I found the YGK lunch on “Defining success” very interesting. The question we we’re asked was how do we as YGL’s define success?

I think there’s no easy answer to this. Success in politics isn’t as easy to measure as success in business. And you shouldn’t be too successful, otherwise you get too much envy and things won’t get done. Politics is a team sport, No one can achieve great results alone.

As a politician, I would like to be measured not so much what I have achieved but what I have genuinely tried to achieve. The aims are much more important than the real results. Of course, everyone wants to deliver results, but that’s sometimes not dependent on your work or success, but pure luck.

I think it was great to notice that even many men among YGL’s respect their role as a parent. Parenthood gives you new insight on what really is success. Children are really your best educators. They are keeping your feet in the ground and remembering us what really is important in human life.

Personally I would regard myself successful if I am able to raise two balanced adults from my 2 year old and 4 month old. Hopefully, that day will come, when I can witness this.

Former prime minister of Israel Mrs. Golda Meir once said: “If you are going to be honest with yourself, honest to your close ones, respect your neigbours and do things which are not only good for you but good for others, if you are going to give your best and work hard, it really doesn’t matter what business you are in. Maybe this is only a matter of luck and coincidence.” (free translation by me)

I think she got it right.

Anyway, it was an interesting topis and an interesting debate.

Piia-Noora Kauppi

MEP, Finland

Piia-Noora Kauppi is a Young Global Leader