A special thanks to all the servicemen and women who have given their lives and time to continuously protect the freedoms so many of us enjoy on a daily basis.

Call it divine intervention, a coincidence, or whatever your term, but the inspiration for this article actually came to me as I was thinking about the significance of Memorial Day. Now I've never served in any of the armed forces, but one thing I know about it is that a core component when soldiers are out on the battlefield is their ability to function as a unit, and to be accountable to one another.

What does this have to do with your business?

Keep reading and I'll tie it all in for you.

If you've been connected with me on Facebook, you know that I've been on a mission to get healthy and shed some weight. Like many others I've tried this more than a few times and failed, always turning back to the same old thing which equaled me getting the same old results: going to an event, seeing myself in pictures, not liking what I see, then promising to do better.

It's a viscous cycle.

This morning however it was like something clicked.

See some of my business partners and I are headed to Jamaica this summer for a little fun in the sun. Sure, there will be a little masterminding going on (very little), but for the most part it will be 7 days of relaxation as a treat for all the hard work we've put in over the years.

In preparation, all of us who are going have started a Fitness Challenge Accountability group where we check in daily and state different things, from what workout we did (or didn't do), to what we ate, calories burned and the like.

With this being the holiday weekend I thought I would slack off and start over again… that was my first mind (my old mindset). I figured with all the BBQs, and food, and parks, and all the activities going on I wouldn't have time to squeeze in a workout. There would be no time to do what needed to be done, and assumed that most people in the group would understand because they'd be doing the same thing.

I was wrong.

Check out this image of a conversation I had in the group.

Something important I want you to note.

The first post I made was full of excuses – reasons why my working out wasn't going to work out. Almost immediately, Tyler came in and refuted each one. He saw right through it and called out my action – or lack there of as being unacceptable.

Naturally, my ego kicked in. It's human nature. Someone calls you out and you immediately feel it's a challenge and depending on the person you are will feel the need to defend yourself. So yesterday, while at the family function I made sure to get in as much cardio as I could. I took the kids for a walk, did every group dance I could, and made sure to get in as much activity as I could so that I would have something to post.

This morning, when the group began pouring in their workout check-ins, instead of sitting on my butt, I got up and got it in early knowing that we will have company later so there will be very little time.

Now for what you came here to learn.

I shared that moment of transparency with you because

A. its important you understand that we ALL have challenges.

Although I may not struggle as much when it comes to doing what needs to be done in my business, there are other areas in my life where I face challenges, and

B. We ALL need a  support system. One or more persons that can lift us up and keep us going when times get rough.

5 Reasons You Need An Accountability Partner

1. That Gentle Push

Just like with my fitness challenge, your accountability partner is that person who gives you the gentle push needed when times get rough. They help you through those moments when you want to quit and remind of the bigger purpose – your why.

2. Mastermind

There have been many time where I had a fabulous idea for how to increase my business but needed a second option. Being able to call my accountability partner for advice, or for a second pair of eyes has helped me on many occasions to see where adjustments in my plan may have been need or even at times where everything was just fine and I needed to take action as opposed to picking things apart.

3. An Understanding Ear

Assuming that you and your accountability partner will be in the same business or at best the same industry (recommended), the person you connect with will be the one that understands best the time and commitment need to make this thing work. Ideally, those times where you need to chat or vent (be careful not to getting into a complaining space) about business/life balance or anything for that matter, this person will be able to relate to you in a way that allows you to release those feelings, but then also grab you by the shoulders, turn you around and focus your attention back on the prize.

4. Someone to Celebrate With

I love my family and friends dearly, but when it comes to certain things in my business, although they may be proud of my accomplishments, they don't always understand the significance. When I made my first $3000 sale or hit $30,000 in total income earned; it was my accountability partner who I celebrated the hardest with because they understood from an insider perspective the sacrifices that had to be made in order for that to happen

5. Networking

Maybe you have additional business skills, such as graphic design, or coaching. Having an accountability partners is a great way to get referrals for your other aspirations. In addition, there have been many occasions where I have been able to split the cost of software and other business tools, or barter services that we can provide one another.

And while you shouldn't expect these things to occur, it's definitely a great benefit to have if the two of you agree to this being an aspect of the partnership.

In business and in life no man is an island unto himself. We all need someone that we can lean on during rough times, mastermind and bounce around ideas with, and those that we can celebrate with and travel to exotic places like my partners and I are doing in a few months.

Obviously, not everyone has access to a group like this. The great thing about ours is that it's open to all who are willing to actively participate and be contributing members of the community.

For more information on our community and how you can find a accountability partner to work with you in your business, click here.