Simply put, 2016 was savage. It was savage for friends, finances, and family. That was the surrounding thought of many as we faced battles throughout the year. Looking now at the end of 2016, I realize I had some great friends to pack my parachute. The question, "Who's packing your parachute?" comes from the old Vietnam survivor story of Captain Plumb who parachuted into enemy lands and spent six years as a prisoner of war. He was there for numerous of reasons but most importantly because someone packed his parachute, aiding in his survival from the plane crash.

So, who is supporting you in tough times? Who packed your parachute? Did they pack it correctly? These are all the key questions you need to ask to find the right accountability partners for 2017. Here are some helpful tips I learned.

Friend or Foe

Let's start this list off by first identifying if your parachute partner is honestly a "friend" or "foe". In 2017, I want you to vet those close friends around you to see their true intentions. It will take time, it will be a process, but it's worth it. I've identified so many "foes" over the months that it's easier to see who's here for my good. I often tell my mentees, colleagues, and friends that your environment is the most important thing you have in your life. Keep your environment peaceful and you will prosper.

Novice or Expert

In understanding your previous environment and having the right parachute packer, you might want to make sure they are experts in their craft or your troubles. It's wise to vent to those with experience and not to vent just because you want to get something off your mind. Seek counsel from expert parachute packers and surround yourself with individuals who are ahead of you in life so they can give you the proper information needed to survive those rough turns ahead. You should make sure these individuals are experts in your areas of inexperience and can fully prepare you if you must pull that parachute. That’s right, you don’t only have to have one person to pack your parachute, you can have multiple and you’ll need multiple for the vast number of storms that might happen in one year. There’s a problem for every person and a person to help solve every problem.

Jump

The final advice I must give is to be prepared to jump. Jump in confidence knowing that you sought out friendly experts who fed your environment daily. Jump knowing your parachute is packed correctly, jump knowing your support system is ready for anything. Jump knowing faith will guide your fall. This year towards the end I jumped, and I’m thankful for my three friends (Michael, Donald, and Brandon) first for being true friends. Secondly, for allowing me to be vulnerable and honest in my struggles, for being experts in my areas of struggle, and most importantly, packing my parachute. It was all of you that helped me survive 2016, it will be all of you that provide me with some necessary tools for a successful new year.