Seven Things We Can Learn From Meryl Streep’s Nearly 50-Year Marriage (2 of 4)

Work hard for your success

Having talent can help you catch that big break, but if you want to maintain success, you have to keep working at it. You should never become complacent. Streep’s career perfectly exemplifies this principle. She didn’t become a star overnight. Long before she began winning awards, she was studying drama and took minor roles in plays, gradually building up her reputation. And even after she became one of the most respected actresses in the movie industry, she didn’t stop finding ways to challenge herself. These lessons apply outside of Hollywood as well. Whether you’re looking to climb the ladder in your profession or want to become really good at a hobby, you never take the foot off the pedal.

Put family first

Without question, the most enduring aspect about Streep’s relationship with Gummer is how family has always been her top priority. During her acceptance speech when she won the Oscar for Best Actress for The Iron Lady in 2012, she made sure to give her husband a shoutout. “Everything I value most in my life, you give me, Don,” she said.

While professional achievements hold significance, a fulfilling personal life ultimately outweighs the importance of accolades. Streep has stated that her marriage succeeds because she and her partner are able to compromise. Sometimes you have to adjust and learn to pick your battles rather than argue every single time you disagree.