Month: August 2025

Before I get started, let me just mention that if you haven’t taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet, I highly recommend it.  There have been over 1,100 accountants who have taken the quiz and it’s helped them quickly identify which of the 12 most common pain points are making it harder than it needs to be to have a sustainable, easier accounting career. 

It takes less than 5 minutes and shows you exactly where you’re being pulled in the wrong direction.  It gives you immediate clarity about what’s really going on and why having an accounting career can be such a struggle.  

Once you see your results, it’s like turning on a light in a dark room—you know what to focus on, and what to stop worrying about.  You can easily take it at www.thesmarteraccountant.com 

Let’s talk about something most accountants deal with every single day—workflow. You probably don’t think about it much, but it affects everything you do.

Whether your day runs smoothly or feels like a chaotic mess has a lot to do with your workflow. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes things that can make or break how your day goes.

If you’ve ever ended a workday feeling like you were busy but not productive, workflow might be the reason. It’s not about working harder—it’s about how things are set up around you.

Think about it like this—when your kitchen is organized, cooking feels easier. But when nothing’s where it should be, everything takes longer, and you get frustrated. That’s kind of what happens with your work when your workflow isn’t helping you.

A lot of accountants think they just need a better to-do list, a fancier app, or a new software program. But the truth is, if your brain is tired or confused by how your day is set up, no tool will fix that.

You might not even realize how much your current setup is draining you. You might be using so much brain power just trying to remember what’s next or switching between tasks, and that adds up fast.

What if your workflow could actually make your day feel easier—not harder? What if it could support the way your brain likes to work instead of making things more stressful?

Most of us were never taught to think about workflow in that way. We were taught to just get the job done and figure it out as we go.

But the way things are set up matters. A lot.

When you have a process that your brain can easily follow, everything feels more manageable. You don’t feel like you’re drowning in little decisions all day.

So if your workday often feels scattered or exhausting, it might not be you—it might be the way your workflow is making your brain work overtime.

For example, have you ever wondered why some tasks feel smooth while others feel like pulling teeth? Or why you start your day with good energy but feel completely drained by 3 PM?

Those are questions worth asking. And the answers might surprise you.

In this episode, I want to look at workflow in a whole new way—one that actually helps your brain out. You might find that with a few small shifts, your day can go from overwhelming to a whole lot more doable.

What Is a Workflow—Really?

When most people hear the word “workflow,” they think of checklists or software. Something that organizes your tasks and keeps things moving. And while that’s not wrong, it’s only part of the picture.

A workflow is really just a way of doing things. It’s the steps you follow to get something done. But what most accountants don’t realize is how much those steps affect your brain—especially when they’re not clear or consistent.

Your brain is already working hard to process everything coming at you. Every time you stop to figure out what to do next, it has to use energy. That might not seem like a big deal, but over time it adds up and leaves you feeling tired, distracted, or overwhelmed.

That’s where a smart workflow comes in. A good workflow doesn’t just organize your tasks—it gives your brain a break. It makes decisions for you in advance, so you don’t have to keep figuring everything out on the fly.

Think of it like setting up your coffee the night before. In the morning, when you’re tired, you don’t have to think—you just press the button. That’s what a good workflow does. It removes friction and saves your brain from decision overload.

Without a solid workflow, your brain has to keep asking: “What now?” “Where was I?” “How long will this take?” All of that slows you down and wears you out.

But when your workflow is clear and supportive, your brain gets to focus on what matters most. It’s not wasting energy on the setup—it’s using energy on the actual work.

So, what is a workflow—really? It’s not just a list of steps. It’s a way to help your brain stay focused, save energy, and stop spinning its wheels.

And once you understand that, the next question becomes: Why does your brain care so much about how your workflow is set up? Let’s talk about that next.

Why Your Brain Loves a Smart Workflow

Your accountant brain is smart—but it also has limits. It can only hold so much at once. That’s called cognitive load, and when it’s too full, things start to slip through the cracks.

Imagine your brain like a browser with too many tabs open. At first, it works fine. But over time, it slows down, and everything feels harder. That’s what happens when you’re juggling too many tasks without a clear system.

One of the reasons this happens is something called the Zeigarnik Effect. It’s a fancy name for something you’ve probably felt before—your brain keeps thinking about unfinished tasks, even when you’re not working on them. That’s why you might be lying in bed thinking about an email you forgot to send.

When your workflow doesn’t help close the loop on tasks, your brain holds onto them. It’s like it refuses to let go until it knows the job is done. And the more open loops you have, the more mental space they take up.

Now add in dopamine loops. Your brain gets a little hit of feel-good chemicals every time you check your email or complete a small task. That’s why it’s so tempting to jump from one quick thing to another. 

But the problem is, you never get to the deeper, more important work. Your brain gets distracted by the short-term rewards.

And here’s something else your brain loves—space to wander. There’s a part of your brain referred to as the default mode network. It kicks in when you’re not actively focused, like when you’re taking a walk or staring out the window. 

It helps you come up with ideas, solve problems, and make sense of things. But when your day is too full and scattered, your brain never gets the chance to rest and reset.

A smart workflow gives your brain what it needs most—clarity, closure, and space. It lowers the mental load, closes those open loops, and protects your focus. It even leaves room for those quiet moments that help your brain do its best thinking.

So if you’ve ever wondered why your work feels harder than it should, your brain might be crying out for a better workflow.

And that leads us to the next big question—what’s actually getting in the way? Let’s take a look.

What Gets in the Way of a Smarter Workflow

If a good workflow can make your day easier, why don’t more accountants have one? It’s not because they don’t want to be efficient—it’s usually because of a few sneaky things that get in the way.

One of the biggest problems is interruptions. You’re in the middle of something important, and then your phone buzzes, an email pops up, or someone asks a question. 

Each time that happens, your brain has to stop what it was doing and switch gears. And getting back into focus takes way more time and energy than most people realize.

Another issue is unclear steps. If you sit down to work but aren’t exactly sure what to do next, your brain has to work harder to figure it out. 

That little bit of confusion can create stress and make you more likely to procrastinate. Your brain likes knowing what comes next, not guessing every time.

Then there’s the lack of buffer. We tend to schedule things back-to-back, thinking we’ll be more productive. 

But the truth is, your brain needs space between tasks. Without those little breathing rooms, everything starts to feel rushed, and stress builds up fast.

And of course, there’s multitasking. It might feel like you’re getting more done, but your brain can only focus on one thing at a time. 

When you bounce between tasks, you’re not saving time—you’re creating mental clutter. It’s like trying to have five conversations at once. No one wins.

These common issues don’t always seem like a big deal in the moment, but they add up. They chip away at your focus and leave your brain feeling scattered and tired.

The good news is that once you see what’s getting in the way, you can start making small changes that lead to big results.

So now that you know the common blockers, what does a smarter, brain-friendly workflow actually look like? Let’s take a look.

What an Effective Brain-Based Workflow Actually Looks Like

A smarter workflow isn’t about doing more. It’s about helping your brain do less of what drains it and more of what supports it. When your workflow works with your brain instead of against it, everything gets easier.

The first thing your brain loves is when you externalize tasks. That means getting things out of your head and onto paper or into a system you trust. 

Your accountant brain isn’t made to store long lists—it’s made to solve problems. When you try to hold everything in your mind, it’s like carrying too many grocery bags at once. Eventually, something drops.

Another key is grouping similar work. Your brain has to work harder every time it switches between tasks. 

If you go from reviewing tax returns to answering emails to jumping on a call, your brain is constantly shifting gears. But when you group similar tasks together—like doing all your emails at once or reviewing a batch of reports—you give your brain a break from all that back-and-forth.

Next is defining what “done” looks like. Your brain relaxes when it knows where the finish line is. 

If your tasks are vague—like “work on client file” or “catch up on admin”—your brain doesn’t know when to stop. But if you say, “Finish section one of the report” or “Send three follow-up emails,” your brain knows when it’s off the hook.

Another piece that often gets missed is building in recovery time. Your brain isn’t a machine. It needs time to recharge so it can focus again. 

Even short breaks—stepping outside, walking around, or just breathing—can make a big difference in how clear and calm you feel. Breaks aren’t a waste of time—they’re what make focus possible.

And finally, you can trigger a focused flow state by using cues that signal it’s time to focus. Maybe it’s putting on headphones, setting a timer, or sitting in a certain spot. These little rituals train your brain to shift into work mode faster and with less resistance.

When you put these pieces together—getting tasks out of your head, reducing context switching, setting clear finish lines, taking recovery breaks, and using cues to focus—you create a workflow that your brain actually likes.

And when your brain is happy, work stops feeling so hard.

Now that you’ve seen what a brain-friendly workflow looks like, let’s talk about why this matters so much—especially for accountants.

Why This Matters More Than Ever for Accountants

If your workflow feels messy, overwhelming, or all over the place, you might start to wonder if you’re the problem. Maybe you’ve even thought, “Why can’t I just get it together?”

But here’s the truth: you’re not lazy, scattered, or disorganized. You’re human. And your brain is doing the best it can with the systems—or lack of systems—it’s working with.

As an accountant, you deal with a lot of moving parts. Deadlines, emails, client needs, and constant shifting between tasks. That means your brain is constantly being asked to stay focused, make decisions, and remember everything—without much support.

When your workflow isn’t set up to help your brain manage all that, it’s no wonder things feel heavy. It’s like trying to run a race with weights tied to your ankles.

This is why workflow matters more now than ever. It’s not just about getting things done. It’s about protecting your mental energy. It’s about making your day feel doable instead of draining.

Designing a workflow that works with your brain isn’t about being fancy or perfect. It’s about making simple changes that remove friction and free up your focus.

So instead of asking, “Why am I so behind?” or “What’s wrong with me?”—what if the better question is, “How can I make this easier for my brain?”

What if your workflow wasn’t just a way to get through your tasks, but a way to support your mental health? What if it gave you clarity, confidence, and space to breathe?

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. But one small shift—one change that makes your day a little smoother—can go a long way.

And once your brain feels supported, you’ll be amazed at what you’re actually capable of.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Using a Brain-Based Workflow Process

One of my coaching clients came to me completely overwhelmed. She was running a small firm, managing a team, and trying to juggle client work, meetings, emails, and everything in between. On paper, it looked like she had everything covered—she had a detailed to-do list, used popular software tools, and even color-coded her calendar. But in real life, her days felt out of control.

She would start one thing, get interrupted by something urgent, then jump to the next fire to put out. Emails were constant. Team questions never ended. And even when she blocked off time to focus, it rarely went as planned. 

By the end of the day, she felt exhausted, behind, and frustrated. She kept saying, “I’m working all day, but I have nothing to show for it.”

She blamed herself. She thought she needed better time management, or that she wasn’t working fast enough. 

But when we looked closer, it became clear—she didn’t have a time problem. She had a workflow problem. Her brain couldn’t keep up with the constant switching, the unfinished tasks, and the pressure to always be “on.”

Once we slowed things down and rebuilt her workflow with her brain in mind, everything shifted. We reduced how often she had to switch between different types of work, which helped her feel more focused. 

We clarified what “done” actually looked like for her most common tasks, so she wasn’t carrying a bunch of open loops in her head. And we added small transition times—5 to 10 minutes between meetings or big tasks—so her brain could reset instead of running on fumes.

We didn’t add any fancy tools or new apps. She learned how to manage her brain in The Smarter Accountant 6-week program and then we simply created a structure that made sense for how her brain wanted to work. And once we did that, the change was incredible.

She started getting more done in less time. She felt clearer, calmer, and more confident. She was finally ending her days with energy left over instead of feeling drained and defeated. 

And the best part was that she stopped beating herself up. She realized she wasn’t the problem—her workflow just hadn’t been working for her.

That shift made all the difference.

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 most effective workflow isn’t the one that looks good on paper or fits into a fancy app—it’s the one your brain can actually follow, even on your busiest, most chaotic days. When your workflow supports your brain instead of overwhelming it, you’ll not only get more done—you’ll feel better doing it. 

In other words, the goal isn’t to work harder or faster. It’s to set things up in a way that makes your brain’s job easier, so you can focus, follow through, and finish your day with energy left over.

For this week, ask yourself, “What part of my current workflow feels the most mentally draining—and what would it look like if it felt easier instead?”

The reason this question is so important is because your brain is already doing a lot behind the scenes—deciding what to do next, switching between tasks, managing interruptions, and trying to stay on track. If your workflow adds more confusion, pressure, or decision-making to your day, it becomes a hidden source of stress. 

But once you understand which parts are draining and what changes would make things simpler, you give your brain the support it’s been missing. Even one small shift can be the beginning of a calmer, more productive workday. And that kind of change adds up fast.

Pulling Back the Curtain

Now let me pull back the curtain…

There was a time in my career, not so long ago, when I truly thought that being productive meant being busy all the time. If I kept moving, kept checking things off, and filled every hour with tasks, I believed I was doing it right. I told myself that the exhaustion was just part of the job.

But the truth was that I didn’t recognize burnout when I was in it.  My brain felt scattered, I was constantly forgetting things, and even though I was always “doing,” I rarely felt like I was actually getting ahead.

It wasn’t until I got curious about how my brain really works that things started to change. I began noticing how tired I felt after constant task-switching. How much time I spent re-reading emails because I’d been interrupted halfway through. And how much of my energy went into deciding what to do next, over and over again.

That’s when I realized—it wasn’t about doing more. It was about setting things up in a way that made doing easier. I didn’t need to try harder. I needed a workflow that helped my brain instead of draining it.

For me, that looked like creating clearer finish lines, planning transitions between tasks, giving my brain fewer decisions to make throughout the day, and coming up with the most effective time management process I’ve ever used. It also meant letting go of the idea that I had to power through everything without rest.

With a smarter workflow process that works with my brain, I no longer feel like I’m chasing my day or constantly playing catch-up. I don’t waste energy trying to remember what I was doing or jumping from one thing to the next in a panic.

Instead, I start my day with a clear plan, I know what “done” looks like, and I’ve built in space to reset when I need to. My brain feels calmer, my work feels more focused, and I actually end the day with energy left over.

And the best part is that I no longer beat myself up for feeling overwhelmed—because now I know my workflow wasn’t broken because of me. It just wasn’t built for me. 

So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or stuck in a constant loop of busyness, I want you to know: nothing’s wrong with you. You’ve just never been taught to build a workflow that works with your brain instead of against it.

If you haven’t already, take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see where your workflow might be wearing you out—and if this episode helped, share it with a fellow accountant who could use a smarter, more brain-friendly way to work.

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

Before I get started, let me mention that I’m offering The Smarter Accountant CPE course “The Smarter Accountant Guide to Effective Time Blocking” for the last time this month on Wednesday, August 27th at 12 pm EST.

This is a powerful course because the way I teach time management is not like anyone else.  I blend brain science with time management so that you can learn how to manage your time more effectively and get more done in less time.

Time blocking is one of those topics that accountants are not taught correctly and this course will show you not only how to time block, but also how to guarantee that you follow through.  You’re definitely going to want to take this course and you can easily sign up at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/cpe/

We all make mistakes in our careers. It’s just part of the process.  I’ve been in public accounting for over 35 years and I have yet to meet an accountant who says their career has been exactly what they hoped it would be.

Sometimes you know you’ve made a mistake right away. Other times, it takes years to realize something wasn’t working.

Looking back, there are things I wish I had done differently. Not because I did anything “wrong,” but because I didn’t know there was a better way.

When you’re busy trying to keep up, it’s hard to step back and ask if the way you’re doing things is actually helping. Most of us are just trying to get through the week.

No one really teaches you how to have a career that fits your life. You’re usually taught how to get the work done, not how to feel good doing it.

You figure it out as you go, and sometimes that means falling into patterns that aren’t helping. Even when those patterns seem normal, they might be slowly burning you out.

What makes it tricky is that many of the things we do as accountants are praised by others. You might get compliments for working late or taking on more, even when it’s hurting you.

That’s why I think it’s important to talk about the mistakes that sneak up on us—the ones that feel like the “right” thing to do at the time.

Have you ever kept doing something just because it’s what you’ve always done, even if it no longer makes sense? It’s easy to fall into that trap without even realizing it.

It took me a long time to figure out that just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s smart. And just because it works for someone else doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

These kinds of mistakes aren’t about technical skills. They’re about how we approach work, decisions, and the way we treat ourselves.

That’s why I wanted to open up and share some of the bigger things I wish I had learned sooner. Not to look back with regret—but to help you move forward with more clarity.

If you’ve ever felt like your career doesn’t quite feel the way you hoped it would, you’re not alone. And it might not be that you’re doing anything wrong—it might just be that no one showed you another way.

So the real question is—what if you didn’t have to make the same mistakes? What if one small shift could help you feel more in charge of your career and your life?

Let’s talk about it.

Mistake #1: Working Off a To-Do List

For a long time, I truly believed my to-do list was helping me. I’d write everything down—every task, every reminder—and I’d get a little thrill each time I crossed something off. It felt productive. It felt like I was staying on top of things. But the truth was, I was just staying busy.

My list never actually ended. Most days, I just moved things from one list to another. I’d knock out a bunch of small tasks and still feel behind. I wasn’t deciding what mattered—I was reacting to whatever looked easiest or most urgent in the moment.

What I didn’t realize back then was that my brain loved the illusion of progress. Checking boxes gave me a quick sense of relief. But I wasn’t making meaningful progress on the things that actually moved my career forward or supported the life I wanted outside of work.

If I could go back, I would tell myself that a to-do list isn’t a plan—it’s a collection of random thoughts. It’s not meant to guide your day. What really matters is learning to decide—ahead of time—what deserves your time, energy, and focus.

Smarter accountants don’t rely on lists. They learn how to calendar effectively. And that one shift can change everything.

Mistake #2: Not Defining What’s “Enough”

For years, I kept pushing myself without ever asking, “When will it be enough?” More clients, more work, more hours—I just kept going. I told myself that once I hit a certain point, then I’d feel better. Then I’d feel successful. Then I’d slow down.

But that point never came. No matter how much I got done or how many goals I reached, it always felt like I should be doing more. There was always another project, another request, another reason to keep pushing.

The mistake wasn’t in wanting to grow—it was in not setting a clear stopping point. Without a personal definition of “enough,” I was chasing something I couldn’t see. And that kind of chase never ends. It just leads to burnout, stress, and the feeling that you’re always behind, even when you’re actually doing a lot.

And for a long time, that included chasing more money. I thought I had to say yes to every opportunity because turning it down felt irresponsible. But over time, I’ve learned something really powerful: I’ve started turning down extra work—not because I can’t do it, but because the promise of more money just doesn’t appeal to me the way balance does.

The irony is that the more I’ve focused on “enough,” the more money I’ve actually made—and I’ve done it while keeping that balance I used to only dream about. It turns out that when you stop chasing everything, you create space for the right things to grow.

If I could go back, I’d sit myself down and ask, “What does enough look like—for me?” Not what other people say. Not what the industry expects. Just my own version of a full, balanced life. I didn’t realize that defining enough gives your brain permission to stop reaching and start appreciating.

Smarter accountants don’t let “more” be the goal. They decide what’s enough and let that guide their choices. Because once you know what you’re aiming for, you can finally rest when you get there.

Mistake #3: Not Defining Success

When I first started my career, I had a vague idea of what success looked like. I figured it meant working at a good firm, climbing the ladder, making a solid income, and being seen as someone who had it all together. That’s what I chased—without ever stopping to ask if that version of success actually felt good to me.

Getting hired by Deloitte right of college felt like success at the time.  Passing the CPA exam felt like success at the time. Moving up the corporate ladder felt like success at the time.

I kept hitting milestones that were supposed to matter, but something always felt off. I’d reach a goal and think, “Is this it?” It looked impressive from the outside, but inside I felt tired, disconnected, and unsure if I was even on the right path.

The mistake was letting the outside world define success for me. I never took the time to decide what my version looked like. So I kept checking off boxes that didn’t actually lead to the kind of life or work I wanted. It was like running a race I didn’t remember signing up for.

If I could go back, I’d ask myself a simple question: “What does success feel like, not just look like?” Because it’s not just about achievements—it’s about how you want to live, how you want to feel, and what actually matters to you.What I’ve learned is that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not about what your title is, how many hours you bill, or how full your calendar is. It’s about building a career that fits the life you want—not the other way around.

Smarter accountants define success for themselves. And once you do that, everything changes. You stop chasing and start choosing. You stop comparing and start aligning. And that’s when success starts to feel like something you actually want to keep.

Mistake #4: Not Getting Clear on Life Priorities and Values Early On

In the beginning, I made career decisions based on what looked good on paper. More money? Great. Bigger title? Even better. I didn’t stop to ask what actually mattered to me. I just followed the path that seemed smart and responsible.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that I was building a career that looked successful but didn’t feel right. I was saying yes to things that didn’t leave room for the life I actually wanted—things like quality time with family, my health, creativity, or just a little breathing room.

The mistake wasn’t in being ambitious. It was in letting my career take over without ever checking if it matched the kind of life I wanted. I felt pulled in different directions. Like I was doing “the right things” but losing pieces of myself in the process.

If I could go back, I’d ask myself to write down what matters most in my life—before making big career decisions. Not just goals like saving for retirement or paying the mortgage, but deeper values like peace, connection, freedom, or joy.

I’ve since learned that your accounting career should support your life, not run it. You don’t need to choose between being a good accountant and being true to yourself—you just need to know what your priorities are and let them lead the way.

Smarter accountants start with life in mind. They get clear on what matters most and use that clarity to make smarter choices at work. And when your work supports the life you want, it stops feeling like a constant tug-of-war.

Mistake #5: People-Pleasing

For a long time, I said yes when I wanted to say no. I answered emails late at night, took on extra work I didn’t have time for, and tried to make everyone happy—clients, coworkers, even people I barely knew. I thought being helpful meant being available all the time.

At first, it felt like the right thing to do. I got praise for being dependable and easy to work with. But underneath it all, I was exhausted. I was constantly putting other people’s needs ahead of my own and ignoring the quiet voice in my head that kept saying, “This isn’t working.”

The mistake was thinking that being nice meant never disappointing anyone. But people- pleasing isn’t kindness—it’s self-abandonment. It taught others that I was always available, and it taught me that my own time, energy, and needs didn’t matter as much.

If I could go back, I’d tell myself that boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary. I didn’t need to be rude or distant to protect my time. I just needed to stop assuming that saying yes was the only way to be valued.

What I’ve learned is that people-pleasing doesn’t actually please anyone in the long run. It leads to burnout, resentment, and feeling like you’re never doing enough.

Smarter accountants know that you can be kind without being a pushover. You can be professional without being available 24/7. And you can respect others without constantly sacrificing yourself.

The Brain Science Behind These Career Mistakes

One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the years is that most of the mistakes I made weren’t because I was doing something “wrong.” They were because my brain was doing exactly what it’s wired to do.

Our brains are built for safety and survival, not for modern-day success in a demanding career. They like what’s familiar—even if what’s familiar is stress, overworking, or saying yes when you want to say no.

Your brain is constantly scanning for danger, and in today’s world, that “danger” often shows up as things like disappointing someone, missing an email, or not meeting a deadline. So it nudges you to avoid discomfort and play it safe, even if that means repeating old habits that aren’t helping.

It also wants quick wins and easy rewards. That’s why checking off a to-do list feels so good, even when the tasks don’t really matter. It’s why praise from others feels important, even when it pulls you away from your own goals.

The brain loves short-term validation more than long-term fulfillment. So it pushes you toward what feels good right now—approval, achievement, staying busy—even if it leads to burnout later.

That’s what was happening in every one of the career mistakes I made. Overcommitting, people pleasing, chasing success that wasn’t mine—all of it made perfect sense to my brain. It was just trying to keep me safe, liked, and comfortable.

But here’s the truth: becoming a Smarter Accountant means you stop letting your brain run the show. You learn to manage it instead of follow it.

And once you start doing that, everything begins to shift. You’re no longer stuck in survival mode—you’re making conscious decisions that truly work for you.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Learning From Career Mistakes

I worked with a client who was deep into her career and doing all the “right” things—at least on the surface. She had a steady stream of clients, worked long hours, and was constantly trying to prove she was reliable and capable. From the outside, she looked successful.

But behind the scenes, she was exhausted. She had no clear boundaries, no time to think about what she wanted, and no idea what “enough” looked like. She was checking off endless tasks, saying yes to everything, and felt guilty anytime she even thought about saying no.

When we started working together, she realized she had never stopped to define what success actually meant to her. She’d been following a path she didn’t choose—one that left very little room for rest, family, or anything outside of work.

As she started learning how her brain was driving those old patterns—like people pleasing and chasing constant productivity—things began to shift. She learned to notice those thoughts without letting them take over. She practiced making decisions based on her values, not her fears.

And over time, she began to do something that felt impossible before: she started turning things down. She let go of work that didn’t align with her goals. She created space for herself. And instead of losing money or momentum like she feared, she actually became more focused, more effective, and more fulfilled.

Her calendar looked different. Her energy felt different. And most importantly, she felt different—more in control, more confident, and more at peace.

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 mistakes we make in our careers often come from not questioning the default settings in our brain. When we don’t define what’s enough, what success really means, or what matters most to us in life, we end up following someone else’s path. But once you start managing your mind instead of letting it run on autopilot, everything can change—for the better.

This week ask yourself, “Am I building a career that supports the life I want—or one that’s just happening by default?”

This question is meant to help you pause and reflect. So many accountants stay on a path simply because it’s what they’ve always done or what others expect. 

But when you slow down and ask yourself if your career is actually supporting the life you want—whether that means more freedom, less stress, or more meaning—you give yourself the chance to make a smarter choice moving forward.

The bottom line is that we all make mistakes, and every one of these taught me something important. The good news is, you don’t have to wait years to learn these lessons. 

You can start making different decisions today—ones that reflect who you are and the life you want. That’s what being a Smarter Accountant is all about.

Pulling Back the Curtain

Pulling back the curtain…

There was a point in my career when all five of these mistakes were happening at the same time—and I couldn’t see it. I was working off an endless to-do list, saying yes to everyone, chasing success without really knowing what I wanted, and constantly ignoring what mattered most in my life.

From the outside, it looked like I was handling it all. But inside, I was burned out. I was drained, snappy with the people I loved, and questioning whether this was really how my career was supposed to feel. I remember thinking, “If this is what success looks like, why am I so miserable?”

The turning point wasn’t some big, dramatic moment. It was a quiet realization that I didn’t want to keep doing things the same way. 

I started questioning the thoughts that were driving my choices. I began to notice how often I was trying to prove something—trying to be everything to everyone while putting myself last.

What helped me most was studying to become a Professional Certified Coach and learning how my brain worked. Once I understood that my habits were based on fear, approval-seeking, and old beliefs, I could finally change them. I could finally make decisions from a place of clarity instead of guilt or pressure.

And I’m still practicing. I still catch myself tempted to add just one more thing to the list or to say yes out of habit. But now, I have the tools to pause, ask better questions, and choose differently. That’s what being a Smarter Accountant means to me.

So, if any part of this episode hit home for you, I want to invite you to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz. It’ll help you see where your brain might be running the show and where you have the most room for growth. You can find it at www.thesmarteraccountant.com.

And if you’re ready to talk about what’s next for you, I offer a free 30-minute call where we can explore what’s working, what’s not, and how you can start making smarter decisions in your career. Just go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar to grab a time.

Lastly, if you know another accountant who could use this episode—someone who’s smart and capable but maybe stuck in some of these same patterns—please share this with them. We all deserve to feel better about the work we do and the life we’re creating.

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

Before I get started, let me just mention that this month’s Smarter Accountant CPE course is The Smarter Accountant Guide to Effective Time Blocking,  The truth is that time blocking isn’t just about putting tasks on a calendar—it’s about making better decisions with your time, your brain, and your energy. In this practical and eye-opening course, you’ll learn a brain-based approach to time management that goes far beyond traditional to-do lists.

This is the system that blends neuroscience with smart scheduling. You’ll discover why your brain resists typical time management tools, how to reduce overwhelm, and how to plan your day based on clarity, focus, and how you want to feel to get things done.

This session will introduce you to the Smarter Accountant Time Blocking Method—an effective method whether you’re dealing busy season or not. You’ll walk away with a repeatable method that helps you get more done in less time, with less stress.

The course is offered Tuesday, August 19th at 12 pm EST and you can register at www.thesmarteraccountant.com/cpe

Let’s talk about something that takes up way too much space in our heads—what other people think about us. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to explain, defend, or correct someone’s opinion, especially when it feels unfair or flat-out wrong.

You do your best, work hard, and try to be a good person, but that doesn’t stop people from making assumptions. Maybe a coworker thinks you don’t care enough, or a client assumes you’re too expensive, or a family member misjudges a decision you made.

It can be frustrating. You want to grab a whiteboard, lay out all the facts, and make them see things your way.

But what if that’s not your job? What if you didn’t have to spend so much time proving yourself or making sure everyone sees you the way you want to be seen?

That might sound impossible. After all, no one wants to be misunderstood. It feels uncomfortable, almost like something is unfinished.

But here’s the thing—no matter how much you explain, defend, or overthink, people will believe what they want to believe. Their opinions are shaped by their own experiences, not just by what you say or do.

That’s where the real problem starts. The more you try to control how others see you, the more you give away your time, energy, and peace of mind.

It’s exhausting. And, honestly, it never really works. Even if you manage to change one person’s mind, someone else will come along with their own opinion, and the cycle starts all over again.

So, what would happen if you let people be wrong about you? What if you let go of the need to correct every misunderstanding and focused on something better?

That’s what we’re going to talk about today. Because the freedom that comes with not needing to prove yourself is something worth thinking about.

Why Accountants Struggle With Caring What Others Think

As accountants, we are used to dealing with facts. Numbers don’t lie, and there’s usually a right and wrong answer. If something doesn’t add up, we can track it down, fix it, and make sure everything checks out. It makes sense that we’d want people to see us the right way too.

But people don’t work like numbers. No matter how clear we think something is, they bring their own thoughts, experiences, and biases into every situation. And when someone questions our work ethic, doubts our skills, or assumes something about us that isn’t true, it stings. We know how much effort we put in, and it feels unfair to be misunderstood.

That’s when the over-explaining starts. You find yourself wanting to defend your choices, prove your worth, or convince someone that they’ve got it wrong. Maybe you take on extra work just to show how committed you are. Maybe you replay conversations in your head, wondering if you should have said something differently. Maybe you spend time crafting the perfect response to an email that doesn’t even deserve one.

It’s exhausting. And no matter how much you try to set the record straight, people still see things through their own lens. Even if you manage to change one person’s mind, someone else will come along with their own opinion, and the cycle starts all over again.

And here’s what makes it even harder—when people misunderstand us, it doesn’t just feel frustrating. It feels personal. We want to believe that if we just explain things well enough, or work hard enough, or show up in exactly the right way, people will get it.

But here’s the thing—you don’t actually control what people think. You never have. And every second you spend trying? That’s energy you never get back.

So why does your brain make this so hard to let go of? Let’s talk about that next.

The Brain Science Behind Why You Care What Others Think

Whether you realize it or not, our brains are wired to care what people think. Back when humans lived in caves, being part of a tribe wasn’t just nice—it was survival. If you were misunderstood or left out, it could mean real danger. So your brain learned to keep an eye on what others thought about you.

Even though life is completely different now, that old wiring is still there. Your brain hasn’t evolved to know the difference between real danger and something that just feels like danger. So when someone doubts you, questions your decisions, or assumes something that isn’t true, your brain reacts as if it’s a threat—even though it’s not.

That’s why it gets to you. It’s not just annoying—it feels wrong, like something that needs to be fixed. It’s that voice in your head saying, “If they just understood me, I wouldn’t feel this way.” Like if you explained it better, showed them more proof, or worked just a little harder, they’d finally get it.

And that’s where the trap is. The harder you try to control how others see you, the more power you give away. You make their opinion more important than your peace of mind. You start adjusting your choices, your words, maybe even your confidence—just to avoid feeling misunderstood.

But here’s the tricky part. No matter how much explaining, proving, or defending you do, people will still see things through their own experiences, beliefs, and assumptions. Their opinions aren’t based only on what you say or do—they come from them. Their past, their perspective, their own internal stories.

Trying to change that is like trying to stop the wind. You push, you fight… but it keeps blowing. And the more you fight it, the more exhausted you get.

So what if you just let go? What if you accepted that people will think whatever they want and that’s okay? Imagine how much lighter that would feel.

Because here’s the truth—fighting it isn’t the answer. But there is a better way. Let’s talk about that next.

How To Stop Wasting Time and Energy on Other People’s Opinions

Instead of spending your time trying to fix what other people think, focus on what you believe about yourself. Their opinions will come and go, but the way you see yourself is what really matters. Because at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live with your choices—not them.

It’s easy to think, “If they just understood me, I’d feel better.” But would you? What would actually change? Would your work be any different? Would your life improve in some way?

Most of the time, the answer is no. You’d still be doing the same work, making the same decisions, and living the same life. The only difference would be that they finally see it the way you want them to. But even if they do, someone else will come along with their own opinion, and the cycle starts all over again.

That’s why chasing approval is exhausting—it never ends. There will always be someone who misjudges you, someone who doesn’t appreciate your effort, someone who assumes things without knowing the full story. And if you keep spending your energy trying to change their minds, you’ll never have time for the things that actually matter.

Real freedom? It’s not about getting people to see you the right way. It’s about realizing their opinions don’t get to run your life.

Ask yourself, “Why do I need them to see me differently? Why does this feel so important?” If someone misunderstands you, it doesn’t actually change anything about who you are. It only changes their perception, which isn’t something you can control anyway.

And here’s what happens when you stop trying to manage other people’s opinions—you get back something priceless.

You get back your time—the time you used to spend over-explaining, overthinking, and overworking to prove yourself.

You get back your confidence—because instead of letting other people’s opinions shake you, you start trusting yourself again.

You get back your peace of mind—because the weight of what other people think? It’s finally gone.

You stop second-guessing yourself. You stop wasting energy explaining things that don’t need explaining. You stop carrying the weight of what other people think.

And the best part? You realize you never needed their approval in the first place.

I’ve seen this happen firsthand, so let me share a story with you.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Letting People Be Wrong About Her

One of my clients was stuck in a pattern that felt impossible to break. No matter how hard she worked, she felt like she had to prove herself every single day.

Her boss was the kind of person who always had something to say. If she left the office at a reasonable time, he’d make a comment about how “some people just don’t put in the extra effort.” If she spoke up in a meeting, he’d question her reasoning. If she didn’t, he’d say she wasn’t engaged enough.

She couldn’t win. So she tried harder.

She over-explained every decision, hoping he’d finally see that she knew what she was doing. She answered emails late at night, thinking it would show her dedication. She worked through lunch, through exhaustion, through weekends, just to prove that she was committed.

But no matter what she did, his opinion didn’t change.

One day, she told me, “I don’t know what else to do. I feel like I have to keep proving myself, but it’s never enough.”

That’s when we started looking at the real problem. It wasn’t her work. It wasn’t even her boss. It was the belief that his opinion was more important than her own.

So she stopped chasing it.

She focused on doing her job well—not on getting him to see it. She stopped over-explaining. She stopped defending every decision. She started leaving work at a time that made sense for her, without guilt.

At first, she was sure it would backfire. But something unexpected happened.

She felt more confident. She felt more respected. And, without saying a word, her boss actually started treating her differently.

He still had his own opinions, but they didn’t weigh on her anymore. She wasn’t drained from trying to control something she never could. And for the first time in years, she felt in control of her time, her energy, and her career.

So what if you did the same? What would happen if you stopped trying to change someone’s mind and trusted yourself instead?

These are great questions to consider as I wrap this up with the biggest takeaway from today’s episode—and another question for you to think about.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway from this episode is that true freedom isn’t about making sure everyone understands you. It’s about realizing that you don’t have to control what others think about you.

Just think about it: How much energy could you get back if you stopped trying to change other people’s opinions? 

So for this week, ask yourself, “What would my life feel like if I let go of the need to explain, defend, or prove myself?”

People will always have opinions. Some will be accurate, some won’t. You can spend your time trying to change them, or you can decide that their opinions don’t define you.

Your peace doesn’t come from getting them to see you the right way. It comes from trusting yourself.

Pulling Back the Curtain

Before I end, I want to pull back the curtain for a moment…

I can totally relate to this episode because I used to spend so much time trying to prove I was a “good” accountant. Not just good at the work—but good to clients, good to coworkers, good to bosses, good to everyone.

I still remember one time when someone at work assumed I wasn’t pulling my weight because I left at 5:30. They would make sarcastic comments like, “Working half a day?”

Never mind that I’d been working since before 8 a.m., skipped lunch to meet deadlines, and got more done in an 8 hour day than they did—that one assumption stuck with me. And instead of letting it go, I tried to fix it.

I tried to figure out ways to stay later. I answered emails at night. I took on more. And you know what? It didn’t change how they saw me. But it did change how I saw myself—I started questioning whether I was doing enough, even though deep down, I knew I was.

That was the turning point for me—realizing that no amount of overworking or explaining was ever going to control what other people believed. And that I didn’t have to waste my peace of mind trying.

I learned that what anyone else thinks about me has more to do with them than with me.  For example, if one of my sister-in-laws rolled her eyes when I shared something I was proud of, her reaction had nothing to do with me and had everything to do with her insecurities.

The bottom line is that although it’s human nature to want people to like us and agree with us, it’s way more important that we like and agree with ourselves.

As I’ve worked on building my self-confidence over the years, it’s so much easier for me to let people be wrong about me.  I now get a kick out of it when it happens because it’s so interesting to see how other people’s brains work.

If this episode spoke to you—if you’ve been carrying the weight of what someone else thinks—it might be time to take a look at what’s really driving you.

That’s why I created The Smarter Accountant Quiz. It’s quick, it’s free, and it’ll help you see what’s actually getting in your way. You can find it at https://thesmarteraccountant.com.

And if you want help with anything you’re struggling with or figuring out what to do next, I offer a free 30-minute call. You can sign up at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar.

And one last thing—if you’ve been enjoying this podcast, the best way you can support it is by sharing it with other accountants. Whether it’s a friend, a coworker, or someone who’s quietly struggling the way you once were, spreading the word helps more accountants discover there’s a smarter way to work.

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

Have you ever noticed how one small thought can totally change your mood?

You might wake up feeling okay, but then one worry pops into your head, and suddenly everything feels heavier. That one thought leads to another, and before you know it, you’re stressed out, frustrated, or doubting yourself—and nothing even happened yet.

I get it. Our thoughts can take us down a road so fast, it’s like we’re on autopilot. And most of the time, we don’t even realize it’s happening.

It might be something simple, like thinking, “I’m behind,” or “I should be doing more.” And just like that, you’re in a bad mood, your energy drops, and the day feels harder than it needs to.

That used to happen to me a lot. I’d go from feeling fine to feeling like I couldn’t handle everything—and the only thing that changed was what I was thinking.

What I didn’t know back then was how powerful that moment is when a thought first shows up. That tiny split second can either take you down or help you take back control.

We all get caught up in our thoughts sometimes. Whether it’s stress about work, guilt about not doing enough, or fear that we’re messing something up—our brains can be loud and pretty convincing.

And when that happens, it’s so easy to believe every thought is true. But the truth is, most of them are just guesses, habits, or leftover stories our brain repeats.

It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. It just means your brain is doing what it’s used to doing—trying to keep you safe, even when it’s not actually helpful.

So what do you do when your thoughts start to spiral? How do you stop that train before it goes off the rails?

That’s what I want to talk about today. Because learning how to pause, notice what’s going on in your head, and gently shift it can make a huge difference.

You don’t need to fight your thoughts or force yourself to be positive. You just need to know how to slow things down and look at them a little differently.

And once you do, you’ll be amazed at how much calmer, clearer, and more in control you feel.

So if you’ve ever wished your mind would quiet down… or that you could get back to feeling better without making a big deal out of it… keep listening.

How Your Brain Gets Hooked on Negative Thoughts

Here’s something most accountants don’t realize—your brain is naturally wired to focus on what might go wrong.

It’s not trying to ruin your day. It’s just trying to keep you safe.

This is called the brain’s “negativity bias.” It means your brain will always notice the problem before it sees the progress.

So if your day starts with one small issue, your brain will keep scanning for more problems. And once it finds a few, you start to feel like everything is going wrong—even if it’s not.

On top of that, your brain loves to save energy, so it runs on habits and shortcuts.

That means the thoughts you’ve thought before are the ones your brain will keep offering again. Not because they’re true—but because they’re familiar.

This is where something called “cognitive fusion” comes in. It just means your brain tells you a thought, and you believe it without question.

It might be something like, “I’m so behind,” or “I’m not doing enough.” The moment your brain offers that thought, you accept it as fact—even if it’s not.

And when that happens, it affects everything.

You rush through your day, trying to fix a problem that might not even exist. You second-guess yourself. You get stuck trying to feel better by working harder.

That’s how your thoughts can mess with your time, your confidence, and your energy.

But here’s the good news—just because your brain offers a thought doesn’t mean you have to believe it.

The first step is awareness. The moment you notice what your brain is doing, you create space to do something different.

And that’s exactly what the next step in the 4 N Process is all about.

Step One: Notice Your Thoughts

Most of the time, your thoughts are running in the background like a playlist you didn’t even hit “play” on.

You’re busy working, responding to emails, managing your calendar—and your brain is quietly feeding you thoughts all day long.

Thoughts like, “I’ll never catch up,” or “I’m not doing enough,” can slip in without you even realizing it.

And those thoughts don’t just sit there. They affect how you feel, how you act, and even how clearly you can think.

That’s why the first step in shifting your perspective is simply noticing what’s going on in your head.

It can be as easy as saying, “I notice I’m thinking…” and then filling in the blank.

For example, “I notice I’m thinking I’m too far behind.”

Or, “I notice I’m thinking I can’t mess this up.”

You’re not judging the thought or trying to push it away—you’re just noticing it.

That little pause gives you space. It’s like turning the lights on in a room you’ve been walking through in the dark.

You can’t change something you don’t even realize is there. But once you see the thought, you can begin to understand what it’s doing.

And from there, you can take the next step—one that helps you stop blaming yourself for the thought and start understanding it instead.

Step Two – Normalize What You’re Thinking

Once you’ve noticed a thought, the next step is to remind yourself—it makes sense that you’re thinking that way.

Your brain isn’t trying to be mean. It’s just doing what it’s wired to do: protect you, avoid anything uncomfortable, and stick with what it already knows.

If you’ve spent years being hard on yourself or feeling like everything has to be perfect, your brain will offer thoughts that match that pattern.

This is where you ask, “Why would I be thinking this?”

That question can shift everything.

You might realize, “Because I care about doing a good job.” Or, “Because I’ve always been hard on myself before deadlines.”

When you answer that question with honesty and kindness, something really important happens—you stop beating yourself up for the thought.

You start to see the thought as something that makes sense, not something that means you’re broken or doing something wrong.

And when the pressure is off, it’s easier to stay calm and look at things more clearly.

That’s when you’re ready to take the next step—to figure out what’s true and what’s just your brain telling stories.

Step Three – Neutralize the Thought

Now that you’ve noticed the thought and given yourself some grace, it’s time to bring in a little logic.

This step is all about separating what’s real from what your brain is saying is real.

You can do that by asking two simple questions: “What are the facts?” and “What is my interpretation of those facts?”

For example, the fact might be: “I have five returns due this week.”

But your brain might be saying: “There’s no way I’ll get it all done.”

See the difference?

One is a neutral statement. The other is your brain jumping to conclusions and adding pressure.

Your brain loves to fill in the blanks with worst-case scenarios. That’s just what it does when it feels overwhelmed.

But when you slow down and name the actual facts, things feel less dramatic and more manageable.

You stop spiraling, and you start seeing the truth.

And once you’re grounded in what’s actually happening, it becomes a whole lot easier to figure out what to do next.

Step Four – Choose the Next Best Thought or Action

Now that you’ve seen the thought, understood it, and looked at the facts, you’re ready for the final step—choosing what to do or think next.

This isn’t about pretending everything’s great or forcing yourself to be super positive. It’s about finding something just a little better.

You can ask yourself, “What’s a slightly better thought I can believe?” or “What’s one small action I can take next?”

Maybe the thought becomes, “One thing at a time. I can start with what’s most important.”

Or maybe you take one simple action, like looking at your to-do list and picking the easiest task to get the ball rolling.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. A small shift can pull you out of that stuck feeling and give you a sense of control again.

When you make a choice, whether it’s a new thought or a next step, you’re no longer reacting—you’re leading.

And that’s exactly what one of my clients experienced when she used this process in a tough moment. Let me share what happened.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Using The 4 N Process Successfully

One of my coaching clients had recently been promoted to a manager role at her firm, and from the outside, it looked like everything was going great.

But inside, she was struggling.

She kept thinking, “I’m not as good as everyone else. They made a mistake promoting me.”

Even though no one had said anything negative, her brain kept offering her every reason she didn’t belong in the role.

Because of those thoughts, she started overworking to “prove” herself. She stayed late, avoided asking for help, and second-guessed nearly every decision she made.

When we started using the 4 N Process in our sessions, things began to shift.

She started by simply noticing the thought: “I notice I’m thinking I don’t belong here.” That helped her step outside of the spiral just enough to see it for what it was—a thought, not a fact.

Then she normalized it: “Of course I’d be thinking this. This is a big new role, and I’ve always been hard on myself when I’m learning something new.”

That one step alone gave her a huge sense of relief.

Next, she neutralized the thought by listing out the actual facts:

• She had consistently strong performance reviews
  
• She had been asked to take the role, not forced to
  
• No one had said anything to suggest she didn’t belong
  

With those facts in front of her, she was able to shift to a next best thought: “It makes sense that this feels new and uncomfortable, but I can ask for support while I grow into this role.”

She also chose one small action—talking to another manager about how they handled the transition when they were first promoted.

That one conversation made her feel more supported and a little less alone.

Over time, she stopped overworking out of fear, and her confidence grew—not because her circumstances changed, but because her thoughts did.

And the best part? No one else had to do anything differently for her to feel better.

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 biggest takeaway from this episode is this: you don’t have to believe everything your brain tells you.

When you use the 4 N Process—Notice, Normalize, Neutralize, and Next—you give yourself a way to pause, check in, and shift out of a thought that isn’t helping you.

You’re not ignoring your thoughts or pretending everything’s fine. You’re simply learning how to guide your mind instead of letting it run the show.

And the more you practice this, the easier it gets.

Here’s a powerful question to ask yourself the next time you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed:

“What thought am I believing right now—and how would it feel to walk it through the 4 N Process?”

This question works because it invites you to slow down and get curious instead of getting swept up in the spiral.

Give it a try this week. You might be surprised how quickly things start to feel lighter and more manageable—just by shifting how you think.

Pulling Back the Curtain

Let me pull back the curtain and tell you something personal—this 4 N Process was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.  When I heard one of my mentors teaching it, I knew she was onto something. 

I remember a time when one unexpected email could send me into a spiral. I’d be working on something important, but then my brain would latch onto a single thought like, “You forgot something,” or “This isn’t good enough.” 

And just like that, my entire mood would shift. The work didn’t change. The deadline didn’t change. But my thinking did—and that changed everything.

I used to think I just needed to push through it. Power through the doubt. Prove I could handle it. But that only left me feeling more drained and frustrated. Eventually, I realized that the problem wasn’t my work. It was the way my brain reacted to it.

That’s when I happened to hear one of my mentors teaching the 4 N Process. And I’ll be honest—it took time. 

At first, just noticing my thoughts felt like a big win. But once I learned how to normalize them, take the drama out of them, and choose the next best thought or action—I finally started to feel like I had some control over my day again.

Now, whenever my brain throws me an unhelpful thought, I don’t fight it. I walk it through the process. And 9 times out of 10, I feel calmer and more capable just a few minutes later.

I like to think of the 4 N Process as a tool in my toolkit that I get to use whenever I really need it.  Sometimes I forget it’s there, but when I do, it has helped me put so many things into perspective in a more helpful way.

Even just dealing with my cancer diagnosis – the 4 N Process has been a lifeline helping me to become aware of the unhelpful thoughts, normalizing them, neutralizing them, and then deciding on the next best thought.

I promise, if this can work with something like a health diagnosis, it can work on anything you’re struggling with.

If this episode hit home for you, I want you to know: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. You can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar. We’ll talk about what your brain might be doing on autopilot and how to start shifting it in a more helpful direction.

And if you haven’t already taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz, now is the perfect time. Go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com and take the quiz—it’ll show you where your accountant brain might be underutilized and how to start working with it instead of against it.

Lastly, if this episode helped you, please take a moment to share it with another accountant. So many accountants are silently struggling with stress and overthinking—and one episode might be the nudge they didn’t know they needed. Let’s change the narrative in our profession, one smarter accountant at a time.

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