mirage.
The answer? Sustainable Ambition, a transformative method from life-work strategist Kathy Oneto that shows you how to direct your ambitions wisely. Drawing from research, expert interviews, coaching insights, and personal experience, this book reveals a proven, practical framework across three interconnected components—Right Ambition, Right Time, and Right Effort. When these elements are aligned, you can pursue your goals with more joy, peace, and ease. This approach empowers you
• Keep your ambitions while making space for your life
• Evaluate a goal or opportunity to determine if the trade-off is worth it
• Be strategic about where you invest your hard work
• Avoid burnout while pursuing your goals
While not a magical solution, Sustainable Ambition offers simple, effective practices to help you make confident choices aligned with what matters most to you now. You don’t have to give up your goals—you can dream big, shape the life and work you want, and thrive.
#1 New Release
Work-life balance is a myth. We need a better, more sustainable way to achieve our life and work goals.
You want to pursue meaningful work and succeed professionally, and you know that personal pursuits matter and fuel your happiness, too. But in today's world, the pressure to do it all can leave you stretched thin and questioning everything—your direction, your choices, and even your ambitions themselves. Time-management techniques and productivity hacks aren’t enough. The endless search for balance feels like chasing a mirage.
The answer? Sustainable Ambition, a transformative method from life-work strategist Kathy Oneto that shows you how to direct your ambitions wisely. Drawing from research, expert interviews, coaching insights, and personal experience, this book reveals a proven, practical framework across three interconnected components—Right Ambition, Right Time, and Right Effort. When these elements are aligned, you can pursue your goals with more joy, peace, and ease. This approach empowers you
• Keep your ambitions while making space for your life
• Evaluate a goal or opportunity to determine if the trade-off is worth it
• Be strategic about where you invest your hard work
• Avoid burnout while pursuing your goals
While not a magical solution, Sustainable Ambition offers simple, effective practices to help you make confident choices aligned with what matters most to you now. You don’t have to give up your goals—you can dream big, shape the life and work you want, and thrive.
- GenresNonfiction
Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2025
8 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 10, 2025
I work with a lot of early-stage founders and executives, and the approach encapsulated in this book is exactly what so many of them could benefit from -- the recognition that start-up success is a marathon not a sprint (i.e. sustainability over burnout). As a guest on Kathy's podcast, I was honored to have some quotes included in the book and get an advance reader copy. This one is going onto my shelf of recommended reading for my coaching clients.
June 13, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Greenleaf Publishing Group for providing me with a digital ARC to read so that I could provide my honest opinion.
I requested "Sustainable Ambition" because, like many people, I’ve struggled to prioritize my well-being while maintaining a full-time career. Despite my best efforts, I’ve often had to put myself, my relationships, and even joy on the back burner to meet professional expectations. And honestly, I don’t feel I have a lot to show for it financially, so I find myself asking: what now?
From the start, I appreciated Oneto’s thoughtful framing of ambition as something that evolves over time. Her hiking metaphor—whether to push through or take a detour—resonated. Life is a journey full of obstacles and recalculations. I also liked seeing an endorsement from Greg McKeown (whose book "Essentialism" is on my Kindle TBR), and I agree with the idea that the myth of “work-life balance” needs to be retired. During a sabbatical a few years ago, I was struck by how much time it actually takes to maintain health, home, and personal growth—and how different life felt without the constant pressure of commuting, grooming, or performing productivity.
That said, this book didn’t offer a lot of new ideas for me. The concept of “aligning the right ambition at the right time with the right effort” felt overly simplistic, and the book had the familiar issue of repetition and fluff that many self-help titles struggle with. Still, I did find some of the reflection exercises useful. While they weren’t groundbreaking, it was helpful to see them collected in one place, especially at this point in my life, where I’m actively thinking about how to make the most of the time I have left.
I truly appreciate that Oneto includes additional free resources on her website. That’s a generous touch and adds value to the book. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t the intended audience. This feels like a book for people who are already financially successful and are now wondering if it’s okay to slow down or shift gears. Meanwhile, some of us have been ambitious out of necessity, made sacrifices, and are still trying to gain footing. I found myself thinking, “I’m not your target audience,” and that’s despite holding two advanced degrees and having worked on a third.
I’m tired of reading narratives where someone “has it all” and still feels something is missing. I can only dream of being in that position. Success, to me, isn’t about prestige or wealth—it’s about peace, health, and purpose. While "Sustainable Ambition" didn’t offer me a roadmap, it did reflect some of my values back to me. That has its own kind of worth.
I requested "Sustainable Ambition" because, like many people, I’ve struggled to prioritize my well-being while maintaining a full-time career. Despite my best efforts, I’ve often had to put myself, my relationships, and even joy on the back burner to meet professional expectations. And honestly, I don’t feel I have a lot to show for it financially, so I find myself asking: what now?
From the start, I appreciated Oneto’s thoughtful framing of ambition as something that evolves over time. Her hiking metaphor—whether to push through or take a detour—resonated. Life is a journey full of obstacles and recalculations. I also liked seeing an endorsement from Greg McKeown (whose book "Essentialism" is on my Kindle TBR), and I agree with the idea that the myth of “work-life balance” needs to be retired. During a sabbatical a few years ago, I was struck by how much time it actually takes to maintain health, home, and personal growth—and how different life felt without the constant pressure of commuting, grooming, or performing productivity.
That said, this book didn’t offer a lot of new ideas for me. The concept of “aligning the right ambition at the right time with the right effort” felt overly simplistic, and the book had the familiar issue of repetition and fluff that many self-help titles struggle with. Still, I did find some of the reflection exercises useful. While they weren’t groundbreaking, it was helpful to see them collected in one place, especially at this point in my life, where I’m actively thinking about how to make the most of the time I have left.
I truly appreciate that Oneto includes additional free resources on her website. That’s a generous touch and adds value to the book. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t the intended audience. This feels like a book for people who are already financially successful and are now wondering if it’s okay to slow down or shift gears. Meanwhile, some of us have been ambitious out of necessity, made sacrifices, and are still trying to gain footing. I found myself thinking, “I’m not your target audience,” and that’s despite holding two advanced degrees and having worked on a third.
I’m tired of reading narratives where someone “has it all” and still feels something is missing. I can only dream of being in that position. Success, to me, isn’t about prestige or wealth—it’s about peace, health, and purpose. While "Sustainable Ambition" didn’t offer me a roadmap, it did reflect some of my values back to me. That has its own kind of worth.
May 12, 2025
Book Review: Sustainable Ambition: How to Prioritize What Matters to Thrive in Life and Work by Kathy Oneto
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Kathy Oneto’s Sustainable Ambition is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of how individuals can cultivate meaningful success without succumbing to burnout or societal pressures. Unlike traditional self-help books that glorify relentless hustle, Oneto presents a refreshing framework for achieving fulfillment by aligning personal values with professional aspirations. The book’s central thesis—that ambition should be sustainable rather than self-sacrificing—resonates deeply in an era where work-life balance remains elusive for many.
Oneto’s approach is both pragmatic and philosophical, blending actionable strategies with reflective exercises. The book is structured into three cohesive sections: redefining ambition, identifying personal priorities, and implementing sustainable practices. Each chapter builds on the last, offering a logical progression from self-assessment to practical application. The inclusion of real-world anecdotes and case studies adds authenticity, making the content relatable without veering into prescriptive advice.
One of the book’s standout strengths is its emphasis on intentionality. Oneto challenges readers to question societal definitions of success and instead focus on what truly matters to them. This introspective angle sets Sustainable Ambition apart from productivity-focused literature, as it prioritizes holistic well-being over mere output. The exercises, such as values clarification and energy audits, are particularly effective tools for readers seeking tangible steps toward change.
However, the book occasionally struggles with pacing. Some sections delve deeply into theoretical concepts, which, while valuable, may feel dense for readers seeking quick takeaways. Additionally, while Oneto addresses diverse professional contexts, a more explicit discussion of systemic barriers (e.g., socioeconomic or cultural factors) could have broadened its applicability.
Despite these minor critiques, Sustainable Ambition is a standout contribution to personal development literature. Its balanced blend of introspection and practicality makes it equally valuable for early-career professionals and seasoned leaders. Oneto’s compassionate yet no-nonsense tone fosters a sense of empowerment, encouraging readers to design a life that thrives on their own terms.
Final Thoughts:
Sustainable Ambition is a must-read for anyone seeking to harmonize ambition with well-being. Its insightful framework and actionable tools make it a versatile resource for personal and professional growth.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Kathy Oneto, for providing an advance copy of Sustainable Ambition in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Kathy Oneto’s Sustainable Ambition is a timely and thought-provoking exploration of how individuals can cultivate meaningful success without succumbing to burnout or societal pressures. Unlike traditional self-help books that glorify relentless hustle, Oneto presents a refreshing framework for achieving fulfillment by aligning personal values with professional aspirations. The book’s central thesis—that ambition should be sustainable rather than self-sacrificing—resonates deeply in an era where work-life balance remains elusive for many.
Oneto’s approach is both pragmatic and philosophical, blending actionable strategies with reflective exercises. The book is structured into three cohesive sections: redefining ambition, identifying personal priorities, and implementing sustainable practices. Each chapter builds on the last, offering a logical progression from self-assessment to practical application. The inclusion of real-world anecdotes and case studies adds authenticity, making the content relatable without veering into prescriptive advice.
One of the book’s standout strengths is its emphasis on intentionality. Oneto challenges readers to question societal definitions of success and instead focus on what truly matters to them. This introspective angle sets Sustainable Ambition apart from productivity-focused literature, as it prioritizes holistic well-being over mere output. The exercises, such as values clarification and energy audits, are particularly effective tools for readers seeking tangible steps toward change.
However, the book occasionally struggles with pacing. Some sections delve deeply into theoretical concepts, which, while valuable, may feel dense for readers seeking quick takeaways. Additionally, while Oneto addresses diverse professional contexts, a more explicit discussion of systemic barriers (e.g., socioeconomic or cultural factors) could have broadened its applicability.
Despite these minor critiques, Sustainable Ambition is a standout contribution to personal development literature. Its balanced blend of introspection and practicality makes it equally valuable for early-career professionals and seasoned leaders. Oneto’s compassionate yet no-nonsense tone fosters a sense of empowerment, encouraging readers to design a life that thrives on their own terms.
Final Thoughts:
Sustainable Ambition is a must-read for anyone seeking to harmonize ambition with well-being. Its insightful framework and actionable tools make it a versatile resource for personal and professional growth.
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Kathy Oneto, for providing an advance copy of Sustainable Ambition in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2025
A thoughtful and empowering self-help guide that encourages readers to redefine ambition on their own terms—and actually thrive in the process.
Kathy Oneto delivers a refreshing, deeply reflective alternative to the hustle-at-all-costs culture that so often dominates conversations around success. Drawing from her experience as a coach and speaker, Sustainable Ambition invites readers to reframe how we view ambition—not as a constant sprint toward an ever-moving target, but as something fluid, personal, and attuned to our well-being.
Oneto introduces a compelling mindset shift that’s both radical and compassionate. Ambition, she argues, isn’t the problem—it’s how we wield it. Her “Sustainable Ambition Method” encourages aligning the right ambition at the right time with the right effort. That simple reframe alone felt like a breath of fresh air.
What makes this book stand out is its tone: never preachy, never prescriptive. Oneto writes with genuine care, offering prompts, tools, and reflections that feel like they come from a trusted guide—not a guru. Her call to reclaim ambition as a source of fulfillment rather than burnout is especially resonant. She reminds us that we don’t have to sacrifice ourselves in pursuit of success—we can grow without erasing who we are.
Sustainable Ambition doesn’t offer unrealistic promises or oversimplified hacks. Instead, it offers clarity, perspective, and a grounded path forward for anyone—professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs—who’s tired of measuring their worth by their output alone.
An empowering, purposeful read that gently but firmly reorients your inner compass. Highly recommended for anyone looking to reset and realign with what really matters.
Kathy Oneto delivers a refreshing, deeply reflective alternative to the hustle-at-all-costs culture that so often dominates conversations around success. Drawing from her experience as a coach and speaker, Sustainable Ambition invites readers to reframe how we view ambition—not as a constant sprint toward an ever-moving target, but as something fluid, personal, and attuned to our well-being.
Oneto introduces a compelling mindset shift that’s both radical and compassionate. Ambition, she argues, isn’t the problem—it’s how we wield it. Her “Sustainable Ambition Method” encourages aligning the right ambition at the right time with the right effort. That simple reframe alone felt like a breath of fresh air.
What makes this book stand out is its tone: never preachy, never prescriptive. Oneto writes with genuine care, offering prompts, tools, and reflections that feel like they come from a trusted guide—not a guru. Her call to reclaim ambition as a source of fulfillment rather than burnout is especially resonant. She reminds us that we don’t have to sacrifice ourselves in pursuit of success—we can grow without erasing who we are.
Sustainable Ambition doesn’t offer unrealistic promises or oversimplified hacks. Instead, it offers clarity, perspective, and a grounded path forward for anyone—professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs—who’s tired of measuring their worth by their output alone.
An empowering, purposeful read that gently but firmly reorients your inner compass. Highly recommended for anyone looking to reset and realign with what really matters.
June 12, 2025
You get to be ambitious. No, this doesn't only apply to work. No, it doesn't make you selfish or ruthless or any of those negative things we've been taught to associate with ambition. And no, you don't have to sacrifice your life, your relationships, or your well-being for it.
Kathy Oneto's Sustainable Ambition is the permission slip and practical roadmap ambitious people need to redefine success on their own terms. Her three-part framework — Right Ambition, Right Time, Right Effort — offers thoughtful, actionable, and transformative guidance for thriving without burning out.
What I most appreciated was her emphasis on pacing throughout the book, particularly in the "Right Time" section. She brilliantly dismantles the myth that we must always find perfect balance, instead helping readers recognize what they need in each moment. Sometimes our ambitions require us to shift into high gear and that's okay. Other times we need steady progress, and still other times we need to rest. Her approach isn't about maintaining constant equilibrium — it's about understanding the rhythm of sustainable ambition.
The world is loud and there are a lot of opinions about what and how we should approach life and work. This book helps you determine what the right ambition, right time, and right effort are for you.
You get to want big things AND live intentionally. You get to prioritize what actually matters to you. You get to build a life that works for YOU. Oneto shows you exactly how to do it through real-world examples, practical exercises, and a framework that feels both ambitious and sustainable.
Kathy Oneto's Sustainable Ambition is the permission slip and practical roadmap ambitious people need to redefine success on their own terms. Her three-part framework — Right Ambition, Right Time, Right Effort — offers thoughtful, actionable, and transformative guidance for thriving without burning out.
What I most appreciated was her emphasis on pacing throughout the book, particularly in the "Right Time" section. She brilliantly dismantles the myth that we must always find perfect balance, instead helping readers recognize what they need in each moment. Sometimes our ambitions require us to shift into high gear and that's okay. Other times we need steady progress, and still other times we need to rest. Her approach isn't about maintaining constant equilibrium — it's about understanding the rhythm of sustainable ambition.
The world is loud and there are a lot of opinions about what and how we should approach life and work. This book helps you determine what the right ambition, right time, and right effort are for you.
You get to want big things AND live intentionally. You get to prioritize what actually matters to you. You get to build a life that works for YOU. Oneto shows you exactly how to do it through real-world examples, practical exercises, and a framework that feels both ambitious and sustainable.
June 11, 2025
A Manifesto for Thriving in a World Demanding Burnout
As a working mother who has co-owned a PR firm for 25 years while writing four novels, I have a unique perspective on the ebb and flow of sustainable ambition. I was someone who felt the pressure to "do it all," only to end up feeling depleted and disconnected. Kathy Oneto’s Sustainable Ambition feels like a lifeline. This timely and insightful guide dismantles the elusive myth of "work-life balance" and replaces it with a powerful, practical, and deeply compassionate framework for achieving what truly matters.
The book is a masterclass in redefining success for the modern world. Oneto, a life-work strategist and coach, argues that the problem isn't our ambition, but our unsustainable approach to it. We are often, as she puts it, "stretching ourselves like a rubber band" to a breaking point. Her solution is the "Sustainable Ambition Method," a transformative approach built on three pillars: Right Ambition, Right Time, and Right Effort. What makes this book so resonant is its departure from generic productivity hacks. Sustainable Ambition is a manual for a more conscious and fulfilling life. It is essential reading for anyone at a career crossroads, recovering from burnout, or simply seeking a way to pursue their dreams with more joy, ease, and peace. It will leave you feeling not just inspired, but equipped to dream big, shape the life you truly want, and thrive.
As a working mother who has co-owned a PR firm for 25 years while writing four novels, I have a unique perspective on the ebb and flow of sustainable ambition. I was someone who felt the pressure to "do it all," only to end up feeling depleted and disconnected. Kathy Oneto’s Sustainable Ambition feels like a lifeline. This timely and insightful guide dismantles the elusive myth of "work-life balance" and replaces it with a powerful, practical, and deeply compassionate framework for achieving what truly matters.
The book is a masterclass in redefining success for the modern world. Oneto, a life-work strategist and coach, argues that the problem isn't our ambition, but our unsustainable approach to it. We are often, as she puts it, "stretching ourselves like a rubber band" to a breaking point. Her solution is the "Sustainable Ambition Method," a transformative approach built on three pillars: Right Ambition, Right Time, and Right Effort. What makes this book so resonant is its departure from generic productivity hacks. Sustainable Ambition is a manual for a more conscious and fulfilling life. It is essential reading for anyone at a career crossroads, recovering from burnout, or simply seeking a way to pursue their dreams with more joy, ease, and peace. It will leave you feeling not just inspired, but equipped to dream big, shape the life you truly want, and thrive.
September 16, 2025
I LOVED, LOVED this book. It combines frameworks, research, stories—and most importantly—an acknowledgment of the messy, imperfect thing called ambition.
This isn’t one of those books where the author claims to have it all figured out and then offers “three steps” to success or happiness. Instead, it feels like a compassionate, confident guide walking alongside you—helping you find your own answers, offering tools, motivation, and inspiration as you make sense of your journey.
The book encourages reflection, challenges beliefs we’ve been conditioned to hold, and supports you in discovering what ambition looks like across different areas of your life—not just your resume—depending on the season you’re in.
For anyone feeling jaded by narrow definitions of success or the oversimplified idea that ambition is just about climbing the ladder, this book offers a ton of hope, guidance, and practical tools.
Highly recommend both the book and Kathy’s podcast of the same name.
This isn’t one of those books where the author claims to have it all figured out and then offers “three steps” to success or happiness. Instead, it feels like a compassionate, confident guide walking alongside you—helping you find your own answers, offering tools, motivation, and inspiration as you make sense of your journey.
The book encourages reflection, challenges beliefs we’ve been conditioned to hold, and supports you in discovering what ambition looks like across different areas of your life—not just your resume—depending on the season you’re in.
For anyone feeling jaded by narrow definitions of success or the oversimplified idea that ambition is just about climbing the ladder, this book offers a ton of hope, guidance, and practical tools.
Highly recommend both the book and Kathy’s podcast of the same name.
June 22, 2025
Align the right ambitions at the right time with the right effort.
As a small business owner, this book really resonated with me. I wrestle with that concept on a daily basis: trying to balance what I want to achieve with the time, energy, and resources I actually have. Sustainable Ambition doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all answer (because success looks different for all of us), but it does provide a thoughtful framework for setting realistic expectations and pursuing meaningful goals without burning out.
It’s approachable, encouraging, and *bonus* it has a beautiful cover that would look great on any bookshelf.
Thank you to NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press, and Kathy Oneto for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
As a small business owner, this book really resonated with me. I wrestle with that concept on a daily basis: trying to balance what I want to achieve with the time, energy, and resources I actually have. Sustainable Ambition doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all answer (because success looks different for all of us), but it does provide a thoughtful framework for setting realistic expectations and pursuing meaningful goals without burning out.
It’s approachable, encouraging, and *bonus* it has a beautiful cover that would look great on any bookshelf.
Thank you to NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group | Greenleaf Book Group Press, and Kathy Oneto for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 12, 2025
This is the book every working professional needs to read. Society has conditioned us to think of ambition as the title, the money, the fancy car. Kathy Oneto dares to help us rethink ambition. The power to define our own metrics of success, the permission to make ambition our own and no one else's, and to do it in a way that doesn't burn us out. The other concept that Oneto has got me continuing to think about is "energy management." I'm still formulating my thoughts, and the value of viewing my life and work through the lens of energy management is hugely valuable for me.
June 18, 2025
I am an enthusiastic and voracious reader of books focused on managing one's energy and ambition, and this book was a standout! Clear, insightful, and filled with fresh perspective and a compelling approach. The author shares numerous examples and stories that are both Illustrative and inspiring, an abundance of research and resources, and original frameworks that helped me view my ambition from a new lens. A great read and well worth my time, the concepts will stay with me!
November 1, 2025
This is a great book for a young professional like myself, getting their feet wet in the corporate world. It really shows how to create a good life while working; and one that is unique to you and your goals. Not many people are talking about this, but Kathy is. Highly recommend for all career levels!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews