Author: Dawn Goldberg

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.

While stress and overwhelm have always been the norm in the accounting profession, I think it’s important to address this issue from a fresh perspective.

First, consider the following questions:

Have you ever felt overwhelmed or anxious in your role as an accountant?

Have you or your colleagues ever felt pressure to conform to certain expectations or norms within the accounting profession?

How do you personally manage stress and anxiety in your professional and personal life?

The truth is that no matter how much we’ve normalized stress and anxiety in our lives, mental health is a vital aspect of our well-being, and in the accounting profession, it’s a challenge that needs attention.

Each October, NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Health, takes the lead in shedding light on mental health issues. Its mission is spreading awareness, fighting stigmas, and providing support across the nation.

So why does this matter for accountants?  Because mental health issues are more common than we might think, especially among accountants. 

Let’s face it, accounting is a profession with unique pressures, and I’m here to explore the impact these challenges have on our mental well-being.

In fact, In one study, 30.4% of accountants admitted to suffering from mental health issues and 51% admitted that depression and anxiety leaves them dreading going to work.  When you add the anxiety accountants feel in our professional life to the pressure we feel in our personal lives, you have a recipe for disaster for accountants that is often suffered in silence.

While studies like this are important for shining a light on issues, it’s also important to point out that the 30.4% of the accountants were willing to admit they suffer from mental health issues.  I’m going to bet there was a high percentage that either didn’t want to admit it, or had normalized or justified it so often that it doesn’t seem like a problem.

When you add the pressure of the work we do as accountants to the natural skepticism and resistance that we have towards change, it’s no wonder we’re having so many issues.

As we navigate through this discussion, keep in mind the efforts of organizations like NAMI to address mental health concerns and support those going through them. Together, let’s uncover the layers of accountants and anxiety, understanding the intricacies that make it a prevalent topic in the accounting profession.

Mental health is a topic gaining recognition globally, and NAMI’s October initiatives are crucial in breaking down barriers and fostering a supportive environment. The accounting profession, despite its often-stoic image, is not immune to the challenges of mental health.

This episode aims to peel back the layers of why anxiety is a prevalent concern among accountants. From demanding work schedules to societal expectations, I’ll be exploring the factors contributing to this issue. 

By shedding light on these challenges, I hope to contribute to a more open conversation about mental health in the accounting profession.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is like a built-in alarm system in your body that’s designed to keep you safe. It’s a natural response, just like feeling scared when you sense danger. 

In simple terms, your brain is trying to protect you, and anxiety is its way of saying, “Hey, be alert, something might be up!”

But what is it that sets off this alarm for accountants? It turns out, the world of accounting has its own set of stress triggers. 

It could be a looming tax deadline, a surprise audit, or even a delayed train. These situations make your brain react as if you’re facing a real threat, similar to how our ancestors felt a saber toothed tiger was waiting outside their cave to pounce on them.  

But here’s where it gets interesting. The way we are trained as accountants plays a role in how our anxiety levels can shoot up. Think of it like this: from the time you started learning accounting, your brain has been wired to think in very specific ways. 

These thinking patterns, while great for solving accounting problems, can sometimes make your brain see problems where there aren’t any. The constant exposure to problem-solving situations in the accounting profession, combined with these thinking habits, can make anxiety a regular companion for accountants.

That’s why there’s no shame in the fact that you experience anxiety as an accountant; over time, your brain has become wired for it.

The Overworking Dilemma

So how do accountants tend to deal with anxiety?  Ironically, we often find ourselves caught in a cycle of working extra hours, as if we’re using work as a way to cope with stress. 

Overworking to deal with anxiety is like self-medicating – we believe the idea that putting in more hours somehow helps manage the anxiety that comes with the demands of the accounting profession. 

The catch-22 is that when the strategy to combat anxiety involves relentless overworking, it often results in burnout. Burnout is like hitting a wall – you find yourself physically and mentally drained, with the very work you thought was a solution becoming a source of exhaustion. 

This unhealthy relationship can silently creep into your professional life, affecting your overall well-being in ways that might not be immediately apparent.

The issue for a lot of us is that the accounting environment is like a pressure cooker. There’s this constant external pressure to excel – to do more, learn more, and be more. 

It’s not just about balancing debits and credits; it’s about meeting expectations, adhering to deadlines, and keeping pace with the ever-evolving landscape of rules and regulations. 

This relentless atmosphere can turn the workplace into a hotbed for stress. The external pressures, combined with the innate complexity of accounting tasks, can lead to burnout and exacerbate anxiety levels.

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Fitting Into The “Accountant Mold”

Now let’s talk about the concept of the “accountant mold.” It’s essentially an invisible set of expectations and norms that society, and sometimes even ourselves, place on accountants.

This pressure to conform to a specific image can give rise to imposter syndrome. It’s that lingering feeling that, despite external recognition, you might not be as competent as others perceive you to be. 

Trying to fit into this predefined mold can lead to self-doubt, creating a sense of being an imposter in your own professional life, adding another layer of anxiety.

For example, you might downplay your achievements.  Let’s say you successfully completed a challenging project at work, but instead of celebrating your accomplishment, you attribute it to luck or external factors, dismissing your own competence.

Or maybe you focus excessively on errors or perceived shortcomings, often overlooking the numerous successes you’ve achieved in your career.  I’ve seen this time and time again with my coaching clients, especially around year-end review time.

Another issue that is common among accountants and can create a lot of anxiety is catastrophizing.  Catastrophizing involves blowing things out of proportion, transforming simple situations into major disasters. 

With catastrophizing, your brain automatically leads to negative conclusions.  For example, you might leap to conclusions such as the client being dissatisfied, the possibility of them terminating your services, and the looming blame from your boss. 

It’s a mental magnification of issues that can needlessly intensify anxiety.

Here’s the thing – we are taught to be on the perpetual search for inconsistencies and problems, therefore, seeing problems becomes second nature for us. Unfortunately, this continuous problem-solving, while crucial for the job, also has a tendency to spill over into our personal life, making it challenging to switch off from the analytical mindset. 

The consequence? Elevated stress levels, as the brain is persistently engaged in identifying and addressing potential problems, whether they are genuine concerns or mere figments of imagination. 

Being surrounded by other people’s problems trains your accountant’s brain to actually see more problems.  Since your brain is already a problem-solving machine, when you add that capability to the accounting profession’s pressures and expectations it’s no wonder over 50% of accountants feel anxiety and overwhelm.

The good news is that you can use your accountant’s brain and its critical abilities to actually reverse your anxiety and feel better fast.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Practical Steps for Anxiety Management

The first step for managing anxiety is you have to become aware that you’re feeling anxiety.  It might sound too simple, but it’s incredibly important.

You want to begin to imagine anxiety as a little signal your body sends when it senses something isn’t quite right. It’s like a gentle nudge saying, “Hey, pay attention to this!” 

The first crucial step in managing anxiety is to become aware of its presence. It’s like turning on the lights in a dark room – by acknowledging and understanding that anxiety is there, you set the stage for change. 

Without this awareness, it’s challenging to navigate the maze of emotions. Becoming aware is like creating a roadmap; you see what’s going on and can start to figure out where to go next.

The second step is to normalize the feeling of anxiety and allow it.  Don’t make yourself wrong for feeling it; it’s part of the human experience. 

Rather than viewing anxiety as an unwelcome intruder, consider it as a friend offering a helpful signal. By normalizing anxiety, you’re acknowledging that it’s okay to feel this way. 

It’s similar to accepting that, just like hunger or tiredness, anxiety is a regular part of life. This shift in perspective takes some of the power away from anxiety, transforming it from a enemy into a manageable companion.

The third step is to manage your mind by putting pen to paper.  Writing down your thoughts is like putting order to chaos. 

It’s the process of externalizing what’s happening inside your mind, making it tangible and more manageable. By physically writing, you shift your focus from the abstract realm of thoughts to the concrete act of putting them on paper. 

This act of mind management allows you to step back, observe your thoughts, and gain valuable insights. It’s like taking control of the narrative of your own mind.

And the last step is to take a look at each of the thoughts you’ve written down that are creating the feeling of anxiety and you want to ask yourself a powerful question “Can the opposite of this thought be as true or truer?”

For example, let’s say one of the thoughts you wrote down is “I’m never going to get this finished on time.”  When you think that thought you naturally feel anxiety.

Now I want you to question that thought and see if the opposite is true or truer.

Instead of “I’m never going to get this finished on time” the opposite thought could be “I can get this finished on time” or “It’s possible that I can get this finished on time.”  Now how do those thoughts make you feel?

I’m going to bet you feel less anxious because it’s only ever your thoughts that create your feelings.  If a Smarter Accountant wants to feel less anxiety, they know they have to create more awareness of what their negatively biased brain is thinking and challenge it with the opposite thought.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant means becoming aware, normalizing, engaging in the act of writing, and then shifting your thoughts to manage anxiety. These simple yet powerful steps form a mini toolkit for taking conscious control of your mind and, in turn, supporting your overall well-being. 

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed accountants and anxiety.  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.

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

That’s what I have for you, but 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.

As smart accountants doing smart things, we can unfortunately get stuck in the habit of overthinking.  When not addressed, this can quietly slip into our work and personal lives, making it harder for us to grow professionally and personally. 

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking too much about decisions, worrying about making mistakes, or feeling overwhelmed by your job, you’re not alone. In today’s episode I want to talk about how overthinking affects accountants and, more importantly, how you can stop it in order to have a more satisfying career.

Before we talk about ways to stop overthinking, I want you to consider the following:

Have you ever been stuck not knowing what to do at work, always thinking about whether you’re doing things right? 

Do you ever lose sleep worrying about what might happen if you make a mistake? 

If so, you might be dealing with overthinking. 

In accounting, it’s important to be clear about our decisions, but overthinking often makes it difficult to be as productive as we’d like to be.  It can slow us down and make our job more stressful than necessary.

For example, let’s say you have to make a decision about the direction of your career, and instead of feeling sure about it, you end up thinking too much and overanalyzing things. “What if I make the wrong decision?” “What if my decision causes problems?” 

Unfortunately, thoughts like these can become a trap, stopping you from making the choices you need to move forward in your career. It’s important to understand that overthinking doesn’t just affect your decision-making; it also makes you more stressed and less productive at work.

Whether you’ve been working in accounting for a long time or you’re just starting, I’m going to be sharing some tips that will help you feel more confident, more sure of yourself, and help you perform better in your career.

So, if you’ve ever felt like overthinking is holding you back in your accounting career, keep listening.  

The Impact of Overthinking on Your Accounting Career

Have you ever stood in front of a vending machine, staring at all the snacks, unable to decide? Overthinking at work can be a bit like that, but with bigger consequences. 

When you have to make important decisions, too many thoughts can crowd your mind. It’s like having too many options in front of you, and you’re not sure which one is the best. 

Think of your job in accounting as a well-organized desk. Now, imagine someone comes and adds more papers, pens, and folders until it becomes a mess. 

Overthinking is like that messy pile – it just makes your job harder. It often leads to unintended mistakes because you’re too busy thinking about what could go wrong that you’re not focusing in the most effective way. 

Unfortunately, overthinking can also slow you down, making tasks take longer than they should. Plus, the stress that comes with overthinking is like a heavy weight on your shoulders, making your job less enjoyable.

For example, one of my coaching clients spent hours worrying about a budget decision, only to realize later that her initial idea was the right one. Another client over thought about a client meeting so much that he stumbled through it, forgetting key details. 

One client was dealing with client communication, often overanalyzing his emails to clients. He spent hours crafting messages, concerned about how they would be received. After a while, he noticed that straightforward communication was more effective, and his initial drafts were often sufficient.

Another client was working on tax strategies for a client, and tended to overthink the possible tax implications. This led her to explore multiple scenarios, causing delays in providing recommendations. In retrospect, she realized her initial analysis covered the key aspects, and the additional details were unnecessary.

These examples show that, while overthinking happens to the best of us, by learning from their experiences, we can find ways to tackle overthinking and make our own paths smoother.

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Identifying Common Signs of Overthinking 

Overthinking is a bit like a sneak attack on your mind, and recognizing the signs is the first step to stopping it. Here are some clues to watch out for:

Repetitive Thoughts: Do you find yourself going over the same problem repeatedly, like a broken record? This repetition is a sign that overthinking might be at play.

Feeling Stuck: If you feel stuck and can’t move forward with a decision, overthinking might be the culprit. It’s like your brain is hitting a pause button.

Analysis Paralysis: When decisions seem way harder than they should be, it’s a red flag. Overthinking can turn a simple choice into a complicated puzzle.

The truth is that knowing what sets off overthinking for you can help you steer clear of unnecessary stress. Here are some triggers to look out for:

Tough Projects: Challenging tasks can kickstart overthinking. When a project seems big or complicated, it’s like the starting line for overthinking to begin.

Deadlines: Feeling the pressure of a looming deadline? This stress can trigger overthinking as you worry about getting things done on time.  This is especially common during tax season.

Busy Days: When your day is packed with tasks, it’s easier for overthinking to sneak in. It’s like your brain is on overload, and overthinking becomes the default mode.

Now, we’ve talked about the clues and possible triggers, take a moment to think about your own experiences:

Doubting Your Skills: Have you ever doubted your abilities, thinking you’re not good enough? This self-doubt is a common overthinking pattern.

Decision Debates: If you’ve spent too long debating a decision, going back and forth, that’s a sign of overthinking. It’s like being stuck in a loop of uncertainty.

Decision Fatigue: This can happen when you have a lot of decisions to make but it can also happen when you’re overthinking your decisions as well.  Exhaustion could indicate overthinking.

Hopefully, by reflecting on these signs and triggers, you can start understanding when and why overthinking shows up in your work life. It’s like shining a light in a dark corner of the attic; it allows you to take control and steer your mind in a more positive direction.

Strategies to Stop Overthinking

The first strategy to consider is to try mindfulness – it’s like giving your brain a breather. 

For example, instead of drowning in thoughts about what could go wrong, focus on the present moment. Take a few deep breaths, feel the floor beneath you, and bring your attention back to the task at hand. It’s like hitting a reset button for your mind.

The second strategy involves setting realistic goals and expectations.  As accountants, we thrive on setting goals and hitting targets, but sometimes, we set the bar too high. 

When it comes to stopping overthinking, be a bit kinder to yourself. Set achievable goals and realistic expectations. 

Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable steps. It’s like solving a big math problem – breaking it down makes it less intimidating and more doable.

The third strategy is to develop a proactive problem-solving mindset.  As accountants, problem-solving is one of our superpowers. 

Instead of getting tangled in “what-ifs,” channel that energy into finding solutions. When faced with a challenge, think like a detective – gather information, weigh your options, and make a decision. 

It’s like balancing the books – finding the right numbers to make everything add up. This proactive mindset shifts your focus from overthinking to practical problem-solving.

The final strategy is utilizing time management strategies to prevent overthinking.  As we all know, time is money in the accounting realm, and managing it wisely is key. 

To prevent overthinking, organize your time effectively. Break your day into dedicated blocks for different tasks. 

Allocate specific time for decision-making and stick to it. It’s like creating a schedule for your brain – a structured plan that helps you stay on track. By managing your time well, you reduce the space for overthinking to sneak in.

Remember, these strategies aren’t just theory – they’re practical tools that you can incorporate into your daily routine. Just like balancing a budget, applying these techniques can lead to a more focused, less stressed, and ultimately, a more successful career in accounting.

Overcoming Overthinking Challenges

The first thing we need to do is learn from mistakes to ease overthinking.  In the accounting world, errors can feel like roadblocks to success. However, viewing mistakes as learning opportunities can be a powerful strategy against overthinking. 

Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, treat mistakes as valuable lessons. By doing so, you’ll turn hurdles into stepping stones, reducing the tendency to overthink and fostering a proactive problem-solving approach.

The next thing to consider is creating a positive and adaptive mindset.  As accountants, we  often deal with complex scenarios, and a positive, growth-oriented mindset can be a game-changer. 

Rather than fixating on potential pitfalls, focus on the potential for growth and improvement. This shift in perspective helps in reducing anxiety and prevents overthinking by creating a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for development.

And the last suggestion is to view constructive feedback as a tool for combatting overthinking. 

Seeking feedback is not just about improvement; it’s a key strategy to combat overthinking. 

By actively seeking constructive criticism, you open doors for improvement, enabling you to address concerns and grow professionally. This approach turns the fear of making mistakes into a constructive feedback loop, minimizing overthinking tendencies and contributing to continuous improvement.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Sharpening Your Decision-Making Skills to Overcome Overthinking

I believe one of the biggest issues when it comes to overthinking is a lack of confidence.  But confidence is more than just a personal trait; it’s a feeling that can affect all areas of your life and your career.

Cultivating confidence in decision-making is like unlocking a secret door to professional advancement. Embracing the strength that comes with confident choices not only moves you forward but also helps to overcome any barriers caused by overthinking. 

Here are some suggestions for building confidence in your decision-making:

Reflect on Past Successes: Recall instances where your decisions led to positive outcomes. Acknowledge and build upon these successes to boost your confidence.

Example: Think back to a time where you may have successfully implemented a new financial reporting system that streamlined processes and saved time.

Reflecting on Practical Strengths:  Identify specific skills and experiences that make you effective in your accounting role. Regularly acknowledge these practical strengths to build confidence.

Example: Remind yourself that your attention to detail and accuracy in financial analysis contributes significantly to the team’s success.

Concrete Preparations for Challenging Situations:  Make detailed plans and gather necessary information beforehand. This practical approach can help you feel more confident in your decision-making.

Example: Before a client meeting, thoroughly review financial data, anticipate potential questions, and prepare clear explanations for various scenarios.

In addition to building confidence, it’s also important to improve your ability to make timely decisions.  Here are a few suggestions if indecision is an issue for you:  

Set Decision-Making Timeframes: Establish specific timeframes for making decisions. Allocate appropriate time based on the impact and complexity of the situation to avoid unnecessary delays.

Example: When possible, decide to finalize budget allocations within two days of receiving the necessary financial data.

Prioritize Information: Identify key information required for decision-making. Focus on gathering essential data, preventing the trap of overanalyzing irrelevant details.

Example: When evaluating investment options, prioritize factors such as potential return on investment and risk levels.

Trust Your Instincts: Develop confidence in your instincts and judgment. Sometimes, swift decisions based on experience and intuition can be remarkably effective.

Example: Trust your instinct when choosing between two accounting software options that both meet the necessary criteria.

And the last thing to pay attention to is striking the balance between analysis and action.  Here are some suggestions: 

Define Decision Criteria: Clearly outline the criteria guiding your decisions. Establishing specific parameters helps balance thorough analysis with actionable steps.

Example: When choosing a vendor, consider factors such as cost, reliability, and compatibility with existing systems.

Implement a Decision-Making Framework: Develop a systematic approach to decision-making. Create a step-by-step framework that involves gathering information, analyzing options, and setting deadlines for action.

Example: Use a decision-making matrix to objectively evaluate different accounting software solutions based on predetermined criteria.

Evaluate Decision Outcomes: After making a decision, assess the outcomes. Learning from both successful and less successful decisions contributes to continuous improvement.

Example: Evaluate the impact of introducing a new accounting procedure on efficiency and accuracy, and adjust the approach accordingly.

By following these steps and incorporating examples into your decision-making process, you can cultivate confidence, navigate decisions more efficiently, and strike a harmonious balance between analysis and action.  Becoming a Smarter Accountant means ultimately overcoming the challenges of overthinking in your accounting career.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I shared how to stop overthinking.  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.

Whether you’re in public or private accounting, on a scale of 1 – 10, how busy are you?  Have you noticed that busyness is almost like an expected part of the job, almost as normal as having a computer or a calculator?

Do you feel like being busy has become a badge of honor, a way to showcase your hard work and dedication?

As accountants, we often use words like “kind of,” “super,” and “crazy” to tell people just how busy and packed our schedules are. It’s like busyness has become the normal way of life.

You might find yourself saying things like:

“I’m super busy at work, but I’m still managing everything.”

“My life is so crazy busy; I don’t know if I can take it anymore.”

Think about it: if an accountant doesn’t talk about being busy, some might think they’re just not working hard enough.

In fact, I was once walking behind two accountants in the hallway in my building during tax season, and one said to the other, “Did you see that Joe’s car wasn’t in the parking lot last night?”  The other accountant said, “Well, he must not be very good at what he does.”

Here’s the thing: somewhere along the line, we collectively started to believe that busyness is just how things are, and stress is the only way to get everything done. If you’re stuck thinking that being an accountant means you have to be busy all the time, I’ve got a better way for you to handle it—a way that will make you feel much better and be more effective.

The truth is that you don’t have to accept that busyness is a fact of life. You have more power than you might realize to win the battle against busyness without giving up anything important.

In this episode I want to show you simple ways to change your thinking, redefine how you see busyness, and take control of your time. 

The Busyness Illusion

Now let’s dive into the busyness illusion and why it’s so important to understand, especially for accountants.  .

Have you ever noticed that busyness is like an unspoken expectation in our profession? It’s like we’ve collectively accepted it as a given. 

But what if I told you that this perceived busyness isn’t an inevitable reality? It’s more of a shared perspective, a lens through which we’ve come to view our work.

Busyness is a bit like a language we all speak. We use words like “kind of,” “super,” and “crazy” to convey just how busy our schedules are.  

But here’s the thing – when we describe ourselves as “busy,” what we’re really doing is sharing our thoughts, not stating an indisputable fact.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: busyness is subjective. It’s not the same for everyone. What feels insanely busy to one person might be another’s regular Tuesday. It’s all about how we perceive and talk about it.

It’s important to understand the power of our language. The words we use to describe our busyness play a huge role in shaping our perception of it. 

If you’re constantly saying, “I’m swamped” or “My day is insanely busy,” your brain starts to believe it. It’s like a mental shortcut, where the more you say it, the more real it becomes. 

Your brain then gets wired to see everything through the lens of busyness.

So, here’s the thing: the illusion of busyness is partly created by the way we talk about it. Our use of words makes busyness seem like this unstoppable force. But what if we could change the script?

Imagine swapping “I’m crazy busy” with “I’ve got a lot on my plate, but I’ve got it under control.” It’s a subtle shift, but it changes the narrative. You’re still acknowledging your workload, but you’re not letting busyness take the wheel.

The hard truth is that busyness is an opinion, not a fact. It’s not a binding contract; it’s a way of thinking that we can, and should, challenge and reshape. 

Why?  Because of how it makes us feel and how it affects our ability to get more done in less time.

I want to help you rethink how you talk about your day because changing your language will be the key to breaking free from the busyness trap.

Why Language Matters

Now let’s dive into the power of language and how it shapes the way we perceive busyness.

When you say you’re “busy,” you’re not just stating a fact like saying the sky is blue. You’re sharing your thoughts about your day. It’s like painting a picture with words, and the colors you choose matter.

Think of it this way: the subjective nature of busyness means it’s not the same for everyone. What feels super busy to you might be a walk in the park for someone else. It’s all about how we talk about it and the words we choose.

Changing the language we use to describe our day is a game-changer. Why?  Because our language is what creates our feelings and our feelings drive our actions, inactions, and reactions.

In other words, saying something like “I’m crazy busy” is going to create a feeling of overwhelm.  And when you feel overwhelmed, you’re not going to be the most efficient at getting work done because you’ll probably complain, procrastinate, catastrophize, and do easier things.

Instead of saying, “I’m crazy busy,” what if you said, “I’ve got a lot on my plate, but I’m handling it”? 

See the shift? It’s not denying your workload, but framing it in a way that doesn’t make busyness the boss of you.

The most important thing is how you would feel if you said, “I’ve got a lot on my plate, but I’m handling it.”  You’d definitely feel less overwhelmed and probably feel more in control.

And when you felt more in control, you’d stop complaining, you’d stop procrastinating, you’d put together a plan to get things done, and you’d be much more efficient.

The language we use as accountants plays a sneaky role in feeding the busyness mindset. Imagine saying things like:

“I’m swamped at work; I can’t handle it all.”

“My life is crazy busy; I don’t have time for anything else.”

These phrases create a mental groove in our brains, like a worn-out path our thoughts follow. The more we use negative language, the more deeply ingrained it becomes, making busyness feel like an inescapable reality.

But what if you flipped the script? Instead of saying, “I can’t handle it all,” try, “I’ve got challenges, but I’m finding solutions.” 

Notice the shift from helplessness to empowerment? It’s not just wordplay; it’s changing the story you’re telling yourself which in turn changes how you feel and how you act.

The fascinating thing about language is that it isn’t just a tool for communication; it’s a tool for shaping your reality. If you keep saying, “I’m too busy for this,” your brain starts to believe it, making it harder to find moments of calm.

So, here’s your challenge: catch those negative language patterns. When you hear yourself saying, “I’m so busy,” pause and reframe it. 

Instead of being a victim of busyness, become the architect of your day. Choose words that reflect a sense of control and balance.

Remember, it’s just as easy to use language in a way that empowers you as it is to use it to disempower you.  

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The Power Of Intentional Thoughts

Now let’s talk about the power of intentional thoughts and how it holds the key to transforming our perception of busyness.

I suggest that you start seeing your thoughts as little architects shaping the blueprint of your day. Battling busyness starts right here, in the intentional selection of your thoughts. 

By choosing your thoughts purposefully, you put yourself in charge of how you feel.  The reason that’s important is because your feelings fuel your actions and describing yourself as busy just creates the feeling of overwhelm.

Do you know what doesn’t help you get accounting work done, effectively and efficiently?  The feeling of overwhelm.  As I like to tell my coaching clients, it’s like putting the parking brake on and trying to drive 100 mph.  

Here’s the thing about thoughts: they aren’t just fleeting visitors in your mind; they’re like guests who decide to stick around. When you repeat a thought, it creates a neural pathway in your brain, making it easier for your brain to automatically think it without your awareness.  

It’s like a well-worn path – the more you tread it, the easier it becomes to follow.

The truth is that thoughts literally wire themselves into your brain. It’s like building a network of connections. 

So, if you keep thinking, “I’m always so busy and stressed,” guess what? Your brain wires itself to believe this is your reality.

Thankfully, we’re not stuck with these wiring patterns. We’re more like electricians with the power to rewire our brains. It’s all about choosing thoughts that serve us better.

So instead of letting your thoughts run on autopilot, you need to consciously choose ones that are useful and helpful.  Here are some suggestions for how to do just that:

Acknowledge Your Challenges: Instead of saying, “I can’t handle this workload,” try, “I’ve got challenges, but I’m finding solutions.” It shifts you from feeling overwhelmed to being a proactive problem-solver.

Focus on Solutions: When faced with a problem, think about possible solutions rather than dwelling on the problem itself. It’s like flipping a switch from “This is impossible” to “Let’s figure this out.”

Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge the little victories in your day. Completing a task, no matter how small, deserves a mental high-five. It reinforces a positive mindset.

Become Aware: Begin to notice when you describe yourself as “busy.”  When you do, also notice how you feel when you describe yourself as busy.  My coaching clients have said it’s shocking when they started to keep a tally of when they described themselves as “busy.”

Remember, it’s not about denying the challenges or pretending you don’t have things to do. It’s about choosing thoughts that empower you to face those challenges with a sense of control and efficiency.

Rewiring Your Brain For Productivity

Now let’s talk about rewiring your brain for productivity and reshaping how we perceive busyness.

The first thing you need to understand when it comes to your brain is a concept called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new connections based on your experiences and thoughts. 

In other words, you have the power to rewire your brain.  So no matter how long you’ve been wearing the busy badge, you can do something about it.

Why is it important to win the battle with busyness?  Because wearing the badge of busyness comes at a cost. It might seem like you’re thriving, but beneath the surface, it’s leading to stress, burnout, and a perpetual cycle of overwhelm.

Here are a few of the reasons why you will want to rewire your brain when it comes to busyness:  

Avoiding Burnout: There’s no denying the fact that busyness often leads to burnout. Constantly feeling overwhelmed and stressed can take a toll on your well-being. By rewiring your brain, you can break free from this cycle and find a more sustainable way to navigate your workload.

Enhancing Productivity: Wearing busyness as a badge doesn’t necessarily translate to being productive. It might create an illusion of productivity, but the key is effectiveness over sheer volume. Rewiring your brain helps you focus on strategic thinking and prioritization, leading to enhanced productivity without the unnecessary stress.

Here are some examples of what’s possible when you win the battle with busyness:  

From Chaos to Control: Imagine you often boast about how chaotic your day is, believing it showcases your hard work. Rewiring that unhelpful thought might sound like this: “I can organize my day to ensure high-impact tasks are handled efficiently.” This shift from describing chaos versus control not only changes your perspective but also guides you toward a more controlled and effective approach.

Prioritizing Impact Over Volume: If you find yourself glorifying a mountain of tasks, consider rewiring to emphasize impact. Instead of saying, “I have a ton of work,” shift to “I focus on tasks that have the most significant impact, delivering quality over quantity.” This not only reshapes your narrative but also directs your energy toward more effective productivity.

In essence, rewiring your brain is about trading the badge of busyness for one of effectiveness and well-being. It’s acknowledging that success isn’t measured by the volume of tasks but by the impact of your efforts. 

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How To Win The Battle With Busyness

Now let’s talk about steps to become a Smarter Accountant by winning the battle against busyness.

Step 1: Prioritize Strategic Thinking Over Perpetual Busyness

As accountants, it’s time to shift from being perpetually busy to strategically effective. Instead of glorifying constant chaos, focus on strategic thinking. For example, replace the thought, “I’m always swamped with tasks,” with “I strategically prioritize tasks to maximize impact.”  Remember, how you think creates how you feel.  If you want to feel less overwhelmed and more in control, you have to change how you think about the work that needs to be done.

Step 2: Embrace the Power of Saying No

Being a Smarter Accountant also means understanding the value of your time. Don’t be afraid to say no to tasks that don’t align with your priorities. For instance, shift from “I can’t say no; I have too much on my plate” to “I can strategically choose tasks that align with my priorities.”

Step 3: Implement Time-Blocking for Efficiency

Winning the battle with busyness requires a tactical approach to time management. Use time-blocking to allocate specific periods for focused work. Shift from “My day is a chaotic race against time” to “I strategically time-block to ensure efficiency and focus on high-priority tasks.”

Step 4: Leverage Technology for Automation

Smarter Accountants harness the power of technology. Automate repetitive tasks to free up valuable time. Change the narrative from “I’m buried in manual tasks” to “I strategically leverage automation tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy.”

Step 5: Cultivate a Positive Work Environment

Create a work environment that fosters productivity and well-being. Shift from “I’m constantly stressed in this chaotic office” to “I can create a positive work environment for myself.”

Step 6: Regularly Assess and Adjust Strategies

Being a Smarter Accountant is an ongoing process. Regularly assess your strategies and be willing to adjust. Move from “I’m stuck in this overwhelming routine” to “I can assess and adjust my strategies to optimize efficiency and well-being.”

Remember, winning the battle with busyness is not about eliminating tasks but about redefining success. Becoming a Smarter Accountant means winning the battle with busyness so that you can have a more sustainable career.  

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I shared how to win the battle with busyness.  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.

Today we’re going to discuss something we’re all pretty familiar with  – the annual year-end reviews for accountants.

Once the holidays pass, it’s that time of the year again, where performance evaluations take center stage. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your accounting career, the year-end review is like the grand finale of your work-year performance. 

But here’s the thing – I’m not just going to be talking about the review itself; I’m going to be diving into how important it is to understand your accountant brain when it comes to year-end reviews, feedback, and criticism.  

If you’re about to receive your year-end review, there’s probably some anticipation, a bit of nervousness, and maybe even some excitement. It’s the time when your efforts, achievements, and maybe a hiccup or two, take the spotlight.

Before you go in for your review, it’s important to understand that your brain is the ultimate feedback filter. Your brain is like a mental sorting hat, deciding what’s a fact, what’s just someone’s opinion, and how it all fits into your existing thoughts about your work.

The key is understanding the difference between a fact and your brain’s interpretation of a fact.  This will make a huge difference in how you see yourself and your work.

If you’re not aware of how your brain works, you may misinterpret feedback for criticism.  The truth is that knowing if someone is genuinely trying to help or not can change how you take in what they’re saying.

But here’s the catch – your brain has this memory game going on. It likes to stick with what it already knows, even if there’s new information.  In other words, if you believe you’re awesome at your job, your brain might hold onto feedback that agrees with that and ignore the rest.

On the other hand, if you’re dealing with self-doubt or imposter syndrome, your brain will interpret feedback as criticism, hold onto anything that adds to your feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and ignore the rest.

So why should you care about your brain’s role this year?  Because understanding how your brain handles year end reviews isn’t just about getting through it.  It’s about empowering yourself with insights that can shape how you grow in your career. 

Knowing how your accountant brain works can make a real difference.

Get ready for some practical tips, a few “aha” moments, and a clearer path through the year-end review maze. 

The Impact of Year-End Feedback for Accountants

Year-end reviews are a shared experience for many accountants.  It’s that time when supervisors and employees come together to discuss the past year’s experience. 

While we often have the fact of year-end reviews in common, the emotions and expectations that are involved are unique to each accountant.  For most, it’s typically a mix of anticipation, fear, nerves, and perhaps a hint of curiosity. 

Questions like, “How did I perform this year? What feedback am I going to get?” are natural.   It’s like being on a stage with the spotlight on you – it can be a significant moment.

So why does the ritual of year-end reviews matter so much? Because it can become a stepping stone in your career path. 

The feedback you receive during this annual review isn’t merely about applauding successes or highlighting areas for improvement; it can become a roadmap for your professional development. 

Understanding how your contributions are perceived can open doors to growth, such as climbing the corporate ladder or embracing new challenges.

Whether you’re navigating achievements or challenges, remember, it’s all part of the process. But if you’re worried, I’ve got you.  I’m going to be explaining the helpful way to navigate year-end reviews so that it sets you up for success next year.

Your Brain as the Feedback Filter

As I shared before, it turns out that your brain plays a crucial role in how you process feedback, especially during those year-end reviews. 

Your brain isn’t just a storage box for facts and figures; it’s a filter when it comes to feedback. It decides what’s a solid fact, like saying you completed 75% of your tasks accurately, and what’s more of a personal opinion, like someone saying you’re not as proactive as you need to be.

In order to understand your brain better, imagine it as a super-smart organizer at a huge library. When you hear feedback, it’s like it’s sorting through a ton of books. 

Some books are straight-up facts – things everyone would agree on. For example, if your boss says, “You met all your deadlines,” that’s a fact. 

But then, there are opinion books. These are more about how someone feels. If they say, “You have a unique way of tackling challenges,” that’s their opinion.

Now, here’s the tricky part – your brain doesn’t start fresh with every piece of feedback. It brings along what it already believes. 

For example, if you feel you believe you did a good job this year, your brain might grab onto feedback that agrees with that and ignore the rest. It’s like having a favorite flavor of ice cream, and you keep reaching for that one.

But if you believe you didn’t do a good job this year, your brain will grab onto feedback that agrees with that. It’s like your brain has its own library filing system, making sense of the feedback bookshelf.

The reason I’m bringing this up is because understanding this filtering process is like having a backstage pass to your thoughts during reviews. It can give you a front row seat to your brain’s role in processing feedback before, during, and after those crucial year-end reviews.

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Your Brain’s Role In Deciphering Feedback Versus Criticism

Think about your daily routine – going to a restaurant, ordering things from Amazon, or checking out that new movie. Everywhere you turn, someone’s asking for feedback. 

It’s like the background music of our lives. We listen to other people’s experiences to decide what to do.

For example, picture planning a vacation. Before I pack my bags, I check Trip Advisor. It’s like a storybook where travelers share their adventures and warnings. 

I read through, absorbing their highs and lows to plan a trip that’s exciting and safe. Even for a simple night out, Open Table reviews become my guide, helping me pick restaurants that people like.

So if we’re so used to giving and reading feedback, why do we dread year-end reviews so much?  We’re swimming in opinions every day, yet when it comes to personal or work feedback, things get tricky. 

One reason is that everyday feedback, like rating a product, doesn’t create an emotional reaction the same way personal or work feedback does. It’s like giving your thoughts on a movie versus being the main actor on the big screen – the emotions are different.

Here’s the thing: Our brains, smart as they are, have a habit. They like things they already know.

When we get personal or work feedback, our brain might automatically filter it through what we already believe about ourselves. This creates a bit of confusion, making it hard to separate useful information from what we already think.

The second thing you need to understand is that your brain has a negativity bias. It’s the tendency of our brains to pay more attention to and give more weight to negative information compared to positive information.

For example, if you get ten compliments and one criticism, your brain might focus more on that one criticism. It’s like having a mental magnifying glass that zooms in on the negative things because, in the ancient days, paying extra attention to potential dangers was crucial for survival.

The third thing you need to understand is cognitive dissonance.  This is when you hold two conflicting beliefs or attitudes at the same time. 

Since our brains like consistency, when we’re taking in information from a year-end review, it can create a mental tug of war.

For example, you love chocolate, but you’re on a diet and know you shouldn’t eat it. That conflict between wanting something and knowing it’s not good for your goal creates cognitive dissonance. 

Your brain doesn’t like this discomfort, so it might try to change one of those beliefs to make them align.

Here’s the interesting part—negativity bias can enhance cognitive dissonance. In other words, because our brains pay more attention to negative things, it can make conflicting beliefs or attitudes feel even more uncomfortable.

In the context of feedback or criticism, negativity bias might make us focus more on the negative aspects, even if there are positives. This can then fuel cognitive dissonance – the discomfort of hearing something negative might clash with our existing belief about ourselves, triggering a mental battle.  

Thankfully, being aware of these brain quirks can help. When you notice yourself zooming in on the negative or feeling uncomfortable with conflicting thoughts, take a step back. 

Ask yourself if there are positive aspects you might be overlooking and try to find a way to bring balance. It’s like giving your brain a little nudge to see the bigger picture.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How To Navigate Year-End Reviews

Now let’s talk strategies for making those year-end reviews less of an issue. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Embrace the Positives:

Remember, negativity bias might make you focus on the negatives. Counteract this by deliberately seeking out the positives. Did your manager praise your attention to detail? Did a colleague appreciate your teamwork? Write these down – create a positivity list.

Example: “My manager mentioned I’ve been consistently thorough in financial reports. That’s a win!”

Step 2: Reflect on Growth Areas:

Identify areas where you can improve without letting cognitive dissonance cloud your judgment. Be honest with yourself. Are there aspects you struggled with? Use clear, specific examples to pinpoint areas for growth.

Example: “I noticed my time management slipped a bit during the tax season crunch. I can work on organizing tasks more efficiently.”

Step 3: Proactive Communication:

Don’t let surprises sneak up on you. If there’s something you’re unsure about, ask beforehand. Are you curious about specific aspects of your performance? Reach out to your manager. Clarify expectations and demonstrate your commitment to improvement.

Example: “I’m eager to understand your expectations for my role better. Any specific areas you’d like me to focus on during the review?”

Step 4: Own Your Narrative:

During the review, share your perspective. If there’s a project where you excelled or a challenge you overcame, speak up. This isn’t about boasting but making sure your efforts are acknowledged.

Example: “I faced a steep learning curve on the new software, but I worked extra hours to grasp it, and now it’s become a strong suit.”

Step 5: Feedback as a Stepping Stone:

View feedback as a ladder to climb, not a weight to carry. Whether positive or constructive, every piece of feedback propels you forward. Take what helps you grow and leave behind what doesn’t serve your improvement journey.

Example: “Even though the feedback on client communication was tough, it’s a chance to enhance my client management skills.”

Step 6: Continuous Improvement Mindset:

Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Use the feedback as a roadmap for continuous improvement. Set actionable goals based on the insights gained during the review.

Example: “I aim to enhance my efficiency in handling client questions. I’ll start by implementing a system to prioritize and respond promptly.”

I’ve worked with many clients on year-end-reviews, but one of my clients stands out the most.  She’s a manager at a credit union and has to do a yearly self-review, give that to her manager, and then they discuss where they agree or disagree.

During one of our coaching sessions she was sharing all the negative things she thought her manager was going to say about her.  I’ll be honest – I was really surprised because I knew what a great job she had done throughout the year, but her negative biased brain wasn’t seeing it.

I asked her to tell me the top 3 negative things she believed her manager was going to say.  Then I had her flip them to the opposite.  For example, if she thought her manager was going to say she wasn’t an effective leader this year, we turned it to the opposite – I was an effective leader this year.

Then I asked her to give me 3 examples of how she was an effective leader.  At first she was resistant, but once she got started, she actually gave me 10 examples.

We went down the list of each of the negative things she thought her manager was going to say about her and were able to prove the opposite was truer.  Of course there were areas that needed improvement, but if she let he negatively biased brain dictate her evaluation of herself, she would have missed her incredible growth and contribution to the company.

The funny thing is once she shared her self-review with her boss, he agreed with every positive thing she outlined.  He even agreed with where she said she needed improvement, but he emphasized that she was doing an incredible job.

The truth is that navigating year-end reviews is like steering a ship – you need a clear direction. By focusing on the positives, reflecting on growth areas, communicating proactively, owning your narrative, and seeing feedback as a tool for improvement, you’ll not only survive but thrive in the year-end feedback narrative. 

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I shared how to navigate year-end reviews.  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.

In the fast-paced world of accounting, where time is one of our most precious assets, the idea of working fewer hours while achieving more might seem impossible. However, I’m here to share my secret to a 30-hour workweek. 

For decades, I’ve been managing my successful accounting career working 30 hours a week,  not by burning the midnight oil, but by understanding a better way to manage my time and how to manage my brain.  

The conventional belief that longer hours automatically translate into greater productivity is a myth I’ve debunked through my own experiences. In today’s episode, I want to share insights, strategies, and the transformative power of brain management that has allowed me to accomplish more than others working 50 hours or more.

Looking back, I can see that my journey into better time management started about 30 years ago after I had my first child.  I was working at Deloitte and there were no part-time positions, however, the Tax Partner didn’t want to lose me so he created the first part-time position in the office for me.

Because I felt so grateful for his recognition of my value, I made it my mission to get as much done in the 3 days a week that I worked at the time, as my coworkers did working 40+ hours a week.  Of course I got the sarcastic, “Working half a day?” comments when I left at 5:30 pm to pick up my daughter from daycare, but the Tax Partner reassured me that he knew I got more done than anyone else, so I should just keep doing what I was doing.

The funny thing is, I’ve learned so much more since then about better time management.  For the past 20+ years I’ve had 30-hour workweeks at my accounting job, and have also been able to write and publish a book, run a coaching business, coach clients, create 2 separate podcasts a week, and enjoy plenty of time with my husband.

How is this possible?  I’ve discovered that the key to success doesn’t necessarily lie in the sheer quantity of hours spent working, but rather in how efficiently we manage our most valuable resource—our brain.

Here’s the thing: More time does not equal more productivity.  In fact, more time often equals diminished quality of work and decision-making abilities. 

I want to help you make a paradigm shift—a shift that places emphasis not just on the number of hours worked but on the quality and efficiency of the hours dedicated to your work.

I’m going to be sharing the fascinating realm of neuroscience, exploring how the brain functions at its best and how we can harness its potential to maximize our professional output. This is not going to be about working harder; it’s about working smarter, and that begins with understanding the connection between our brain and our productivity.  

The Myth Of Longer Hours

I know there are books out there about working less hours, but I can honestly tell you that I haven’t read any of them.  Why?  Because what I’ve been doing for the past 3 decades has been working.

For many of us, especially in public accounting, our time spent is directly tied to the amount we can charge a client.  In fact, for many accountants, there’s a common idea that the more hours you put in, the more successful and productive you’ll be. 

But what if I told you that this belief isn’t true? Let’s challenge the notion that longer work hours automatically mean higher productivity.

Think of it this way: imagine you’re on a road trip. At the beginning of your journey, you’re full of energy and excitement. You drive for hours, making good progress. However, as time goes on, you start to feel tired. Your ability to focus decreases, and the joy of the journey diminishes. 

It’s similar in the world of work. At first, putting in extra hours might feel productive, but just like a long road trip, there’s a point where more hours does not equal more progress.

In fact, as I said before, since I’ve worked a 30-hour workweek, I’m able to get more done than anyone else, working less hours than anyone else.

Here’s the thing: When we work long hours without taking into account various factors that contribute to better time management, the quality of our work decreases, we’re more likely to make mistakes, we struggle to concentrate, and end up feeling stressed. In other words, we are creating diminished returns with our time.

The truth is that working longer doesn’t always mean getting more done—it can actually mean getting less done with lower quality.

Thankfully, by understanding how our brains function and taking steps to optimize their performance, we can achieve more in less time.  And when we can achieve more in less time, a 30-hour workweek isn’t just a dream; it can become a reality.

The Neuroscience Behind Productivity

As I often say in the introduction to this podcast, this is the place where brain science meets accounting.  And I can tell you that nowhere is it more important to understand brain science than when it comes to time management, productivity and achieving a 30-hour workweek.

So the easiest way to explain our brains is that they are like busy command centers. They control everything we do, from solving math problems to making decisions. 

The truth is that understanding the science behind how our brains operate can help us to literally work smarter, not harder. 

When it comes to accounting work, one of the most important things we need to learn is how to improve our focus.  Imagine you’re trying to build a tower with blocks. When you concentrate on each block, the tower stands tall and strong. 

But what happens if you try to build the tower while juggling, listening to loud music, and answering texts? It becomes tricky, right? 

Our brains work the same way. They love focus, and when we overload them with too many tasks, it’s like trying to build that tower while juggling—it gets shaky.

In order to improve your ability to focus you have to get clear about one important thing – what your brain is thinking, especially about the work that has to be done.  

As I shared in my book, “The Smarter Accountant,” our thoughts create our feelings, our feelings drive our actions, and our actions create our results.  If you want to get more done in less time, it all starts with what your brain is thinking.  

For example, let’s say you have a looming deadline for a complex financial report.  If the thought your brain is offering is something like, “I’m never going to finish this on time. It’s too much work,” you’re going to feel overwhelmed.

And when you feel overwhelmed, guess what happens?  You most likely procrastinate doing the report, avoid certain tasks, and constantly worry about not being able to meet the deadline.

And the result?  Incomplete or poorly executed report, heightened stress levels, and a negative impact on your productivity and overall work satisfaction.

But if you were to learn to be more intentional with what you’re choosing to think on purpose, you would be much more productive and be able to get more done in less time.

For example, let’s go with the same example of the looming deadline for a complex financial report.  If instead of letting the default part of your brain think, “I’m never going to finish this on time.  It’s too much work,” you could instead choose to intentionally think, “I can break it down into manageable steps” or “I’ve successfully handled similar reports in the past.” 

An intentional thought like either one of these is going to create a feeling of confidence instead of overwhelm.

And when you feel confident, guess what happens?  You create a detailed plan, break the report into smaller tasks, prioritize efficiently, and focus on one segment at a time.

And the result? A well-organized and completed financial report, reduced stress, and an increased sense of accomplishment.

In both scenarios, the circumstances remain the same—the looming deadline for a complex financial report. However, the thoughts, feelings, and subsequent actions are vastly different. 

By consciously managing your brain by choosing your thoughts intentionally, you can create more useful feelings and actions.  This, in turn, leads to improved productivity and the ability to get more done in less time.  

Remember, your power lies in how you choose to think about and respond to circumstances. 

Intentional Time Management

In the quest for a 30-hour workweek, you also have to learn to be more intentional with your time management.  This is not just for big projects, but for everything that has to get done.

Instead of haphazardly tackling various tasks or going down a to-do list, intentional time management involves making decisions with your higher brain; decisions about what needs to be prioritized, how long you’re giving yourself to get it done, what day, and what time of day.

But here’s what’s missing from everything you’ve ever learned about time management: As I said before, since your feelings drive your actions, if you want to be super productive so that you can have a 30-hour workweek, you have to be intentional about how you need to feel in order to get things done.

One of the biggest mistakes that accountants make is not understanding the power of their feelings.  If you are trying to get work done from the feeling of overwhelm, stress, pressure, confusion, or frustration, you are wasting a lot of time.

In fact, stress and overwhelm are the biggest time wasters for accountants.  Why?  Because those feelings lead to ineffective actions.

Let me share what happens when you feel stressed and overwhelmed, and try to get accounting work done:

Procrastinating:  Feelings of overwhelm and stress can create a sense of paralysis, making it difficult to initiate tasks.  Procrastination sets in as a coping mechanism, delaying essential work and impacting deadlines.

Spinning in Circles: Overwhelm often causes us to feel stuck or trapped, leading to a cycle of spinning in circles without making significant progress.  This perpetual motion without clear direction contributes to time being wasted.

Catastrophizing:  When feeling stressed, there’s a common habit called catastrophizing. This means your brain tends to make problems seem much bigger and scarier than they really are. It’s like turning small challenges into giant, impossible mountains. This way of thinking can make our work seem much harder than it actually is, making it more difficult to get things done efficiently.

Excessive Email Checking: The feeling of stress often drives us to seek distraction through constant email checking.  This not only interrupts focused work but also creates a false sense of busyness without actual productivity.

Avoiding:  Under stress, we will naturally avoid challenging tasks or responsibilities. This avoidance can create a backlog of work and contribute to increased stress in the long run.

Micromanaging:  Overwhelm can lead to a desire for control, resulting in micromanaging every detail.  Instead of focusing on the big, important tasks, you end up spending too much energy on the little things. It’s like trying to organize every single puzzle piece instead of looking at the whole picture. This can make your work less efficient and keep you from doing more impactful tasks.

Perfectionism:  Stress often drives a need for perfection as a way to gain a sense of control.

Striving for perfection can lead to spending excessive time on tasks that may not need such attention.

Indecision:  Overwhelm can create a sense of indecision, making it challenging to make decisions or prioritize tasks.  Indecisiveness can result in time being wasted on overthinking without concrete action.

Overcommitting: Stress often leads us to overcommit in an attempt to meet high expectations.

Overcommitting can spread resources thin, causing burnout and diminishing the quality of work.

Negative Self-Talk: Feelings of stress and overwhelm often accompany negative self-talk,  self-doubt, and imposter syndrome.  Engaging in negative internal dialogue can chip away at our confidence and contribute to a negative mindset.

Lack of Boundaries: Overwhelm often leads to a failure to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Blurred boundaries can result in inefficiency, as work may spill over into personal time without significant productivity.

Overworking: In an attempt to catch up or alleviate stress, we may engage in excessive working hours.  Overworking can lead to burnout, fatigue, and a decline in overall effectiveness.

If you could only see how much more productive and efficient you’d be if you learned how to manage your mind and be more intentional with your feelings and your time management, you’d be blown away.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Creating The 30-Hour Workweek

As I shared before, becoming a Smarter Accountant involves a paradigm shift—one that challenges the traditional belief that success hinges solely on working longer hours. 

If creating a 30-hour workweek is important to you, let me share some of the most important factors you need to consider:

Embrace the Power of Time Management Math: Here’s what I tell my time management coaching clients all the time: Effective time management is math, not drama.  Time is like money; it’s limited, and you need to learn how to use it wisely to fit everything into a 30-hour workweek.

Example: I think of completing a tax return in two hours like solving a puzzle. I just need to stay focused, avoid distractions, and plan my time based on the steps involved in completing the tax return. 

Know Your Time Management Personality:  Understanding your unique time management personality is crucial. Time management is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, so knowing what works best for your personality is incredibly helpful.  If you don’t know your time management personality, you can take The Smarter Accountant Time Management Personality Quiz at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/personality-quiz/

Example: I am a classic Early Bird time management personality so getting my most complicated work done early is the best use of my time.  In fact, when I work from home I sit at the computer at 7 am and get more done by noon then most accountants get done in an entire day.

Set Clear Time Constraints:  You need to understand that Parkinson’s Law states that work expands to the time allowed.   Setting strict time limits helps you avoid wasting time and encourages you to work efficiently.

Example: I decide that checking and responding to emails will take a maximum of 30 minutes, preventing unnecessary delays and ensuring timely communication.

Make Decisions Ahead of Time:  Making decisions before you start working is crucial. It’s like planning your route before a road trip. This way, you use the higher, executive functioning part of your brain to plan, reducing stress during the actual work.

Example: I plan as much as I can in advance, always setting up my future self for success.  The more decisions I can make in advance, the easier it is for my primitive brain to follow the plan.

Drop the Perfectionism Mindset:  Understand that perfectionism is a huge time-consuming roadblock.  You can strive for excellence but recognize when a task is “good enough” to maintain efficiency and avoid unnecessary time investment.

Example: I know that accounting is a breeding ground for perfectionism, but I also know that B+ work is better than time wasted trying to make something perfect.  If I want to get everything done in a 30-hour workweek, then done is better than perfect.

Shift from To-Do Lists to Calendaring:  Replace overwhelming to-do lists with a structured calendaring approach.  The truth is that your brain gets easily overwhelmed by to-do lists and you do not want an overwhelmed brain trying to do accounting work.  Allocate specific time slots for each task on your calendar, providing a clear and focused roadmap for the day.

Example: Using a calendar has been the most impactful thing I’ve ever done.  I prefer a combination of a paper calendar for managing my time and a digital calendar for appointment reminders.  I would not be able to get more done in less time without my calendar.

Prioritize Tasks Strategically:  The fact is, your brain thinks everything is urgent.  To avoid this, prioritize tasks based on impact and ease.  Easy/High Impact get done first to create momentum and then Hard/High Impact items go next.  

Example: Effectively prioritizing takes practice, but it’s so worth it.  The few minutes it takes to label and group things by impact and ease, the easier it is to clearly see what needs to be done first.  

Utilize Time Blocking Techniques:  Effective time blocking has been a game-changer for me.  You want to implement time blocking to create dedicated periods for specific types of tasks.

Group similar activities together to maximize efficiency and minimize the cognitive load associated with frequent task switching.

Example: The Container Calendaring process I came up with is my saving grace.  When I’m calendaring the things I need to get done, I’m making decisions about what needs to be done, how long I’m giving myself to get it done, what day, what time, but more importantly, how I need to feel to get it done.  It’s how I’m able to eliminate procrastination.

Embrace Optimal Focus Time:  Research has shown that our brain’s optimal focus time is around 90 minutes. Structure your work around this to be more effective.

Example: I will set a timer on my phone for 90 minutes so that I don’t get caught down a rabbit hole and then burn myself out.  I take short breaks, and then tackle the next task with renewed focus.

Delegate Effectively: Whether it’s at work or at home, you don’t have to do everything yourself.   Delegate tasks to others so you can focus on what you do best.

Example: The things I delegate the most are things where my time could be spent more wisely and effectively.  For example, sourcing out grocery shopping, clothes shopping, and meal prep have been incredible time savers. 

Establish Work-Life Boundaries:  You’re not doing yourself or your ability to work a 30-hour workweek any favors by not having clear boundaries.  Learn to set and respect time boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Example: This is something I’ve gotten very good at over the years.  When I say I work 30 hours a week, I truly mean only 30 hours a week (unless it’s tax season; I’ll work an additional 6 hours a week during tax season).  My boundaries around my time are clear and I have no problem setting them with clients, colleagues, or anyone else.

Monitor and Analyze Time Usage:  Regularly check how you’re spending your time. It’s like looking at your expenses to see where you can save money. Regular time audits help you make informed decisions about what needs to be adjusted or improved.

Example: You’ll be amazed if you do a weekly time audit.  It was so helpful to become aware of time spent on client meetings, project planning, and administrative tasks, allowing me to identify areas for optimization.

Foster a Culture of Efficiency:  Encourage your team to find ways to save time. It’s like everyone working together to make the workplace more efficient.

Example: Because I’m a Certified Professional Coach for accountants and I specialize in time management, I have the pleasure of coaching other accountants, weekly.  It is my passion to teach accountants how to be smarter and work smarter.  

Learn to Manage Your Mind: The Secret to Effective Time Management:  Hands down, the single most important thing you absolutely need to learn in order to have a 30-hour work week is mind management.  

Managing your mind is the ultimate key to effective time management. It’s about understanding and directing your thoughts and feelings, which directly influence how you use your time. When you can control your mind, you make more intentional decisions, reduce stress, and enhance your overall productivity.

Mind management involves recognizing unhelpful thoughts, reframing them, and consciously choosing thoughts that support your time management goals. I promise you that a 30-hour workweek isn’t possible without learning how to manage your mind.  

Making a 30-hour work week happen involves using smart strategies for managing your mind and your time, planning things out carefully, and focusing on efficiency rather than trying to be perfect. When you follow these steps, you’re on your way to getting the most out of your work time and finding success in a shorter amount of time. 

Just remember, the key is to work smarter, not longer.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I shared my secret to a 30-hour workweek.  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.

Let’s kick off this episode with a few questions that get right to the heart of the matter:

Have you ever felt like something wasn’t fair? It happens to all of us, and figuring out why we feel that way can teach us a lot about ourselves.

How does thinking something is unfair make you feel? Does it affect your mood or how you act? Sometimes, feeling that things are unfair doesn’t just stay in that one moment; it can sneak into how we feel and act in other parts of our lives.

Can you think of a time recently when you thought something was unfair? Maybe it happened at work or in your personal life. Pinpointing these moments helps us understand what’s behind our ideas about fairness, whether it’s in our job or with our friends and family.

Do you make decisions differently when you think something’s unfair? The idea of fairness can actually change how we make choices. It can influence our decisions, making them more about how we feel in the moment than what might be the smartest choice.

How do you usually react when you face something you think is unfair? Everyone has a go-to reaction, whether it’s getting frustrated, getting mad, or taking a step back to think. Exploring these reactions helps us see how we handle tough situations.

In what ways does feeling like something’s unfair affect your relationships, both with friends and at work? The feeling of unfairness isn’t just a solo act; it can affect how we get along with others. Understanding these effects gives us a full picture of how our ideas about fairness shape how we connect with people, whether it’s in our personal life or on the job.

So, as we dive into this episode exploring why things seem unfair and how it plays a part in our lives, these questions are like a map, guiding us to better understand our own thoughts and how they steer our experiences.

Here’s the thing – while things seem inherently fair or unfair, it’s still important to understand why things seem unfair.  Stay tuned because there’s a fascinating reason that will help you regain control when things seem unfair. 

Why things seem unfair

The most important thing to know is that our brains act like fact-checkers, always on the lookout for what it considers as fairness. It’s not just a preference our brain has; it’s a fundamental need.

Because fairness is a primary need for the brain, a sense of fairness can create a strong reward response.  Your brain responds to its interpretation of being treated fairly the same way it responds to winning money or eating chocolate.

On the flip side, a sense of unfairness can generate a threat response that can last for days.  This threat response is your brain’s way of protecting your survival, often preparing you for a fight or flight response.

In other words, when your brain perceives something as unfair, it triggers a defensive response. It’s your brain saying, “Warning.  This could be dangerous!”

I’ve mentioned this before on the podcast, but our primitive brain, the part that runs our life 80 – 90% of the time, has been with us since humans lived in caves.  The issue is that this part of our brain’s ancient survival instincts hasn’t quite caught up with the intricacies of modern living.

That’s why it’s important to understand that our brains have this default setting to, more often than not, see situations as potentially unfair, acting like an overly cautious friend warning us about possible bumps in the road. This tendency goes way back to when our ancestors needed to be on high alert for survival. 

The problem is that the primitive part of our brains haven’t fully adjusted to the nuances of today’s world. So, even something minor, like traffic or a coworker that’s slacking, can trigger this ancient survival mode, interpreting it as an unfair, dangerous situation.

Unfortunately, living in a world that seems inherently unfair is like navigating a maze with a blindfold on. Your brain, in its attempt to keep you safe, often interprets various aspects of daily life as potential threats. 

From minor inconveniences to more significant challenges, it’s like viewing the world through glasses tinted with the color of unfairness. 

That’s why understanding why our brains lean towards unfairness is crucial. Sometimes, this inclination goes into overdrive, making the world seem more unfair than it truly is. 

Think of it like untangling a ball of wires and charger cords.  By recognizing where these mental entanglements arise, you’ll be better able to restore balance and harmony.

What happens when things seem unfair

Now, let’s talk about what happens when our brains think something’s not fair – it’s like the ripple effect after dropping a pebble in a pond.

First, have you ever noticed how complaining can become a habit? In episode #20, I talked all about how complaining affects your intelligence so make sure you check that out.

The thing is that when we convince ourselves that life is a series of unfair events, it’s like playing a never-ending sad song. This constant complaining isn’t just background noise; it can become a never-ending tune that we listen to, day in and day out.   

Start picturing your brain like the person in the front seat controlling the radio dial in your car, only allowing sad songs to be played.  Because it’s always scanning for things that it can interpret as unfair and seemingly dangerous, it makes it challenging to switch to a more uplifting radio station.

The truth is that believing that everything is stacked against us can negatively affect our view of the world. . 

Suddenly, people seem more difficult, situations appear insurmountable, and life feels like a perpetual storm. The truth is that recognizing how our minds shape our outlook is crucial because altering this perspective can be a game-changer in navigating life’s challenges.

For example, let’s say you’re at the grocery store, waiting in the express lane. Suddenly, someone with way more items than allowed hops in front of you. All of a sudden your brain goes from zero to annoyed or angry in seconds.  It’s as if your brain has a fairness referee blowing the whistle at every perceived violation.

In situations that feel unfair, your primitive brain leaps into action. It’s like having a vigilant body guard that spots potential threats everywhere. 

I remember during my own coaching session, I was complaining about some situations that I felt were unfair at work.  The coach said to me, “Who says things are supposed to be fair?”

That question stopped me in my tracks.  What if nothing has gone wrong?  What if life wasn’t meant to be fair all the time?  Then what?    .

The key for all of us is to be aware of how our minds react to unfairness. It’s not just about the situation; it’s about how we let it shape our emotions and, consequently, our behavior. 

You have to begin to pay attention when you believe something is unfair and notice your actions and reactions.  Are they helpful or useful?

It’s about navigating the balance between our brain’s automatic perception of unfairness and what would be a more helpful or useful interpretation.  .

What to do when things seem unfair

Now that you know why things seem unfair and what happens, let’s talk about shifting your lens from “unfair” to “understanding.”

This starts with differentiating between facts and opinions.  How do you do that?  Well, if the situation could be seen differently by different people, then it’s not a fact, it’s an opinion; even though it seems unfair.

When deciding whether something is a fact or an opinion, it’s helpful to know that a fact is often boring and neutral; an opinion is often more dramatic and creates an emotion.

Facts are indisputable and could be proven in a court of law.  On the flip side, opinions are subjective and open to interpretation. 

Understanding the difference between a fact and an opinion is incredibly important because while we typically cannot do anything about the facts in our lives, we do have control over our opinion or interpretation.

Examples of fact-based and opinion-based situations:

Fact #1: You’re assigned a specific project at work.

Opinion: I always get the challenging tasks. .

Fact #2: Your friend cancels plans.

Opinion: They prioritize other things over our plans; it’s not fair.

Fact #3: You receive constructive feedback on a presentation.

Opinion: Others get praised, and I always get criticized.

As you can see, these simple examples show you that your opinions shape how you perceive neutral facts in your life.  The amazing thing about having a human brain is that you also have a higher part of your brain that can question your opinion of the facts and can offer you a different perspective. 

Awareness is the key.  This is what I most want you to get from this episode – things aren’t inherently fair or unfair; it’s how your primitive brain is choosing to think about the facts of your life that creates the perception of fairness or unfairness.

If the belief that life is consistently unfair persists, you have to pause and ask yourself a very important question – is that belief serving me? It’s about challenging the automatic assumptions our brains make and deciding intentionally how we want to think about things in a way that’s helpful and useful.  

For example, here’s how each of those scenarios I shared would play out if you just let your  lower, primitive brain be in charge:

Fact #1: You’re assigned a specific project at work.

Opinion: “I always get the challenging tasks.”

Resulting Feeling: Frustration and resentment.

Unhelpful Actions: You’d probably complain about being assigned challenging tasks, procrastinate or avoid the project due to the perceived unfairness, and miss the chance to showcase your skills and grow professionally.

Fact #2: Your friend cancels plans.

Opinion: “They prioritize other things over our plans; it’s not fair.”

Resulting Feeling: Hurt and anger.

Unhelpful Actions: You might assume your friend intentionally prioritized other things without considering alternative possibilities, pull away emotionally, leading to potential strain in the friendship, and create negative stories about the friend’s intentions without seeking clarification.

Fact #3: You receive constructive feedback on a presentation.

Opinion: “Others get praised, and I always get criticized.”

Resulting Feeling: Defensiveness and resentment.

Unhelpful Actions: You might ignore constructive criticism and miss an opportunity for improvement, constantly compare yourself to others, leading to decreased self-esteem, and develop a resistance to feedback, hindering personal and professional growth.

In each case, the resulting feelings and unhelpful actions stem from the opinion your primitive brain made about the facts. By recognizing and questioning these opinions, you’re much better able to shift your perspective, leading to more constructive emotions and actions. 

You have to recognize when a victim mentality creeps in, acknowledge it, and then decide if that’s the role you want to play in the story of your life. 

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Asking powerful questions

Here’s the thing about your brain: it’s like a Google search bar.  It loves answering questions.

But the most important thing to know is whether you’re asking an empowering question or a disempowering one.

For example, “Why does this always happen to me?” is disempowering.  “What can I do about this? Is empowering.

When something feels unfair, it’s easy to get agitated. But what if, instead of reacting, you responded with curiosity? 

I have found that the most powerful question you can ask yourself when things seem unfair is, “How can I see this differently?  It makes it possible for your higher brain to go to work looking for other optional ways to see the same exact fact, transforming frustration into curiosity..

I promise you, questions are the key that unlocks doors to new ways of thinking. By choosing the feeling of curiosity over frustration, you engage the higher, more rational part of your brain. 

Suddenly, the situation that seemed unfairly stacked against you becomes an opportunity to feel differently and behave differently.  

Using the examples I shared a minute ago, let’s see the effect of asking the question, “How can I see things differently?”:

Fact #1: You’re assigned a specific project at work.

Opinion: “I always get the challenging tasks.”

Question: “How can I see things differently?”

Alternative Thought: “Getting challenging projects could be an opportunity for growth and showcasing my skills.”

Resulting Feeling and Actions: Empowered, motivated, and ready to take on the challenge rather than feeling unfairly burdened. You would take initiative and be proactive in tackling tasks and challenges.  You’d be more focused and efficient at work, resulting in increased productivity.

Fact #2: Your friend cancels plans.

Opinion: “They prioritize other things over our plans; it’s not fair.”

Question: “How can I see things differently?”

Alternative Thought: “Life can be unpredictable, and they might have a valid reason for canceling. It’s not a personal attack.”

Resulting Feeling and Actions: Understanding, empathetic, and less hurt by not taking the cancellation as a reflection of their priorities.   You would recognize that life can be unpredictable, offer support and understanding if the person is going through challenging times, and understand that it’s not a personal slight but possibly a response to life’s demands.

Fact #3: You receive constructive feedback on a presentation.

Opinion: “Others get praised, and I always get criticized.”

Question: “How can I see things differently?”

Alternative Thought: “Constructive feedback is an opportunity for improvement, and everyone receives it. It’s not about comparison; it’s about continuous growth.”

Resulting Feeling and Actions: Open-minded, motivated to improve, and less inclined to see feedback as a personal criticism.  You would probably identify specific areas for improvement highlighted in the feedback, take proactive steps to enhance skills, and seek additional guidance or mentorship to further understand and address the feedback.

By questioning the initial thoughts and considering alternative ways of thinking of things, you can shift your emotional response from frustration and feeling unfairly treated to more positive and constructive feelings. 

This process is much more empowering than labeling things as unfair.  It helps in fostering resilience, personal growth, and a healthier mindset in various situations.

Instead of just seeing one side and assuming your perception is the only way to look at something, try turning it around. If a situation feels unfair, consider the other perspectives involved. 

Embracing different angles broadens your understanding and paints a fuller picture. For instance, in a disagreement, considering the other viewpoint can unveil insights you hadn’t considered, creating a more collaborative approach.

The truth is that, if you always see situations as unfair, you’re instructing your brain to find more examples of unfairness. But by choosing different perspectives, you rewrite the script. 

It’s like becoming the director of your life rather than just a passive audience member.  

The next time your knee-jerk response is to label something as unfair, think twice.  There may be something you are missing that could make a difference.

Remember, asking the question, “How can I see things differently?” will help you to engage that higher, rational brain, giving you a much better result.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I shared how to handle when things seem unfair.  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.

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

That’s what I have for you, but 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.

Today’s episode is going to be all about something that we can often overlook in our fast-paced world of accounting, which is effective time management.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—time management might sound like a boring topic, but trust me, it’s the secret to turning your chaotic workday into a well-oiled machine. As accountants, we juggle many tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities, and let’s face it, time is often our most precious commodity.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just about learning new time management strategies; it’s also about unlearning some habits that might be holding us back. Yes, you heard it right—unlearning. I’m not trying to add more to your plate; I’m here to help you declutter and streamline your approach to time management.

Picture this: getting more done in less time, not taking work home at night or on the weekends, and being so efficient that you get back at least 5 hours a week.  Intrigued? Well, you’re in the right place.

In today’s episode, I’m going to be exploring the top five things accountants need to unlearn when it comes to time management. These are the subtle roadblocks that might be hindering your efficiency without you even realizing it. 

So, whether you’re a seasoned CPA or you’re just starting in the accounting game, stick around—you’re going to pick up some valuable insights.

But before we dive in, let’s take a moment to understand why time management matters. It’s not just about squeezing more tasks into your day; it’s about working smarter, not harder. Effective time management can reduce stress, improve work quality, and even open up opportunities for a better work-life balance. And who wouldn’t want that?

Throughout this episode, I’ll be not only sharing what you need to unlearn but why your brain may find it challenging.  I’m also going to share some exercises that will help you to unlearn some of the things that have been getting in the way of better time management. 

I want you to get ready to challenge some preconceived notions, rethink your approach, and discover a newfound sense of control over your time. It’s time to unlearn, relearn, and revamp your time management skills. 

#1 – Unlearning the 9 to 5 Mentality

When it comes to time management, one of the first things we need to unlearn is the ingrained 9-to-5 mentality. For decades, the traditional workday has been synonymous with these fixed hours. But let’s dive into why this structure might not be the most conducive to optimal productivity.

Research in neuroscience tells us that the brain doesn’t operate like a clock. It has natural peaks and valleys of energy and focus throughout the day, known as circadian rhythms. 

The 9-to-5 schedule often forces individuals to work against their natural energy patterns, leading to a dip in productivity during certain hours. Recognizing and adapting to these natural rhythms can significantly enhance efficiency.

So, what’s the alternative? Flexibility and adaptive scheduling. Acknowledging that not everyone is wired to be most productive from 9 to 5 opens up the possibility of arranging work hours in a way that aligns better with individual energy levels. 

This might mean starting the workday later or earlier, taking longer breaks during low-energy periods, or even working in bursts of intense focus.

In a flexible work environment, individuals can capitalize on their peak productivity times, resulting in higher-quality work and reduced stress. It’s not about working more; it’s about working smarter.

Now, let’s get practical. Breaking free from the 9-to-5 mindset requires a shift in perspective and a willingness to experiment with your schedule. Here are a few tips to help you make this transition:

Identify Your Peaks and Valleys: Take a week to observe your energy levels throughout the day. Note when you feel most alert and focused and when you experience dips in concentration.  I am a morning person, so when I work from home, I start at 7 am.  Because it’s my optimal time, I get more done before noon than most accountants do in an entire 8-hour day.

Experiment with Flexible Hours: If your work environment allows, try starting your day an hour later or earlier, or taking a longer break during your natural low-energy period. Monitor how it affects your productivity and well-being.

Communicate with Your Team: If you’re part of a team, open communication is key. Discuss your experiment with flexible hours and ensure that it aligns with team goals and collaboration needs.

Implement the 90-Minute Rule: Research suggests that the brain operates in cycles of approximately 90 minutes of high focus followed by a brief period of fatigue. Structure your work in 90-minute intervals, taking short breaks to recharge.

Remember, the goal is not to abandon structure entirely but to find a rhythm that maximizes your productivity and well-being. By unlearning the rigid 9-to-5 mentality, you pave the way for a more effective and fulfilling work experience.

#2 – Unlearning The Downside To Multitasking

Multitasking has long been considered a badge of honor, especially in fast-paced professions like accounting. Many believe that juggling multiple tasks simultaneously is a sign of efficiency.

However, it’s time to debunk this myth. In the accounting world, where attention to detail is paramount, multitasking can lead to errors, oversights, and decreased overall productivity if it’s not managed properly.

For those of you who’ve taken The Smarter Accountant Time Management Personality Quiz and scored as a Multi-Tasker, there’s nothing wrong with your time management personality.  There are just some things that will make your time management much more efficient.

Common misconceptions include the idea that multitasking saves time and that it’s an essential skill for managing heavy workloads. The reality is that it often results in a lower quality of work, increased stress, and a longer completion time for each task, again, if it’s not managed properly..

Here’s what you need to know about multitasking – Neuroscience tells us that the brain doesn’t truly multitask; instead, it rapidly switches focus between tasks. This constant switching incurs a cognitive cost known as “switching fatigue.” 

The brain requires time to refocus and regain momentum each time it switches between tasks, leading to a decrease in overall efficiency.

For accountants, the cost of multitasking can be particularly high. The nature of accounting work demands sustained attention to complex details, making the constant shifting of focus detrimental to accuracy and quality.

So, how do we break free from the multitasking trap? The answer lies in adopting alternative strategies that promote sustained focus and efficiency.

Single-Tasking: This is where you dedicate specific blocks of time to individual tasks without the distraction of other projects. This allows your brain to fully engage with and complete one task before moving on to the next.

Prioritize and Sequence: Instead of trying to do everything at once, prioritize your tasks based on ease and impact. Sequence your work so that you can focus on one task at a time, completing high-impact items before moving on to the next. When I work with my time management clients, I teach them how to prioritize based on the Decision Matrix.

Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together and tackle them in a single session. This might involve grouping data entry, analysis, or report writing tasks. One of the best things you can batch is email.  It will exponentially improve your ability to focus.  Batching tasks minimizes the mental effort required to switch between different types of activities.

So here’s an exercise you can try in order to unlearn multitasking.  It’s called The Uninterrupted Focus Challenge

Try the Uninterrupted Focus Challenge for a week. Choose a task that requires your full attention and commit to working on it without any interruptions for a specific period—start with 30 minutes and gradually increase. Turn off email notifications, silence your phone, and communicate to colleagues that you’ll be unavailable during this time.

Monitor your progress and note any changes in the quality and efficiency of your work. You might be surprised by the positive impact of sustained focus on your overall productivity.

Remember, unlearning the multitasking mindset involves recognizing its cognitive costs and embracing alternative strategies that foster concentration and efficiency. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance the quality of your work but also reduce stress and improve your overall job satisfaction..

#3 – Unlearning Perfectionism

Perfectionism, while often seen as a positive trait, can truly sabotage us when it comes to effective time management. In the world of accounting, where precision is important, the pursuit of perfection can lead to things like analysis paralysis, missed deadlines, and unnecessary stress.

The brain’s role in this is fascinating. Perfectionism triggers the brain’s fear of failure, activating the lower brain’s need for safety and then leading us to not take necessary action. 

In other words, this response can lead to procrastination as the brain perceives the task as a potential threat. Understanding this connection between perfectionism and procrastination is crucial for unraveling the grip of perfectionism on your time management.

Needing something to be perfect is so threatening to your brain that it would rather you procrastinate than finish.

So how do you handle this?  Setting realistic goals is the antidote to perfectionism. 

It involves acknowledging that perfection is not only impractical but also counterproductive. Realistic goals are achievable, allowing you to make steady progress without giving in to the paralyzing effects of perfectionism.

When you set realistic goals, you also activate the brain’s reward system. Achieving these goals releases dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, reinforcing positive behaviors. 

This shift in focus from the fear of failure to the satisfaction of accomplishment is key to breaking free from the perfectionism trap.

Now, let’s explore some practical techniques to overcome perfectionism and improve your time management:

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Instead of viewing a task as an overwhelming whole, break it into smaller, more manageable steps. This not only makes the task less intimidating but also allows you to celebrate small victories along the way.

Set Time Limits: Assign specific time limits to tasks. This not only prevents you from getting lost in the pursuit of perfection but also encourages focused and efficient work. Use a timer to create a sense of a boundary around your time.

Embrace the 80/20 Rule: Also known as the Pareto Principle, this rule suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. Identify the critical tasks that contribute the most value and focus your energy on them, letting go of the need for perfection in less crucial areas.

Remember, overcoming perfectionism is a key ingredient in mastering time management. By understanding the brain’s response to perfectionist tendencies, setting realistic goals, and implementing practical techniques, you can free yourself from the paralysis of perfection and enhance your productivity and job satisfaction.

#4 – Unlearning Technology Time Wasters

While technology offers incredible tools to enhance productivity, it’s easy to get caught up in time-wasting technologies that hinder rather than help. 

We often get caught up in checking emails too much, scrolling through social media, and being tempted by lots of apps that claim to make us super productive but don’t always deliver on their promises.

What’s interesting is that understanding the brain’s role here is crucial. These technologies often trigger the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine with every notification or social media update. 

This dopamine hit then creates a cycle of distraction, pulling you away from important tasks and eroding your precious time.

But while technology can cause us problems there are many time-saving tools and apps specifically designed to streamline accounting processes and boost efficiency. From accounting software that automates data entry to project management apps that keep tasks organized, the right technologies can be game-changers.

Again, this is where the brain’s role is fascinating. When you use technology to automate repetitive tasks, you free up mental bandwidth for more complex and creative aspects of your work. 

This not only enhances efficiency but also helps us to get more done in less time.

To make the most of technology without falling into the time-wasting trap, consider these tips:

Identify Pain Points: Pinpoint areas in your workflow that could benefit from automation or improvement. Whether it’s data entry, communication, or project management, technology should address specific pain points to be truly effective.

Test Before You Invest: Before committing to a new tool or app, take advantage of free trials or demos. Ensure that the technology aligns with your needs and integrates seamlessly into your workflow.

Prioritize Integration: Look for technologies that can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems. This prevents the need for constant context-switching, optimizing your efficiency.

Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries for technology use. Schedule specific times for checking emails and notifications to prevent constant interruptions. This helps in reclaiming focus and minimizing the negative impact on productivity.

Here’s an exercise to help you unlearn technology time wasters: The Tech Detox Challenge.

For one day, challenge yourself to a tech detox. Turn off non-essential notifications, resist the urge to check social media or emails incessantly, and focus solely on tasks without the interference of technology. 

Use this day to observe how technology habits affect your concentration and productivity.

Remember, embracing technology wisely involves recognizing the potential pitfalls of time-wasting technologies, understanding the brain’s response to these distractions, and strategically integrating tools that genuinely enhance productivity. By selecting the right technologies and setting boundaries, you can leverage the power of innovation to your advantage.

#5 – Unlearning The Procrastination Cycle

Procrastination, the notorious productivity thief, often stems from many psychological factors. Understanding these roots is the first step towards breaking free from its grip. 

In the brain, the higher brain, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and goal-setting, often battles with the lower, primitive brain.  When tasks trigger anxiety or fear of failure, the lower brain can overpower the higher brain, leading to procrastination.

Digging deeper, perfectionism, fear of inadequacy, and even a simple lack of interest can contribute to procrastination. Recognizing these psychological causes is crucial for developing effective strategies to overcome this common challenge.

So what can you do about procrastination?  Let’s explore some practical strategies to conquer procrastination:

Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps: The brain often perceives large tasks as overwhelming, triggering procrastination. Break tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Completing these bite-sized portions not only reduces anxiety but also provides a sense of accomplishment.

Set Clear Goals: Clearly defined goals provide a roadmap for your work. The brain responds well to specific, achievable objectives. Write down what you want to accomplish, breaking it down into tangible steps.

Visualize the End Result: Create a mental image of the satisfaction and relief you’ll feel upon completing a task. This positive visualization can counteract the emotional resistance that leads to procrastination.

Building a proactive mindset is the key to efficient time management and breaking the cycle of procrastination. Here’s how you can cultivate this mindset:

Prioritize Tasks: Identify and prioritize tasks based on their ease and impact. Tackling high-impact tasks first can create momentum and reduce the likelihood of procrastination.

Set Realistic Deadlines: Establish realistic deadlines for yourself. I tell my clients all the time that they need to be kind to the future version of themselves that has to get this thing done.  This helps create a sense of importance and prevents tasks from lingering on the to-do list indefinitely.

Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate small victories along the way. Recognizing your achievements, no matter how small, reinforces positive behavior and motivates continued effort.

Here’s an exercise you can implement: The 5-Minute Rule

Here’s how it works: commit to working on a task for just five minutes. Often, getting started is the most challenging part. Once you overcome the initial resistance, you might find yourself more engaged and willing to continue.

As I tell my time management coaching clients, the most difficult step is going from 0 to 1, not going from 0 to completion.  By just working on a task for 5 minutes, you create the momentum needed for the next 5 minutes.

Remember,  breaking the procrastination cycle involves understanding the psychological factors that contribute to procrastination, implementing practical strategies to overcome it, and cultivating a proactive mindset for efficient time management. By addressing the root causes and adopting proactive habits, you can transform procrastination into productivity and propel yourself towards success.

As I wind up this episode, let’s reflect on the overarching theme—the profound impact of our mindset and habits on how we manage our time.

Our brain is our intricate time management guide. Understanding its tendencies, from the dopamine-driven distractions to the anxiety-triggered procrastination, empowers us to reshape our habits effectively. 

Time management isn’t just about squeezing more into our schedules; it’s about optimizing the way we work to achieve better outcomes with less stress. It’s a dynamic process of unlearning outdated norms, adopting innovative strategies, and continuously refining our approach. 

The tips and exercises I provided are not one-size-fits-all solutions.  They are invitations to experiment, adapt, and discover what works best for you.

As you begin to implement these insights, remember that change takes time. Be patient with yourself, celebrate progress, and remain open to refining your strategies. The goal is not perfection but continuous improvement.

If better time management is something you’re interested in, I suggest taking The Smarter Accountant Time Management Personality Quiz. You’ll gain some valuable insights into your particular time management personality and how to leverage that to get more done in less time.

Simply go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com/personality-quiz and as a bonus, you’ll also receive “The Ultimate Time-Saving Guide for Accountants.” This guide is a must-have for any accountant who wants to improve their time management.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I shared the top 5 things for accountants to unlearn.  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.

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.

Today’s episode is going to approach time management in a different way than you’ve probably ever discussed it.  I’m going to be talking about your time management personality and why it matters. 

Now, I know what you might be thinking, “Time management personality? Seriously?” But trust me, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill productivity lecture. I’m going to explore how your unique time management personality can make or break your success.

Let’s start by considering a few questions:

Do you find yourself hitting the snooze button every morning, or are you up with the birds, ready to conquer the day? Which one are you?

Do you consider yourself a multitasking expert, or do you prefer to take things one step at a time? What’s your go-to strategy for managing your workload?

Are you the kind of accountant who always lends a helping hand and thrives on collaboration? Or do you prefer to tackle tasks solo?

Here’s the thing – we’re not all cut from the same cloth, and that’s a good thing! Just like we have different approaches to tackling tax returns or working with clients, we also have distinct time management personalities that influence how we navigate our daily grind.

In this episode, I’m breaking it down into four categories: the Early Bird, the Multi-Tasker, the Deliberator, and the Helper. You’re going to discover where you fit in, what your strengths are, and how to use your personality to get more done in less time.

So, whether you’re the type who thrives in the early morning hours or the multitasker who’s got ten windows open on their computer right now, stick with me because you’re going to walk away with actionable insights to level up your time management game. 

It’s time to take control of your time by understanding your time management personality better., 

Stay to the end because I’ll be sharing a link to take The Smarter Accountant Time Management Personality Quiz.  It will only take you a few minutes and not only will it be super helpful in determining where your personality lies, but you also might be surprised at your quiz results. 

The Early Bird

Let’s start with the first time management personality category – the Early Bird. Whether you’re an early riser or you’d rather hit the snooze button, you’ll find valuable insights here

So, what exactly is an Early Bird? Early Birds are the early risers, the ones who seize the day at the crack of dawn and have everything organized before most people even hit “snooze” for the first time.

I am a classic Early Bird time management personality.  I get up around 4:30 am and actually enjoy it.

If you’re an Early Bird like me, you probably know the perks of starting your day early. You’ve got the morning all to yourself when the world is quiet, and it’s a perfect time to set the stage for a productive day. You’re already ahead of the game!

But what makes Early Birds tick, and how do they use their unique time management style to their advantage? Let’s explore both the pros and cons of being an Early Bird with some helpful tips.

Advantages of Being an Early Bird:

Advantage 1: Increased Productivity in the Morning

As Early Birds, we tend to be at our peak productivity in the morning. Our brains are fresh, and we use this time to tackle important tasks and decision-making. For example, when I work from home, I start my work day at 7 am and get more done by noon than most accountants do in an entire day.  .

Advantage 2: Ability to Plan and Prioritize

As Early Birds, we have the luxury of time in the morning to plan and prioritize. We can set clear goals and agendas, ensuring we make the most out of our working hours. As an Early Bird accountant, you might use the early hours to meticulously plan your client meetings, organize financial documents, and strategize your approach for the day.

Challenges of Being an Early Bird:

Challenge 1: Burnout Risk

While Early Birds have a strong start, we might experience burnout if we don’t manage our energy levels throughout the day. Pushing too hard early on can lead to exhaustion by mid-afternoon. It’s important to find a balance.

Challenge 2: Social Obligations

As an Early Bird, we can find it challenging to accommodate late-night social events or adapt to flexible work hours, especially if our work environment or social circle operates on a different schedule.  I’m in bed by 8:30 pm most nights so staying up late is very challenging.

Tips for Early Birds and Those Adapting Early-Bird Habits:

Tip 1: The Power of Morning Routines

Creating a consistent morning routine can help anyone become more productive, even if you’re not naturally an Early Bird. Start with what lights your brain up first.  I was able to write and publish my book in one year because of the power of my morning routine.  This sets a positive tone for your workday.

Tip 2: Maintaining Energy Levels

We need to know how to maintain our energy levels throughout the day. We have to avoid energy crashes by staying hydrated and taking short breaks to recharge. It’s all about pacing ourselves. For example, as someone trying to embrace early-bird habits, you could schedule short, rejuvenating breaks into your day to stay focused and energized.

Whether you’re an Early Bird or aspiring to be one, the key takeaway is that understanding your time management personality is the first step to unlocking your full potential.

The Multi-Tasker

Now let’s dive into the world of the Multi-Tasker. So, whether you’re someone who’s always juggling multiple tasks or looking to embrace a more adaptable approach, stay tuned because you’re going to gain valuable insights no matter what.  

What exactly is a Multi-Tasker? Well, they’re the accountants who thrive when their to-do list is a mile long and every day is a whirlwind of tasks. They are adaptable, flexible, and masters of managing the chaos.

So, what are the pros and cons of being a Multi-Tasker, and how can you make the most of this time management personality? 

Advantages of Being a Multi-Tasker:

Advantage 1: Handling Various Responsibilities Simultaneously

Multi-Taskers excel at handling multiple responsibilities at once. Picture this: you’re a Multi-Tasker accountant, and you’re coordinating a client meeting, analyzing financial data, and managing your team’s tasks, all at the same time. It’s like a symphony of productivity.

Advantage 2: Efficient Use of Time

Multi-Taskers can be experts at making the most of their time. They can shift between tasks quickly and efficiently, making them well-suited for jobs that require adaptability and quick decision-making.

Challenges of Being a Multi-Tasker:

Challenge 1: Risk of Overwhelm

Multi-Taskers can oftentimes find themselves overwhelmed with the sheer number of tasks on their plate. Trying to do it all can lead to stress and reduced attention to detail.  Plus, there’s the issue with a switching cost; the time it takes to fully focus and engage when you’re managing multiple tasks.

Challenge 2: Reduced Focus

While Multi-Taskers are great at doing many things, they may struggle to focus deeply on a single task. This can lead to errors or incomplete work if not managed properly.

Tips for Multi-Taskers and Those Adapting Multi-Tasking Habits:

Tip 1: Identify When to Multitask

As a Multi-Tasker, it’s crucial to recognize when multitasking is beneficial and when it’s not. Save multitasking for routine or low-priority tasks, and make time for deep focus on high-priority work.

Tip 2: Using Tools and Apps for Staying Organized

Use tools like task management apps or project management software to help you stay organized. These tools can help you keep track of your many tasks and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

Whether you’re a natural Multi-Tasker or working to develop some multitasking skills, remember that understanding and harnessing your time management personality can help you excel in your accounting career.

The Deliberator

Now let’s dive into the world of the Deliberator, the meticulous planners and analytical thinkers.  Whether you’re naturally a Deliberator or looking to embrace more thoughtful and methodical approaches, you’re in the right place.

What exactly is a Deliberator? These are the accountants who take their time, weigh every option, and leave no stone unturned when making decisions. They’re the analytical powerhouses who ensure precision in every financial endeavor.

So, what are the pros and cons of being a Deliberator, and how can you make the most of this time management personality? 

Advantages of Being a Deliberator:

Advantage 1: Making Well-Informed Decisions

Deliberators are masters at making well-informed decisions. As a Deliberator accountant, imagine this scenario: a client seeks your advice on a complex financial investment. Your careful analysis and thorough research lead to a decision that safeguards their assets and ensures a sound financial future.

Advantage 2: Reducing Errors and Stress

Deliberators reduce errors and stress by ensuring that every detail is accounted for. They prevent costly mistakes by approaching tasks systematically and methodically.

Challenges of Being a Deliberator:

Challenge 1: Time-Consuming

Deliberators can often spend too much time pondering decisions, leading to a slower workflow and potential missed opportunities.

Challenge 2: Analysis Paralysis

There’s a fine line between careful consideration and analysis paralysis. Deliberators may struggle to take action, constantly seeking more data or reassurance before making decisions.

Tips for Deliberators and Those Embracing Deliberation Habits:

Tip 1: Time Blocking and Prioritization

Deliberators can definitely benefit from a better time blocking process and more effective prioritization techniques. Schedule specific blocks of time for decision-making and use prioritization methods to ensure you focus on the most critical tasks.

Tip 2: Set Decision-Making Deadlines

To combat analysis paralysis, set specific deadlines for making decisions. Once you’ve gathered the necessary information, commit to a timeline for taking action.

Whether you’re a born Deliberator or trying to incorporate more deliberation into your approach, remember that understanding and embracing your time management personality can enhance your effectiveness

The Helper

Now let’s talk about the final time management personality, The Helper, or the team player and collaborator of the financial world. Whether you’re a natural Helper or looking to embrace more people-oriented strategies, let’s discuss this personality.  

So, what exactly is a Helper? These are the accountants who thrive on supporting others, working collaboratively, and building strong relationships. They’re often the glue that holds teams and projects together.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of being a Helper, and discover how to maximize this unique time management personality:

Advantages of Being a Helper:

Advantage 1: Building Strong Relationships and Networks

Helpers excel at building strong professional relationships and expanding their networks. For example, as a Helper accountant, you’ve developed an extensive network of contacts, making it easier to collaborate on projects and share resources.

Advantage 2: Achieving Goals Through Teamwork

Helpers know the power of teamwork. They leverage their support network to achieve collective goals. Imagine you’re a Helper in a busy accounting firm, and you’ve organized a team project that streamlined the financial reporting process, saving both time and resources.

Challenges of Being a Helper:

Challenge 1: Balancing Personal and Professional Commitments

Helpers can sometimes struggle to balance their personal commitments with their professional responsibilities. It’s essential to establish boundaries and prioritize self-care.

Challenge 2: Overcommitting

In their eagerness to help, Helpers may overcommit and find themselves stretched too thin. They need strategies to manage their workload effectively.

Tips for Helpers and Those Embracing Helper Habits:

Tip 1: Setting Boundaries

Helpers need to establish clear boundaries between personal and professional life. They need to protect their personal time to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Tip 2: Effective Communication and Delegation

Helpers need more effective communication and delegation skills. They can optimize their time by effectively involving team members and delegating tasks when necessary.

Whether you’re a natural Helper or looking to incorporate more Helper habits, remember that understanding and leveraging your time management personality can significantly enhance your effectiveness.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Making the most of your time management personality

Now that we’ve uncovered the unique characteristics, advantages, and challenges of the Early Bird, Multi-Tasker, Deliberator, and Helper, it’s time to tie it all together and explore how to becoming a Smarter Accountant 

To be a Smarter Accountant is to not just excel at crunching numbers but also to manage your time effectively, enabling you to accomplish more while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

When I work with my coaching clients in The Smarter Accountant Time Management program, here’s how I approach each personality: .

The Early Bird:

Your advantage lies in your productive mornings. To become a Smarter Accountant, you can:

Set clear daily priorities: I teach them how to prioritize their most critical tasks during their peak hours in the morning, ensuring they tackle the day’s essentials right off the bat.

Avoid energy drains: I guide them to maintain energy levels throughout the day with short breaks and staying hydrated, so they can sustain their productivity.

The Multi-Tasker:

Multi-Taskers, your adaptability is your strength. To become a Smarter Accountant, you can:

Master task-switching: I teach my Multi-Taskers to learn when and how to switch between tasks efficiently without losing focus.

Effective organization: I train them in the art of staying organized amid the chaos, whether through apps, task management tools, or project management strategies.

The Deliberator:

Deliberators, your precision is your forte. To become a Smarter Accountant, you can:

Set decision-making deadlines: When I work with Deliberators, I encourage them to set specific timelines for making decisions, preventing analysis paralysis while maintaining their meticulous approach.

Time blocking: I guide them to utilize my effective time blocking techniques to ensure they allocate time for decision-making and allow time for deep work when needed.

The Helper:

Helpers, your collaborative nature is your superpower. To become a Smarter Accountant, you can:

Balancing commitments: I teach Helpers to find the right balance between personal and professional life, enabling them to be more focused and effective in both areas.

Effective communication and delegation: I train them in the art of efficient communication and delegation to optimize their time while still providing valuable support.

Remember, becoming a Smarter Accountant is not about changing your core personality; it’s about recognizing your strengths, addressing your challenges, and finding strategies that work best for you. 

Tailoring your time management approach based on your personality is the key to achieving success both professionally and personally.

If you are interested in taking a short quiz to find out your specific time management personality, you can just head on over to https://thesmarteraccountant.com/personality-quiz/

It’s important to consider your time management personality and which techniques work best for you. When you discover which method works best for you, you will see a spike in your productivity, improvement in your efficiency, a sense of control over your time, the ability to get more done in less time, and an increase in the number of hours you’re able to get back

The truth is that understanding your time management personality will absolutely help you better manage your time.

Thank you for joining me.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights into your own time management personality. Remember that in the realm of accounting, being a Smarter Accountant means understanding who you are and making the most of it.

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 Programs and how you can apply them to whatever you’re struggling with.

That’s what I have for you, but 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.

Let’s talk all about how to shape a better work environment.  First, I want you to consider a few questions:

How do you currently feel about your work environment as an accountant, whether you’re a leader or an employee?

Have you noticed any specific challenges or issues in your workplace that affect your job satisfaction or productivity?

Do you believe that creating a better work environment is solely the responsibility of the organization, or do you recognize your own role in shaping it?

In the world of accounting, where precision, attention to detail, and complex calculations are the order of the day, creating a better work environment is not just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential factor that directly influences our quality of work and well-being. 

While the demands of this profession can be an issue, studies show that a positive work atmosphere can significantly impact not only our productivity but also our job satisfaction.

Unfortunately, accounting firms and finance departments have long grappled with challenges such as employee conflicts, increased complaints, and decreased job satisfaction. Managers often find themselves frustrated by declining productivity and unprofessional conduct. 

However, the key to understanding how to create a better work environment lies not only in recognizing these issues but, more importantly, in understanding who holds the power to create a better work environment.

Countless studies have revealed that regardless of generous benefits, flexible work arrangements, or state-of-the-art perks, an accountant’s job satisfaction and work experience are primarily influenced by their own thoughts and feelings. 

That’s why the first step in crafting a more conducive work environment is the realization that you have control over how you show up and experience your workplace.  Whether you are a boss or an employee, you do have control over creating a better work environment..

The critical lesson, whether you’re a boss or a colleague, is learning to manage your own mind and emotions and approaching your role from a clean, clear mindset. When you develop this skill, you present the best version of yourself, foster an environment that allows others to do the same, and remain open to personal growth.

The power to create a better work environment hinges on your ability to decide how you want to think, feel, and behave. It’s less about circumstances that aren’t within your control and more about how you choose to interpret those circumstances .

This episode is going to be all about the art of creating a better work environment, whether you’re a boss or an employee. I’m going to be sharing the key ingredients to crafting a work atmosphere that fosters success and well-being for all involved.

Creating a better work environment: When you are a Boss/Leader

Let’s start with the scenario where you’re the one in charge. If you’re listening to this, you’re likely not a horrible boss, but you might be looking for ways to create a better work environment.

You see, it’s not uncommon for leaders to find themselves in situations where employees aren’t getting along, there’s a lot of complaining, some job dissatisfaction, or maybe there’s some office gossip going on. Perhaps you’re frustrated with declining productivity or a lack of professionalism in the workplace.

Creating a better work environment as a leader begins with understanding that it’s not just about what you can do for your team; it’s about how you show up and experience the environment yourself. The truth is that your employees are responsible for how they choose to think and feel when they’re at work..

For example, let’s say you’ve got a team member who gets impatient when you don’t review their work quickly. You want them to be happy, so you rush to review their work before anyone else’s. 

But here’s the problem – you end up feeling resentful because you’ve given up your weekend to appease this employee, probably thinking afterwards that they should be more appreciative of your effort.

Here’s the thing – when you manage others, the most important thing you can do is manage your own mind and come from a “clean space.” It’s about learning how to handle your thoughts and emotions. 

When you master this, you become the best version of yourself, which, in turn, creates an environment that allows others to be their best selves too.

The truth is, you cannot control how your employees think and feel about their jobs. No amount of vacation days, fancy espresso machines, or flexible work arrangements can do that. 

The real power you have in creating a better work environment is in learning to manage your own mind. It’s about deciding how you want to think, feel, and behave in a way that aligns with the results you want in your professional life.

So here are some questions to think about:

Who are you being when you’re at work?

Are you happy with how you show up at work?

Are you seeking validation from your employees?

Do your feelings depend on others?

What does being the “best version” of you look like?

Creating a better work environment happens for you (remember, that’s all you can control) when you have open and honest communication and limit your own mind drama. Managing people is best done when you are making sure you’re first managing your mind before you try to manage others.

So, as a leader, remember that you can’t control what your employees think or feel about you or their job, but you can control what you think and feel about them. In other words, your interactions with your team are fueled by your thoughts and emotions. 

It’s not about being nice to manipulate their feelings; it’s about being nice because it feels good to you and, in turn, creates a better work environment for you.

Let me give you an example – I coached a senior manager at a mid-sized accounting firm. For years, she had struggled with an increasingly toxic work environment. 

Her team had been having issues with infighting and a lack of collaboration, and she often found herself mediating conflicts between team members. Productivity was suffering, and the general atmosphere in the office was far from ideal.

She was determined to turn things around so she decided to take a different approach. Instead of merely reacting to conflicts and complaints, she took a proactive stance. 

She initiated simple team-building activities, encouraged open communication, and provided a platform for employees to share their thoughts and concerns. Through one-on-one meetings with her team members, she discovered that several issues had been festering under the surface, including unresolved personal conflicts and unacknowledged achievements.

She was better able to address these issues with empathy and clear communication when she first learned how to manage her own mind. Because she was focused on what she could control, which was herself, she came up with the idea for a mentorship program, pairing seasoned accountants with junior colleagues to foster knowledge sharing and mutual support. 

Over time, the work environment began to shift. Conflicts reduced, collaboration increased, and the team started to appreciate her commitment to their well-being and success.

The key to it all was that by first managing her mind, she felt less stressed.  And when she felt less stressed, she showed up differently in her role as a leader.  

In other words, by creating a better work environment for herself, she became an example to her team and made it possible for them to create a better work environment for themselves, whether they chose to or not..

Key Takeaway: As a boss or leader, the key to creating a better work environment is understanding that the only thing you can control is your own thoughts, emotions, and behavior; you cannot control how your employees think and feel at or about work. 

Managing your mind and emotions and approaching your role with compassion and clarity is crucial. Remember that you have the power to create a positive work atmosphere by managing your own mindset and leading by example. 

Creating a better work environment: When you are an employee

Let’s shift our perspective and look at what happens when you’re not the one calling the shots but instead are a part of the team – you’re the employee. You probably spend a significant portion of your waking hours at work, so it’s worth figuring out how to make that environment the best it can be.

As we all know, in the world of accounting, the demands can be considerable, and the hours can be long. You probably find yourself working with colleagues more than you see your own family, especially during busier times of the year like tax season. 

Sometimes, the office might even feel like your second home. So, how can you, as an employee, make your work environment more inspiring, nurturing, and enjoyable? 

It turns out, you have more power than you might think.

The truth is that when you work for someone else, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that you have limited control over your work environment. You might think you’re at the mercy of the company, your boss, or your coworkers to set the tone of the office. 

The problem is that this belief can lead to frustration and stress, and you might even start exploring job opportunities elsewhere, thinking the “toxic” work environment is beyond your control.

But here’s the thing – the power to create a better work environment is not out of your hands. It’s in your head, in the way you manage your thoughts and feelings about your job, and in the way you choose to show up at work and even when you’re not there.

The first step to creating a better work environment is getting clear about who you want to be, regardless of anyone or anything else. 

In other words, imagine your “dream job” – you’re doing the work you want, you have the perfect boss, and you’re surrounded by fantastic colleagues. Now, think about how that dream job would make you feel, how you’d approach your work differently, and whether you’d be proud of the way you show up each day.

For example, picture yourself in that dream job where you’re recognized for your expertise, and your boss values your contributions. How would you feel? 

You’d probably feel confident, motivated, and engaged. In that ideal scenario, you’d approach your work with enthusiasm, always looking for ways to excel and grow. You’d take pride in your work, knowing that you’re making a meaningful impact.

The good news is that you don’t have to wait for your dream job to experience those feelings, do better work, and feel proud of your daily contributions. The only difference between your current job and that dream job are your thoughts.

As I’ve shared before on this podcast, your job is just a neutral circumstance; it’s your thoughts about your job or your work environment that create your feelings.

The second step in creating a better work environment is being willing to let go of all the excuses you’ve been holding onto. Whether it’s your boss not recognizing your hard work or your coworkers not being the best of friends, your work environment’s experience isn’t determined by them; it’s determined by you.

You may have heard the saying, “You can’t control other people’s actions, but you can control your reactions.” This holds true in the workplace. 

Your boss’s lack of recognition, your coworker’s indifference, or the overall office atmosphere doesn’t have to define your experience.

Now that you’re aware of what’s been shaping your work environment, the final step is deciding what you want your experience to be. This is where you take your power back:

If you want to feel like a valuable employee, imagine what that valuable employee would be thinking and doing. They might consistently produce high-quality work, actively participate in team discussions, and seek opportunities to contribute.

Or let’s say you want to feel respected by your boss, then imagine what a respected employee would be thinking and how they’d perform their job. They might proactively communicate, take initiative, and consistently meet or exceed expectations.

If you want to feel a connection with your coworkers, imagine what a connected employee would be thinking and how they’d interact with their colleagues. They might engage in open and supportive communication, seek common ground, and cultivate positive working relationships.

Let me give you an example of a client.  He was an accountant working in a corporate finance department. 

For a while, he had been feeling undervalued and overlooked at work. His contributions often went unnoticed, and he felt like just another number at the company.  His coworkers, although pleasant, didn’t seem particularly interested in building personal connections.

Rather than waiting for recognition to come his way, he decided to take matters into his own hands. With my help, he recognized that his mindset was key to changing his work environment. 

He started by actively participating in team meetings, offering fresh ideas, and volunteering to take on challenging projects. He took the initiative to communicate with his supervisor more frequently, not to complain but to share his progress, seek feedback, and discuss opportunities for growth.

In his interactions with coworkers, he shifted from a passive observer to an engaged team member. He began showing genuine interest in their work and personal lives. 

He initiated conversations, asking about their weekend plans and hobbies, and actively listened when they shared their thoughts and concerns. His proactive approach led to more open and supportive communication with his colleagues.

Over time, his efforts paid off. His supervisor noticed his improved performance and dedication, and he was given more responsibilities and recognition. 

By actively engaging with his colleagues, he created a warmer and more collaborative work environment where teamwork and mutual support thrived.

The truth is that creating a better work environment is within your control when you stop blaming your current situation on others. Remember, people don’t make you feel negative emotions; it’s your thoughts about people that do. 

Remember, circumstances don’t have to change for you to feel better; you feel better when you change your beliefs about your circumstances.

By choosing thoughts that serve you, like “This company is lucky to have me” or “I respect the role I play on this team,” those thoughts can create a better work environment for you, no matter where you are or who you work with. Imagine how that would transform your work environment!

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Creating the best work environment you can

So whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your career as an accountant, you know that the demands of this profession can sometimes feel like a non-stop rollercoaster. But there’s a secret to success that goes beyond just crunching the numbers – it’s about creating the best work environment you can, and it’s backed by brain science.

The thing is that your brain is constantly taking in information and making decisions. One part of your brain, the lower, primitive brain, the part I refer to as the Toddler, is like your built-in alarm system. 

It’s always on the lookout for threats and can make you feel stressed or anxious when it senses danger, even if that “danger” is just a tight deadline or a challenging client.

But here’s the good news: you also have a higher brain, the prefrontal cortex, the part I refer to as the Supervising Parent, and it’s responsible for thinking, reasoning, and decision-making. This part of your brain can help you stay calm, focused, and positive, even when the primitive brain is sounding the alarm.

So here are some examples of using brain science for a better work environment:

Handling Tight Deadlines: Imagine you’re faced with a tight deadline, and your Toddler brain is in full alert mode, causing stress. Here’s where brain science comes in. Instead of panicking, you can engage your higher brain, the Supervising Parent, by breaking down the task into smaller, manageable steps. This not only helps you stay organized but also reduces stress and enhances your work environment.  The less stress you feel, the easier it is to feel better about your job.

Dealing with Difficult Colleagues: We all have those colleagues who can be challenging to work with. Brain science tells us that you can choose how you react. Instead of letting their behavior trigger stress, learn how to engage your higher brain to respond with patience and understanding. By doing so, you can help create a more harmonious work environment.

Seeking Feedback: Lastly, when you actively seek feedback, you’re using your higher brain to improve your skills. Even if the feedback is critical, approach it with a growth mindset. This means seeing it as an opportunity for development rather than a personal attack. It not only makes you a Smarter Accountant but also fosters a work environment where growth and improvement are valued.

Now that you have some examples of using brain science for a better work environment, let me give you some additional practical tips for creating a positive work environment:

Stay Organized: Use your higher, Supervising Parent part of your brain to plan and organize your work. Break tasks into manageable chunks, set priorities, create a to-do list, and then calendar everything on that to-do list. Side note: do not work off a to-do list because it’s incredibly overwhelming to your brain.  By staying organized, this not only reduces stress but also enhances your productivity and work experience.

Communication is Key: Engage in open and honest communication with your colleagues and supervisors. By discussing challenges and seeking solutions, you create a work environment where issues can be addressed constructively.  Begin to pay attention to your complaining and gossip, and make conscious efforts to curb them both.

Embrace Lifelong Learning: Keep your brain engaged by embracing lifelong learning. Listen to podcasts like this, attend workshops and webinars, or seek out coaches and mentors. Take programs like I offer with The Smarter Accountant Programs, teaching you how to manage your mind so that you can manage everything else.  My program will not only make you a Smarter Accountant, but it also fosters a work environment that values growth and development.

In a nutshell, becoming a Smarter Accountant means not only mastering the numbers but also understanding the brain science behind creating a better work environment. By engaging your higher brain more often, you can tackle challenges, handle stress, and foster a work environment where productivity and well-being go hand in hand. 

Now go use that smart bran of yours to make a better work environment for yourself.  

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me on this exploration of how to create a better work environment. I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools you can apply this week.

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.

That’s what I have for you, but 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.