The 2012 Olympics have come to a close, and there are so many wonderful memories from these past two weeks. This year, I have watched with a different perspective, seeing so many parallels in the lives of the athletes and what I have been “preaching” for the past two years.
One of the best moments was when the camera caught Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas on the mat during the Team Competition in Women’s Gymnastics. Even the commentator noticed what Aly was telling Gabby as they were most likely battling nerves right before the floor exercises. Aly looked right into Gabby’s eyes and said “You can do this, you can do this.” Gabby nodded her head and said “Yes.” That was such a powerful picture of two friends who support one another in the most critical times, two friends who are there in overwhelming situations to calm the nerves and encourage. Aly and Gabby are perfect examples of the accountability partners we need in life to make us more successful.
Do you have an accountability partner? Do you have someone who will look you in the eyes and say with love and conviction “You can do this” when you are wavering or nervous about taking a big step in life?
It is so important to have at least one person who will act as your trusted advisor, encourager, and taskmaster, holding you to your schedule when you are trying to reach a goal. When you need a little push, or when you are procrastinating, an accountability partner can get you back on track and on your way to being successful.
When you are trying to do too much for everyone else, forgetting to put yourself at the top of your own to-do list, this “personal advisor” can lovingly bring you back to focusing on taking better care of yourself. When you have ideas swirling around in your head and don’t know which one to pursue, she can help you sort them out and make the best decision. When you fall down, she is there to pick you up.
One of the best parts about having this person in your life is getting to celebrate your accomplishments with her. After the advising, motivating and pushing are over, your accountability partner is there to share the excitement with you, no matter how big or small your success might be.
Do you have this kind of relationship with at least one person in your life? If not, then I encourage you to ask someone to be more than just a friend, adding “accountability partner” to her role in your journey through midlife.
Ask her to make sure you are not stuck in neutral, to keep you moving forward with motivation and gentle corrections, and to be there with you to celebrate along the way. Find someone who will look you straight in the eyes and say “You can do this” when you are afraid to take the next big step, and give you a giant hug when you have made it to your final destination.
To comment, click here.Susan Tolles is the founder of www.flourishover50.com.
