Do you ever feel like your life is just a never-ending series of decisions? From handling client needs to figuring out what’s for dinner, it can get pretty overwhelming, right? 

As accountants, we’re constantly bombarded with choices to make, both big and small. It’s part of the job, but sometimes it feels like it never stops.

I don’t know about you, but even though I’m capable and organized, there are days when I just wish someone could take a few decisions off my plate. Just think about it – wouldn’t it be amazing if you didn’t have to decide on every little thing? 

But if I’m being honest, I’d probably still want to double-check their decisions anyway!

Recently, I was listening to my mentor, a highly successful businessperson, talk about decision-making. She humorously described herself as a “control enthusiast,” and I couldn’t help but laugh. 

For most of my life, I’ve felt the need to control the people and things around me to feel secure and content.  But trying to control everything is exhausting, right? 

It’s like trying to juggle too many balls in the air at once. This constant need to manage every detail drained me and led to decision fatigue, where the number of choices I had to make left me feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.

If you haven’t experienced decision fatigue, trust me, it’s one of the most draining things ever. And often, we don’t even realize it’s happening until we’re already exhausted. 

We’re so busy trying to keep everything under control that we forget to step back and see the bigger picture.

Have you ever felt that way? Like no matter how many decisions you make, there’s always another one waiting around the corner? As accountants, it’s easy to fall into this trap. 

We’re trained to be meticulous, detail-oriented, and always on top of things. But sometimes, the sheer volume of decisions can just be too much.

In fact, did you know that the average adult makes 33,000 to 35,000 total decisions each day!  It’s no wonder decision fatigue can be so common.

The interesting thing is that as I was doing the research for this topic a while back, I was reflecting on all the decisions I had to make and realized that not all decisions carry the same weight. Some decisions are trivial, while others can have a significant impact on our lives. 

That’s when it hit me – if we could identify and focus on the most important decisions, we could potentially alleviate some of that overwhelming pressure.

This realization was a game-changer for me. I started to think about the areas of my life where making wise decisions could create a domino effect, making other choices easier and less stressful. It was about being strategic and intentional with my decision-making process.

I remember my mentor’s words vividly: “If you’re not taking the time to make intentional, conscious decisions about your life, don’t be surprised when your life isn’t what you want it to be.” 

It was a wake-up call. I realized that by taking control of a few key decisions, I could steer my life in a more positive direction.

That’s why in today’s podcast I want to share three decisions that every accountant needs to make wisely.  By focusing on the right decisions, you can create a ripple effect that leads to greater fulfillment and success. 

Decision #1: Who You Spend Your Time With

Have you ever noticed how the people around you can really affect your mood and even how productive you are? It’s like their energy rubs off on you, whether it’s good or bad. 

The truth is that who we spend our time with plays a huge role in shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and even our success.

See if you can relate to this: A few years ago, I was constantly feeling drained and uninspired at work. I couldn’t figure out why until I started paying attention to my surroundings. 

I realized that I was spending a lot of time with colleagues who were always complaining or stressed out. Their negativity was bringing me down without me even realizing it.

So, I made a conscious decision to change that. I started seeking out colleagues and friends who were positive, motivated, and supportive. It wasn’t easy at first, but the difference it made was incredible. 

Once my mindset shifted, I began to feel more energized and enthusiastic about my work. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

Here’s the thing: who you spend your time with really matters. The people around you can either lift you up or bring you down, and it’s important to choose wisely. 

In fact, research from the University of California, San Diego, shows that happiness spreads through social networks up to three degrees of separation, meaning your friends, their friends, and their friends’ friends can all impact your well-being.

Think about it this way – if you surround yourself with people who are always focused on the negative, it’s easy to start seeing the world through that same lens. On the other hand, if you’re around people who are positive and forward-thinking, it encourages you to adopt a similar mindset. 

Why is this important for accountants?  Because as an accountant typically surrounded by other stressed accountants, this can significantly impact your productivity and overall happiness.

Here are some practical tips to help you evaluate and improve your personal and professional relationships:

Evaluate Your Relationships: Take a moment to think about the people you spend the most time with. Are they positive and supportive, or do they drain your energy? Sometimes, we don’t realize the impact someone has on us until we step back and assess it. Make a list of the people you interact with most frequently and consider how each one makes you feel. Do they inspire you, or do they leave you feeling exhausted?

Prioritize Positivity: Make an effort to spend more time with people who uplift and inspire you. This could be friends, family, or colleagues who have a positive outlook on life and encourage you to be your best self. It might mean making some tough choices about who you spend less time with, but it’s worth it. Surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you and make you feel good about yourself.   

Leverage Technology: In today’s digital age, you can surround yourself with positive influences even if they’re not physically nearby. Listen to uplifting podcasts like this one, read inspiring books, and join online communities that align with your interests and goals. These virtual connections can be just as powerful, if not more, as in-person ones. 

Be Intentional with Your Time: Make a plan to incorporate more positive influences into your daily routine. Schedule regular catch-ups with uplifting friends or colleagues, join a professional group that inspires you, or set aside dedicated time each week to listen to a helpful podcast or read a motivational book. By being intentional about who and what you let into your life, you can create a more positive environment for yourself.

Reflect and Adjust: Periodically reflect on how your interactions are affecting you. If you find that certain relationships are consistently bringing you down, it might be time to reassess their place in your life. It’s okay to step back from relationships that aren’t serving you well and seek out new, more positive connections.

By making these small but significant changes, you’ll start to notice a big difference in your mindset and productivity. Surrounding yourself with the right people can create a ripple effect that improves many areas of your life. 

So, take control of this decision and choose to spend your time with those who make you feel good and help you grow. Remember, you have the power to create a supportive and inspiring network that will lift you up and help you achieve your goals.

Decision #2: How You Make a Living

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself if you’re truly happy with your job? As accountants, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to check in with ourselves about our career satisfaction. 

But taking the time to assess how we make a living and whether it aligns with our personal goals is crucial for long-term happiness and success.

To be honest, a few years ago, I found myself feeling unfulfilled in my accounting job. I had been working in the same role for years and felt stuck in a routine that didn’t excite me anymore. I realized I needed to re-evaluate my career path and make some intentional choices about my future.

So, I started by conducting a self-assessment. I asked myself tough questions: Was I passionate about my work? Did it align with my long-term goals? What did I really want to achieve in my career? This was eye-opening and helped me understand what changes I needed to make.

Next, I explored different career options within accounting. I looked into public accounting versus private accounting, considered whether I wanted to be a specialist or a generalist, and thought about the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur. This exploration was exciting and opened my eyes to new opportunities I hadn’t considered before.

Ultimately, I decided to pursue further professional development and personal growth. 

I studied to become a Professional Certified Coach for Accountants, wrote my book “The Smarter Accountant” and built a successful coaching business in addition to being a CPA in public accounting.  

The truth was, I knew I didn’t want to give up being a CPA, but I also knew I had so much to teach the accounting profession.  As I became a smarter accountant, I wanted other accountants to learn the same. 

So if you’re feeling unsure about the direction you’re going, here are some practical tips to help you assess and improve your career satisfaction:

Conduct a Self-Assessment: Take some time to reflect on your current job. Ask yourself if you’re truly satisfied with your work and if it aligns with your personal goals. Write down your thoughts and identify areas where you feel fulfilled and areas where you feel lacking. This self-assessment can provide clarity and guide your next steps.

Explore Different Career Options: I did an entire episode last week titled “Before You Leave The Accounting Profession, Hear Me Out”, but for this episode I suggest you look into various paths within the accounting field. Consider whether you prefer public accounting or private accounting, and think about whether you want to specialize in a specific area or remain a generalist. Don’t be afraid to explore options that might seem unconventional. Sometimes, the right fit for you might be something you haven’t considered before.

Invest in Professional Development: Continuous learning is key to staying engaged and growing in your career. Take courses, attend workshops, and participate in industry events. Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Professional development not only enhances your expertise but also keeps your job exciting and challenging.

Seek Mentorship and Networking: Connect with others in your field who can offer guidance and support. A mentor or coach can provide valuable insights and help you navigate your career path. Networking with peers can also open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Set Personal and Professional Goals: Define what success looks like for you. Set both short-term and long-term goals for your career. Having clear objectives can motivate you and give you a sense of direction. Regularly revisit and adjust these goals as needed to ensure they remain aligned with your aspirations.

Just know this – it’s never too late to make changes and pursue what truly makes you happy. Take the time to evaluate how you make a living and ensure it aligns with your personal goals and passions.

By thoughtfully making the decision about how I make a living, I have found the perfect balance between being a CPA and helping accountants have easier accounting careers and more successful businesses..

Decision #3: How You Manage Your Health

How often do you prioritize your own health with all you have going on professionally and personally? It’s easy to let our health take a backseat when we’re busy with work, family, and everything else life throws at us. 

But the truth is, without good health, everything else falls apart. Managing stress and maintaining physical health are crucial for long-term success and happiness.

Honestly, I used to ignore my health, thinking that work and family came first. I believed that as long as I kept pushing through, everything would be fine. 

But over time, I started feeling constantly tired, stressed, and less productive. I realized that neglecting my health was affecting every aspect of my life.

So, I decided to make a change and began prioritizing my well-being.  My energy levels went up, my productivity increased, and I felt happier overall. It was a wake-up call that taking care of myself was not just important but essential.

Especially in light of my recent cancer diagnosis, I am beyond grateful that I had already put things in place to help with my physical, mental and emotional health.  I don’t think I would be dealing so well with everything I have going on if I hadn’t already prioritized my health.

Since I want the same for you, here are some practical tips to help you manage your health:

Balanced Approach: Incorporate regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep into your routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with small steps like going for a walk, eating more fruits and vegetables, and ensuring you get enough rest each night. These simple changes can make a big difference in how you feel.

Stress Management: This is the #1 biggest benefit from learning what I teach in The Smarter Accountant Program – how to manage your mind so that you can decrease and even eliminate stress.  Ever since I learned what I teach in my book, I have been able to have stress-free tax seasons and I promise you, you can too.

Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to get professional help if you’re struggling with your mental health. There’s no shame in it. There are too many accountants who have normalized their health issues so make sure you’re not one of them.  Sometimes, we need a little extra help to manage our mental health, and that’s okay.

By making these changes, you’ll notice improvements in your energy, mood, and productivity. Remember, taking care of your health is not selfish; it’s necessary. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re better equipped to handle all your responsibilities and enjoy life more fully.

So, take a moment to assess how you’re managing your health. Are there areas where you can make small improvements? Start today by incorporating some of these tips into your routine.

Your body and mind will thank you, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier life and a more sustainable accounting career.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Wisely Making The 3 Decisions

I already shared some of my story throughout this episode, but now I’m going to share a little about a few coaching clients who wisely made each of the 3 decisions.

One client worked at a mid-sized firm. She often felt drained and unmotivated. After some reflection, she realized that her work environment was filled with colleagues who were negative and constantly complaining. This negative atmosphere was affecting her mood and productivity.

After working together she decided to make a change. She looked for more positive and supportive colleagues, both within her firm and through networking groups. She also started listening to inspiring podcasts during her commute. 

She felt more energized, her work improved, and she even started taking on leadership roles within her firm. She realized that by surrounding herself with positive influences, it helped her rediscover her passion for her career.

Another client had been in public accounting for over a decade. Although he was successful, he felt unfulfilled and questioned whether he was on the right career path. He was afraid of making a change because he had invested so much time and effort into his current role.

After working together he realized that his true passion lay in teaching and mentoring. He started to explore different options and eventually transitioned to a role where he could train and mentor new accountants. 

This change really lit him up and gave him a renewed sense of purpose. 

The last client I want to share was a hardworking accountant and a mother of two. Like most working moms, she always put her family and work first, neglecting her own health. Over time, she felt constantly exhausted and stressed, which affected her performance at work and her patience at home.

Once we started working together she realized she needed to make a change for her well-being. She first learned the invaluable skill of managing her mind so that she could significantly reduce her stress.  

She was amazed at how much better she felt, how productive she was at work and more present with her family. Prioritizing her mental health allowed her to find a better balance and improve her quality of life.

She realized that, just like all the accountants she worked with, she had normalized stress.  But, once she learned how to reduce and even eliminate stress, everything in her life, professionally and personally, became easier.

So hopefully by these examples you can see how empowering it can be to wisely make  decisions about who to spend your time with, how to make a living, and how to manage your health.  If you’re going to be making tens of thousands of decisions in a day, make sure these three are the ones you make wisely.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that making intentional and wise decisions about who you spend your time with, how you make a living, and how you manage your health can transform your professional and personal life. These decisions create a ripple effect that enhances your overall well-being, productivity, and happiness. 

Remember, by taking control of these key areas, you can steer your life in a more positive and fulfilling direction.

This week, ask yourself: “Which of the three decisions – who I spend my time with, how I make a living, or how I manage my health – needs the most attention in my life right now, and what is one small step I can take today to improve it?”

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed the 3 decisions every accountant needs to make wisely.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

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

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

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

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

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