Month: February 2025

Have you ever had one of those moments where your spouse says something, and you just stop and think, “Do they have any idea what I actually do all day?” Maybe they ask, “Why are you so tired, you just sit at a desk?” Or they say, “Can’t you just leave work at work,” and you feel your frustration bubbling up.

If that sounds familiar, trust me, I get it. As a CPA, I know what it’s like to carry the mental weight of deadlines, clients, and the never-ending pressure to get everything right. And I also know what it’s like when my husband doesn’t fully understand what that feels like.

It’s not that he doesn’t care, but he doesn’t always see the hundreds of little decisions I make each day. My brain is constantly juggling numbers, responsibilities, and deadlines, which makes it almost impossible to shut it all off when the workday is over.

And honestly, how could he? He’s never had to sit through tax season, deal with a client who sends an emergency email at 9 p.m., or wake up in the middle of the night wondering if he forgot to double-check something.

But just because I know he does care about me, doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating. There have been times when I’ve felt completely drained after a long day, and all I wanted was for him to just get it—to understand why I needed a little space before diving into dinner or house stuff.

Maybe you’ve felt that way too. Maybe you’ve wished your spouse understood why you come home exhausted, why your mind is still racing long after you log off, or why some days, you just don’t have the energy for small talk.

So what do you do when the person you love most doesn’t quite understand the mental load you carry? Do you keep trying to explain, or is there a better way to get the support you actually need? More importantly, how do you stop frustration from taking over and start making things easier on yourself?

That’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today, so let’s start with the frustration of feeling misunderstood.

The Frustration of Feeling Misunderstood

There’s nothing worse than coming home after a long, exhausting day, hoping for a little understanding, and instead feeling completely unheard. You try to explain why you’re drained, but your spouse just doesn’t seem to get it. 

Maybe they shrug it off, change the subject, or say something like, “It’s just work, don’t let it bother you so much.”

And that’s when the frustration kicks in. You’re not asking for them to solve anything—you just want them to understand. To see how much you’ve had to juggle all day, how much pressure you’re under, and why it’s not that easy to just turn it all off the moment you walk through the door.

But instead, you feel stuck in a cycle. You try to explain, they don’t quite get it, you get frustrated, and they get confused about why you’re upset.  You start wondering, “Why can’t they see how much I’m carrying? Why do I have to keep explaining this?”

Over time, this frustration builds until talking about work starts to feel like too much effort. Instead of explaining, you pull back, and resentment creeps in. You start thinking, “If they really cared, they’d try harder to understand.”

It’s exhausting, and the more it happens, the more it reinforces the belief that they’ll never get it. But here’s the thing—this isn’t just about them not understanding. It’s about how your brain is wired to seek connection and validation.

So what’s really going on beneath the surface? Why does this disconnect feel so personal? It all comes down to how your brain processes stress and relationships. Let’s break it down.

The Brain Science Behind Feeling Misunderstood

It’s hard when the person you love the most doesn’t really understand what you go through every day. You want to feel supported, but instead, you feel like you’re speaking a different language.

That’s because your brain is wired to want connection. When you talk about something stressful, you’re not just looking for words—you’re looking for someone to get it. You want to feel seen, heard, and understood.

But when that doesn’t happen, your brain flags it as a problem—kind of like sending a text and getting no reply. At first, you assume they just didn’t see it, but as time passes, the silence feels louder, and frustration builds.

The same thing happens in conversations with your spouse. You try to explain your stress, but they don’t seem to understand. And instead of feeling closer, you feel even more alone.

Your brain also has something called confirmation bias. That means once you believe something—like my spouse doesn’t understand me—your brain looks for proof that it’s true. Every time they make a comment that misses the mark, it feels like more proof that they don’t get it.

And then there’s mental overload. Accounting takes a lot of brainpower, and by the end of the day, your mind is exhausted. When you’re tired, little things—like a casual comment from your spouse—can feel way bigger than they actually are.

None of this means your frustration isn’t real. It just means your brain is reacting exactly how it was designed to. But instead of getting stuck in the frustration, what if there was a different way to look at it?

Let’s talk about what you can do when your spouse doesn’t get it—and how to make things feel easier.

What to Do When Your Spouse Just Doesn’t Get It

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish they would just understand what my job is really like,” you’re not alone. It would be nice if your spouse just magically got it without you having to explain. But the truth is, that probably won’t happen.

And that’s okay. They don’t have to fully understand your work to support you. The key is shifting your focus from I need them to get it to I need to be clear about what I need from them.

The goal isn’t to make them understand—it’s to make sure you get what you actually need. Instead of hoping they’ll suddenly start asking the right questions or saying the right things, focus on what would actually make your life easier. 

Do you need space? Do you need them to listen without trying to fix it? Do you just need a hug and a quiet moment before jumping into dinner and kids?

Most of the time, spouses aren’t trying to be dismissive; they just don’t know what would actually help. If you don’t tell them, they’ll keep guessing—and more often than not, they’ll guess wrong.

You can also make it easier for them to understand by explaining it in a way that makes sense to them. Instead of saying, “I had a really stressful day because of tax prep and client emails,” try something like “Imagine having to solve a huge puzzle with missing pieces while people are rushing you to finish—it feels like that.”

Another thing that helps is managing your own thoughts about it. If you keep thinking, “They should get it by now,” you’re just going to feel more frustrated. But if you shift to, “They don’t need to understand every detail to be supportive,” you’ll feel a little lighter.

At the end of the day, your spouse doesn’t have to know what debits and credits are to be there for you. They just need to know what actually helps you feel better after a long day.

So how does this actually work in real life? Let’s look at a real example of what happens when you make this shift.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Dealing With a Spouse That Just Doesn’t Get It

I was coaching a CPA who was completely drained by her job. Every night, she walked through the door feeling like she had nothing left to give. But before she could even sit down, her husband would casually ask, “Why are you so stressed? Just don’t think about work when you’re home.”

That one sentence made her blood boil. She felt like she was drowning in deadlines, emails, and endless demands all day long—only to come home and feel like none of it even mattered. Instead of support, she felt dismissed. Instead of being able to exhale, she was hit with another wave of frustration.

She tried to explain, but every conversation ended the same way. He didn’t get it, she got frustrated, and they both walked away annoyed. After a while, she gave up. 

She told me that she had stopped talking about work altogether, but the resentment kept growing. She caught herself thinking, “If he really cared, he would try harder to understand.”

But the truth was, he did care. He just had no idea how to help. So instead of waiting for him to magically “get it,” we focused on something different.

She started thinking about what she actually needed after a long day. Instead of hoping he would understand her stress, she told him exactly what would help—ten minutes alone when she got home, a hug instead of advice, and no questions about work unless she brought it up.

At first, it felt weird to ask for something so simple. But the moment she did, everything changed. 

Her husband wasn’t ignoring her stress—he just needed a clear way to support her. Once he knew what to do, he actually wanted to help.

And the best part was that she stopped feeling so drained at home. Instead of spending her evenings frustrated, she felt like she could finally breathe. 

This might not sound like a big deal, but it made a huge difference.  It was enough to make her nights feel lighter, easier, and way less exhausting.

So, if you’ve been feeling like your spouse just doesn’t get it, maybe it’s not about making them understand. Maybe it’s about getting clear on what actually makes your life easier—and making sure they know too.

Open and honest communication is the key to any relationship, but especially when you’re an accountant who feels like their spouse just doesn’t get it.  The truth is that non-accountants rarely get what it’s like to be us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to bridge the gap. Instead of waiting for them to fully understand, we can focus on what actually helps us feel supported.

That might mean being clear about what we need after a long day, whether it’s quiet time, a listening ear, or simply a little patience as we transition out of work mode. It might also mean letting go of the idea that they should get it and instead appreciating the ways they do show up for us.

At the end of the day, your spouse doesn’t have to know the ins and outs of accounting to be there for you. They just need to know what makes your life easier—and that starts with you telling them.

Okay, now let’s talk about the key takeaway from this episode and one key question I want you to ask yourself.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Your spouse may never fully understand your job, and that’s okay. What matters more is telling them what you need instead of waiting for them to just get it.

For this week, ask yourself, “Am I spending more time feeling upset that they don’t understand, or asking for what I really need?”

Feeling frustrated takes a lot of energy, and it doesn’t fix anything. If you’ve been waiting for your spouse to finally understand, try something different. Think about what would actually help you after a long day, and let them know.

You might be surprised how much better things feel when you focus on what you need instead of what they don’t understand.

Believe me I get it – feeling misunderstood by your spouse can be really frustrating. You work hard all day, and the last thing you want is to come home and feel like no one sees how much you’re carrying.

But waiting for them to get it will only leave you feeling more drained. They don’t have to fully understand your job to be able to support you.

The good news is, you don’t have to waste energy being frustrated. You can take back control by getting clear on what actually helps you and letting them know.

Small shifts like this can make a big difference. Less frustration, more connection, and more time to enjoy the moments that matter.

And, if this is something you struggle with, coaching can help you get unstuck. Because when you learn how to manage your mind, everything else—including your relationships—feels easier.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I discussed when your spouse just doesn’t get it. 

If this is something you struggle with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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

Ever feel like no matter how early you start or how late you finish, there’s always more to do? You power through emails, tackle client questions, and check off task after task—yet somehow, your to-do list is just as long at the end of the day.

It’s exhausting. You try to stay ahead, but deadlines, last-minute requests, and constant interruptions keep pulling you back under. It’s like trying to sprint through quicksand—no matter how hard you work, you never quite reach solid ground.

But here’s the frustrating part—some people seem to handle it all effortlessly. They meet deadlines, get everything done, and still have time to breathe. Meanwhile, you’re drowning in work, wondering what secret they know that you don’t.

The truth is that they don’t have more hours—they’ve just figured out how to use time in a way that actually works. And the good news is that you can too.

It’s not about cramming more into your day or cutting sleep. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Think of it like organizing a messy closet. When everything has a place, you find what you need faster. Time works the same way. When you prioritize what matters, you gain more time for what really needs your attention.

But let’s be real—this isn’t easy. Emails pile up, calls interrupt, and distractions never stop. If you’re like most accountants, you’ve tried every to-do list and calendar hack. Maybe they worked for a bit, but then life got busy, and you were back to square one.

The real key is changing how you think about time. Imagine ending each day feeling accomplished instead of exhausted. That’s the goal—to manage time so well it feels like you’ve gained extra hours.

In today’s episode, I’ll share simple ways to make your day feel longer, without burnout. You’ll learn how to handle distractions and take control of your time.

So if you’re ready to create your own 26-hour day, let’s dive in! You don’t need more time—you just need to use it differently. And once you do, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done without feeling rushed.

Why Time Always Feels Out of Reach

Have you ever noticed how some days, no matter what you do, time seems to vanish? You start with a plan, maybe even a to-do list, and then—poof!—it’s 6 p.m., and half of what you wanted to get done is still waiting. 

Time has a way of slipping away, especially when you’re bouncing from task to task. But there’s more to it than just being busy.

First, our brains are wired to react. We jump at whatever seems urgent—emails, quick requests, little tasks. But these “time traps” pull us in without us realizing they aren’t the most important things.

Another reason time feels so short? Constant distractions. Notifications, emails, and messages make staying focused harder than ever. Each time you get interrupted, it takes minutes to get back on track. Those lost minutes add up fast.

And then there’s perfectionism. Maybe you double-check a client’s file again (and again). While quality work matters, overchecking eats up time and leaves you wondering where your day went.

But here’s the good news: You’re not bad at managing time—it’s just how our brains work. The constant distractions, habits, and pressures are things we can change.

So instead of feeling like time is always running away, let’s look at the biggest time traps accountants face. Once you spot them, you can make simple changes that free up hours in your day. 

The Sneaky Time Traps Stealing Your Day

Let’s talk about time traps—the little things that quietly steal hours from your week. The tricky part? These time wasters often feel necessary or harmless in the moment. But once you spot them, you can take back control.

Email overload – You check your inbox “for a minute,” and suddenly, you’re deep in emails, replying and sorting nonstop. And guess what? Emails never stop. It’s like trying to empty a river with a bucket. Instead of checking all day, set specific times for email so it doesn’t run your day.

Mindless scrolling – Ever go online for one thing and end up lost in social media or random articles? It’s easy to get hooked. What was meant to be a quick break can turn into 30 minutes gone. Setting a timer or a clear goal before you start can help.

Interruptions – The “quick questions” and constant pings pull you out of focus. Imagine trying to read while someone taps your shoulder every few minutes—you’d never finish a page! Setting boundaries, like quiet work blocks, can help you stay on track.

Procrastination – It’s not laziness; it’s your brain avoiding something that feels hard. Whether it’s a big project or a tough decision, putting it off only makes it worse. The trick? Take one small step to get started, and momentum will follow.

Perfectionism – Spending too much time making things “just right” can be a huge time drain. Maybe you’re tweaking a report for the third time when the first version was fine. Perfectionism isn’t about better work—it’s about calming that little voice saying, “Not good enough.” Learning to let go can save you hours.

Recognizing these traps is the first step. Once you do, you can set simple boundaries to protect your time. But why are these distractions so hard to resist? It all comes down to how our brains are wired. Understanding that can help you finally break free.

The Brain Science Behind Time Traps

Alright, let’s dive into why these time traps are so good at pulling us in, even when we know better. It turns out, our brains are wired in ways that can actually make time management harder than it should be. Understanding how this works can help us stop blaming ourselves when we get sidetracked and start making smarter choices with our time.

Your brain loves quick wins. That’s why checking email or scrolling social media feels good—it triggers a dopamine hit. But here’s the catch: these tiny rewards pull your focus away from what really matters. The more you chase them, the harder it is to do deep, meaningful work.

Or, have you ever checked a notification mid-task, then struggled to refocus? That’s “task-switching hangover.” Your brain doesn’t reset instantly—each interruption leaves a mental residue, making it harder to dive back in. Those seconds add up fast, costing you hours.

Every interruption leaves a mental residue, pulling part of your focus away. The more you switch tasks, the harder it is to get real work done.

It’s also important to understand that procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s your brain avoiding discomfort. Big tasks feel overwhelming, so your brain steers you toward easier ones. But avoiding them only makes stress pile up, stealing even more time.

So, when you find yourself reaching for your phone, clicking on that next email, or putting off a tough project, know that your brain is just doing what it’s wired to do. But the good news is, once you’re aware of these patterns, you can start working with your brain instead of against it. 

In the next section, we’ll go over some practical strategies for turning things around. With a few simple tweaks, you can start managing your time in a way that finally feels in sync with how your brain actually works.

Practical Ways to Create More Time in Your Day

Now that we know how our brains can lead us into these time traps, let’s talk about how to take back control and actually feel like we’re gaining time. No, we can’t magically create more hours, but we can make it feel like we have.  How?  By better use of the ones we already have. 

It’s all about small shifts that add up, helping us stay focused and cut out the stuff that drains our day.

1. Make a Plan and Stick to It – I know, planning sounds like the oldest advice in the book. But here’s the thing: making a plan isn’t the hard part—it’s actually sticking to it that’s tricky. Our brains love novelty, so it’s easy to get sidetracked. 

Try starting your day with a clear list of priorities, then make a conscious effort to follow through on what you’ve mapped out. When those distractions pop up, remind yourself that every time you step away from your plan, you’re spending time you don’t get back. 

Stick with it, even if it feels tough at first. The more you follow your plan, the easier it becomes to stay on track.

2. Set Boundaries Around Your Email and Phone- Emails and notifications are two of the biggest time-stealers out there. It’s so tempting to check them “just for a second,” but we all know that second can turn into several minutes—or even longer. 

To avoid this trap, set specific times during the day to check your inbox and messages, and resist the urge to peek outside those times. 

For example, designate 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. as your email slots. Outside of these times, turn off notifications and set an auto-responder letting clients know when you’ll check their messages. 

This small boundary not only preserves your focus but also trains others to respect your time, creating a win-win dynamic where you’re in control of your schedule without feeling like you’re letting anyone down.

3. Use Short Breaks to Recharge, Not Scroll – It’s easy to reach for your phone during a break, but scrolling can actually drain more energy than it gives. Instead, try doing something that really lets your brain recharge. 

For example, take a 5-minute walk around your office or home and pay attention to your surroundings—the trees, the sound of birds, or even the rhythm of your steps. This kind of mindfulness during a break not only clears mental clutter but also restores your focus and energy, making it easier to dive back into work with a fresh perspective. 

A simple shift like this can turn a break from a time-waster into a productivity booster.

4. Break Big Tasks into Small Steps – When you’re facing a big project, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, and that’s often when procrastination kicks in. To make it less intimidating, break it down into small, manageable steps. 

For example, if you’re preparing for a quarterly financial review, instead of tackling it all at once, start by organizing client data today, draft the summary tomorrow, and finalize the presentation the next day. This approach helps shift your focus from ‘I have so much to do’ to ‘What’s the one thing I need to do right now?’ 

Each completed step builds momentum, and by spreading out the workload, you’ll feel less overwhelmed while still making consistent progress.

5. Embrace “Good Enough” Over Perfect – Perfectionism can be one of the biggest time-wasters, which is why I teach my clients the concept of ‘B+ Work Wins.’ Instead of aiming for perfection, the goal is to deliver excellent results that meet the client’s needs without obsessing over minor, time-consuming details. 

For example, if you’re reviewing a report, ask yourself, ‘Is this already A-level in its value to the client?’ If the answer is yes, the extra tweaks likely aren’t adding value—they’re just stealing your time.

By focusing on the core value—delivering accurate, timely information—you can save hours of unnecessary effort while still exceeding client expectations. This mindset shift can help you prioritize progress over perfection without compromising quality.

6. Plan Your Distractions, Don’t Let Them Plan You – Here’s a surprising trick: give yourself planned “distraction time.” Pick a point in the day where you can take 10-15 minutes to check your favorite social media, watch a quick video, or do whatever usually tempts you away from work. To make it even more effective, set a timer for your distraction time and pair it with a reward. 

For instance, schedule your distraction break after completing a high-priority task. This way, the break feels earned, and you’re less likely to let it spill over into your focused work time. Over time, this structured approach trains your brain to associate focused work with satisfying rewards.

These small changes might seem simple, but together, they add up to a big difference. The goal isn’t to pack every single minute with productivity; it’s to create a day that feels balanced and manageable, where you’re in control rather than feeling like time is slipping away. 

With a few adjustments, you’ll start to notice that those “extra hours” aren’t as impossible to find as they once seemed.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Learning How To Create a 26-Hour Day

One of my coaching clients came to me feeling completely overwhelmed and burned out. He was a hard worker, juggling multiple client accounts, but despite putting in long hours, he always felt behind. 

By the end of each day, he’d look at his to-do list and feel defeated—like time was slipping through his fingers, no matter how hard he tried to keep up.

At first, he thought the solution was to push even harder. He’d start his day early, responding to emails as soon as he woke up, and he’d often work late into the evening, jumping between tasks and trying to handle every new request as it came in. 

But he was exhausted, and the constant interruptions left him feeling like he was getting nowhere. He knew he needed a change but wasn’t sure where to start.

In our coaching sessions, we began by discussing some of the time traps that were draining his day. He learned that his brain’s craving for quick rewards was leading him to prioritize small, urgent tasks over meaningful work. 

We worked on setting specific times to check email and taught him how to resist the urge to respond to every notification immediately. I also encouraged him to implement what I call ‘Focus Blocks’—dedicated time blocks where he grouped similar tasks, like responding to emails or preparing financial reports, into uninterrupted work sessions. 

During these blocks of time, he eliminated distractions and focused solely on completing one category of tasks, which not only improved efficiency but also reduced mental fatigue from constant task-switching.

He also began experimenting with short, breaks that didn’t involve his phone. Instead of scrolling through social media, he’d step outside or stretch, giving his mind a true reset. 

And the biggest change of all was that he learned to embrace “good enough” rather than aiming for perfection in every single task. This shift saved him hours every week and reduced a lot of the stress he’d been feeling.

A few weeks later, he told me that things were finally different. He wasn’t putting in more hours, but he was getting more done and ending each day with a sense of accomplishment. 

Instead of feeling like time was slipping away, he was in control of it. He even had a little extra space in his schedule to focus on projects he’d been putting off for months. 

The difference was not only feeling like he had created a 26-hour day but also a completely new way of using each hour.

The bottom line is that by understanding his time wasters better, he was able to make changes that created more time.

Now I’m going to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway from this episode is that gaining control over your time isn’t about cramming more into your day but about understanding how your brain works and making intentional choices to avoid time traps. 

By learning how to make some changes like effectively setting boundaries, taking meaningful breaks, and letting go of perfectionism, you can create a day that feels longer and more manageable.

For this week, ask yourself, “What is one simple change I can make today to take control of my time rather than letting it control me?”  This question will help you identify a specific, actionable step to shift how you approach your day. 

Maybe it’s setting a fixed time for checking emails or committing to focus on one task at a time without jumping to the next notification. By making even one small change, you’re breaking the cycle of constant reactivity and beginning to create a day that works for you, not against you. 

It’s about practicing small habits that bring a sense of balance and intention into your day, letting you experience that feeling of a “26-hour day” without the stress.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared the secret to creating a 26-hour day.  I hope you’re walking away with a better understanding of what’s been getting in your way when it comes to time management.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to better manage your time or anything you’re currently struggling with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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

Imagine this: it’s late at night, and you’re staring at your computer, trying to finish one last thing before bed. Your inbox is full, deadlines are piling up, and you keep thinking, “I’ll never catch up.”

As an accountant, pressure can feel like part of the job—deadlines, endless tasks, and always racing against the clock. But pressure doesn’t just stay at work. It follows you home, keeps you up at night, and makes everything feel harder.

What no one teaches us is that pressure isn’t always bad. It can help you get things done, stay focused, and even do your best work. The real problem is when it turns into something overwhelming, making everything feel heavier than it needs to be.

What’s interesting is that pressure feels different for everyone. Two accountants could have the same deadline—one feels motivated, while the other feels completely stuck. That’s because pressure isn’t just about workload or deadlines. It comes from what we believe about them.

And here’s the surprising part—trying to get rid of pressure isn’t always the answer. The key is learning how to use it so it sharpens your focus instead of making you feel stuck.

If pressure has ever made you feel trapped, you’re not alone. But there’s a better way to handle it, and it starts with understanding what’s really happening in your brain.

The Brain Science Behind Pressure

The pressure you feel isn’t really about deadlines, demanding clients, or a full inbox. It’s actually about what’s happening inside your brain.

Before we get into that, here’s a quick tip: when you feel overwhelmed, stop and ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can finish right now?” Focusing on just one task helps you feel less stuck and builds momentum.

Now, here’s why this works. Your brain’s main job is to protect you. When something feels too much or too hard, your brain sounds the alarm. The problem is, it can’t always tell the difference between real danger—like a bear chasing you—and everyday stress, like a last-minute request from a client. To your brain, they’re the same, which is why you feel panicked, your heart races, and clear thinking becomes harder.

Your brain also has a negativity bias. That means it notices problems more than solutions. A small issue—like an email request from a client—can quickly feel like a huge problem.

On top of that, your brain loves patterns. If you often think, “I can’t keep up,” your brain gets used to repeating that thought. The more you think it, the more real it feels, like a path that gets easier to walk the more you use it.

But here’s the good news—your brain can change. It’s called neuroplasticity, and it means you can train your brain to think differently. When you notice pressure-building thoughts, you can shift them. Instead of “This deadline will crush me,” try “I’ve handled deadlines before, and I can handle this one too.”

This small change makes a big difference. The way you think about pressure affects how you feel and react to it. When you learn to manage your brain, pressure stops running your life and becomes something you can use to your advantage.

Now, let’s look at what unhealthy pressure really is and how to know when it’s taking over.

Warning Signs of Unhealthy Pressure

Sometimes, pressure helps you stay on track. But other times, it sneaks up and starts dragging you down. One moment, you’re keeping up, and the next, you feel like you’re drowning. The key is knowing the warning signs before things spiral.

Have you ever been running late even though you hate being late? Or snapping at coworkers or family over small things? These are clues that pressure might be turning unhealthy.

It doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. Maybe you can’t focus, starting tasks but never finishing them because your mind is racing. Or you procrastinate, avoiding important tasks because they feel too overwhelming.

Another sign is constant complaining. We all need to vent sometimes, but if you’re stuck in a cycle of frustration without looking for solutions, unhealthy pressure might be behind it.

Then there’s the physical side. Maybe you’re exhausted but can’t sleep, or your body feels tense—clenching your jaw, feeling a knot in your stomach. Your body gives signals when something’s not right.

It’s easy to brush these signs off and think, “It’s just busy season, or Once this deadline passes, I’ll feel better.” But how often does that actually happen? Usually, another deadline pops up, and the cycle starts all over again.

Noticing these signs is a big step toward breaking that cycle. It’s about being honest with yourself and admitting when pressure is no longer helping but hurting you.

Take a moment to think—are you seeing any of these signs? Maybe you’re more distracted, more irritable, or feeling shut down. If so, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you don’t have to stay stuck.

The good news is, unhealthy pressure isn’t permanent. Once you recognize it, you can shift it into something that works for you, not against you. Now, let’s look at what’s really causing all this pressure.

The Root Cause of Unhealthy Pressure

Ever wake up already feeling overwhelmed, like no matter what you do, it won’t be enough? Like pressure is always there, following you around?

The truth is, it’s not just about your workload. It’s your brain attaching meaning to everything on your plate.

Pressure often starts with one small thought—”I don’t have enough time” or “I can’t afford to mess up.” At first, these thoughts seem harmless, but they pile up quickly, making everything feel heavier.

Your brain isn’t trying to make life harder. It’s just doing what it’s used to. If you’ve been thinking “I need to be perfect” or “I should have everything under control” for years, those thoughts will keep showing up—especially during stressful times.

Over time, this becomes a pattern—a web of shoulds and what-ifs that weigh you down. That’s why you might start your day already feeling behind, before you even check your email. It’s not the work itself that’s overwhelming. It’s the story your brain is telling about it.

And that’s the real cause of unhealthy pressure. It’s not just deadlines or workload. It’s the emotional weight of self-doubt, fear, and perfectionism. That’s what drains your energy.

But here’s the good news: those thoughts aren’t facts. They’re habits, and like any habit, they can be changed.

The first step is noticing them. When you hear yourself thinking, “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never get it right,” pause and ask, “What if that’s not true?” Try shifting it to “I’ll figure it out” or “I’ve done hard things before, and I can handle this too.”

The bottom line is that unhealthy pressure isn’t about what’s happening around you—it’s about what your brain is making it mean. And once you see that, you can start to change it.

Imagine how much lighter life could feel if you let go of some of that weight. It’s possible, and it starts by learning how to switch from unhealthy to healthy pressure, so let’s talk about that now.

How to Switch from Unhealthy to Healthy Pressure

Now that we know where unhealthy pressure comes from, how do we turn it into something helpful? The goal isn’t to get rid of pressure completely—you can’t. Instead, it’s about managing it so it helps you move forward without dragging you down.

Healthy pressure feels different. It gives you focus and momentum without the feeling of overwhelm. It’s the balance between being challenged but not crushed, busy but not burned out. And getting there doesn’t require a major life change—just a few simple shifts.

First, focus on what actually matters. When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. Ask yourself, “What really needs my attention right now?” Not everything on your list is equally important, and treating it all the same adds unnecessary pressure.

Next, set realistic expectations. You don’t have to do everything, and you don’t have to do it perfectly. Letting go of perfection and aiming for done instead of perfect helps reduce stress while still making progress.

Third, make sure you take breaks. Healthy pressure doesn’t mean working nonstop. Think of it like a marathon—you need time to recharge. Even stepping away for five minutes or making space for something you enjoy can help you manage pressure better.

Fourth, learn how to set and stick to better boundaries. Sometimes the best thing you can do is say no. It’s not about avoiding work—it’s about protecting your time and energy so you can focus on what matters most.

Lastly, stay flexible. Deadlines change, unexpected things happen, and some days don’t go as planned. Instead of getting frustrated, ask yourself, “What’s my next best step?” A flexible mindset keeps pressure from turning into stress.

The bottom line is that shifting from unhealthy to healthy pressure doesn’t require perfect conditions. It’s about small changes that help you stay grounded and focused—even on your busiest days. And the more you practice, the easier it gets.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: The Game-Changer of Transforming Unhealthy Pressure

I’ve worked with many accountants struggling with pressure, but one client’s story stands out. She felt like she was carrying the weight of the world every day. No matter how much she finished, her to-do list never seemed to shrink.

She woke up anxious, already thinking about everything she had to do. By the time she sat at her desk, she felt defeated before even starting. At night, she couldn’t relax because her mind kept racing about what she didn’t finish.

She was beyond exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Work was taking over her life. She snapped at her family, then felt awful about it. She told me, “I don’t know how to keep up, but I don’t know how to stop either.”

At first, she thought the only way to feel better was to have less work or quit altogether. But as we talked, she realized the pressure wasn’t just from deadlines—it was from the thoughts she had about them.

She had automatic beliefs like, “If I don’t do this perfectly, I’m failing” or “It’s all on me to make this work.” These thoughts were running in the background, shaping how she felt every day.

Once she saw this, things started to shift. We worked on questioning those thoughts and replacing them with better ones—like, “I’ve handled tough situations before, and I can handle this” as well as the thought, “Doing my best is enough.”

She also became more intentional about her work. Instead of trying to do everything, she focused on what actually mattered and let the rest go. She took guilt-free breaks—something she hadn’t done in years.

The difference was huge. She felt lighter, more in control, and finally like herself again. Even her family noticed. She told me, “I’m not snapping at them like I used to. I actually have the energy to enjoy being with them.”

If pressure is running your life, know that it doesn’t have to be this way. You’re not stuck, and you’re not failing. Sometimes, you just need help seeing things differently—and once you do, everything can change.

Now, let’s go over today’s key takeaway and an action step for the week ahead.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that pressure isn’t the problem—it’s how you think about it. When you stop believing the automatic, self-doubting thoughts your brain offers, you can shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling capable. 

By questioning those thoughts and focusing on what’s within your control, you can turn pressure into a tool for growth instead of a burden.

For this week, ask yourself, “What am I telling myself about this situation, and is it actually true?”

This question helps you pause and reflect on the story your brain is creating about the pressure you’re feeling. Often, the thoughts running through your mind are exaggerations, assumptions, or old patterns that don’t serve you. 

By questioning them, you create space to replace those thoughts with something more helpful—thoughts that empower you instead of dragging you down.

When you ask this question, you’re not just reacting to the pressure; you’re taking control of how you respond. That small shift in perspective can make a huge difference in how you approach your work, your day, and your life. 

It’s the first step toward feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared what no one ever taught us about pressure. I hope you’re walking away with a better understanding of how to handle unhealthy pressure.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to better manage your time or anything you’re currently struggling with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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

Before I get started, let me just mention that if you are a fan of the podcast and haven’t downloaded The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide, you can simply go to https://thesmarteraccountant.com/podcast-guide/  This guide will help you apply what you’ve learned in the first 50 episodes so that you’re not just listening; you’re taking action.

Once I reach 100 episodes, I’ll be updating the podcast guide, but for now, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.

What if I told you the biggest factor in your productivity isn’t time, but how you feel while working?

The truth is, stress and overwhelm have a sneaky way of making everything feel urgent and important. Your brain goes into overdrive, convincing you that if you don’t do it all right now, something terrible will happen. And let’s be real, how often does that actually turn out to be true?

The good news is, getting more done in less time isn’t about packing your day with more hours or squeezing in every single task. It’s about learning how to work with your brain and emotions to make your time count.

Think about the last time you felt really focused, motivated, and clear-headed. Did you notice how much you were able to accomplish when you were in that zone? That’s the secret—your feelings are the driving force behind what you get done and how efficiently you do it.

If you’ve ever wished you could find a better way to work without feeling like you’re always running on empty, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how you can get more done in less time without burning out in the process.

The Power of Productive Emotions

Let me ask you a question—have you ever had a day where everything just clicked? You sat down, got to work, and before you knew it, you’d plowed through your to-do list with ease. Now compare that to a day when you felt scattered, overwhelmed, or frustrated—where even the smallest task felt impossible to finish.

The difference? Your emotions.

Let’s break it down with some real-life examples:

Non-Productive Emotions: Imagine you’re staring at a massive tax return, and your first thought is, “This is going to take forever. I don’t even know where to start.” That thought creates overwhelm, which leads to procrastination. Suddenly, instead of working, you’re checking emails, scrolling LinkedIn, or grabbing another cup of coffee.

Productive Emotions: Now, imagine you approach that same tax return with a different mindset—“I know exactly what needs to be done. I’ll take it one section at a time.” This creates focus and determination, making it easier to get started and stay engaged.

Or take another example:

Non-Productive Emotion: You get an unexpected email from a client with a last-minute request, and your immediate reaction is, “Ugh, I don’t have time for this. Why do they always wait until the last minute?” That frustration clouds your ability to think clearly, making the task feel more annoying than it really is.

Productive Emotion: Instead, what if you shifted to “Alright, this wasn’t planned, but I’ll handle it efficiently so I can move on.” That small change can help you work through the issue faster, rather than wasting time feeling frustrated.

The bottom line is that emotions dictate how efficiently you work. If you’re stuck in feelings like stress, frustration, or doubt, your productivity plummets. But when you tap into emotions like confidence, focus, and motivation, your efficiency skyrockets.

Now that you see the power of productive emotions, let’s talk about the brain science behind productivity and emotions.  

The Brain Science Behind Productivity and Emotions

Here’s something that might surprise you: your brain has a lot to say about how productive you are, and it all comes down to how it reacts to your emotions. Understanding this can make all the difference when it comes to getting more done in less time.

Think about this—when you’re stressed or overwhelmed, does it ever feel like your brain just shuts down? You can’t think clearly, and even the simplest tasks feel impossible. That’s not your imagination; it’s your brain doing exactly what it’s wired to do under pressure.

Your brain operates in two distinct “modes” that I like to call the Supervising Parent and the Toddler. Think about the Supervising Parent as the wise, steady voice in your head—it’s the part of your brain that plans ahead, makes decisions, and keeps you focused on the bigger picture.

Now let’s talk about the Toddler. The Toddler brain has one job: react to whatever feels most pressing in the moment. It doesn’t care about long-term consequences or whether the task you’re tackling is actually important. Its motto is “If it’s loud and shiny, it must need attention right now!”

Imagine trying to meet a tight deadline, and instead of calmly prioritizing tasks, you’re running around like a toddler in a toy store, grabbing whatever catches your eye. That’s what happens when you’re overwhelmed—your Toddler brain hijacks your focus, pulling you toward what feels urgent, not what’s impactful.

The good news is that like a patient parent guiding a toddler, you can bring your Supervising Parent back into the driver’s seat. The secret is managing your emotions—when you intentionally create feelings like calm or determination, it’s like giving your Supervising Parent the green light to step in, quiet the Toddler, and focus on what truly matters.

When you intentionally create feelings like focus, determination, or calm, you not only give your Supervising Parent the green light to take charge—you also reduce decision fatigue, handle tasks more efficiently, and end your day with a sense of accomplishment rather than burnout.

This isn’t about being “zen” all the time or ignoring your stress. It’s about recognizing what’s happening in your brain and choosing to respond in a way that keeps you moving forward. 

Even something as simple as taking a deep breath and reminding yourself, “I can handle this,” can help shift your brain back into problem-solving mode.

Another thing to know is that your brain loves rewards. When you set a clear goal and break it into smaller steps, every little win gives your brain a hit of dopamine—the feel-good chemical that motivates you to keep going. 

The more you work with your brain, instead of against it, the easier it gets to stay productive without burning out. It’s not about forcing yourself to power through; it’s about giving your brain the right environment and emotional fuel to get more done in less time.

So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, think about what’s really going on upstairs. Your brain wants to help you succeed—it just needs a little guidance.

How to Tap Into Productive Emotions to Get More Done In Less Time

Now that we’ve seen how emotions impact productivity, let’s talk about how to intentionally create the emotions that help you get more done. You don’t have to wait for motivation to show up—you can generate it on purpose.

Here’s how:

1. Decide how you want to feel before you start working.
Before you jump into a task, ask yourself, “How do I want to feel while working on this?” Do you want to feel focused, determined, or confident? Identifying the desired emotion helps you set the tone.

2. Choose a thought that creates that feeling.
Your emotions come from your thoughts, so if you want to feel focused, you need a thought that supports that feeling.

Instead of “I have way too much to do,” try “I’ll start with one thing and build momentum.”

Instead of “This is overwhelming,” try “I know exactly what to do next.”

Small shifts in thinking create huge shifts in productivity.

3. Use small wins to build momentum.
If you’re struggling to get started, pick one simple task and complete it. Your brain loves the feeling of progress—each completed task releases dopamine, which keeps you motivated.

4. Set up your environment for success.
Your workspace affects your emotions more than you think. Minimize distractions—silence notifications, close extra tabs, and create a focused workspace to make it easier to stay in a productive mindset.

5. Acknowledge your progress.
Productivity isn’t just about checking off tasks—it’s about recognizing what you did accomplish. Instead of thinking about what’s still left to do, take a moment to acknowledge, “I made progress today.” That small boost keeps your productive emotions going.

By using these steps, you’ll stop relying on fleeting motivation and instead create the emotions that make your workday smoother and more efficient.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: My Experience With Getting More Done In Less Time

As I have shared on the podcast, I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer back in June and when I was going through chemo for 6 months, I had every reason to slow down or even stop altogether. Between the physical exhaustion and the emotional weight of it all, it would have been easy to say, “I just can’t do this right now.” 

But I didn’t. In fact, I managed to get more done in less time during that season of my life than I ever thought possible.  Not only did I get my accounting work done in less time, but I also ran my coaching business and created two podcast episodes every week.

It wasn’t because I had superhuman energy or some magical time-management hack. It was because I knew how to manage my emotions and my focus, even when life threw the hardest curveball imaginable.

For months, my schedule revolved around doctor’s appointments, treatments, and recovery days. On paper, there was no room to keep up with my work, let alone finish everything two weeks ahead of the extended tax deadline. But I did.

How? It came down to one thing: being intentional about how I wanted to feel while I worked. I knew that stress and overwhelm weren’t going to serve me, so I chose to focus on emotions that would. 

Focused, motivated, determined, and calm became my go-to feelings, and I made a conscious effort to create them every single day.

Here’s an example. On the days when my energy was low, I didn’t tell myself, “This is too hard; I’ll never get through it.” Instead, I reminded myself, “I have a plan, and I’ll do what I can with the time and energy I have.” That shift in thinking gave me the focus I needed to take small, steady steps without getting bogged down by everything else.

I also got really clear about what mattered most. I stopped trying to do everything and prioritized what was truly important—both in my work and in my personal life. I learned to let go of the “busywork” and instead focus on the high-impact tasks that would move the needle.

Even my environment played a role. Working from home during chemo allowed me to eliminate distractions and protect my time in a way that wasn’t possible before. I created a space where I could focus and get into the right emotional state, even on the toughest days.

Looking back, I realize that season of my life taught me more about being a Smarter Accountant than any other time in my career. It reinforced that productivity isn’t about pushing harder or working longer hours. It’s about managing your mind, your emotions, and your priorities in a way that works for you—even when life feels overwhelming.

If I could do it while going through chemo, I know you can do it too. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me forever.

Now I want to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that getting more done in less time isn’t about working harder or adding more hours to your day. It’s about managing your emotions and your mind so you can focus on what truly matters. 

When you tap into productive emotions, you create the clarity, determination, and energy you need to accomplish more in less time. Instead of feeling like you’re spinning your wheels and always behind, you’ll start to feel in control of your workload and even have more time to focus on the things you truly enjoy.

For this week, ask yourself, “What emotions are driving the way I work right now and are they helpful or useful?”  This question helps you pause and reflect on the connection between how you feel and how you’re showing up. 

If stress, overwhelm, or frustration are running the show, your actions will reflect that, and you’ll struggle to make progress. But when you intentionally create emotions like focus, confidence, or calm, you set yourself up for success. 

I promise, it’s a small shift that can lead to massive results in your productivity and overall well-being.

The bottom line is that your emotions are one of the most powerful tools you have for getting more done in less time. When you take the time to manage how you feel, you’ll find it easier to focus, prioritize, and make meaningful progress. 

Remember, productivity isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things with the right mindset. The next time you feel stuck, ask yourself how you want to feel and start there. 

You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you let your emotions work for you, not against you—it’s like unlocking a secret superpower you’ve had all along.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared how to get more done in less time. I hope you’re walking away with the awareness of how you can start getting more done in less time, no matter what’s going on.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to better manage your time or anything you’re currently struggling with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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