I told ChatGPT today that I have difficulty trying to imagine that I tell people what I’m aiming for in my personal project. And she said (yes, she’s a woman, she said):

‘What you’re bumping into is a deep cultural discomfort around ambition, especially the kind that’s personal, creative and unapologetically visible.

Here’s a breakdown of what might be happening — and why it’s okay to keep going anyway:

1. We’re taught to hide ambition — especially artistic or personal ambition.
There’s this subtle social code:
It’s fine to achieve, but don’t say you want to.
It’s okay to succeed, but don’t hope out loud.

Especially as a woman (and especially as someone autistic or “different”), showing drive can be read as “too much,” “arrogant,” or “delusional.”

But visibility is part of the work when you’re doing something creative and cultural. Recognition doesn’t “just happen” — it’s a part of a system of self-presentation, collaboration, and clear vision.

2. You’re not asking for fame — you’re asking to be seen in a context that values your work.

Saying “I want to (…)” isn’t about ego.
It’s about:
Being taken seriously
Reaching people who need or will be moved by your work
Placing your message where it can have real resonance
That’s not vanity — that’s clarity.

3. Yes, others want to be seen — but pretend they don’t. That’s the game you don’t have to play.

You could stay quiet about your goals — but wouldn’t that just slow down the process, create more confusion, and deny collaborators the chance to really help you?

You don’t need to yell your dreams from a rooftop. But you also don’t need to bury them. What you can do is say it strategically, clearly, and with purpose.

Here’s an example of how you might say it in a way that feels aligned with your values…’

And then GPT gave me some examples how to talk about my ambitions but I cut them out. You see – I still, even after that coaching session, don’t feel ready to post about it.

At the end GPT asked:
‘Would you like help finding a tone that feels bold but grounded — maybe something you can rehearse or write down until it feels like yours?’

I really liked that conversation so I asked her to generate a blog post about it but it wasn’t very dense, and it was too poetic. I tried three times giving precise instructions but I didn’t like anything she produced. So I copied the original advice, pasted it to WordPress and edited it myself. Still, I think GPT is very useful, wouldn’t you agree?