This article, written by MONO's executive creative director Katie Riddle, originally appeared on Campaign U.S.

What's the difference between a resolution, a goal and an ambition? On the surface, they're all intended outcomes one wishes to achieve. But as a copywriter by trade, I think these words have vastly different meanings — especially when used by women.

Resolutions and goals are approachable, safe and non-threatening. While ambition, by definition, is the desire for honor or power. Sit with that for a moment. It’s different, right? (*Nods head in agreement*).

So, as you look to the year ahead, I want to share my three favorite ways to practice being more ambitious. If nothing else, I hope to encourage you to think about the words you use when laying out your plans, because these words help set your true intentions.

Be Vocal Early

When I interview any new candidate, I always ask them to tell me about their ambitions. Why? I want to be surrounded by people who are hungry for more. Bonus, those types of people also tend to be creative and hard-working. Yet, I’m often struck by how taken aback many are by the question.

Here’s my theory. Most of us, especially women, have grown up thinking we have to keep our ambitions to ourselves, so we don’t come across as too pushy or ungrateful for what we already have. It feels uncomfortable to tell a prospective boss (i.e., the person with the power) what you want. I hear a lot of safe answers like, "I want to work on things I care about, things that can make an impact in the world." More and more people are drawn to purpose in their work (as am I), and we’re lucky to be in a field that offers opportunities to do so. But I want to hear more.

I love hearing things like, “I want to make a lot of money” and “I want to do work that makes other people jealous they didn’t think of it first.” After all, we work for money and don’t have to be ashamed of it. Yay, capitalism! As for jealousy, a competitive spirit helps fuel creativity when used in a healthy way. And I want to cultivate a culture at MONO where a rising tide raises all careers.

I also secretly love it when people tell me they are gunning for my job. It makes perfect sense; ambitious people see themselves in leadership roles down the line. Plus, it keeps me on my toes.

Be vocal often

At all stages of your career, it’s important to let those in leadership know what you want. They might just give it to you or tell you exactly what you need to get it.

Mini story: earlier in my career at another agency, my partner was promoted and I was not. We had been doing the same job for the same number of years, and I thought we had both been doing it well.

Instead of sulking or starting to look for another job, I spoke with my manager and said, “I want that job too. Can you please explain why they got it and I didn’t, and what I have to change to get the same promotion?”

They couldn’t provide an explanation for treating the two of us differently, and I was given the promotion. This would never have happened if I hadn’t stated my ambitions and asked how to achieve them.

Be excited

Sure, stating your ambitions out loud leaves you in a vulnerable position. It’s natural to prepare for this by imagining an adverse reaction. To steel yourself for rejection by playing out the scenario in which someone says “no,” or suggests you’re not good enough.

It’s better instead to prepare by thinking about what would happen if you get a positive reaction. This forces you to think about the possibilities over fears. It gets you excited, not scared. And hey, if they say yes, now you’re off to the races and ready to prove they made the right call. By the way, fuck imposter syndrome; you earned this.

So, there you have it, folks. Whether you set a New Year’s resolution or don’t come up with any new goals until Passover, I hope 2023 becomes the year that you get comfortable stating your ambitions loudly and proudly — and watching them become a reality.

Good luck, and give 'em hell.