From Tradition to Ambition

What does it mean to carry the weight of tradition while forging your path? For me, it’s meant navigating the uncharted intersections of two cultures—balancing my Chinese heritage’s high expectations with the individuality American values encouraged. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s shaped my resilience, creativity, and drive in ways I never imagined.

Lessons from High Expectations

Growing up as a first-generation daughter of Chinese immigrants, high expectations weren’t just a guideline but a lifestyle. Academic achievement wasn’t optional; it was the bare minimum. Excelling wasn’t about standing out but meeting the standard set by generations before me. From a young age, I internalized that success wasn’t handed out—it was earned, often at a significant cost.

This mindset shaped my work ethic in profound ways. I learned the value of discipline and resilience and the importance of going above and beyond in everything I do. Whether it was staying late to perfect a school project or learning to problem-solve on the fly during a client presentation, I embraced the idea that effort always pays off.

My parent’s values align with research on East Asian cultures, where collectivism and a strong emphasis on academic and professional achievement are common (Hofstede Insights). These cultural norms, rooted in family honor, have deeply influenced my approach to work and success.

One moment that highlighted the weight of these expectations was when I landed my first job. It felt like a culmination of all the discipline and perseverance I had cultivated over the years. What helped me thrive during that time—and continues to help me today—is knowing that I have a strong support group around me. Being surrounded by people who believe in me and share my values makes the journey rewarding rather than overwhelming.

Over time, I’ve learned to balance the pressure of high expectations by being intentional with my time. I fill my time with relationships, projects, and activities that benefit and contribute to my growth. By focusing on self-improvement, I’ve found peace in a busy and enriching lifestyle.

ADHD, Type A Tendencies, and Always Being Busy

I’ve always thrived in structured chaos. Whether juggling multiple internships, coursework, or a job, I feel most at ease when my plate is full. This isn’t just a coincidence—my ADHD and Type A personality drive me to seek out challenges and opportunities to stay engaged constantly.

For me, being busy is a form of control. It’s about staying ahead of the curve, ensuring I’m not just keeping up but setting myself apart. My Type A tendencies make me meticulous and goal-oriented, and my ADHD brings creativity and energy to everything I do. They’ve made me a force of nature in fast-paced environments like working with clients or managing orders.

However, it hasn’t always been easy. Learning to manage my ADHD alongside my desire for perfection has been a journey. Studies show that ADHD can lead to challenges in time management, but techniques like time-blocking and detailed planning can make a significant difference (Cleveland Clinic). One of the most effective strategies I’ve developed is planning my days down to the minute. Time-blocking has become a staple in my routine, allowing me to allocate focus to each task and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Having a routine and staying organized has always been second nature to me. Starting young helped me develop these good habits, which have now translated into my work ethic. From mapping out deadlines to keeping detailed schedules, I’ve found that structure keeps me grounded and fuels my ability to stay productive and creative.

Finding Success in a Cut-Throat Environment

I was raised with the same high standards my parents experienced in China. In this culture, competition begins in childhood, and success often feels like a zero-sum game. Everyone strives for the top, and there’s little room for mistakes—or kindness. Though I wasn’t born in China, my parents instilled these values in me, teaching me from a young age that if you want something, you must relentlessly work for it.

This competitive mindset aligns with research on high-power distance cultures like China, where authority and hierarchy are emphasized, and individuals often face high societal expectations (Hofstede Insights).

This mentality shaped how I approach challenges today. I’ve learned to take responsibility for my success, to prepare meticulously, and to anticipate obstacles before they arise. For example, when working with clients or managing sales, I don’t just focus on what might go right—I actively analyze potential risks and create contingency plans. This mindset of accountability and preparation drives me to excel in high-pressure situations.

At the same time, growing up in the American school system and working in collaborative environments has helped me evolve. I’ve seen that while self-reliance is robust, collaboration is an equally important tool. In school and through my work experiences, I’ve learned that having people bounce ideas off and gather feedback is helpful and crucial for growth. Collaboration isn’t a threat—it’s an opportunity to strengthen ideas, foster creativity, and achieve more together than I could on my own.

This shift in perspective has shown me that success doesn’t always have to come at the expense of others. Instead, success can be amplified through shared effort and teamwork.

Navigating Power Distances

In Chinese culture, respect for authority is deeply ingrained. Teachers, parents, and employers are viewed as figures whose decisions should rarely be questioned. Spending many summers in China and attending summer school further reinforced these values. In those environments, I experienced the importance of hierarchy and deference to authority figures. Classroom discussions were less about challenging ideas and more about absorbing knowledge, and expectations for discipline and obedience were paramount. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons about diplomacy and humility, which have served me academically and professionally.

However, growing up in the U.S. introduced me to a drastically different dynamic. In many settings, authority figures expect input, feedback, and even pushback from those they lead. Learning to challenge ideas constructively and advocate for myself has been a significant cultural shift. It wasn’t easy initially; questioning authority felt uncomfortable, even risky. But over time, I’ve seen it as a way to contribute meaningfully and build mutual respect.

Erin Meyer’s The Culture Map illustrates how countries like China and the U.S. differ in communication and decision-making styles. China’s hierarchical culture often supports a top-down approach, where decisions are made by authority figures and then swiftly executed. In contrast, Western cultures like the U.S. encourage egalitarian dialogue and collaborative decision-making. Meyer also notes that while some cultures thrive in structured environments, others prioritize flexibility and adaptability—traits that reflect deeply rooted cultural values (Meyer, The Culture Map).

Now, I balance both perspectives. I value the respect and thoughtfulness I learned from my Chinese upbringing while embracing the open dialogue, and egalitarianism encouraged in Western culture. This blend has shaped my leadership style, allowing me to communicate effectively with diverse groups and adapt to varying expectations.

Understanding these cultural nuances has been invaluable in my academic and professional journey, especially as I develop international and cross-cultural business and marketing skills. Spending summers in China gave me a deeper appreciation for the nuances of hierarchical decision-making and adaptability. This understanding was further expanded when I studied abroad in Europe and observed how cultures vary in their approaches to communication and relationships. Having these experiences also benefit my role as a teaching assistant in a cross-cultural business class. I'm helping students recognize and navigate the complexities of working across cultures by applying tools like cultural mapping and Erin Meyer’s framework. These insights allow me to bridge the gap between respect for authority and the openness that fosters innovation, ensuring that I—and those I work with—thrive in a global environment.

Final Reflections 

I am a first-generation individual inspired by my family’s sacrifices as I carve out my path forward. Every expectation, challenge, and cultural nuance has shaped who I am today: a driven, adaptable, and resilient individual. Navigating the intersections of two cultures is not always easy, but it’s a privilege to take the best of both worlds and apply them to my life and work.

Growing up, I noticed many differences between my lifestyle and that of my white friends. At times, I felt embarrassed or hesitant to share parts of my Chinese heritage or traditions, fearing they made me stand out in a way I didn’t want. Over time, however, I’ve realized the strength and uniqueness that comes from embracing who I am. My cultural stories and experiences don’t detract from me; they add to me, enriching my perspective and shaping the person I am today.

To anyone navigating the balance between expectations and aspirations, remember that it’s possible to honor where you’ve come from while forging your own path forward. Embrace your heritage proudly—it’s your foundation and your strength.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

Your story is your strength. Whether navigating cultural expectations, chasing ambitious goals, or learning to balance different parts of your identity, remember that every experience adds to who you are. I'd love to hear your thoughts on how your background has shaped your journey. Share your story in the comments or connect with me directly. Let’s keep the convo going!

Quote of the month:

Stay curious, keep creating, and stay true,

- Jovie