As we come to the close of the 2009 year take some time to reflect back on all the good times, the challenges, and fun memories that have been made over the past few months.  Great business projects have been completed.  Kids are a year older and have learned many new skills.   We are a little wiser after the year we have gone through.

We all have wonderful people that are active in our families and lives.  It is essential both personally and professionally to have accountability partners to help encourage us to continue to succeed.  You probably have some of these people in your life already.  One of your personal accountability partners could be another Wife and Mom who is the same season of life as you or someone who has already gone through it and more experienced.  Maybe you need an accountability partner that encourages you to eat right, exercise, and get your rest.    Your business accountability partner can be someone who is starting or a seasoned business owner.  Pick people that are positive and encouraging to be around.  Here is a list of a few attributes to have in your accountability partners:

• Trust – you will be sharing both your successes and struggles so  you  need someone who you can trust.  Having an established relationship or common bond is beneficial.  An accountability partner that has been successful in the area that they are encouraging you in builds the trust as well.  (For example – if you are a Mom another Mom as a parental accountability partner would be better than having a teenager.  OR  Someone that has a successful business would be more beneficial to you if you are starting or have a business than someone who has never done it nor has the desire to own a business).

• Honest – it is important to have accountability partners that will be honest with you even if it is hard to hear what they have to say.  Having someone listen and give feedback is essential.  No one has the perfect solution for every problem but together you can come up with some amazing ideas that will help you get to the next stage in life and business.

• Creative – having someone who can offer creative solutions that will help you make the current situation or projects you are working on even better is crucial.  When two or more people brainstorm together ideas will come alive.  Life can throw some difficult situations your way so having the ability to creatively come up with ways to successfully move forward is vital.

• Available – you will need to meet on a regular basis with each of your accountability partners.  Whether it is once a week, month, or quarter make it part of the schedule.  You do not have to meet for hours each time but at least allow enough time to catch up and work through some specific details that are going on in your life.

It is good idea to have more than one personal and professional accountability partner.  Whether these people are family, friends, paid  professionals or coaches it is important that they reflect on the positive and have a good level of success in their personal and professional lives.  You will receive a great mix of wisdom from these people in your life.  You may be unofficially doing this with family and friends already, make it official and part of your routine.  Take time to sincerely thank the people who are your accountability partners because they have invested their time and energy in your life.

Be an accountability partner for others as well.  You will be blessed by helping family, friends, and business professionals.  It is a positively rewarding experience having the opportunity to listen, encourage and be a part of other peoples lives.   If you know someone you want to encourage then step up and volunteer to help them.  It is profoundly beneficial for all parties actively involved in an accountability partnership.

Think about the people you want to be your accountability partners and ask them to be a part of your life.   Get started by covering the important areas in your life (personally, physically, spiritually, and professionally).  You will quickly notice the blessing of having these people in your life.  Who are your  partners and what are their best attributes?