Month: March 2025

Before I get started, I just wanted to mention that I am running a monthly group coaching program for accountants on the 3rd Friday of every month at 12 pm EST.  For April I had to change things a little so we’ll be meeting on the 2nd Friday, April 11th.  The topic for April is “Time Estimation.” 

If things always take longer than expected or you’re constantly running out of time, you’re not alone.  But I’ll be working on helping you spot what’s throwing off your time estimates and how to get back in control.

When you join, every month you’ll get a workbook to dive deeper into the topic of the month, you get the one hour group coaching session, access to a private Linkedin group where you can network and connect between sessions, and a monthly mini on-demand video about the topic.  

If you are interested, email me at dawn@thesmarteraccountant.com with “Group Coaching” in the subject line and I’ll send you the details. 

Okay, let’s get started with this week’s episode.  Have you ever really thought about where you work best? Not just your desk setup or whether you like a coffee shop vibe, but where you actually feel the most focused and balanced?

For years, accountants thought we had to be in an office to do our jobs. Then 2020 happened, and suddenly, we had to figure out how to work from home. And guess what? A lot of us realized we could actually get just as much—if not more—done without being in the office.

That changed everything. It made us ask: Do we really need to be in the office every day?

Now, thanks to technology, we have choices—office, remote, or hybrid. But it’s not just about where you work. It’s about how each option affects your productivity, your focus, and even your energy levels.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Maybe you thrive on the structure of the office. Maybe working from home gives you the freedom you never knew you needed. Or maybe, like a lot of accountants, you’re finding that a mix of both is the sweet spot.

It’s great to have options, but let’s be real—it can also feel a little overwhelming.

What works for you might not work for someone else, and that’s okay. But understanding the pros and cons of each setup? That’s the key. Because this isn’t just about comfort—it’s about your well-being and productivity.

And here’s something interesting—how we work isn’t just about personal preference. It’s tied to how our brains function. And that’s definitely worth thinking about.

So, let’s dive in. Whether you’ve already found your perfect setup or you’re still figuring it out, this is something we all need to think about. The way we work has changed—and the way we think about work and life has too.

The Traditional Office Model: A Tried-and-True Setup

Let’s be real—there’s something familiar about the traditional office. For years, accountants like us were expected to show up, settle in, and get to work. It’s how we were trained, and for many, it still feels like the best setup for staying focused and productive.

There’s structure, routine, and easy access to coworkers. Need help with a tricky return or a client question? Just walk over to someone’s desk. Have a complicated audit issue? A five-minute hallway chat can clear things up fast. That kind of quick problem-solving is hard to replicate when you’re working remotely.

Some big firms, like PwC and KPMG, still rely on in-office work for team-based projects like audits or client consultations. And honestly, there’s something to be said for face-to-face collaboration when you’re working through complex issues.

For some accountants, the office also makes it easier to separate work from home. When you’re in the office, you’re in work mode. When you leave, you can (hopefully) switch off. That physical boundary helps create a clearer line between work life and personal life—something that’s not always easy when you’re working from home.

But let’s talk about the downsides. The commute alone can be exhausting—spending an hour (or more) in traffic or crammed onto a train just to get to work? That’s time you could be using to knock out emails, prep for the day, or just enjoy a slow morning.

Then there are the office distractions—coworkers stopping by to chat, meetings that pop up out of nowhere, and the general office buzz that makes it tough to focus when you really need quiet time for deep work.

For some, the office still works. But for others, it feels a little rigid—especially now that we know work can be done differently. The predictability and in-person collaboration are great, but they come with trade-offs: long commutes, constant interruptions, and feeling “on” from the moment you step in until the second you leave.

And that’s the real question—does the office actually help you work better, or is it just what you’re used to?

The traditional office model may have been the gold standard for decades, but it’s no longer the only way to work. That’s why remote work has changed the game for so many accountants. It’s a completely different setup, but for some of us, it offers freedom and flexibility the office never could.

Let’s take a look at how working from home has reshaped the way we work.

The Rise of Remote Work: Flexibility Meets Freedom

For some of us accountants, it’s a game-changer. For others, it still feels a little unfamiliar. But whether you love it or not, there’s no denying that it’s completely reshaped how we think about getting work done.

I remember when working from home was something you did only on snow days or when a kid was sick. Now, it’s a real option for a lot of us—and for good reason.

There’s something freeing about skipping the morning rush, avoiding traffic, and ditching the long commute. Instead, you can roll out of bed, grab your coffee, and get straight to work—often in your favorite sweatpants. 

And the best part is that you control your environment. Want music in the background? Go for it. Prefer total silence? No problem. Your space, your rules.

The thing is, a lot of smaller accounting firms and solo practitioners have gone fully remote, which means they can work with clients anywhere—sometimes even internationally—without needing a physical office. And the hiring pool is way bigger when you’re not limited to local talent.

In fact, I was just working with one of my accountant entrepreneur coaching clients and encouraged her to use the fact that her firm is 100% remote as a selling point to potential clients.  The fact that she is able to hire the best employees in the country and not be limited to the best in her geographic area can be a big plus.

But let’s be honest—it’s not just about convenience. Many of us have found we actually get more done at home. No surprise interruptions, fewer meetings, and the flexibility to work when we’re at our best. If you’re an early bird like me, you can knock out deep-focus work first thing in the morning. Night owls? You can tackle projects when you’re naturally more productive.

Of course, remote work isn’t perfect. It can get lonely, especially if you’re used to the buzz of an office. Without those quick chats with coworkers, it’s easy to feel disconnected.

And let’s talk about boundaries—because they can be tricky. When your home is your office, it’s way too easy to keep working. One minute you’re shutting down for the day, the next you’re answering emails at 9 p.m. just because your laptop is right there.

Then there’s the mental switch. The same space where you relax and watch Netflix at night is also where you’re prepping tax returns during the day. Without that clear separation, stepping away from work can feel almost impossible.

So, while remote work gives us incredible freedom, it also comes with responsibility. The flexibility is amazing, but it requires discipline to manage time and set boundaries.

For many accountants, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. But if neither full-time office work nor remote work feels quite right, there’s another option—the hybrid model. Let’s take a look at that next.

The Hybrid Model: The Best of Both Worlds?

Now, let’s talk about the hybrid model—a little office time, a little remote work. For a lot of accountants, myself included, this setup just works. It gives us the structure of the office and the flexibility of home. Kind of like having the best of both worlds, right?

With a hybrid setup, you get to choose when to go into the office and when to stay home. Maybe you head in a couple of days a week to meet with clients, catch up with coworkers, or work on team projects. Then, the rest of the time, you’re at home, tackling deep-focus work without the usual office distractions.

It’s no surprise why so many accountants love this option. You still get face-to-face time for things like brainstorming, mentoring, or just feeling connected to your team. But you’re not stuck in the office every day, which means you also get the perks of remote work—like fewer interruptions and no commute.

I was just telling my husband that I get along so well with the coworkers I share my home office with.  They sleep most of the day, they don’t complain or gossip, and they only need my attention when I need to let them out in the backyard (of course I’m talking about my two dogs.)

Some firms, like Grant Thornton, have embraced hybrid work, letting employees split their time between home and the office to boost both productivity and collaboration. Small to mid-sized firms—like the one I work for—offer flexibility based on workload, which makes a huge difference during busy seasons.

But let’s be real—hybrid work isn’t perfect. Scheduling can be tricky, especially when everyone has different in-office days. Sometimes you need an in-person meeting, but half the team is working remotely. And then there’s hybrid guilt—you know, that little voice in your head wondering if your coworkers think you’re slacking off just because they can’t see you working.

On top of that, constantly switching between workspaces can take a toll on focus and productivity. One day, you’re in the office, surrounded by people, bouncing between meetings and quick chats. The next day, you’re at home, trying to shift into deep focus mode—but your brain is still in “collaboration mode.”

Or maybe it’s the other way around: you’ve had a quiet, productive work-from-home day, and then suddenly, you’re back in the office, struggling to concentrate with all the background noise and interruptions.

It takes time to mentally adjust every time you switch locations, and that adjustment isn’t always seamless. Some accountants thrive on the variety, while others find it exhausting to constantly shift between two different work setups.

On the flip side, when you are in the office, you might feel like you’re missing out on the freedom of working from home. It can feel like a constant balancing act—trying to stay productive no matter where you are. And while some people love switching between locations, others find it exhausting to adjust to different workspaces throughout the week.

Still, when hybrid work does work, it’s a game-changer. You get the flexibility to work where you’re most productive while keeping that in-person connection when you need it. It’s a great middle ground—no rigid “all-or-nothing” approach.

So, whether you’re someone who leans more toward office life or home life, hybrid work lets you have a foot in both worlds. And for many of us, that’s the perfect balance. But no matter where we work, there’s something deeper going on—our brains are playing a huge role in how we function in each setup.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes.

The Brain Science Behind Your Work Environment

Alright, let’s talk about something we don’t always think about but should—how our brains react to where we work. It’s wild, but our brains are wired to respond differently depending on the environment we’re in. And that plays a huge role in how focused, productive, and even happy we feel during the workday.

Let’s start with the office. Ever notice how some accountants feel more productive there? That’s because our brains love routine and structure. Walking into an office sends a clear signal: It’s time to work. 

You’ve got a dedicated workspace, a clear division between “work mode” and “home mode,” and all those little office cues—your desk, coworkers, the smell of coffee brewing. These things help your brain switch into focus mode.

Plus, we’re wired for social interaction. Being around colleagues can actually boost creativity and problem-solving, which is why brainstorming sessions often work better in person.

Now, what about remote work? Well, it’s a little trickier for the brain. Without that physical separation between work and home, your brain has to create that boundary on its own—and that’s not always easy.

Sure, working from home lets you design your ideal workspace (hello, noise-free deep focus!), but it also makes it harder to switch off. That’s why so many accountants struggle with “remote burnout.” When your laptop is right there, it’s tempting to answer one more email or tweak one more report. Before you know it, your brain never fully relaxes.

Then there’s the hybrid model, which sounds like the best of both worlds—and for some, it is. But switching between home and office constantly forces your brain to adjust. This is called context switching, and our brains aren’t great at it. Every time you move between workspaces, your brain has to recalibrate, which can leave you feeling drained even after a productive day.

Think about it—when you’re in the office, your day is often filled with meetings, quick questions from coworkers, and shifting between multiple client tasks. Then, when you work from home the next day, you’re suddenly expected to sit down and focus deeply on a complex tax return or audit analysis. 

Your brain has to shift gears from “collaboration mode” to “deep focus mode,” and that transition isn’t always smooth. By the time you fully adjust, it’s time to switch environments again. No wonder hybrid work can feel mentally exhausting at times.

So, which setup is best? Honestly, it depends on your brain. If you thrive on structure, the office might be your sweet spot. If you need flexibility and quiet, remote work could be your thing. And if you like a little of both, hybrid can work—as long as you’re mindful of how the back-and-forth affects your focus and energy.

At the end of the day, understanding how your brain reacts to different work setups helps you make smarter choices about where and how you work. And once you figure that out? You can set yourself up for success, no matter what model you choose.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Making My Office Choice Work Best

Let me tell you a little about my own journey to finding the right work environment. When I started at Deloitte in 1988, there was only one way to work—you went into the office, every day, no questions asked. It was just how things were done, and it worked because it was the only option we had. 

Fast forward about 13 years later, and I moved to a smaller firm. That’s when I started to experiment with something new. I gradually transitioned into a hybrid setup, working three days a week in the office and two days from home. It gave me the structure I was used to while offering me a bit more flexibility.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs. Recently, I’ve been going through surgery and chemotherapy treatments, which meant I had to adjust again. For the past nine months, I’ve been working entirely from home. It wasn’t what I had planned, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. 

Here’s the wild part: even with everything going on, I finished my work for the extended tax deadline two weeks early. That’s right—despite taking days off for chemo treatments and recovery, I was done ahead of time.

When I told my husband, he looked at me and said, “How is that even possible?” And my answer was simple: “Think about what’s different this year. I’ve been working 100% from home.”

The truth is, I’ve been able to make this work because I know how to manage my focus and my time. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t sitting in an office or that I had to take time off for treatments—I had the tools and the mindset to get it done. 

Once my health is back on track, I’m planning to go back to a hybrid model—working two days in the office and three days from home. It’s the balance that works for me, and it’s one I’ve crafted based on what I’ve learned about myself over the years.

That’s the key here: it’s not about where you work, but how you make your work environment work best for you. Whether you’re in an office, at home, or doing a little of both, becoming a smarter accountant means knowing how to manage your time, your focus, and your energy. 

Once you figure that out, you can thrive no matter where your desk happens to be.

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 choosing the best work model—whether office, remote, or hybrid—comes down to understanding how each option impacts your productivity, focus, and overall well-being. It’s not just about where you physically work, but how that environment supports or hinders your ability to manage your time, energy, and mental health. 

By being intentional about where and how you work, you can set yourself up for success, whether you’re collaborating in the office, enjoying the flexibility of remote work, or finding a balance with a hybrid approach. The goal is to create a work environment that helps you thrive both professionally and personally.

This week, ask yourself, “What work environment allows me to stay most focused and productive without sacrificing my mental well-being?”  This question highlights the importance of balancing productivity with mental health.

You should be considering how each environment (office, remote, or hybrid) impacts your focus, energy levels, and ability to disconnect from work when needed. It reinforces that the choice isn’t just about where you work but how you feel and perform in that setting.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared a comparison of work environments and the brain science behind each.  I hope you’re walking away with a better understanding of what might be best for you.

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 make your work environment work best for you, 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.

First, let me just say that I cannot tell you how many coaching clients have been dealing with this issue in the past few weeks.  When I told them that this week’s episode is all about why hope is not a time management strategy, they laughed and said they couldn’t wait to listen to it.

So let’s start off by talking about something we all rely on way too much: hope. It feels good to hope for a smoother day tomorrow, to hope that the chaos will settle down, or to hope that you’ll finally get everything crossed off your to-do list.

But here’s the thing—hope isn’t a plan. It’s not a time management strategy. And yet, so many of us lean on it like it’s going to magically solve everything.

For example, I was working with a group of accountant entrepreneurs on time management and one of them was going over a project she was working on.  When I asked her when it would be done, she said, “I hope to get it done by next Friday.”

The look on my face told her she had broken one of my cardinal rules for effective time management – hoping is ineffective, because it puts the outcome outside of your control. I asked her, “What needs to happen for this to actually be done by next Friday?” She paused and admitted she hadn’t really thought about it—she was just hoping things would fall into place.

That’s the problem with hope. It feels like a plan, but it’s really just wishing for the best without a clear path forward. And when you’re managing deadlines, clients, and an endless to-do list, hoping isn’t enough.

If you’re like most accountants, you’ve probably had days where you hoped for fewer interruptions, hoped that emails wouldn’t pile up, or hoped that you’d have time to focus on your real priorities. How often does that actually work?

I get it. When things feel overwhelming, hope can seem like the easiest option. It’s comforting to think, “Maybe tomorrow will be better,” instead of figuring out how to make tomorrow better.

But what if hope is actually keeping you stuck? What if it’s quietly robbing you of the control and clarity you need to truly get things done?

When was the last time hoping for something actually moved the needle for you? Did it help you meet that deadline? Did it stop the last-minute requests from pouring in? Probably not.

Here’s the tricky part—hope feels productive, doesn’t it? It’s like a mental shortcut that makes us feel like we’re doing something, even when we’re not. But is it possible that this feeling is holding you back?

What if there’s a better way? What if you could swap out hope for something that actually works—something that helps you take control of your time and your day?

In today’s episode, we’re going to explore why hope isn’t enough and what makes it such a tempting trap. Because let’s face it, as an accountant, you can’t afford to leave your time management to chance.

This is about more than just getting through the day. It’s about showing up for yourself in a way that feels intentional and empowering. Because let’s be real, you deserve more than just hoping things will get better.

The Comfort of Hope and Its Hidden Costs

Let’s talk about why hope can feel so good, even when it’s not helping you. The truth is, it’s like a mental safety net—when things feel overwhelming, hope gives you a momentary sense of relief.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of hoping things will settle down. After all, it’s much less stressful than confronting everything on your plate. Hope lets you push the problem off to some future version of yourself.

But here’s the thing: hope doesn’t actually solve anything. It keeps you in a waiting pattern, expecting circumstances to change instead of taking steps to make that change happen.

The real issue is that hope often feels like you’re doing something. It gives a quick emotional boost, like a little promise to yourself that things will be okay. But honestly, does that promise actually translate into progress?

It’s important to point out that the hidden cost of hope is that it delays action. When you’re hoping for a quieter day or fewer interruptions, you’re not planning for how to handle the noise or the chaos when it inevitably comes.

Hope also has a sneaky way of creating frustration. When things don’t improve the way you hoped they would, it’s easy to feel like the problem is outside of your control. But is it really?

Let’s be clear—there’s nothing wrong with being hopeful. The problem is when hope becomes a substitute for action. It’s like having a map but not taking the first step toward your destination.

If you’ve ever wondered why your workload feels so unpredictable or why you can’t seem to catch up, it might be worth asking yourself: am I hoping for things to change, or am I making decisions to create change?

I like to tell my coaching clients, “If you’re not changing it, you’re choosing it.”

Hope feels safe and comforting, but it doesn’t give you the tools to deal with the challenges that come your way. To take control, you need more than hope—you need a strategy.

Let’s break down what’s really going on here and why relying on hope might be keeping you stuck.

Why Hope Alone Isn’t Enough for Time Management

Here’s the thing about hope—it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s often the spark that makes us believe things can get better. But when it comes to managing your time, hope can’t do the heavy lifting.

Hope doesn’t prioritize your tasks. It doesn’t create a plan or decide what needs to happen next. And when your to-do list is as long as a CVS receipt, those are the things that actually matter.

The truth is, time management is about action. It’s about making intentional decisions in the moment, even when things feel chaotic. Hope can’t decide which email needs a reply or which project should come first.

If you’ve ever found yourself hoping for a free afternoon to finally catch up, you know how unreliable that can be. Free time doesn’t just appear. Without a plan, that hope gets swallowed up by distractions and urgent requests.

Hope also doesn’t help you handle the unexpected. It can’t stop a last-minute client email or prevent an interruption in the middle of a complex task. When things go off track, hope won’t guide you back—it just waits for the dust to settle.

Another issue is that relying on hope often leads to overwhelm. When you don’t have a system in place, everything feels equally urgent. It’s exhausting to live in a constant state of “maybe tomorrow will be better” without a clear way forward.

Again, it’s not that hope isn’t helpful—it’s that it can’t stand alone. It’s the starting point, not the whole solution. What gets you from overwhelmed to organized isn’t hoping for change—it’s taking steps to make that change happen.

Now let’s talk about the brain science behind hope and procrastination.

The Brain Science Behind Hope and Procrastination

It’s one thing to understand why hope isn’t enough, but have you ever wondered why we keep leaning on it anyway? If we know it’s not solving the problem, why do we keep doing it? The answer lies in how our brains are wired.

Our brains are designed to avoid discomfort. When faced with a long to-do list or a big decision, your brain naturally looks for the path of least resistance. Hope feels easy—it gives you a quick sense of relief without forcing you to take action.

Unfortunately, this is where procrastination sneaks in. Hope and procrastination go hand in hand because both give you a way to avoid the hard stuff in the moment. Your brain convinces you that putting things off is fine because, well, you’re hopeful it’ll all work out later.

But what’s happening behind the scenes is that when you choose to hope instead of action, your brain rewards you with a little burst of dopamine. That feel-good chemical tricks you into thinking you’ve accomplished something, even though nothing has actually changed.

The issue is that that dopamine boost is short-lived. When the same tasks you were avoiding show up again—and now with added pressure—it’s easy to feel stuck. The cycle of hope and procrastination can leave you overwhelmed, stressed, and wondering why nothing seems to improve.

The thing is, your brain isn’t trying to sabotage you. It’s just trying to keep you comfortable. Your higher brain, the part I refer to as the Supervising Parent, is responsible for planning and decision-making and thrives on structure and clarity. But when you rely on hope, you’re bypassing that part of your brain and leaning on emotions instead of logic.

This is why procrastination often feels easier in the moment but leaves you feeling worse later. Your brain’s quick fix—the dopamine from hope—ends up costing you more time and energy in the long run.

Understanding this brain science isn’t about blaming yourself for procrastinating. It’s about recognizing what’s really going on and learning how to work with your brain instead of against it.

So, how do you break the cycle? How do you move from a place of passive hope to intentional action? Let’s take a closer look at how to make that shift.

How to Move from Hope to Intentional Action

Okay, let’s get real—how do you stop relying on hope and actually take charge of your time? Don’t worry; you don’t have to flip your whole life upside down. It’s all about small, simple steps that add up to big changes.

Start by thinking about where hope is sneaking into your day. Are you hoping your emails won’t pile up while you work? Or maybe you’re hoping for some magical stretch of free time to get that big project done. Be honest—where are you leaving things to chance?

Here’s a question to ask yourself: “What’s one part of my day where I’m just hoping instead of deciding?” It might be a small thing, like hoping you’ll stay focused during a busy afternoon, or something bigger, like hoping this week will finally feel less chaotic. Just notice it—no judgment, no guilt.

Now, let’s talk about what you can do. The secret is focusing on small, strategic wins. You don’t need hours of free time to make progress. Start with something tiny, like blocking off 30 minutes to work on one specific task. No distractions, no multitasking—just one thing.

It’s amazing how much lighter you’ll feel after even a little win like that. And those small wins start to stack up. Pretty soon, you’re not just hoping for progress—you’re seeing it.

The next thing you can do is all about tools. Hope is no match for a good plan. And that plan starts with effective time blocking. 

In The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program I have an on-demand training about the time blocking process I created for accountants, and I can tell you it’s a game changer.

Effective time blocking is like making a reservation for your time. When you decide in advance what you’re going to do, it’s so much easier to stay focused and actually get it done.

Or, if you’re like me and sometimes everything feels important, try using a prioritization framework. Something simple, like figuring out what’s high impact versus low impact. It takes a few minutes, but it helps you stop spinning your wheels on low-priority things that your brain can get fixated on.

And let’s be honest—interruptions and curveballs aren’t going anywhere. So instead of hoping they’ll stop, train your brain to handle them. Expect them, plan for them, and know how to pivot when they show up.

Another key is mindfulness.  Just pausing for a second when you’re overwhelmed can help you respond instead of react. It’s like giving your brain a little space to breathe.

The bottom line is that moving from hope to action isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making progress, one small decision at a time. And every step you take brings you closer to feeling in control of your day. 

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Not Using Hope As A Time Management Strategy

Although this is a very common time management issue for my coaching clients, there’s one particular client that I want to share with you.

When I first started working with him, he was stuck in what I call the “hope cycle.” He hoped his clients would provide their documents on time, hoped his mornings would be interruption-free, hoped he’d find the energy to tackle his never-ending to-do list, and hoped he’d get home in time for dinner with his family.

Every week, he felt like he was falling further behind, and no matter how much he hoped for a calmer schedule, it never happened. When I asked him what his plan was for handling these challenges, he said, “I don’t really have one. I just keep hoping it’ll all work out.”

But it wasn’t working out. He was overwhelmed, frustrated, and completely drained. Hope had become his default strategy, and it was failing him.

Fast forward a few months, and his approach to time management looks completely different. Instead of hoping for fewer interruptions, he started time blocking his schedule using my approach and setting boundaries around his deep work time.

When interruptions did come up—and they always do—he had a plan. He learned to expect them and used mindfulness techniques to stay calm and focused instead of letting them derail his day.

He also got intentional about his priorities. Instead of hoping he’d find time for everything, he began using a simple prioritization tool I taught him to decide what truly mattered. By focusing on small, strategic wins, like finishing one client’s return before lunch, he built momentum that carried him through the rest of her day.

Now, he no longer relies on hope to manage his time. He relies on decisions. His weeks aren’t perfect—whose are?—but now he feels in control. Instead of ending his days feeling defeated, he ends them knowing he’s made real progress.

When I asked him how he feels about his time now, he said, “I didn’t realize how much hope was holding me back. Now, I have a system that actually works.”

Hopefully you can see that this client’s story is proof that moving from hope to intentional action can completely transform how you approach your time. And if he can do it, so can you.

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 is that hope is a great feeling, but it’s not a strategy. To truly take control of your time, you need intentional decisions and small, consistent actions that move you forward.

For this week, ask yourself, “What’s one area of my day where I’m relying on hope instead of making a plan?”  This question is powerful because it helps you pinpoint where you’re waiting for things to magically improve instead of taking charge. 

Maybe it’s hoping interruptions will stop, or that you’ll finally have time to focus on that big project. Once you’ve identified it, you can take one small step to create change instead of leaving it to chance.

The bottom line is that hope can be a starting point, but it can’t do the work for you. By making intentional decisions and focusing on what you can control, you’ll not only manage your time better—you’ll feel more in charge of your day and your results. 

Remember, it’s the small steps that lead to big changes. 

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I explained why hope is not a time management strategy for accountants. I hope you’re walking away with some awareness that might change how you manage your time at work and at home.

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.

Do you have issues with interruptions sneaking into your day like I do? You sit down with a clear plan, ready to tackle your to-do list, and then it happens—a phone call, an email ping, someone dropping by with “just a quick question,” or even your own wandering thoughts pulling you off track. 

Before you know it, your focus is gone, and you’re trying to remember where you left off.

Here’s something that might surprise you: on average, professionals lose two hours every day to interruptions and the time it takes to refocus. Two hours! That’s 10 hours a week—an entire workday—just slipping away to distractions. Imagine what you could do with that time back.

Now, let me ask you this: What if you could regain those hours? What if you could end your day feeling accomplished instead of exhausted, knowing you focused on what really mattered?

I’ll never forget the time I did my own “interruption audit.” I thought my day wasn’t that bad when it came to distractions—until I started keeping track. 

In one morning alone, I realized I’d been interrupted over 20 times. And here’s the thing: most of those interruptions weren’t from other people—they were self-inflicted. 

Checking my email, chasing random thoughts, and letting my attention drift were doing more damage than I realized. That experience opened my eyes to how much control we actually have over interruptions, once we start paying attention.

Interruptions might feel like they’re just part of the job, but they don’t have to run your life.

But before you can take back control, it’s important to understand the four types of interruptions and just how much interruptions are really costing you—because they’re doing more damage than you might think.

The Four Types Of Interruptions

Interruptions come in all shapes and sizes, and no matter where they come from, they all have the same effect: they pull you away from what you’re doing and leave you scrambling to refocus. Understanding the four types of interruptions is key to seeing how they creep into your day—and how they make you feel.

First, some interruptions are external, and these are often the easiest to spot. Think about the email notifications that pop up constantly or the coworker who stops by to chat when you’re trying to focus. Then there’s the ‘helpful’ coworker who sends you a message with a task you didn’t ask for, saying, ‘I thought you’d want to see this.’ 

Even little things, like a stray thought about dinner can completely throw you off before you even realize it.

But not all interruptions come from the outside. The second type are self-induced, and those might be the most frustrating of all. 

For example, have you ever caught yourself checking your phone for no reason, checking email because you were feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, or scrolling through social media just because you’re bored or stuck on a task? It’s like you’re interrupting yourself, trying to avoid discomfort or procrastinate on something that feels hard.

Then there’s the third type, task switching, which doesn’t always feel like an interruption—but it absolutely is. Every time you jump from one task to another without finishing the first, your brain has to work overtime to adjust. 

For example, maybe you’re reviewing financials, but you pause to answer a quick email. Before you know it, 15 minutes have passed, and you’re struggling to pick up where you left off.

And last but not least are environmental distractions, which are sometimes the hardest to control. Maybe you work in a noisy office with phones ringing, coworkers chatting, or background noises you can’t block out. Even small things like your neighbor’s dog barking or a cluttered desk can break your concentration.

The issue is that the feelings these interruptions stir up can be overwhelming. Frustration is often the first reaction—you’re in the zone, making progress, and then suddenly, you’re pulled away. It feels like slamming on the brakes when you’re finally gaining momentum.

As the interruptions stack up, they can leave you feeling even more overwhelmed. You start the day with a plan, but by noon, it feels like you’ve barely made a dent in your to-do list. That nagging feeling that you’re falling behind can make it hard to focus on anything.

Then there’s guilt, especially when it comes to external interruptions. You might feel bad for not answering someone’s email immediately or saying no to a request for your time. It’s easy to feel like you’re letting people down, even when you’re trying to protect your focus.

Add all this together, and it can’t help but lead to the feeling of stress. By the end of the day, you’re mentally drained, and instead of feeling accomplished, you’re left wondering where the time went. Interruptions might feel small in the moment, but their impact is anything but.

So, now that you know the four types of interruptions, let’s talk a little more about the hidden costs of interruptions.

The Hidden Costs Of Interruptions for Accountants

Interruptions aren’t just annoying—they come with a price tag. Every time you’re pulled away from a task, you lose more than just a few seconds or minutes. Those tiny moments of distraction add up, and the true cost is far greater than it seems.

First, let’s talk about lost productivity. When you get interrupted, you don’t just pause and pick up where you left off—it takes time for your brain to refocus. 

In fact, research shows it can take up to 23 minutes to fully get back into a task after an interruption. Imagine this happening multiple times a day. By the end of the day, those lost minutes can easily total hours of wasted time.

Interruptions also cause an energy drain that’s harder to see but impossible to ignore. Think of your brain like a battery. Every time you switch tasks or refocus after an interruption, you’re draining a little bit of that energy. By the afternoon, you’re mentally exhausted, even if you haven’t made much progress on your work.

Then there’s the decline in work quality. When you’re constantly pulled away, you’re more likely to make mistakes or overlook details. 

For example, let’s say you’re reviewing a complicated report, and someone interrupts with a question. Even if it seems like you get right back to it, you might miss an error or overlook something important because your focus was broken.

Interruptions also lead to decision fatigue, which can quietly sabotage your day. Every time you’re interrupted, your brain has to decide: Should I stop what I’m doing to address this? Is this urgent, or can it wait? 

These small decisions might not seem like a big deal, but they add up, leaving you mentally worn out and less capable of making good decisions by the end of the day.

But I think the most damaging cost is how interruptions keep you stuck in reactive mode. When you’re constantly responding to what’s coming at you—emails, calls, and requests—you don’t have the chance to focus on what truly matters. 

Instead of working on high-priority tasks, you’re putting out fires or checking off minor to-dos that feel urgent but aren’t actually important.

The truth is, reactive mode is a trap. It gives you the illusion of productivity because you’re busy, but in reality, you’re just treading water. 

For example, you might spend hours answering emails and feel like you’ve accomplished something, only to realize at the end of the day that none of your critical projects moved forward.

This constant state of reaction also kills your ability to do deep work—the kind of focused, uninterrupted effort needed for creative thinking or solving complex problems. Without deep work, you’re stuck in surface-level tasks, and the big, meaningful projects keep getting pushed aside.

Interruptions are more than just a temporary annoyance. They chip away at your time, energy, and ability to focus in ways that make it harder to succeed. The good news? Once you understand the brain science behind interruptions, you can start taking steps to break free from their grip.

The Brain Science Behind Interruptions

Do you know why interruptions pull your focus so easily? It’s because your brain is wired to react to anything new—it’s how humans survived back in the day. If a predator showed up, your brain had to decide, ‘Do I fight, or do I run?’

Now, here’s the funny thing—your brain doesn’t know the difference between a predator and an email ping. It treats them both like they’re equally urgent, which is why you feel that pull to check your phone or see who just emailed you.

But here’s the good news: you can teach your brain to not react. For starters, turn off those notifications during focus time. It’s like telling your brain, ‘Hey, nothing life-or-death is happening right now, so stay on track.’

Another thing to keep in mind is how much energy your brain uses when it’s constantly switching between tasks. Every time you jump from one thing to another, it’s like restarting a car over and over—it drains your mental gas tank. 

To fix this, try batching your tasks. For example, answer all your emails at once instead of checking them all day long. It makes a huge difference.

The bottom line is that once you understand why your brain reacts this way, you can work with it instead of against it. Little changes like these can help you stay focused without feeling completely drained by the end of the day.

Although interruptions may be a fact of life, they don’t have to control you. When you understand how your brain reacts to them, you can also start setting boundaries that protect your focus and energy, helping you get more done without feeling mentally exhausted.

The Power of Boundaries

Boundaries are like invisible fences that protect your time and focus. Without them, interruptions can invade your day at any moment, leaving you feeling scattered and out of control.

The reason why boundaries work is that they send a clear message to others that your time is valuable. For example, when you let your team know you’ll only check emails twice a day, they start to respect your focus time instead of expecting instant replies.

Boundaries also clarify when interruptions are okay and when they’re not. Imagine setting a rule that colleagues should only interrupt you for emergencies during certain hours—this gives you uninterrupted time to focus and helps them think twice before disrupting your work.

But setting and sticking to boundaries definitely comes with its own challenges.  One of those challenges that I see all the time with my coaching clients is that the hardest part of setting boundaries is the fear of disappointing others. 

For example, it might feel awkward to say “no” to a last-minute meeting request, but it’s often necessary if you’re in the middle of something more important.  

Another challenge I see all the time is staying firm once you’ve set a boundary. Maybe you’ve blocked off two hours for focus work, but a colleague asks for “just five minutes” of your time. It’s so tempting to give in because, let’s face it, the thing you were about to work on might be challenging.

It’s also important to recognize the fact that sometimes, the resistance comes from within. You might feel guilty declining a request, like skipping a team lunch to focus on your deadlines, even if it’s what you need to get through your day without stress.

So what’s the good news?  Well, this is where managing your mind becomes essential. If guilt creeps in when you enforce a boundary, remind yourself that you’re not saying “no” to people—you’re saying “yes” to the work that matters most.

In order for my coaching clients to effectively learn how to handle interruptions, they first need to learn how to manage their minds.  Mind management makes it possible to set and stick to boundaries.

For example, instead of thinking, “I’m letting them down”, you can shift to, “I’m teaching them to respect my time so I can be at my best for everyone.”

If you’re still on the fence about being able to handle interruptions, let me share how one of my coaching clients learned to effectively handle interruptions.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Learning To Effectively Handle Interruptions

As part of The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program, I include a on-demand mini-training on effectively handling interruptions because I believe it’s one of those topics that accountants aren’t taught.  Every coaching client that’s watched it said they had one aha moment after another.

For example, one accountant came to me for coaching because her days felt like a constant scramble. She was always available—answering every email immediately, taking unscheduled calls, and saying “yes” to every request from her team. 

By the end of the day, she was completely drained, with barely any progress made on her own tasks. She felt like she was letting everyone else dictate her schedule, and it left her frustrated and overwhelmed.

After going through The Smarter Accountant Programs, she learned to set clear boundaries and stick to them. She started by blocking two hours of focus time each morning and letting her team know she wouldn’t be available during that time unless it was urgent. 

At first, she felt guilty, but with practice and mind management, she realized her boundaries were helping her deliver higher-quality work. Now, she ends her days feeling accomplished and in control, knowing she’s prioritizing what matters most without sacrificing her well-being.

I promise you that effectively handling interruptions is easier than you might think when you understand how to manage your brain and how to set and stick to boundaries with yourself and others.

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 is that interruptions are more than just small distractions—they’re draining your time, energy, and focus. By understanding their impact and using tools like boundaries and mind management, you can take back control of your day and focus on what truly matters.

For this week, ask yourself, “What’s one change I can make today to reduce the interruptions that derail my focus?”  This question encourages you to look at your own habits and environment. 

Maybe it’s silencing notifications during work hours, creating a dedicated block of time for deep work, or finally setting boundaries with your colleagues. The key is to identify one actionable step that feels doable and gives you back some control.

The bottom line is that interruptions might feel inevitable, but you have more power over them than you think. By being intentional with your boundaries, managing your mind, and taking small, actionable steps, you can reduce the chaos and make space for meaningful work. 

The changes might feel small at first, but they can have a huge impact on how you end your day—less stressed, more productive, and fully in control.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared everything you need to know about handling interruptions. I hope you’re walking away with some awareness that might change how you manage your career and your life.

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.

Have you ever sat down to work, ready to be productive, but your brain just won’t cooperate? You stare at the screen, shuffle through emails, maybe even open and close a few spreadsheets, but nothing clicks. You’re trying to push through, but it just feels like you’re spinning your wheels.

I get it. As accountants, we have deadlines, client work, endless emails, and meetings—plus all the other to-dos swirling around in our heads. Some days, it feels like our brains are running a hundred tabs at once. No wonder it’s hard to focus.

But what if you had a reset button for your brain?

Picture this: Instead of feeling mentally cluttered and overwhelmed, you could clear out all that noise, refocus, and actually get things done without exhausting yourself. Sounds pretty great, right?

Here’s the thing—you don’t need to push harder or do more. In fact, it’s the opposite. A small shift can help you drop all that mental weight so you can show up as your best, most focused self.

Think about a time when you were completely in the zone, when your mind was clear and you were knocking things off your list like a pro. It felt amazing, didn’t it? Now, imagine if you could create that feeling on purpose, whenever you need it.

The truth is, mental clutter slows us down. It’s like trying to run a race with a backpack full of bricks. At some point, you’ve got to drop the extra weight if you actually want to move forward.

So what if productivity isn’t about doing more, but doing less with more focus? What if the real game-changer is learning how to clear the mental chaos that’s keeping you stuck?

Most accountants believe they need perfect conditions to focus—no distractions, an empty inbox, or a perfectly structured day. But what if that’s not true? What if you could reset your brain in just a minute or two without waiting for the stars to align?

I know it sounds almost too simple, but sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference. And if you’re curious about how to reset your mind and finally get some clarity, you’re in the right place.

The Biggest Block To Peak Productivity

Let’s talk about why it’s so hard to stay productive—mental clutter. It sneaks in, drains your energy, and makes everything feel harder than it needs to be.

You know that feeling when you sit down to work, but your brain won’t stop jumping from one thing to the next? You try to focus, but your mind is all over the place, running through emails you need to send, deadlines you can’t forget, and that random thought about whether you paid the electric bill. It’s exhausting, and it makes getting anything done feel impossible.

I’ve been there. The truth is, our brains aren’t designed to juggle everything at once. It’s like having too many tabs open on your computer—at some point, everything slows down or crashes. And when your mind is overloaded, even simple tasks feel like wading through quicksand.

The tricky part is that we get so used to this mental clutter that we don’t even realize how much it’s holding us back. It just feels normal. But imagine what it would be like if you could turn down the noise, even for a little while.

What if you didn’t have to carry every thought, every to-do, and every worry with you all day long? What if you could actually get more done just by giving your mind a little breathing room?

Because here’s the thing—productivity isn’t about cramming more into your day. It’s about focusing on what actually matters. And you can’t do that when your brain is overloaded.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or completely drained, you’re not alone. But maybe the problem isn’t that you have too much to do—maybe it’s that your brain is too full.

The good news is that if mental clutter is the problem, clearing it is the solution. And it’s way easier than you might think.

Let’s talk about how to do that, without overhauling your life or adding another complicated system to your plate. It’s a simple shift, so let me show you how it works.

The Easy Reset Trick You Can Use Anytime

So how do you clear out mental clutter? The answer might surprise you—it’s not about working harder or pushing through. It’s about giving your brain permission to let go, even for a minute.

Dr. Maxwell Maltz, in Psycho-Cybernetics, called this “clearing the calculator.” And once you hear it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along.

As accountants, we’re very familiar with the ins and outs of using calculators.  Which is why this trick is especially helpful for us.

Think of your brain like a calculator. Before solving a new problem, you have to hit the clear button. Otherwise, everything gets jumbled, and you won’t get the correct answer. 

For example, have you ever been using your calculator to solve a problem and once you get the answer you’re like “That doesn’t look right.”  Then you realize you never hit the clear button from the previous equation.

Your brain works the same way—when it’s overloaded with stress, to-dos, and worries, focusing becomes almost impossible.

The good news is that you can hit clear anytime. Just imagine putting all your swirling thoughts into a mental box, placing it on a shelf, and coming back to it later. You’re not ignoring them—you’re just organizing them so they don’t hijack your day.

And here’s the best part—you don’t need an hour to reset. Sometimes, just a minute or two is enough to start fresh. Ever taken a deep breath or stepped away from your desk for a second to reset? That’s the same idea.

Once you get the hang of it, you can use this trick anytime:

Feeling overwhelmed? Hit clear.

Getting distracted? Hit clear.

Stuck on a problem? You guessed it—hit clear.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving your brain the space to think clearly and work smarter. And let’s be real—what accountant doesn’t need more of that?

You might be wondering why such a small shift makes such a big difference, so let’s talk about what’s happening in your brain when you clear the clutter.

The Brain Science Behind Why This Reset Works

Let’s talk about why this reset actually works. It’s not just a feel-good trick—there’s real brain science behind it.

As accountants, we rely on our brains to handle complex work, juggle deadlines, and make decisions all day long. But here’s the thing—our brains have limits. 

When too many thoughts, worries, and to-dos pile up, it’s like an overloaded computer trying to process too many tasks at once. Everything slows down, and even the simplest things start feeling harder than they should.

This overload creates something called cognitive load—it’s like carrying too many grocery bags at once. You might be able to manage for a while, but eventually, something’s going to drop. 

Your brain works the same way. When it’s weighed down with too much information, it struggles to focus, make decisions, and get things done efficiently.

And then there’s the stress response. When your mind is all over the place, your brain thinks you’re in danger and kicks into “fight or flight” mode. 

That’s great if you’re being chased by a bear, but not so helpful when you’re just trying to finish a tax return or respond to a client email. Instead of making progress, you feel tense, scattered, and even more overwhelmed.

But when you clear out the mental clutter, you send a different signal to your brain—it’s safe to focus. You shift from a reactive, stressed-out state into a calmer, more productive mindset where you can actually think clearly and get things done.

Then there’s decision fatigue. Every lingering thought, worry, or unfinished task is like an open loop your brain is constantly trying to process. 

The more of these you carry, the harder it becomes to concentrate. But when you reset your mind, you free up space for what actually matters.

And you’ve probably experienced flow state before—that feeling when you’re completely locked in, making real progress, and maybe even enjoying your work. Resetting your mind helps you get there faster by clearing away distractions that pull you in different directions.

Pretty interesting, right? Science proves that clearing your mind isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential if you want to work at your best.

And the best part is that you don’t need fancy tools or hours of prep to do it. You just need a few simple steps.  Next I want to talk about how to actually use this reset in your day. It’s so much simpler than you think, and the results might surprise you.

How to Use This Reset in Your Day-to-Day Life

The good news is that it’s not complicated. You don’t need extra time, special tools, or a perfect setup. It’s quick, simple, and something you can do anytime you need a mental reset.

1. Pause for a Minute

That’s it—just stop. Take a deep breath and give yourself permission to pause. You don’t have to fix everything or figure it all out right now. Just take a moment to reset.

2. Box Up the Mental Clutter

Imagine taking every thought that’s swirling around in your head—every worry, to-do, and random distraction—and placing it in an imaginary box. Picture each one going in, one by one. When the box is full, mentally place it on a shelf.

You’re not throwing it away—you’re just setting it aside for now.

3. Choose One Thing to Focus On

Once your mental clutter is boxed up, pick one thing to focus on. Just one. Maybe it’s finishing a report, replying to an important email, or making progress on a project.

You’ll be amazed at how much faster and easier you can get things done when your mind isn’t trying to juggle everything at once.

4. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go

The whole reset can take as little as 60 seconds. The key is to be intentional—really allow yourself to let go of everything else, even if just for a little while. Your brain will thank you.

5. Come Back to the Box When You’re Ready

That box of thoughts isn’t going anywhere. When you’re done, you can take it down, open it up, and deal with whatever’s inside. But here’s the funny thing—by the time you come back to it, some of those things won’t feel as urgent anymore.

This reset might feel a little weird at first, but once you see how much lighter and more focused you feel, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.

So next time you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or pulled in a hundred directions, try it:

Pause.
Box up the clutter.
Focus on one thing.

It’s a small shift, but it can make a huge difference in how you work—and how you feel at the end of the day.

Because let’s be real, don’t we all need a reset sometimes?

Try It Out: A Challenge for You

Alright, now it’s your turn to give this a try. Don’t just think about it—actually do it. I promise, it’s easier than you might expect.

Here’s what I want you to do: Before you start work tomorrow, take one minute to clear your mental calculator.

1 – Pause for a moment. Take a deep breath.

2 – Picture boxing up all the thoughts, worries, and to-dos floating around in your head.

3 – Imagine placing that box on a shelf. It’s not going anywhere—you can come back to it later.

Once you’ve done that, choose one thing to work on. Just one. Maybe it’s a project, an email, or even something small like organizing your desk. Whatever it is, commit to giving it your full attention, knowing that everything else is packed away for now.

At the end of the day, take another minute to reflect:

How did it feel to focus on one thing at a time?

Did you notice a difference in how productive or calm you felt?

Was it easier to work without that constant mental tug-of-war?

This little reset won’t magically fix everything, but it’s a start. And sometimes, just starting is enough to create momentum.

The best part is that you can use this technique anytime. Feeling overwhelmed in the middle of the day? Hit pause, clear your mental calculator, and reset. Stuck on a problem that feels impossible? Box it up, step away, and come back with fresh eyes.

You don’t have to do this perfectly. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Even if you can only clear your mind for a few minutes, that’s still a win.

So, are you up for the challenge? Try it this week and see how it feels. You might be surprised by how much lighter and more focused you feel with just a small shift like this.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How a Simple Reset Changed Everything

I once coached a senior accountant at a mid-sized firm who felt like his brain was in overdrive 24/7. He’d start the day already behind, scrambling to answer emails while trying to prep for client meetings. No matter how many hours he worked, his to-do list only seemed to grow.

Even at home, he couldn’t shut it off—he’d be at the dinner table half-listening to his family while replaying a conversation with a difficult client in his head. At night, he’d lie in bed staring at the ceiling, his mind spinning with everything he still had to do. He told me, “I feel like I’m always working—even when I’m not at my desk.”

One of the first things we worked on was the “clearing the calculator” technique. At first, he was skeptical. “This sounds too simple,” he said. But after a particularly stressful week, he finally gave it a try.

Each morning, he took just one minute to pause, mentally box up all the lingering thoughts about unfinished tasks or worries, and then chose one thing to focus on for the next hour.

Within a couple of weeks, he told me, “I actually feel like I’m running my day instead of my day running me.” He started each morning with a one-minute reset—boxing up his mental clutter, choosing one priority to focus on, and giving himself permission to let go of the rest.

The difference was huge. Instead of constantly feeling scattered, he found himself completing tasks faster and with fewer mistakes. He wasn’t second-guessing every decision or playing mental ping-pong between projects.

And the best part was that by the time he got home, his brain felt lighter. He could actually enjoy dinner with his family without mentally answering emails in his head. He was still getting everything done—but now, he wasn’t carrying it all with him 24/7.

That one simple daily reset became his go-to strategy—not just for work, but for creating more balance in his life.

It’s proof that sometimes, the smallest shifts can lead to the biggest results.

So before we wrap up, I want to leave you with one key takeaway and a simple action step for the week ahead.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that clearing your mental clutter with the “clear the calculator” technique is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your productivity and reduce overwhelm. It’s not about doing more—it’s about giving your mind the space to accomplish more in less time and with less stress.

For this week, ask yourself, “What am I carrying in my mind right now that I can set aside, even just for a little while?”  This question helps you pause and take stock of all the mental clutter you’re holding onto. 

Often, we carry worries, tasks, or thoughts that don’t need our attention in the moment. By identifying those things, you can mentally “box them up” and make room for what actually matters right now. 

It’s not about ignoring your responsibilities—it’s about prioritizing your mental energy.

The bottom line is that sometimes, all it takes is a small reset to turn your day around. Clearing the mental clutter is simple, but it can make a huge difference in how productive, calm, and focused you feel. 

I want to encourage you to give it a try.  You might be surprised by how much lighter your mind feels. 

After all, the clearer the calculator, the better the results.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I explained the simple reset accountants need for peak productivity. I hope you’re walking away with some awareness that might change how you manage your workload.

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.