Do we measure success by money, material possessions, integrity, allegiance, confidence, honesty, popularity, compassion, personal achievement, or happiness?
A question that we all possibly have different ideas, observations, and thoughts on.
Measuring a woman’s success is often measured against a man doing a similar task, job, sport and if the woman meets an expectation and acceptance within this comparison then she can be deemed as successful.
What if we take paid work out of the equation and measure someone’s success in their life away from work, money, and promotion. What are we measuring?
Are we measuring a person’s ability to be organised, be a good parent, a role model, an excellent volunteer, good at DIY, maintain a home, produce delicious meals, be contented, a good partner, friend, punctual, loyal and trustworthy; is that success?
I often think men feel their success is measured by their perceived wealth and work promotions. Indeed a group of men can often be seen strutting about like peacocks presenting their wealth in visual terms. A watch, a car, a new home, a position in the workplace. Does this really reflect success?
I was once astounded at the number of new cars in a school car park and felt somewhat ashamed of my nine-year-old Honda. It never occurred to me that the cars were all purchased on HP or leased and that few if anyone actually owned their cars outright! Years later as we hit a recession the cars vanished, but my old faithful was still going strong. At the time I felt almost overwhelmed with the vision of what appeared to be wealth and success but later realised it was all show.
Success is indeed many things.
What is important is that men and women are measured in the same way; in their workplace and within the home.
In both areas, there is room for brilliance, achievement, and recognition, and of course failure.
Being a parent or indeed working parent doesn’t make you better, more able, or have the right to martyr points. And indeed being a working man or woman (without children) doesn’t automatically make you more able to achieve and less likely to fail.
Being a good person in all areas of life makes you successful.
Angela Leadsom and Theresa May are proving this is an interesting battle of our times, and they left Michael Gove watching as a bystander despite his wife wishing him success at the cost of his integrity and honesty.