There are numerous stories where a successful person has attributed much of their success to their spouse or partner. We’ve often heard the saying “Behind every successful man there is a woman,” and vice versa.Research shows that the phrase is not just an empty one but there is a lot of truth to it – your success could depend on your spouse.
The study published at Carnegie Mellon University shows that if you have a supportive spouse there are greater chances of you succeeding in life. The study which involved 163 married couples had a rather interesting activity to find out if their theory held any water. As part of the study, partners were given a choice of either completing a simple puzzle or opting to compete for a prize. The partner’s interactions with each other were observed by researchers.
What the researchers noticed was that couples who were more supportive of each other were more likely to opt for the competition. Those who opted for the simpler puzzle weren’t very interactive or supportive of each other.
Researchers followed up with the same couples six months later and discovered that the ones who had opted for the challenge were more content in their relationships than the ones who had attempted the simpler activity.
Professor of Psychology at Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Science, Brooke Feeney says “
Many power couples have openly acknowledged the role that their spouses have played in helping them reach the heights that they have. Barrack Obama spoke about ‘his rock’ Michelle Obama on the Oprah Winfrey show in 2011 and how she kept him balanced.
“Obviously I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without Michelle.” Obama told Oprah and the world.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook too spoke about the positive influence his wife Priscilla has had on his life when he delivered the commencement speech at Harvard in 2017. He said that she was the inspiration behind the social work that he does.
In 2013, in an interview with Oprah, Beyonce too acknowledged her husband, rapper Jay-Z’s support “on so many levels.” She said that she wouldn’t be the woman that she is if he wasn’t in her life.
The study confirms what is a universal truth. If a partner or spouse lacks enthusiasm or is unhappy about the other’s growing success, the marriage will either end quickly or to save the marriage, the spouse will step back from opportunities on the work front and cut back on their chances of success. On the other hand, if the spouse encourages their partner to seek out new opportunities and is ready to give them the desired push when needed, success is bound to follow.
“Significant others can help you thrive through embracing life opportunities or they can hinder your ability to thrive.” author of the study, Feeney explains.
