It's so tempting to take the easy road sometimes.
It's even easier to just put something off altogether and say, "next time". We procrastinate by saying, "I'll make twice as many tomorrow", or "I'll do it with twice the effort next time." And what happens? Tomorrow and next time come, and we put it off yet again.
Having an accountability partner on your success team plays a powerful role in helping you keep your eye on the "bigger" picture and your head in the game.
Going it alone may be considered admirable by some who feel the need to declare, "I did it all by myself!" as though it were the ultimate demonstration of strength of character, however, it is by no means the best or quickest way to make your dream come true.
Choosing to build your business or pursue any significant goal without an accountability partner will increase your chances of failure or may severely impede your progress.
It's human nature to back off when things get a little uncomfortable or challenging, and it's at these times more than ever, you need someone in your corner, edging you on and pushing you further.
A perfect example of the power of accountability was demonstrated this morning as I contemplated my workout appointment at the gym.
I have worked out off and on for years and as soon as I felt discomfort in my muscles, I would quit, thinking it just wasn't worth the pain. If the planets weren't in alignment, my morning toast was slightly burned, or it was one degree hotter or colder outside than I cared for, it was a good excuse for me not to exercise.
I won't beat around the bush when it comes to admitting I don't like exercise, but at the same time, there is absolutely no denying its importance in maintaining a high quality of life and optimum health.
When you're not physically healthy, your energy levels are compromised, your mind doesn't function at optimum efficiency, your moods may be altered and heavy, and an imbalance may be created that will affect all areas of your life and business.
When one area of your life suffers, they all do, and if an area requiring attention is a major challenge for you, this is where the need for accountability is paramount.
In my case of physical fitness, I knew I would never stick to a program or hold myself to a certain standard without a partner to hold me accountable, so I hired a personal trainer.
I explained to her that I hated exercise and if a magic "fitness" pill was invented, I'd be the first in line to buy it. I also asked her if she could do the workouts for me so I could increase muscle tone through osmosis. (I think it was at that point she realized she had her work cut out for her.)
Because of my trainer's courage in taking me on, and her belief in and dedication to my success, I will move heaven and earth to make her proud. Today I amazed not only her, but myself.
Over the past three weeks, we've received more than 100 cm of snow. Last night we received another major dumping that was formed into high drifts by powerful winds from the north. It was one of our coldest mornings this winter at almost minus 40 degrees with the wind chill.
Brrrrr!
This morning was the big test. There was no way my trainer could be disappointed in me if I didn't show. I had a foot of snow in my driveway, the winds were raging outside and it was the coldest morning of the year. My snowplow guy was swamped clearing driveways and I probably wouldn't see him for hours. I had an out!
Now, I easily could have crawled back into bed and put off exercising for a day, but it isn't so easy anymore. Someone else is now holding me accountable and isn't going to let me fall back into my comfort zone.
What did I do?
I put on my snowmobile suit, warm knit hat, skidoo mitts and ski goggles, and got shoveling! It took almost an hour and thankfully my dearly beloved came home from night shift and helped me finish, but I cleared a path so I wouldn't miss that workout!
The funny thing is I didn't feel harried or frustrated by the event. I only proved what is a well-known truth. We can accomplish anything if it means enough to us, but even more so if we have an accountability partner in the process.
As you set your goals and plan your ideal future, make a point of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and who will hold you accountable for your actions.
It's so easy to fall back into what is undemanding and comfortable that failure to move forward is always a looming threat.
As you plan to create success in your life whether it be building a successful business, improving your financial situation, optimizing health, etc., make sure you have a coach or someone on your success team to hold you accountable and keep you in action.
The power of accountability is incredible. Add this ingredient to your success plan and you will amaze yourself by revealing how capable you really are!
© 2006 – Laurie Hayes, The HBB Source
Accountability and Its Powerful Role In Creating Home-Based Business Success
Business Accountability At Home
"We are accountable for our decisions in our personal life so why shouldn't we be just as accountable in our work life." - Catherine Pulsifer
One of the greatest killers of successful ecommerce is a lack of accountability. When these individuals worked for someone else they were held accountable and were kept ‘on task’. As a home-based business owner it can be very difficult to stay the course. Beyond the discovery of your priorities it might make sense to identify an accountability partner to help you reach your goals.
The ideal candidate for the position could be a business associate that’s a little further down the trail of business experience. It could also be a friend or family member. The wrong kind of individual would be one that will allow you to get away with bad business habits.
“My belief is that personal freedom cannot grow beyond personal responsibility. The more people that learn to be fully accountable for their lives, the more freedom each of us can enjoy and the more fulfilling all of our lives will be." - Reed Konsler
Many will go into a home-based business with the idea that it will free up time for things that are of personal interest. Indeed, this is the objective of a home-based business, but there is a very fine line between freedom and business neglect.
An accountability partner can help you break away from poor work habits and move toward the ultimate fulfillment of your dream.
"He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else." - Benjamin Franklin
A home-based business will never correct poor work habits. If you are leaving a job to become an entrepreneur you need to honestly assess your ability to stay on task without the intervention of a supervisor. If you can’t, you need to either enlist the aid of an accountability partner to help you or reconsider whether a home-based business is something you can adequately undertake.
"I don't wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work." - Pearl S. Buck
Your clients will expect a high level of service and you will either need to provide that level of service or be prepared for an exodus of existing customers and a reputation for less than ideal business principles.
It’s understandable that so many wish to follow their dream of business ownership, which is why the notion of an accountability partner is so important to establishing the dream.