Okay, so I want you to imagine that it’s just you and me here, catching up and seeing what’s been happening.  How’s it going on your end? Are you finding fulfillment in your career, or is the constant pressure making it difficult to appreciate your achievements? 

Have you been pushing harder but feeling less confident in your abilities, productivity, time management, or decision-making?

I get that some days are great, while others seem like an uphill battle. Between you and me, let’s be honest about your stress level – has anxiety been a frequent companion, and is it affecting your focus? 

What about your analytical skills? Have you noticed any slip-ups or missed opportunities lately?

Are you already dreading tax season or busier times of the year?  Are you secretly considering doing something else, other than accounting?

Believe me, I get it.  I’ve been in the accounting profession for over 30 years.  I know how demanding it can be.

I know the highs of success and the lows of self-doubt. As accountants, we often grapple with the delicate balance of professional excellence and personal well-being. It’s a common thread that ties us all together.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, the challenges of being an accountant are real, and they deserve an open dialogue. While there are countless resources on general career advice, I’m here to address 3 particular skills that will help make you a better accountant.  

I’m here to share insights and strategies that resonate with all accountants, recognizing the shared experiences that connect us.

What I really want you to know is that you are valuable and the profession needs you!  So let me help you make things a little easier and suggest some things you could improve upon so that you can not only be a better accountant, but have an easier accounting career.

Skill #1 – Improve Your Time Management And Productivity

As we all know, in the world of accounting, being organized and getting things done efficiently is crucial.  But there’s often a tricky roadblock that gets in the way of our time management and productivity – stress. 

While stress is common for accountants, it makes it harder for us to manage our time well and do our work efficiently.

I want you to start thinking of stress as an unwelcome guest at a well-planned party. It doesn’t just spoil the fun; it messes with how well your brain works. 

Stress and trying to get things done are like trying to mix oil and water – they just don’t go together. Unfortunately, when stress shows up, your brain, instead of calmly handling tasks, turns into a busy and confused orchestra trying to play a tune.

When stress goes unmanaged it can cause anxiety and make your ability to manage your time even more difficult.  It’s like putting the parking brake on your car and trying to drive 100 mph.

For example, have you ever felt it’s tough to focus when you’re anxious? That’s because your brain is wired to be extra alert when it senses a potential problem – even though your work isn’t a real danger.

Before I became a Smarter Accountant, stress was my constant companion, it made me slower, more prone to mistakes, and even put my job at risk. The game-changer was learning how to manage stress – a skill that not only boosted my productivity but also made mistakes a rare thing.

Not only do I get more done in less time, but I’ve also learned how to create more time for the things and the people I love.

This brings us to why coaching in mind management is so important. Think of it as your guide to cleaning up the mental clutter. 

By teaching your brain to reduce and even eliminate stress, you can take back control over your time and get things done more smoothly.

The truth is that stress might be making you feel busier than you really are. The skill of managing your mind is like having a special tool to turn chaos into a well-organized plan. 

Skill #2 – Improve Your Analytical Skills

Did you know that you are actually smarter than you think you are?  The truth is that your level of stress and overwhelm has just overridden your higher brain’s intelligence.  

I’ve shared this on the podcast before, but the simplest way to understand your brain is that you have two main systems going on – the lower, primitive brain and the higher, executive functioning brain.  Thankfully, when you learn how to manage your brain, you actually become a better thinker.

This leads me to the second skill that will make you a better accountant – sharpening your analytical skills.

We’ve all heard the saying “work smarter, not harder,” but how many of us really know what that means?  For me, it means learning how to stop underutilizing your accountant brain.

If you haven’t taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet to see how much you are underutilizing your accountant brain, you can take this simple quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com.

Here’s the thing – to improve your analytical skills you need to get a better handle on stress.  When stress enters the scene, it’s as if your ability to think analytically is thrown out the window.

When you are feeling stressed or anxious you don’t think clearly and your brain has difficulty dealing with complex problems as well as seeing solutions clearly.

Another issue is that when you are anxious you are much more likely to make a mistake or overlook something that would have been obvious if you were managing your brain proactively.

Let me share a story that showcases this issue.  A few months ago I had a deadline looming over me and wasn’t managing my mind the way I should have.  I was getting caught up in my boss’ stress about the project and not choosing thoughts that made me feel calm and focused. 

As I was completing my work-papers, I couldn’t find my stapler.  I had just had it.  I looked all over my desk and couldn’t find it.  I was getting super frustrated (on top of the stress I was already experiencing) and almost took a stapler off someone else’s desk.

Then I realized that my brain was probably reacting to my feelings of frustration and stress and that my ability to think and see things clearly was being warped.  I asked a coworker to come into my office and see if she could find the stapler for me.  She walked in and pointed to it, front and center on my desk!

How was that possible?!!  My brain’s ability to see what was right in front of me was reduced because of my lower, primitive brain’s reaction to my stress.  If that could happen with a stapler, just imagine how it could happen with both simple and complex accounting problems.

By learning how to manage your brain, you’re not just finding lost staplers more easily; you’re also improving your analytical skills and becoming a Smarter Accountant in the process.

Skill #3 – Improve Your Confidence

If you struggle with confidence, you’re not alone.  Even though, as accountants, we’re smart people doing smart things, that doesn’t mean we don’t struggle with self-confidence.

Here’s what I most want you to understand – the feeling of self-confidence does not come from external accomplishments.  If it did, then everyone who passed the CPA exam or did well in school would be immune from struggling with self-confidence.

Contrary to the belief that achievements like promotions or securing significant clients must precede confidence, it’s essential to understand that confidence is a feeling that only comes from your thoughts.  

This understanding is not just good news; it’s empowering news. It means that the feeling of self-confidence doesn’t need to wait for a particular outcome; it can be created deliberately. 

How is it possible to feel confident on purpose?  Because your thoughts create your feelings and you are 100% in control of your thoughts when you learn how to think more intentionally.

By being more intentional with your thoughts, you can create the feeling of confidence no matter what the situation is.  And since your feelings fuel your actions, when you feel confident you set the stage for actions that can propel you towards promotions, successful client acquisitions, or any other professional goals you have. 

The key lies in the intentional management of your brain, recognizing that effective actions only come from intentional feelings.  

Building a reputation characterized by confidence, capability, and trustworthiness will make you a better accountant.  In fact, the importance of confidence extends beyond personal gain; it acts as a catalyst for career advancement, whether you opt to continue your journey with your current employer or explore new opportunities elsewhere.

Before learning to become a Smarter Accountant, I often tied my confidence to external results. If a long-anticipated raise didn’t happen or the bathroom scale refused to budge in the desired direction, my confidence took a noticeable hit. 

Thankfully, once I uncovered the secret to intentionally creating the feeling of confidence, everything shifted. This newfound understanding became the impetus for writing my book “The Smarter Accountant” and starting my own coaching business.  

In order to feel confident on purpose I chose thoughts like:

You’ve got this

You are amazing at what you do

You can do hard things

You are incredibly smart and capable

Beginning to choose thoughts that created the feeling of confidence on purpose was a game-changer for me and it can be for you as well.

This week, think of a time when you felt confident in the past.  What were you thinking that was creating that feeling of confidence?  It wasn’t because of some accomplishment or award; you only felt confident because of a thought.  What were some of those possible thoughts?

This exercise serves as a meaningful starting point to reshape your mindset and pave the way for a more confident and self-assured version of yourself.

When you can learn to create confidence on purpose by choosing thoughts that create that feeling, you will be amazed at how much better you feel about your ability as an accountant and about life in general.  

Becoming a Smarter Accountant – Putting The 3 Skills Into Practice

As I wrap up our exploration of the three skills that will make you a better accountant – improving time management and productivity, enhancing analytical skills, and boosting confidence – it’s time to dive into how to implement these skills in your daily professional life.

#1 – Improving Your Time Management and Productivity:  Implementing effective time management involves a conscious effort to manage stress and foster a proactive mindset. 

Consider adopting the following practices:

Mindful Planning: Prioritize tasks and create a realistic schedule to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Break down complex projects into smaller, manageable steps.

For example, when facing a significant financial audit, engage in mindful planning by breaking down the process into phases—like data gathering and risk assessment. Allocate realistic timeframes, create checklists, and transform the audit from an overwhelming task into a series of manageable steps, fostering both clarity and efficiency.

Create Dedicated Focus Time: Our ability to focus is one of our super powers so make sure that you’re calendaring dedicated focus time where nothing else is allowed to distract you.  

For example, designate a specific hour each morning for in-depth data analysis during which emails and meetings are temporarily put on hold. This intentional focus time enhances your analytical abilities and ensures that critical tasks receive the concentrated attention they deserve, maximizing both productivity and quality of work.

Thought Management: What no one else is teaching accountants about better time management is that mind management is the secret to time management.  You must manage your mind in order to reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm.  

For example, instead of fixating on the overwhelming volume of tasks, consciously redirect your thoughts by focusing on your proven ability to tackle challenges. By actively shaping a positive mindset, you’ll find that stress diminishes, allowing for a clearer perspective and more effective time management.

#2 – Enhancing Your Analytical Skills:  Improving your analytical skills is about sharpening your problem-solving abilities. 

Here are practical steps to implement this skill:

Clear Thinking Strategies: When faced with a problem, take a moment to clear your mind. Break down the problem into smaller components and tackle each part systematically.

For example, if confronted with a complex financial discrepancy, break it down into distinct elements—such as reviewing transactions, cross-checking records, and verifying calculations. By systematically addressing each component, you not only simplify the problem but also enhance your ability to identify and resolve intricate issues with clarity and precision. 

Stapler Moments: Recall instances where stress clouded your judgment, like the stapler incident I shared. Use this awareness to recognize when stress may be impacting your analytical abilities.

For example, imagine you’re working on a report, and stress starts building up. Instead of getting frustrated, take a moment to breathe.  Use the feeling of stress as a signal to pause, clear your mind, and approach the task with renewed focus, catching stress before it hinders your ability to think clearly.

Mind Management: Learn the skill of mind management to decrease stress and enhance clarity. Learn how to address your brain’s natural negativity bias.  

For example, let’s say you’re feeling overwhelmed by a big project. Instead of letting negative thoughts take over, practice shifting your focus to what you can accomplish step by step. By actively managing your mind and redirecting negative thinking, you’ll find that stress decreases, making it easier to tackle tasks with a clearer and more positive mindset.

#3 – Boosting Your Confidence:  There’s no getting around the fact that confidence is a cornerstone of success. 

Here’s how you can actively cultivate and implement confidence in your professional journey:

Intentional Thought Selection: Consciously choose thoughts that promote confidence. Create a list of empowering thoughts, such as “I am capable” or “I excel at what I do,” and revisit them regularly.

For example, when facing a challenging task, replace self-doubt with thoughts like “I can handle this” or “I’ve successfully overcome challenges before.” Revisiting these empowering thoughts regularly strengthens your confidence muscle, creating a positive mindset.

Past Confidence Reflection: Reflect on past instances where you felt confident. Identify the thoughts that fueled that confidence and incorporate them into your regular thought patterns.

For example, recall a time when you aced a difficult project or received positive feedback. Remind yourself of the thoughts that fueled your confidence during those moments, such as “I am capable” or “I have the skills needed.” By incorporating these thoughts into your daily thinking, you build a foundation of confidence rooted in your past successes.

Positive Feedback Loop: Recognize that confidence breeds positive actions. As you intentionally cultivate confidence, observe how it influences your actions and, subsequently, your career goals.

For example, imagine setting a goal to lead a team project. By intentionally fostering confidence through choosing thoughts that create the feeling of confidence, you’ll likely find yourself taking initiative, collaborating effectively, and achieving successful project outcomes. Recognizing this positive feedback loop reinforces the connection between confidence and accomplishment.

As you integrate these practices into your daily routine, remember that growth is a continuous process. Embrace the journey of becoming a Smarter Accountant.

The more you implement these strategies, the more they will become like second nature.  

Becoming a Smarter Accountant means incorporating these three skills in a way that propels you toward a successful and fulfilling career in accounting. 

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I shared the three skills that will make you a better accountant.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tips.

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.

I’ll explain The Smarter Accountant 6-week Program and how you can apply it to whatever you’re struggling with.

So 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.