This describes the inner motivation and drive to achieve excellence. This drive to be recognised as successful keeps achievers on track as they work hard to achieve their goals. They have high aspiration levels and a strong sense of direction in life. Individuals who score high on this scale strive hard to achieve excellence. Their drive to be recognized as successful keeps them on track toward their lofty goals. They often have a strong sense of direction in life, but extremely high scores may be too single-minded and obsessed with their work. Low scorers are content to get by with a minimal amount of work, and might be seen by others as lazy.

Source: NEO-PI-R Manual