People who lack a drive to better themselves rarely succeed.
Tips
usage
Almost always paired with 有 (yǒu, to have) or 没有 (méi yǒu, to lack): 有上进心 = 'has drive', 没有上进心 = 'lacks drive'. Crucially, this is positive ambition — the wish to improve, work hard, climb the ladder — without the slightly cutthroat connotations of English 'ambitious'. Calling someone 有上进心 is a clear compliment.
memory
Literally 'upward-progress-heart' — 上 (up) + 进 (advance) + 心 (heart). The heart that wants to go up and forward. Compare with 进取心 (jìnqǔxīn, the heart that strives to grasp), which is a near synonym.
