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
10 POWERFUL Reasons Why You're Crazy NOT To Start A... Home Based Business In 2006
Home Based Business's are spreading across North America and have become widely recognized as one of the most desirable business's to start for several reasons.
Just think for a minute what it would be like to work from home and never have to worry about waiting in grid lock traffic or to answer to your boss's demands.
Wouldn't that be great?
In todays fast paced world a little extra income doesn't hurt in order for the average guy or gal to get ahead in life so they can enjoy the little extra's life has to offer that there current job doesn't allow them to do.
I know from experience because that's what made me take the neccessary action steps required in order for me to enjoy the quality of life I wanted to live and provide for my family.
But, the problem that usually occurs is people need to be motivated by something or inspired in order to take action.
Well, the purpose of this article is to do exactly that, inspire you.
I'm going to cover with you the 10 main reasons why You should consider starting your known 'Home Based Business' and the benefits behind each of them.
I guarantee once you read through them you'll agree that a 'Home Based Business' might be worth considering.
With that said, let's go to reason #1.
Reason #1. Be your own Boss.
Ever dream of being your own Boss?
Well starting a 'Home Based Business' is a step in the right direction and the best part is, you'll never have to answer to anyone else's orders, just your own.
Reason #2. Work when you want to.
This is probably one of the best reasons in my book for starting a 'Home Based Business' simply because you get to set your own schedule for what hours You want to work.
This is especially beneficial for stay at home moms who have children to tend to and need some flexibility in there work schedules.
Reason #3. Freedom to do what you want when you want.
How's that for a reason to get started. By being your own boss and being able to schedule your own work hours you NOW have the freedom to do what you want when you want to with whom you want at anytime.
It's a great feeling to be in control of your own life and do what you want when you want.
Reason #4. No more worrying about job security.
By having you own 'Home Based Business' you never have to worry about receiving a pink slip from your boss or a "SORRY", but the company has to cut back on its employee's and You happen to be one of the one's who has to go.
Reason #5. It doesn't interfere with your current "J.O.B.".
That's right, you don't have to quit your current J.O.B. in order to get started. You can start on a part-time basis until your able to replace your current income with the income you generate from your business.
Remember, you get to set your own hours for when you want to work your business.
Reason #6. It will make you a more confident person.
By setting out and starting your own business it'll make you a more confident person because it takes alot of confidence to start something you have no idea what the outcome might be and the risks involved, whether there financial or personal.
Reason #7. It builds a sense of pride.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to tell your friends and family or just somebody you meet that you're an entrepreneur and you run and operate your own successful 'Home Based Business'.
Pride also works as a motivator because the more successful you get the harder you'll want to work in order to achieve the goals you have set for your business.
Reason #8. It's all for the MONEY.
MONEY is a pretty obvious reason for starting a 'Home Based Business' because Why would you otherwise start a business if you weren't planning on making any MONEY.
It also builds a sense of security for your way of life and the things you enjoy doing because the facts are... nothing for FREE. Everything has a price.
Reason #9. You get great Tax benefits.
You heard right, you get Tax benefits with running your own 'Home Based Business' because now you're entitled to home business tax deductions.
This is a category in it's own and getting a good CPA who has experience with home based business tax returns will be essential in order for you to maximize your return for the year.
Reason #10. Wouldn't it be great to retire early.
If your business turns out to be a SUCCESS and you invest and put your money to work for you, wouldn't it be great to retire early and do the things you've always dreamed of doing, but never had the time or money to do so.
There you have it, "10 POWERFUL Reasons Why You're Crazy NOT To Start A... Home Based Business In 2005".
Now, if those 10 reasons don't get you excited about starting a 'Home Based Business' then I have failed to inspire you.
If you need to read through them again, do so now.
These are the very reasons I contiplated before starting my home based business and in my mind are the most common.
Write down for yourself why You would want to start a 'Home Based Business', I bet you'll come up with several of the reasons I've listed above.
With that said, there's one more thing I want to mention and that is if you are seriously thinking about starting a 'Home Based Business', whether it be online or offline, make sure you put together a 'Step-By-Step' business plan on the actions you must take and make sure you start a business you enjoy doing.