Month: July 2024

Today, I want to talk about social anxiety, a topic many of us deal with but don’t often discuss. According to the World Health Organization, social anxiety affects millions of people worldwide.

So let me start by asking – Have you ever felt nervous or uneasy in social situations at work? Imagine being at a company event, surrounded by colleagues and clients, and you feel your heart racing, your palms sweating, and your mind filled with worries about how others see you.

If you can relate, you’re not alone. Social anxiety is common and affects many people, including accountants. It’s something I’ve experienced too.

If you’re not sure if you have social anxiety, think about this: do you worry about how others perceive you during client meetings or networking events? For accountants, the pressure to perform and maintain professionalism can be overwhelming.

For example, the holidays bring many social events – company parties and client gatherings – that can increase anxiety. But social anxiety isn’t limited to any time of year; it can happen anytime, in person or online.

How about this: Do you often replay social interactions in your mind, wondering if you said or did the right thing? For accountants, this anxiety can be intensified by the high expectations and critical nature of our profession. The need for accuracy and precision can make any social misstep feel like a significant blunder, adding to the stress.

In today’s world, where virtual meetings are as common as in-person ones, social anxiety has found new ways to manifest. Speaking up in a Zoom meeting can be just as daunting as doing so in a conference room. Technology doesn’t always reduce the pressure; for some, it can even increase it.

When you Google social anxiety, you might find many suggestions for stress-relieving medications or therapies. While these can be helpful, it’s also important to understand the root causes of social anxiety.

The good news is that social anxiety is manageable. You don’t have to avoid social situations or rely solely on medication to cope. By understanding the causes of social anxiety and adopting practical strategies to manage it, you can navigate social interactions with more confidence and ease.

In today’s episode I want to dive into what causes social anxiety and how you can deal with it more effectively. I’m going to explore the specific challenges accountants face and provide practical tips to help you manage anxiety in various professional settings. 

Whether you’re attending a client meeting, a networking event, or a team gathering, you can learn to handle social anxiety in a way that empowers you rather than hinders you. Let’s look at what causes social anxiety for accountants.

Social Anxiety Triggers For Accountants

The truth is that social anxiety is more than just feeling a bit shy or nervous in social situations. It’s often a persistent and intense fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation. 

This fear can sometimes be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities, work, and relationships.  Personally, being a classic introvert, I’ve had my fair share of dealing with social anxiety in many situations. 

In my experience, it’s not just about feeling uneasy; it comes with physical and psychological symptoms, from my heart racing, to my palms sweating, or even feeling like I’m going to be sick. 

Psychologically, the intense worry about upcoming social situations, the overwhelming fear of embarrassment, and the strong urge to avoid these scenarios altogether can take a huge toll.

As an accountant, certain professional scenarios can be particularly nerve-wracking. Here are some common triggers:

Client Meetings: The pressure to present accurate and comprehensive financial data can be intense. You might worry about making mistakes or not meeting client expectations. It’s a lot to handle, especially if you’re already prone to anxiety.

Networking Events: These can be especially problematic. The need to make small talk, present yourself professionally, and leave a good impression on potential clients or partners can be a major source of stress. It feels like you’re constantly under a microscope.

Team Gatherings: Even within your own organization, social events or meetings can trigger anxiety. Speaking up in meetings or interacting with higher-ups can make your heart race.

Presentations: Public speaking is a common fear for many of us. It’s like all eyes are on you, waiting for a slip-up.

While social anxiety is uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, understanding these triggers is crucial because it’s the first step toward managing it. When you know what sets off your anxiety, you can start to develop strategies to cope with it.

Bottom line: by addressing these triggers head-on, you can take control of your anxiety instead of letting it control you.

The Causes of Social Anxiety

It might be uncomfortable, but understanding the causes of social anxiety can really help. Besides the typical triggers that I just shared, it’s important to understand that one of the main causes is how we think about and perceive social interactions. 

The truth is, if you’ve got social anxiety, you probably have a bunch of negative thoughts making social situations seem way scarier than they are.  For example, you might catch yourself thinking, “Everyone is going to notice if I make a mistake,” or “People will think I’m incompetent.” 

These thoughts can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. How? Well, when you expect to be judged or embarrassed, you might get so nervous that you actually stumble over your words, which then makes you think, “See, I knew I’d mess up!”

Another big factor is negative self-talk. This is that little voice in your head that keeps criticizing you and expecting the worst. 

Thoughts like “I’m going to mess up” or “They’ll think I’m boring” are common. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking ramps up anxiety and makes social interactions even tougher.

There’s also something called projection. This is when you assume that others are thinking the same critical thoughts about you that you have about yourself. 

For example, if you’re self-conscious about your appearance, you might believe others are judging you negatively too, even if they’re not.

Since my cancer diagnosis and losing my hair once I started chemo, I had to have my head shaved.  Even though I’ve been wearing bandanas and cute hats, my brain keeps believing that others are judging me negatively because I’m not fully comfortable with the effects of chemo myself.

But it’s not just about our thoughts. There are biological and psychological factors at play too. Here’s a quick rundown:

Biological Factors – Genetics can play a role. If social anxiety runs in your family, you might be more prone to experiencing it. Plus, brain chemistry and how neurotransmitters like serotonin function can affect anxiety levels.

Psychological Factors – Past experiences, such as bullying, rejection, or humiliation, can contribute to social anxiety. These experiences make you more sensitive to the possibility of the same thing happening in the future.

Evolutionary Perspective – From an evolutionary standpoint, being tuned into social cues and seeking social approval had survival advantages. In other words, being accepted by the tribe was important for our survival.  But in today’s world, this can show up as excessive worry about social acceptance and fear of rejection.

Understanding all this can help you see that social anxiety isn’t just about “being shy” or “lacking confidence.” It’s often a mix of how we think, our past experiences, and our biology.

So what’s the good news? By working on both the mental and emotional aspects of social anxiety, you can find ways to manage and reduce its impact on your life.  Next, let’s explore how your brain plays a part in social anxiety.

Your Brain’s Role in Social Anxiety

As I’ve shared numerous times, this is the place where brain science meets accounting.  That’s why I think it’s important to understand your brain’s role in social anxiety.

First off, your brain has a built in alarm system called the primitive brain or what I refer to as The Toddler.  It’s the part of your brain that gets activated when you feel threatened. 

When you’re about to speak in a meeting or meet new people, and you start feeling anxious, that’s your Toddler brain kicking into gear. It sends out alarms that make your heart race and palms sweat, preparing you to either fight or run away. 

For those of us with social anxiety, this alarm system is extra sensitive, even when there’s no real danger.

Thankfully, we also have the higher brain that I refer to as The Supervising Parent.  This part of the brain helps you think things through and decide if something is really a threat. It’s like the brain’s manager, keeping the alarm system, the Toddler, in check. 

But if you have social anxiety, your higher, Supervising Parent part of your brain might struggle to calm things down, making you feel more anxious than necessary.

It’s also important to know that your brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to send signals. Two key players here are serotonin and dopamine. 

Serotonin helps regulate your mood and anxiety levels. If you don’t have enough serotonin, you might feel more anxious. 

Dopamine is linked to how you feel pleasure and reward. If dopamine levels are off, it can affect how anxious you feel in social situations.

As I said before, from an evolutionary standpoint, our ancestors had to stay in groups to survive. Being part of a group meant protection and resources, so they were very attuned to social cues and approval. 

Fast forward to today, and this survival mechanism can make us overly worried about social acceptance and rejection. This is why you might feel anxious about being judged or not fitting in.

The truth is that when you have social anxiety, your brain often defaults to negative thoughts like “Everyone is judging me” or “I’ll mess up.” These thoughts become habits and reinforce your anxiety. Your brain gets used to these patterns, making it hard to think positively without conscious effort.

But, here’s the good news: your brain can change! This ability is called neuroplasticity. 

With practice, you can create new, healthier thought patterns. This is part of what I work on with my coaching clients in The Smarter Accountant Program – teaching them how to rewire their brain.   

By using The Supervising Parent part of the brain more intentionally, it retrains their brain to handle social situations with less anxiety.

The truth is that understanding how your brain works can help you see that social anxiety isn’t just about being shy or lacking confidence. It’s about how your brain processes and reacts to social situations. 

The best part is, you can train your brain to respond differently, reducing the impact of social anxiety on your life.  Now that we understand the brain’s role in social anxiety, let’s look at some strategies to manage it.

Strategies to Manage Social Anxiety

In order to handle social anxiety, the first strategy is to recognize the signs. These can include physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or trembling, and psychological symptoms like intense worry, fear of embarrassment, and a strong desire to avoid social situations. The more you understand these signs, the better prepared you’ll be to address them.

It’s also important to accept that social anxiety is a common experience. Many people feel the same way, even if it doesn’t always seem like it. 

I promise you, in a room of 10 accountants, there are at least two or more who have varying degrees of social anxiety.  The truth is that accepting that social anxiety is a part of your life can help you stop fighting it and start finding ways to manage it.

The second strategy is to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. When you catch yourself thinking, “They’re not going to like me,” or “They’re going to judge me,” question these thoughts. 

Are they really true? Often, you’ll find that these fears are exaggerated or unfounded.

Since losing my hair I’ve learned to use the concept of projection in a positive way.  For example, if I retrain my brain to think something like, “I’m beautiful whether I have hair or not” then I project that onto other people and assume they’re thinking the same thing about me.

It’s amazing what’s possible when you learn how to manage your brain! 

The third strategy is, instead of focusing on negative outcomes, try to reframe your thoughts to be more positive and realistic. For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll definitely embarrass myself,” try thinking, “I’ve prepared well, and I’ll do my best.” 

This shift in perspective can reduce anxiety and help you feel more confident.

Here are some practical techniques that might help:

Deep Breathing and Relaxation Exercises – simple techniques like deep breathing and relaxation exercises can do wonders for reducing anxiety. Practice taking slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system. You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and then relax different muscle groups in your body.

Mindfulness and Meditation Practices – mindfulness and meditation can also help you stay present and reduce anxiety. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, which can help you break free from negative thought patterns. Meditation can also help you relax and center yourself before social interactions.  Apps like Calm and Headspace are super helpful.

Gradual Exposure to Social Situations to Build Confidence – gradually exposing yourself to social situations can help build confidence over time. Start with smaller, less intimidating situations and work your way up to more challenging ones. This gradual exposure can help you become more comfortable in social settings.

I’ve recently decided to seek out speaking opportunities in order to gradually expose myself to social situations and build confidence.  The more I can desensitize myself, the easier it will be to be able to feel a little more comfortable.

Also, one of the most helpful things for me is preparing for social interactions in advance.  The truth is that preparation can make a big difference in how you feel about social interactions. 

If you’re nervous about a meeting or event, take some time to prepare. Think about what you want to say and how you want to present yourself. The more prepared you feel, the less anxious you’ll be.

Another suggestion is to set small, achievable goals for yourself in social situations. Instead of aiming to be the life of the party, set a goal to have one meaningful conversation or to introduce yourself to someone new. 

In fact, I heard someone share once that they make a game out of having a certain number of meaningful conversations during a social setting and once they’ve hit their mark, they give themselves permission to leave if they want.  I love this idea because it helps you to achieve small goals and can build your confidence over time.

For me, it’s often setting a goal to stay for a specific amount of time, but to always have my own car so that I don’t feel trapped.  Knowing there’s an end point in mind makes it easier for me to relax in social situations.

I once heard author Glennon Doyle share that if she’s invited to a party and there’s no start and end time, she’s less likely to say yes.  Again, the thought of no end in sight can just be too overwhelming when you deal with social anxiety.

Another suggestion is having a good support system. Be willing to talk to mentors, colleagues, or friends who understand what you’re going through. 

There’s no reason to be ashamed.  Reaching out to others can provide support, advice, and encouragement, helping you feel less alone and more capable of managing social anxiety.

Hopefully you can see that by incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can start to manage social anxiety more effectively and feel more confident in social situations. Remember, it’s a journey, and it’s okay to take small steps along the way.

With these strategies in mind, let’s move on to becoming a smarter accountant by effectively handling social anxiety.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Handling Social Anxiety

Now let me share how one of my coaching clients was able to become a Smarter Accountant and handle social anxiety.

She was an experienced accountant with over a decade in the field, but found herself struggling with social anxiety, especially in professional settings. Despite her technical expertise, she dreaded client meetings and presentations. 

The thought of speaking in front of a group made her heart race and palms sweat. She often found herself avoiding networking events and team gatherings, which affected her career growth and professional relationships. 

She felt isolated and frustrated, knowing her anxiety was holding her back.

Once we started working together, she decided to tackle her social anxiety head-on. Through our sessions, we focused on several key areas like awareness, mindset, and practical techniques.

First, she learned to recognize her anxiety triggers and accept that social anxiety is a common experience. This helped her feel less alone and more in control.

Next, we worked on challenging her negative thoughts and reframing them into positive, realistic ones. For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll embarrass myself,” she practiced thinking, “I’m prepared, and I can handle this.”

Next, she started practicing deep breathing exercises and mindfulness to calm her nerves before meetings. She also used gradual exposure techniques to build her confidence in social situations.

Lastly, we developed a strategy for her to prepare thoroughly for client meetings and set small, achievable goals for networking events.

Over time, her confidence grew. She started participating more actively in team meetings, attended networking events, and even led a successful client presentation. 

As her confidence grew, she not only improved her professional relationships but also opened up new career opportunities. She shared that she now feels empowered and ready to take on social challenges with a positive mindset.

Bottom line: Handling social anxiety is more manageable than you might think when you’re willing to ask for help.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Social anxiety is something many of us deal with.  Understanding that not only is it common, but that it’s rooted in our thoughts, biology, and past experiences can be really empowering. 

Ask yourself, “What specific thoughts or situations trigger my social anxiety, and how can I reframe my thinking to manage it more effectively?”

Hopefully you can see that while everyone’s experience with social anxiety is unique, the first step to managing it is becoming aware of it and accepting it. Recognize that you have the power to change how you think and react. 

Embrace this insight, and let it guide you to find your own ways to handle social situations with more confidence. Your journey is personal, but you’re not alone in it.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed how to handle social anxiety.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

As I share all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you are struggling with any aspect of being an accountant, you can simply go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar and book a free session with me.

And make sure you download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide.  This one-of-a-kind guide will help you not just passively listen to the podcast, but actually do something with what i teach in each episode.  To download the podcast guide, simply to go https://thesmarteraccountant.com/podcast-guide/

Make sure you go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com and take The Smarter Accountant Quiz. You’re going to want to know if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain so that you have a starting point for becoming a Smarter Accountant..

Also, I would appreciate it if you could get the word out to other accountants about this podcast.  The more accountants find out about it, the more we can begin to change the narrative in the accounting profession.

The truth is that you’re already smart, but this podcast will show you how to be smarter.

Today is all about dealing with the place where we spend one-third of our time and what to do when it’s a toxic work environment.  I believe this is important because too many of us dread not only Monday mornings, but Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

These days, complaints about toxic workplaces are on the rise. In fact, recent studies highlight the significant issue of toxic work environments, especially among accountants. 

One survey found that one in three employees have left their job due to negative work culture and ineffective management. Additionally, 82% of workers who entered management roles had no formal management training, exacerbating the issue of poor leadership and toxic environments

In the accounting profession specifically, a study revealed that 50% of surveyed accountants reported issues such as poor communication, cliquey colleagues, and bullying as major problems in their workplaces​. Another survey indicated that 22% of employees across various sectors, including accounting, experience harm to their mental health due to workplace toxicity​. 

It’s interesting to note that, fifty years ago, ‘toxic’ often meant actual hazardous chemicals. Now, it covers a spectrum of issues—bad management, office gossip, harassment, and poor work-life balance.

Dealing with toxic work environments isn’t just about making the office a nicer place. It’s about protecting our mental and emotional health. Being stuck in a toxic workplace feels like carrying a heavy burden that drags down both our work and personal lives.

The good news is that as more people are willing to step up and call out unacceptable behavior, many more people and companies are being held accountable and setting an example of what not to do. Where a decade ago everyone tolerated bad bosses and bad work environments, we now need to pay attention when ethical lines are crossed, and speak up, address the issue, or leave if necessary.

But what about the less extreme issues like a demanding boss, office gossip, unmotivated coworkers, or lack of work-life balance? How do you handle these kinds of toxic environments?

In a large company, you might go to HR or consider finding a new job. But what if there’s no HR, or you can’t or don’t want to leave?

If you’ve been in a toxic work environment, you know it creates unrest, constant stress, and low morale. It’s like a fog of frustration, distraction, and overwhelm.

If ignored, these issues seep into your home life, dominate conversations with loved ones, disrupt your sleep, and lead to burnout.

The upside is that even when HR isn’t helpful or quitting isn’t an option, there are ways to manage a toxic work environment. You don’t have to feel hopeless or suffer through the daily grind anymore.

In this episode, we’ll explore why toxic work environments happen, how they affect us, and most importantly, what we can do about them.

Why You Might Be Dreading Your Job

It’s normal for job satisfaction to fluctuate, especially in a demanding field like accounting. Sometimes, you feel proud of your work, and other times, you question your career choices.

This ebb and flow is part of any profession, but accounting can make those lows particularly tough. Just like you, I’ve met very few people who love their job all the time and are okay with every aspect of it.

Here are some common complaints among accountants:

Demanding Deadlines: Constant pressure to meet quarterly reports and tax filing deadlines can be overwhelming.

Work Overload: Handling multiple clients or projects can lead to burnout, especially when work isn’t fairly allocated.

Lack of Recognition: Doing your best without acknowledgment can be disheartening. We don’t need a gold star on everything, but lack of recognition can wear you down.

Office Politics: One of the biggest complaints. Navigating gossip and favoritism can be exhausting.

Poor Management: Ever heard the quote, “People don’t leave jobs; they leave managers”? Dealing with demanding, uncommunicative, or micromanaging bosses can drain your motivation.

Work-Life Imbalance: Long hours and the expectation to be available around the clock can make it hard to maintain a healthy balance.

These issues can crush morale and take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical problems.

But here’s the thing: Often, the reason you dread your job has more to do with your mindset and how you perceive the demands, the people, and the environment than the actual job itself.

This might not sound like good news, but it actually is. Recognizing that you have the power to change your perspective can help reduce anxiety, frustration, and overwhelm.

This doesn’t mean you should tolerate unacceptable behavior or stay in a situation where you feel mistreated. If you feel unsafe or unfairly treated, speak up, set firm boundaries, or consider leaving.

For those dealing with moderate toxicity—like stress, difficult coworkers, or lack of balance—there are ways to improve your situation. If you’re frustrated but not in immediate danger, you can take steps to make your job more manageable.

The hard truth is, it’s not your job’s responsibility to make you happy, nor can your job inherently make you unhappy. It’s your relationship with your job, or the thoughts you have about your job, that creates how you feel about your job.

Understanding and accepting this is crucial because feeling powerless at work can impact your personal and professional life. This sense of powerlessness can become a major distraction, affecting your performance and well-being at home.

And let’s be honest—the added stress can mess with your mood, productivity, and even your sleep.

Thankfully, by shifting your focus from external issues to what you can control—your internal responses—you can take charge of your work experience and improve your overall quality of life.

Understanding Your Relationship with Your Job

Let’s be real—if we all quit our accounting jobs every time work or people got tough, we’d never stick around anywhere for long. We’ve all faced challenging work environments to some extent, some more toxic than others.

The key to dealing with a toxic work environment is understanding your relationship with your job. Just like with people, you have relationships with things like money, time, and yes, your job.

Every relationship is shaped by your thoughts about the person, place, or thing involved. This includes your job.

So, how do you feel when you think about your job? Excited, energized, respected? Or stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious?

Understanding how you currently feel about your job is crucial because changing any relationship starts with knowing where you stand. You need to be clear about your current feelings to move toward where you want to be.

Don’t just assume you hate your job and leave it at that. Take some time to really sit with it and ask yourself what your predominant feeling is toward your job.

Think of it this way: if you had the same relationship with a person, how would you describe your feelings about them? By examining your feelings about your job, you can better understand your relationship with it and take steps to improve it, even in a toxic environment.

Let me share a personal story. A few years ago, I had an incident with my bosses that left me feeling deeply mistrustful of them and my job.

In my personal time, I became certified as a life coach and started coaching clients on moving on after divorce. My bosses found out and brought it up during my annual review, even though it didn’t affect my accounting work at all.

This boundary-crossing made me feel like I was doing something wrong, even though I wasn’t. Up until then, I had enjoyed many aspects of my job, but suddenly, it felt toxic, like I was being watched all the time, even outside of work.

Dealing with the aftermath of that review was tough. I had to decide whether to stay at the firm or leave. There were many good aspects of the job, like flexibility and proximity to home, but my relationship with my job was strained.

Here’s the thing—there are plenty of valid reasons to change jobs or leave entirely, but it’s crucial to do it for the right reasons. If you’re just trying to escape feelings of stress or anxiety, those feelings are likely to follow you to your next job.

Bottom line: It’s important to address the underlying issues rather than just running away from them.

Your Brain’s Role in Dealing with a Toxic Work Environment

Understanding how your brain deals with a toxic work environment is crucial. Our brains are incredibly powerful, shaping our perceptions, reactions, and overall experiences.

From a young age, our brains start forming patterns based on our experiences and the information we receive. These patterns help us navigate life by creating shortcuts for how we think and react.

For example, if you’ve had a demanding boss in the past, your brain might automatically associate certain behaviors or situations with stress and anxiety.

Over time, these patterns get ingrained, influencing how we perceive and respond to various situations. In a toxic work environment, past negative experiences can shape how you view your current job, even if things have changed.

The problem is, when you’re in what you consider a toxic work environment, your brain’s negative patterns can become even more pronounced. These patterns can make it hard to see any positive aspects of your job, leading to a cycle of stress and dissatisfaction. If you’re used to being criticized, you might start expecting criticism even when it’s not there, which ramps up your anxiety and stress.

Negative thought patterns also impact your physical health. Chronic stress from a toxic work environment can lead to headaches, fatigue, and even long-term conditions like heart disease.

Understanding how your brain’s patterns contribute to stress is the first step in breaking the cycle.

Bottom line: Our brains develop patterns of thoughts and beliefs through our personal and work experiences, and these patterns stick with us until we actively change them.

So, what can you do when leaving isn’t an option?  Let me explain.

What to Do When You Work in a Toxic Work Environment

Dealing with a toxic work environment is tough, and the urge to leave can be strong. But before making any big decisions, remember that you have the power to change your relationship with your job.

The good news is our brains can change. This concept, called neuroplasticity, means you can rewire your brain with intentional effort to develop healthier thoughts and reactions.

By changing your perspective, you can improve your experience and possibly transform your work environment.

Here are some practical steps to help you improve your relationship with your job:

Awareness: Start by noticing your thought patterns. How do you react to situations at work? Do you assume the worst? Focus more on negative interactions than positive ones? Recognizing these patterns is the first step to change.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: Once you’re aware of negative thoughts, challenge them. Ask if your thoughts are based on facts or assumptions. If you think, “My boss hates me,” ask if that’s really true. Maybe your boss’s behavior is more about their stress than your performance.

Reframe Your Thoughts: Replace negative thoughts with positive or neutral ones. Instead of “I can’t handle this workload,” try “This workload is challenging, but I have the skills to manage it.” This practice helps shift your brain from negative to balanced thinking.

Seek Positive Experiences: Look for positive experiences at work. Acknowledge a job well done, build supportive relationships with colleagues, or set small, achievable goals. Positive reinforcement helps create healthier neural pathways.

By understanding and changing your thought patterns, you can better manage and improve your experience in a toxic work environment. This not only boosts your professional life but also your overall well-being.

Here are more tips for dealing with a toxic work environment:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize how you feel about your job. Are you stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Understanding your emotions is the first step to addressing them.

Set Boundaries: Define boundaries to protect your well-being. This might mean setting limits on work hours or avoiding office gossip. Boundaries help create a healthier work-life balance and reduce stress.

Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on aspects of your job you can control, like your attitude, work ethic, and interactions with colleagues. This makes you feel more empowered and less affected by external circumstances.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from trusted colleagues, mentors, or coaches. Talking about your experiences can provide new insights and help you feel less isolated. If you need to talk to someone outside your organization, that’s what I’m here for.

Take Care of Yourself: Take care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can improve your resilience and overall outlook on life and work.

While it may not happen overnight, these steps can help you feel more in control and improve your job satisfaction over time.

But if you need to leave, that’s okay too. Just know you can always improve your current relationship with your job by thinking about the kind of relationship you want to have.

Would you prefer to feel focused, supported, and engaged? That doesn’t depend on anyone or anything changing.

Think about a long-term relationship you’ve had with a partner or a close friend. You’ve probably had disagreements and challenges but worked through them. You chose to improve that relationship, learning and growing along the way.

The same approach applies to your job. By working towards the relationship you want with your job, you can create a deeper, more fulfilling connection, especially during tough times when leaving seems easier than staying and working things out.

The truth is, when you learn to feel how you want to feel, you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel about your job. You’ll take your power back and create the environment that works best for you.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How I Dealt With a Toxic Work Environment

After that tough annual review I mentioned, I knew I needed to make a change—not necessarily by leaving my job, but by changing how I thought about it. I realized that if I didn’t address my feelings of mistrust and stress, they’d just follow me to any new job, causing the same issues all over again.

First, I stepped back and thought about my relationship with my job. I admitted to myself that I felt mistrust and saw how it was affecting my daily work life. Instead of viewing my bosses’ actions as personal attacks, I tried to understand their point of view—they were probably worried about my focus and commitment to the firm.

Next, I worked on changing my thoughts. Instead of thinking, “They’re watching my every move,” I started to think, “They want to make sure my work here is my top priority.” This shift helped me feel less like I was under constant surveillance and allowed me to appreciate the positive aspects of my job.

Setting clear boundaries was also important. I openly talked with my bosses about my side business, reassuring them that it didn’t interfere with my responsibilities at the firm. I made sure to keep my coaching activities completely separate from my accounting work, both physically and mentally.

I also sought out positive experiences at work. I built stronger relationships with my colleagues, which helped create a more supportive environment. I began to acknowledge and celebrate my achievements at work, no matter how small, to remind myself of my value and competence.

Over time, I noticed a shift in my relationship with my job. By changing my perspective and dealing with my feelings directly, I began to feel more empowered and less overwhelmed. The work environment, while still challenging at times, felt less toxic because I wasn’t seeing it through a lens of mistrust and stress anymore.

Ultimately, this transformation had a big impact on both my professional and personal life. I became more productive and engaged at work, which improved my overall job satisfaction. At home, I was able to relax and enjoy my time without constantly worrying about work.

What this experience taught me is that while you can’t always change your external circumstances, you can change how you respond to them. By understanding and reshaping my relationship with my job, I was able to create a healthier, more fulfilling work experience.

This empowered approach is something I carry with me, no matter where my career takes me.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

If you’re struggling with a toxic work environment, remember that you have the power to change your experience by shifting your perspective. It’s not just about the external circumstances—it’s about how you respond to them. 

Ask yourself, “What changes in my mindset or approach can I make to improve my experience in my current work environment?”

Start by becoming aware of your thought patterns, challenge negative thoughts, and reframe them into positive or neutral ones. Set clear boundaries, seek support, and focus on what you can control. 

By taking these steps, you can improve your relationship with your job and create a healthier, more fulfilling work environment. Empower yourself to take control, and you’ll see positive changes in both your professional and personal life.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed how to deal with a toxic work environment.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

As I share all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you are struggling with any aspect of being an accountant, you can simply go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar and book a free session with me.

And make sure you check back each week as I help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Make sure you go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com and take The Smarter Accountant Quiz. You’re going to want to know if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain so that you have a starting point for becoming a Smarter Accountant..

Also, I would appreciate it if you could get the word out to other accountants about this podcast.  The more accountants find out about it, the more we can begin to change the narrative in the accounting profession.

The truth is that you’re already smart, but this podcast will show you how to be smarter.

Today, I want to talk about something that might seem a bit odd for busy accountants: handling boredom. Trust me, this is more important than you might think because boredom can be pretty sneaky and has a way of affecting us in unexpected ways.

I know, in the fast-paced world of accounting, boredom might seem like a strange thing to talk about. Our days are usually jam-packed, leaving little room for idle moments. 

But here’s the thing: boredom can creep in when we least expect it, and it’s crucial to understand how it impacts our well-being and productivity.

Picture this: tax season has just ended, and there’s a brief lull before the next wave of deadlines. In this calm before the storm, boredom can sneak in, especially if you’ve had a particularly stressful year both personally and professionally. 

I’m not talking about the well-deserved break we all need after a hectic period; it’s about the sneaky ways boredom can infiltrate our lives.

While having fewer commitments might sound like a blessing, our brains are wired to seek out stimulation and rewards, even during downtime. That’s where boredom can catch us off guard.

If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend watching the Netflix documentary, “The Social Dilemma.” It’s a real eye-opener about how the technology we rely on daily can have a dark side.

The documentary features insights from tech developers and designers who created the social media platforms we and our kids use today. These brilliant minds understand how the human brain works and have crafted methods to keep us hooked, providing endless entertainment and ensuring we’re never bored. 

It exposes how these platforms, designed to connect us, can also manipulate our vulnerabilities, keeping us constantly engaged and disconnected from reality.

As accountants, it’s important to understand how our brains work and how technology shapes our relationship with boredom. The hard truth is, we’re not great at dealing with boredom. 

In fact, to our busy accountant brains, boredom can be downright scary.

When boredom hits, we often try to escape it by doing mindless tasks, munching on snacks, scrolling through social media, watching the news, or playing games like Candy Crush. Our world is filled with more rewards and distractions than ever before, so it’s no wonder we try to avoid boredom at all costs.

But today, I want to help you understand boredom better.  I want to explore whether boredom is a problem or an opportunity and share strategies to handle it more effectively. 

Understanding Boredom

Let’s begin by diving into the curious world of boredom. It’s one of those feelings we’re all familiar with, but do we really understand what it’s all about? 

First off, what exactly is boredom? It’s more than just feeling uninterested or restless when things slow down. 

Boredom is what happens when our minds crave stimulation and engagement, but we’re not getting it. It’s like sitting in a waiting room with nothing to do, or staring at a blank screen with no idea what to watch. 

Our brains start to itch for something to capture our attention and get those mental gears turning again.  Have you ever noticed how many restaurants or bars are now surrounded by TVs?  We can’t be allowed to be bored even when we’re eating.

The thing you need to understand is that boredom isn’t caused by external factors like having nothing to do. It’s actually created by our own thoughts. Let me explain. 

Think about a situation where you’re stuck waiting in line. One person might find it boring and start tapping their foot impatiently, while another might see it as an opportunity to people-watch or daydream. 

Same situation, different reactions. That’s because boredom is all about how we perceive and interpret our surroundings.

Take, for example, a long commute. Some might dread it as a dull and monotonous experience, while others see it as a chance to unwind, listen to music, or catch up on podcasts. It’s all about the perspective we bring to the table.

But here’s where things get interesting. As I said before, our modern world is a playground of distractions. From social media feeds to endless streaming options, we’re bombarded with stimuli 24/7. 

And while these distractions might offer temporary relief from boredom, they also come with a downside.

Consider this: you’re waiting for a friend at a café, and instead of enjoying the moment, you whip out your phone to check your notifications. Before you know it, you’re mindlessly scrolling through your social media feed, completely oblivious to the world around you. 

Sound familiar? We’ve all been there.  As soon as there’s a commercial break on TV or there’s a lull in the conversation, my husband and I are totally guilty of picking up our phones.

The truth is that our reliance on technology has made us increasingly intolerant of boredom. We’ve become conditioned to seek out instant gratification and constant stimulation, to the point where even a few moments of stillness can feel unbearable. 

We’ve forgotten how to simply be present and embrace the quiet moments.

Think about the last time you had a few minutes to spare. Did you reach for your phone without even thinking about it? Did you feel anxious or restless when there was nothing to occupy your mind? 

If so, you’re not alone. Again, our modern lifestyles have rewired our brains to crave constant stimulation, making it harder than ever to sit with our thoughts and just be.

But here’s the thing: boredom isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can be a powerful catalyst for creativity and self-discovery. 

When we allow ourselves to sit with our boredom and explore it without judgment, we open ourselves up to new ideas and insights.

Consider the story of Isaac Newton, who famously discovered the laws of gravity while sitting under an apple tree, bored out of his mind. Or Albert Einstein, who credited his best ideas to moments of boredom and daydreaming. 

These examples show us that boredom isn’t something to be feared or avoided—it’s an opportunity for growth and inspiration.

So the next time you find yourself feeling bored, try embracing it instead of running from it. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and let your mind wander. Who knows what amazing ideas you might stumble upon?

Assessing Boredom: Problem or Opportunity?

Now let’s take a closer look at boredom from the perspective of accountants. Is it really the productivity killer it’s often made out to be, or could it actually be a hidden opportunity for growth and innovation?

First, I want to challenge the notion that boredom is inherently negative, especially in the context of the accounting profession. In a field known for its precision and attention to detail, there’s often a stigma attached to moments of downtime. 

Many of us believe that if we’re not constantly busy, we’re not being productive. But is that really the case?

Consider this: some of the greatest breakthroughs in history have come from moments of boredom. For example, Steve Jobs, credited his moments of boredom with sparking his most innovative ideas. 

The point is that boredom isn’t necessarily a sign of laziness or inefficiency—it’s a natural part of the creative process.

Now, let’s talk about the consequences of our society’s growing intolerance towards boredom. In our hyperconnected world, where smartphones and social media are always within arm’s reach, we’ve become accustomed to constant stimulation. 

But this relentless pursuit of distraction comes at a cost.  Our fear of boredom has led us to seek out constant stimulation, often at the expense of meaningful connection and reflection.

This aversion to boredom can also have serious implications for our mental health. Studies have shown that constantly seeking out distractions can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. 

By avoiding moments of stillness and introspection, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to recharge and reflect on our lives.

For example, think back to a time when you felt bored at work. How did you react? Did you see it as a problem to be solved, or as an opportunity to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities?

For many of us, boredom can be a source of discomfort and frustration. We’re so used to being constantly busy that we struggle to sit with our thoughts and emotions when we’re not constantly doing something. 

But what if we reframed boredom as a chance to reconnect with ourselves and tap into our creativity?

Consider the story of Charles Darwin, who famously spent hours staring out the window of his study, lost in thought. It was during these moments of boredom that he formulated some of his most groundbreaking ideas about evolution. 

This serves as a powerful reminder that boredom isn’t something to be feared—it’s a natural part of the human experience, and one that can lead to profound insights and discoveries.

For us as accountants, I think it’s time to reconsider our attitudes towards boredom in the accounting profession. Rather than seeing it as a problem to be avoided, let’s embrace it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. 

By challenging our perceptions of boredom, acknowledging what happens when we become intolerant of being bored, and reflecting on our own experiences, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with boredom.

Strategies for Handling Boredom

Now that we’ve explored the complexities of boredom, I want to dive into some practical strategies for managing it. The truth is that there are plenty of ways to turn boredom from a burden into an opportunity.

One of the first steps in handling boredom is to shift our perspective. Instead of seeing it as something to be avoided, let’s embrace it as a chance to slow down and reconnect with ourselves. Boredom can be a powerful catalyst for self-reflection and mindfulness, allowing us to gain clarity and insight into our thoughts and emotions.

Consider the practice of mindfulness meditation, which encourages us to observe our thoughts and sensations without judgment. By tuning into the present moment, we can gain a greater sense of awareness and acceptance, even during moments of boredom. 

Next time you find yourself feeling restless, try taking a few deep breaths and bringing your attention to the sensations in your body. You might be surprised at what you discover.

It’s also important to recognize the coping mechanisms we often turn to when faced with boredom, and their limitations. Whether it’s mindlessly scrolling through social media or reaching for a snack, these distractions may provide temporary relief, but they rarely address the underlying cause of our boredom.

Take, for example, the habit of checking our phones whenever we’re bored. While it may seem harmless at first, excessive screen time can actually exacerbate feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction. 

Instead of reaching for your phone, try doing things that promote genuine connection and fulfillment, such as spending time with loved ones or pursuing a hobby you enjoy.

Besides what I just shared, here are some practical techniques for managing boredom:

Disconnect from technology: Set aside dedicated time each day to disconnect from your devices and engage in offline activities. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or practicing a hobby, taking a break from screens can help clear your mind and foster a greater sense of presence.

Practice mindful observation: Take a moment to observe your surroundings with curiosity and openness. Notice the sights, sounds, and sensations around you, without judgment or attachment. By cultivating what’s referred to as a “beginner’s mind”, you can find beauty and wonder in even the most mundane moments.

Engage in creative expression: Because the work we do is so numbers driven, it can be helpful to channel your boredom into creative outlets such as writing, drawing, or playing music. Allow yourself to experiment and explore without worrying about the end result. Creativity thrives in moments of boredom, so don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can learn to embrace boredom as a natural part of life. So, the next time you find yourself feeling bored, remember that it’s not a problem to be solved, but an opportunity to be seized.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Effectively Handling Boredom

Let me share how some of my clients have learned to handle boredom.

One accountant I coached found herself with extra time after tax season. Instead of scrolling through her phone, she decided to take an online course on advanced Excel techniques. This kept her mind busy and added a valuable skill to her professional toolkit.

Another client used downtime to strengthen her professional network. She reached out to colleagues and industry peers for virtual coffee chats. This not only helped her deal with boredom but also expanded her professional connections and opened up new opportunities.

One CPA client noticed that boredom often hit during slower periods at work. He used this time to organize his workspace and plan out upcoming projects. By creating a more efficient work environment and having a clear plan, he felt more prepared and productive when the workload increased.

A tax accountant client discovered that she enjoyed creative writing. During slower periods, she began writing a blog about common tax misconceptions. This kept her engaged and provided valuable content for her clients, helping her establish herself as an expert in her field.

Hopefully, these stories give you a better idea of the benefits of handling boredom properly. When you manage boredom effectively, you’ll start to enjoy your professional and personal life more.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Boredom might seem like an unusual topic for busy accountants, but it’s more relevant than you might think. Instead of seeing boredom as a problem, view it as an opportunity for self-reflection, creativity, and mindfulness. 

This week ask yourself, “How can I embrace moments of boredom as opportunities for growth and creativity in my professional and personal life?”

Recognize that boredom is created by your thoughts, not your circumstances. By shifting your perspective, disconnecting from technology, and engaging in mindful practices, you can turn moments of boredom into moments of growth. 

Embrace the quiet times, let your mind wander, and discover the creativity and insights that can emerge from simply being present. Handling boredom effectively can lead to greater well-being and productivity, both professionally and personally.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed how to handle boredom.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

If you are struggling with any aspect of being an accountant, you can simply go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar and book a free session with me.

And make sure you check back each week as I help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Make sure you go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com and take The Smarter Accountant Quiz. You’re going to want to know if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain so that you have a starting point for becoming a Smarter Accountant.

Also, I would appreciate it if you could get the word out to other accountants about this podcast.  The more accountants find out about it, the more we can begin to change the narrative in the accounting profession.

The truth is that you’re already smart, but this podcast will show you how to be smarter.

re I get started let me just mention to make sure you listen until the end because I’m going to start sharing some key takeaways from each episode and some action steps you can take.  As I’ve created with the one-of-a-kind Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide, I want to help you apply what you’re learning in each of these episodes.

Today I want to talk about the reason you aren’t taking action.  I think this topic is incredibly important for accountants because we often have a lot to do and not enough time to do it.

See if you can relate to this – you’re unable to take action despite having a laundry list of things you want to accomplish – believe me, I know the feeling all too well. 

It’s like having a mental to-do list a mile long, but when it comes down to actually getting things done, you just can’t seem to find the motivation.

In our line of work as accountants, we’re no strangers to meticulous planning and attention to detail. But just because we’re good at planning doesn’t mean we’re good at executing the plan.

In other words, having a plan of action is great, but when you’re not actually taking action, then you’ve got a problem.  Maybe you’ve found yourself asking, “Why can’t I make progress? Why do I keep procrastinating? Why do I feel stuck?”

I’ve worked with many accountants in The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program on the topic of procrastination so don’t feel like you’re the only one.  I’ve been there, done that as well, and I’ve got some insights to share with you. 

I discuss the powerful tool called The Model in my book, “The Smarter Accountant,” but I want to tell you that it’s been a game-changer for me and my clients. The Model is a formula that helps you to understand why you’re not taking action and, more importantly, how you can change that.

Now, before I dive into the nitty-gritty details of The Model, let me reiterate that you are not alone if you’ve been having difficulty taking action.  Again, this is something I work on with my coaching clients every single day.

I’ve worked with many accountants who feel frustrated because of their inability to take action. It’s a common struggle that many of us face, but the good news is that there’s a way out.

What is that way out?  Understanding The Model.  The basic premise is that there are circumstances in our lives that we can’t control, but everything else—our thoughts, feelings, actions, and results—is within our control.  

The Model is an awareness tool and understanding how to utilize it is a game-changer.  It’s a shift in perspective that helps us to see what’s getting in the way of us taking action.  

I’ll explain more in a minute, but for now, just know that our thoughts have a profound impact on our feelings, which in turn influence our actions and inactions. It’s a domino effect that can either move us forward or keep us stuck. 

The key is that once we understand the powerful role our thoughts play, we can start to take control of them and steer our lives in the direction we want to go.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But how do I even begin to unravel the tangled mess of thoughts swirling around in my head?” Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely doable. 

With practice and patience, you can learn to observe your own thinking patterns with compassion and curiosity, rather than judgment and criticism.

Understanding The Tool, The Model

Alright, now I’m going to explain The Model a little more.  Think of it as our roadmap to understanding why we do what we do and how we can make positive changes in our lives.

The first line of The Model is the circumstance line.  These are the things in our lives that we simply can’t control—like the weather, other people’s actions, or even our past experiences.

For accountants, it’s things like the amount of work we have, the time of year, what a client did or didn’t do, and what other people say.  Circumstances are the external factors that we have to deal with, whether we like it or not.

The second line of The Model is the thought line. Thoughts are the sentences in our heads that we are have, both consciously and unconsciously. Our thoughts have a huge impact on how we perceive the world around us and how we feel about it.

The third line of The Model is the feeling line.  Our feelings are the one word emotions we experience that are only ever created by our thoughts. 

Whether it’s stress, excitement, frustration, or overwhelm, our feelings play a huge role in shaping our behavior.  In other words, what we do or don’t do is 100% dependent on our feelings.

And speaking of behavior, that brings us to the fourth line of The Model which is the action line.  The action line is made up of all the things we do—or don’t do—as a result of our thoughts and feelings. 

Whether it’s hitting the gym, procrastinating on a project, or reaching out to a client, our actions are driven by our feelings.

The final line of The Model is the result line.  These are the outcomes that we create based on our actions and inactions. 

Whether it’s achieving our goals, building relationships, or making progress in our careers, the results we see in our lives are a direct reflection of the actions we take—or don’t take.

Now, here’s why The Model is so helpful – because while we may not be able to control our circumstances, we have full control over our thoughts, feelings, and actions. That’s where the real power lies. 

When we recognize what’s within our control and what isn’t, we can start to take charge of our lives and make positive changes that stick. It’s all about understanding the dynamics at play and leveraging them.

Thoughts Create Feelings, Feelings Drive Actions

Alright, now let’s take a closer look at the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Trust me, it’s worth understanding, especially for accountants.

Here’s the thing: every action we take—whether it’s hitting the “send” button on an email, completing a spreadsheet, or even just grabbing a cup of coffee—is fueled by a feeling. And every feeling we have is only ever because of a thought.

Remember, the circumstance line of The Model is first and it’s all the neutral facts of our lives.  Next are our thoughts, the sentences in our brains that give meaning to our circumstances.

After the thought line is the feeling line.  These are the one word emotions created by our thoughts.

And after the feeling line of The Model is our actions; the things we do or don’t do.  The reason you aren’t taking action is all there in The Model.

For example, let’s say you’re faced with a daunting task at work, like a complicated tax return or compiling a complex set of financials. Just the thought of tackling it might trigger feelings of overwhelm or anxiety. 

And what do you do in response? You’d probably procrastinate, avoid the task altogether, or do something easier to stay busy.  

I see this all the time with my clients.  They’ll tell me they were so busy but didn’t seem to get the thing they really needed to get done, done.

Again, as accountants, we’re really good at creating a plan, but that doesn’t guarantee that we follow through on the plan.  In fact, it’s one of the key elements in The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program – learning how to follow through no matter what – and why I have an entire mini-training on how to conquer procrastination, once and for all.

Let me give you another example – let’s say you’ve got your long to-do list, you know everything that needs to get done and you’ve even numbered things in order to prioritize.  You look at the next item you’re about to work on and you think, “This is going to be tough to figure out” or “I don’t know if I can do this.” 

And boom, just like that, you’re hit with feelings of uncertainty or frustration. So, what happens next?  You’ll most likely put off tackling the problem and either find something on the to-do list that’s easier to do or you’ll gravitate towards something like checking email.  

The point is, our thoughts create our feelings, which in turn influence the actions we take—or don’t take—in our professional lives. It’s like a chain reaction that starts in our minds and ripples out into our actions and the results we see.

So, if you’re struggling with taking action, it’s not because there’s anything wrong with you.  You just have an unmanaged brain that is thinking unhelpful thoughts that lead to unhelpful feelings.  

By understanding the power of our thoughts and their ripple effects on our feelings and actions, we can become more intentional in how we approach our work.

The Practice of Observing Your Own Thinking

Now, let’s talk about a crucial skill that’s essential for mastering The Model: observing our own thinking. The issue is that we have 60,000 thoughts a day!

Trying to make sense of them all can feel like trying to untangle a giant ball of yarn.

But thankfully, there’s a tool that can help us cut through the noise and gain clarity: awareness. By practicing awareness, we can learn to observe our thoughts with curiosity and non-judgmental awareness.

What I mean by non-judgmental awareness is that you just want to pay attention to your thoughts without beating yourself up for having them.  This is important because it can be a bit shocking when you really pay attention to your thoughts and how negative and scattered they can be.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “I’m an accountant. This is not really my cup of tea.” And, I get it. Initially, it wasn’t mine either.

Paying attention to our thoughts can be a real challenge, especially for us busy accountants who thrive on action and productivity.

But here’s the thing: awareness isn’t time consuming. It’s about simply being aware of what you’re thinking and feeling.  

In fact, the homework my clients do takes 10 – 15 minutes every day.  That’s it.  And the results are remarkable.

By becoming more aware of our own thinking, we can begin to understand what’s happening when we aren’t taking action, and also what to do about it.  

Identifying Common Reasons Accountants Aren’t Taking Action

So now I want to shine a light on some thought patterns that often hold us back in the accounting world – perfectionism, comparison, and fear.  There are many more, but it’s important to understand that these ways of thinking are sneaky because we’re not only taught how to think as accountants, we also have plenty of other accountants thinking the same way we do, so we normalize it.

But thankfully, with a little awareness, we can start to do something about some of these unhelpful thought patterns.

Let’s start with the perfectionism trap. As accountants, we’re no strangers to high standards and attention to detail. But when that desire for perfection becomes our default, it can paralyze us. 

For example, you spend hours agonizing over every decimal point, afraid to submit that report until it’s absolutely flawless. You begin to feel anxiety, overwhelm, or maybe even imposter syndrome. 

And what happens next? Procrastination sets in, and that report gathers dust on our desk.

I’ve worked with accountants who took hours and hours trying to find the penny difference in a complicated bank reconciliation.  Next thing they knew, they were procrastinating working on it the following month.

The next common thought pattern that we have in accounting is the comparison game.  In the smart world of accounting, where so many smart people are doing smart things, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to our peers. 

For example, we see someone else’s impressive career on LinkedIn or a new certification someone achieved, and suddenly, we’re hit with feelings of inadequacy or envy because we’re thinking something like, “I’ll never measure up.” And before we know it, those feelings of doubt and insecurity lead to inaction—we hesitate to set goals or pursue new opportunities, fearing we’ll fall short.

I’ve seen this a lot with my coaching clients.  They’ll feel like they don’t measure up and then stop themselves from setting and achieving career goals.

The third common thought pattern is the fear of failure. As accountants, we’re trained to mitigate risk and avoid mistakes at all costs. But when that fear of failure becomes all-consuming, it can paralyze us. 

For example, we’d rather stick to the familiar, the safe, the tried-and-true, even if it means missing out on growth opportunities. We tell ourselves, “What’s the point of trying if I’m just going to fail anyway?” And so, we stay stuck in our comfort zone, unwilling to take the leap.

I’ve coached many accountants who’ve had the dream of going out on their own but years later, they’re still at the same job, miserable as ever.

It’s important to understand that each of these common thought patterns—perfectionism, comparison, fear of failure—leads to specific feelings, which in turn drive our actions and especially our inactions. 

Thankfully, when we understand the why behind our thoughts we can begin to rewrite the script and take meaningful action in our lives. 

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Examples Of Taking Action

Now let me share how a few clients learned how to overcome the reason why they weren’t taking action.  

One of my clients had always dreamed of starting her own financial consulting business, however, she was gripped by fear of failure. She worried about not being able to attract clients, make enough money, or sustain her business in the long run. 

Unfortunately, this fear paralyzed her.  She wanted to stay in her comfort zone and stick with her steady but unfulfilling corporate job.

After becoming a Smarter Accountant, she reframed her mindset, viewing failure as a natural part of the learning process rather than a reflection of her worth. We worked on her taking small, calculated risks and gradually building confidence.

Within a short period of time, she launched her successful consulting business.  She said that now she understands the reason why she isn’t taking action, but also what to do about it.

Another client was asked to lead an audit for a major client, and as the deadline got closer, he felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of the project. He felt anxious about making mistakes, missing crucial details, or disappointing his team and clients, which left him paralyzed, unable to focus or make progress on the audit.

After working together, he recognized the impact of his anxiety on his productivity, he got clear on the thoughts causing him to feel stressed and regained control. He effectively planned his time and followed the plan, eventually leading to the successful completion of the audit.

He used that experience as an example of what happens when he feels anxious, but also how to override the thoughts causing the feeling of anxiety.  He’s now much better at taking action, no matter what.

One client was a tax CPA and was assigned a complex tax project with a tight deadline. As he reviewed the work to be done, he kept thinking, “This is too much.  I’ll never have the time to complete this,” which led him to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start and how to proceed.

We decided that since overwhelm was never going to lead him to take action, the feeling of determined was going to be much more useful.  From the feeling of determined, he prioritized tasks, allocated specific time blocks for each part of the project, regained a sense of control and clarity, and finished the project on time.

After seeing how much more he got done when he felt determined, he decided that that would be one his go-to emotions at work.  He just needed to pay attention to his thoughts and choose ones that created the feeling of determined.  

Hopefully, you can see how overcoming the common feelings that lead to inaction can help you take action when you need to or want to.  The truth is that the reason you aren’t taking action is because of an unhelpful feeling.

As I tell my coaching clients, when you learn how to manage your mind you can manage everything else.  The bottom line: if you want to take effective action, you need to manage your thoughts and feelings first and foremost.   

Key Takeaway and Action Item

If you find yourself struggling to take action, remember that it’s not about a lack of motivation or willpower—it’s about understanding the powerful connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Our thoughts create our feelings, which drive our actions. 

Ask yourself, “What unhelpful thought patterns might be holding me back from taking action, and how can I reframe them to move forward?”

By recognizing and managing unhelpful thought patterns like perfectionism, comparison, and fear of failure, you can shift your mindset and start taking meaningful action. Practicing awareness, observing your thoughts without judgment, and consciously choosing thoughts that lead to productive feelings can transform your approach to tasks and goals. 

Take control of your thoughts, and you’ll take control of your actions, paving the way for a more effective and fulfilling accounting career.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed the reason you aren’t taking action.  As always, I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

If you are struggling with any aspect of being an accountant, you can simply go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar and book a free session with me.

As I tell accountants all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.  That starts with taking The Smarter Accountant Quiz at  www.thesmarteraccountant.com. 

You’re going to want to know if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain so that you have a starting point for becoming a Smarter Accountant.

Also, I would appreciate it if you could get the word out to other accountants about this podcast.  The more accountants find out about it, the more we can begin to change the narrative in the accounting profession.

The truth is that you’re already smart, but this podcast will show you how to be smarter.