We men like to think we are self-made. Many of us have had to fight our way to the top, and there is a certain amount of earned pride that comes with that achievement. Yet the truth is, we didn’t climb the mountain all alone. There are others who stood beside us and encouraged us along the way. Sometimes that lone cheerleader was a mother; other times, a wife or a girlfriend. But the truth is, if you have achieved anything in your life, more often than not, you have had someone behind you who believed in you and helped you reach for the stars.
Societal Changes
It has been said that behind every great man is a great woman. Though the origin of this saying is unknown, it can be traced back to the early 1900s. Life was different for men and women then. Roles were more clearly defined, with most women staying home to care for the house and children, providing support for their husbands. They ensured that their husbands had regular meals and clean clothes. They kept the home tidy, neat, and organized. They mended clothing when needed and did all the shopping. These are just a few of the many roles women played in a home around the turn of the 20th century.
Today, the role of women has changed, but the fact that they stand behind their men, enabling them to achieve their dreams, has remained the same. Although tasks centered around the home have been more equally distributed and many women now work to help provide for their families, they continue to be an important force behind the men they love.
How a Woman Primes Her Man for Success
Most women don’t even realize the importance of their role in a man’s life. They simply do what comes instinctively to them, out of a heart of love. But these quiet, natural gestures help the men in their lives in ways they could never fully understand.
Here is a list of some of the things women do to help their men achieve greatness:
They provide an alternative point of view.
Let’s face it—men see things one way, and women see them entirely differently. But when it comes to achieving career success, a different point of view can be incredibly helpful. Women often look at a situation and see ways things could be handled differently to achieve a better end result. These finesse points often make the difference between a product that is merely good and one that is exceptional.
They offer “reality checks.”
It’s all too easy for us to start believing that everything we say and do is right. But sometimes, we need an objective observer to point out where we are going wrong. The women in our lives may tell us we need to apologize to mend a relationship or suggest we take a different approach to accomplish our goals. These reality checks keep us grounded and prevent us from making larger mistakes that could hinder our progress. Though we never like being told we’re wrong or that we need to change, a woman’s perspective on the matter is often exactly what we need.
They do work behind the scenes.
Though they sometimes complain about it, women often do the behind-the-scenes work so that we can focus on other things. They are the driving force behind the clean laundry hanging in our closets and the meals placed before us. Their nurturing and practical help frees up our time to devote to the things that matter to us. While many men assist with household tasks, it is often the lady of the house who handles the day-to-day chores, allowing us to pursue our goals. It is their labor of love that lays the foundation for our successes.
They act as a sounding board.
Sometimes, you just need someone to talk to. Though women are natural-born talkers, they are also great listeners. Your stress levels will significantly decrease simply by sharing what is on your heart with the woman you love. You can even bounce ideas off her and get objective feedback. This allows you to test things out on a neutral audience before taking action.
They are the source of encouragement.
When you feel as though you’ve blown it and there’s no way to come back, you can turn to the woman in your life for encouragement. Women make excellent cheerleaders. Having the woman you love in your corner can lift the spirits of even the most discouraged man.
In times of disappointment, women are wonderful at pointing out how far you’ve come in your journey and how many successes you’ve already achieved. They are masters at finding the silver lining. You may come home feeling defeated, but after some time spent with the one you love, you’ll feel energized to try again.
They are a powerful motivator.
Men have been trying to impress women since the beginning of time, and the truth is, there is no more powerful motivator than the approval of the right woman. We want to be their knight in shining armor. We want to be admired and cherished. This desire compels us to work harder to reach the greatest personal heights in our careers, all for the reward of pleasing the women we love.
Yes, it is true that behind every great man is a great woman. Why not pick up some flowers to show your appreciation for the lady in your life today?
