Defining success? Ignoring the ‘researchers’ for a start...

Huge congrats to any women out there who earn more than £49,000 a year, have more than 500 Instagram followers and a happy sex life – you have nailed it in terms of success, according to the latest survey.

“Researchers”(that’s my idea of success right there, asking people random questions about stuff) asked 2,000 working women how they defined achievement and came up with 35 signs of success, including things like being a good mum and going on European mini breaks.

I feel Bridget Jones has a lot to answer for on this last point.

Money and happiness were way up the list, obvs, but the list got me thinking about how our definition of success changes over the years.

I distinctly remember having high hopes for my future success when I was very young.

It basically boiled down to:

Having a job that required me to wear clip-clop shoes every day;

Being able to watch The Sweeney whenever I wanted; Marrying David Cassidy. Some have been more achievable than others. In fact, The Sweeney one is probably the only one technically possible now, what with all the catch-up TV opportunities. But wouldn’t you know it? That particular measure of success no longer appeals.

The world moved on, as did my hopes and aspirations, and this list soon became: Paying more than £3 for a bottle of wine; Not having to kick stuff under the bed/sofa/sink whenever anyone came to visit;

Owning a car that didn’t have a hole under the foot mat in the passenger seat.

Pretty much ticked these. I’m feeling quite puffed up with my own success.

My main goal for a successful future now (apart from all the being happy, having good relationships and not getting it all wrong with The Teenager of course) concerns self-discipline.

I hope I will become grown-up enough to watch just one House of Cards, rather than staying up until ridiculous o’clock, binge-watching episodes.

I would also like to be that person who says “No thank you, I’ve had quite enough. I think I’ll go home and have an early night”. I’m slightly worried the David Cassidy one may have been more achievable.

My main goal for a successful future now concerns self-discipline