There aren't any strict rules about how to "teach ambition or about the outside factors that influence it However, many high achievers do share some things in common. Most psychologists agree that it helps to have parents who encourage us to try new challenges, and who praise our successes and accept our failures Jane West of the popular parenting website, best4kidz.net, says these types of home environments produce kids with much higher confidence levels, who learn how to set goals work hard for them, and keep trying until they achieve them