Author: Dawn Goldberg

The past few years have thrown more at us than we could have ever imagined. We’ve faced a global pandemic, tried to keep ourselves and our families safe, and dealt with countless changes in our daily lives. 

And if you’re an accountant, you know that the demands on our profession have skyrocketed. Clients are more anxious than ever, and the pressure to help them navigate these uncertain times can be overwhelming. 

It’s no wonder many of us are feeling burned out and questioning if this career is still right for us.

You might feel like you’re running on empty, struggling to find the motivation to get through each day. Maybe you’re tired of the long hours, the endless paperwork, or the constant stress of meeting deadlines. 

You might even be listening to this and saying out loud, “Preach!!”  Maybe you’re one of the many accountants who are at their breaking point, trying to juggle too much and wondering if it’s time to walk away from the profession.

Believe me, I get it. I’ve been in public accounting for over 30 years, and I’ve seen it all. There have been times when I’ve felt just as frustrated and overwhelmed as you do now. 

I’ve had days where I wanted to throw in the towel and find a different path. But before you make any big decisions, I want to share a few things with you. Things that might help you see your situation a little differently and make your decision with a clearer mind.

So let me ask you, have you found yourself feeling more stressed than usual? Are you waking up with a sense of dread, knowing you have a full day of work ahead of you? 

These feelings are typically signs that you’re dealing with burnout, but it’s important to recognize them and understand that you’re not alone. Many accountants are feeling the same way, struggling to keep up with the relentless pace of our profession.

But here’s something I want you to think about: What if the problem isn’t just the job itself.  What if there are ways to make our work more manageable, less stressful, and even enjoyable again? I know it might sound impossible right now, but stay with me.

Over my 30 years in this field, I’ve learned a lot about dealing with stress and avoiding burnout. I’ve seen colleagues leave the profession, thinking it would solve all their problems, only to find that they face similar issues in their new jobs or new careers. That’s because the root of the problem often isn’t necessarily our workload, our career choice, or the job itself.

But before you decide to leave accounting, let me just share some things that you probably haven’t been taught.  As I’ve talked a lot about, this is the podcast where brain science meets accounting, so you probably aren’t aware of a few helpful things that only I teach accountants.

Remember, it’s okay to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. It’s okay to question whether this is the right path for you. But before you make any decisions, I want to help you explore all your options and see if there’s a way to make your current situation work better for you. 

Sometimes, a few small changes can make a big difference. And who knows? You might find that with the right adjustments, you can rekindle your passion for accounting and continue to thrive in this profession.

Understanding the Reasons Behind Your Feelings

Let’s start with why you might be feeling so dissatisfied right now. Again, it’s not just about the heavy workload or the stress from demanding clients. A lot of it has to do with the way we’ve been taught to think about our feelings and our jobs.

First off, many of us grew up with the idea that if we want something more or different, it means we’re being selfish or ungrateful. Maybe you’ve heard things like, “You should be happy you even have a job,” or “Other people have it worse.” These kinds of societal beliefs can make us feel guilty for wanting a change, even if that change is necessary for our well-being.

We’ve also been conditioned to believe that we need to hate something before we can justify leaving it. It’s like we need a dramatic reason to make a change, otherwise, it doesn’t feel valid. 

The truth is that you don’t have to hate your job to want something different. It’s okay to seek out a better fit for your life and your happiness without feeling like you’re abandoning ship in a storm.

But now, let’s talk about a common misconception: the idea that changing your circumstances will solve your problems. It might seem logical to think that a new job, a different workplace, or even a whole new career will make everything better. But there’s more to it than that.

Our brains are incredibly powerful, and the way we think about our situations plays a huge role in how we feel. If you’re feeling stressed, frustrated, or burned out in your current job, those feelings are tied to how you’re interpreting your experiences and reacting to them. 

Bottom line – when you change jobs, you take your brain—and all those thought patterns—with you.

Now, here’s where brain science comes in. Our brains are wired to seek pleasure and avoid discomfort. When we’re unhappy, our brain’s natural reaction is to look for an escape. 

It tells us that if we change our environment, we’ll feel better. This is why you might think, “If I just had a different job, I’d be happier.”

But the truth is, until you address how your feelings are coming from your thoughts, not your circumstances, you’ll likely encounter the same feelings of dissatisfaction wherever you go. It’s like trying to fix a leaky pipe by moving to a different house. It sounds silly but that’s what we’re doing.

What you need to do instead is become what I refer to as an “emotional adult.” This means taking responsibility for your feelings and understanding that they’re only ever caused by your thoughts, not your circumstances. 

By learning to take back control of your thoughts and reactions, you can improve your current situation or make a more informed decision about your future.

For example, if you’re constantly thinking, “I’m overwhelmed and can’t handle this,” you’re reinforcing feelings of stress and anxiety. But if you start to challenge those thoughts and replace them with more empowering ones, like “I can handle this one step at a time,” you’ll start to feel more in control and less stressed, even if your workload hasn’t changed.

So, before you decide to leave your accounting career, take a moment to reflect on your thought patterns. Are you blaming your job for all your stress and dissatisfaction? Are you hoping that a change of scenery will magically make everything better? If so, it’s time to rethink those beliefs.

By understanding and managing your thoughts, you can make more deliberate and effective changes in your life. Whether you stay in accounting or move on to something new, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and create a sense of satisfaction. 

Remember, your happiness starts with your mindset, not your circumstances.

Slowing Down and Reflecting

So whether you’ve been thinking about leaving the accounting profession for a while or just recently started to consider it, let’s take a deep breath together. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s crucial to slow down and take stock of your thoughts and feelings. 

It might sound simple, but it’s incredibly powerful.  Why?  Because when we’re caught up in the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to act on autopilot. 

Our minds race, and we make snap decisions just to get through the day. But this frantic pace can cloud our judgment.

If you’re constantly stressed and burned out, it might feel like quitting is the only option. But that’s your burnout talking, not your clear-headed self.

Making decisions from a place of hate, frustration, or burnout is like trying to see clearly through a fogged-up windshield. Your emotions can distort your perspective and lead to choices you might regret later. Instead, it’s essential to pause, reflect, and get a clearer view of your situation.

So, how do you do that? Start by becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings. First start with how you’re feeling.  Are you overwhelmed, stressed, angry, anxious, or frustrated?  You need to name how you’re feeling with a one word emotion.

Next, notice what’s going on in your mind prior to those feelings. Are you constantly thinking, “I can’t handle this” or “I hate my job”? Recognizing these thoughts are incredibly important.

Once you’ve identified your feelings and the thoughts causing them, you can start to challenge and change them. Ask yourself, “Is this thought helping me or hurting me?” If it’s hurting you, try to reframe it. 

For example, instead of thinking, “This is too much,” try thinking, “I can break this down into simpler tasks.” This shift in mindset can reduce stress and give you a more balanced view.

By slowing down and reflecting, you give yourself the chance to make decisions from a place of calm and clarity rather than stress and frustration. This doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings or pretending everything is okay. It means acknowledging your emotions, understanding them, and using that insight to make better choices.

Remember, your goal is to make decisions that serve you now and in the future. Rushing into a decision because you’re burned out might bring temporary relief, but it won’t address the underlying issues. 

By taking the time to reflect, you can find solutions that truly work for you, whether that means staying in your current job with some adjustments or exploring new opportunities.

So, before you make any big career moves, slow down. Reflect on your thoughts and feelings. Give yourself the gift of time and clarity. You’ll be better equipped to make decisions that lead to lasting satisfaction and success.

Making Informed Decisions

Let’s talk about making decisions that truly serve you in the long run. It’s not just about deciding to stay or leave your job on a whim. It’s about making thoughtful, informed choices that align with your goals and values.

First, let’s break down the process of making a good decision. It starts with understanding what you really want and need. 

Take a moment to reflect on your career goals, personal values, and what makes you happy. This self-awareness is crucial because it helps you make choices that are in line with who you are and where you want to go.

Now, let’s discuss the two common pitfalls: fight or flight and analysis paralysis.

When we’re stressed or unhappy, our brains go into survival mode. We might feel an urgent need to either escape the situation (flight) or confront it head-on with drastic measures (fight). 

For example, you might feel like quitting your job immediately because you’re so frustrated (flight), or you might try to overhaul your entire work process in one go (fight). These reactions are natural, but they often lead to hasty decisions that we might regret later.

On the flip side, there’s analysis paralysis. This is when you get so caught up in weighing every possible option and outcome that you end up stuck, unable to make any decision at all. 

You might spend weeks or even months overthinking every little detail, afraid to make the wrong choice. This can leave you feeling even more stressed and uncertain.

So, how do you avoid these pitfalls? By committing to both the action and the belief behind your decision. Here’s what that means – once you’ve made a decision, commit to taking the necessary steps. 

For example, if you decide to stay in your current job but set new boundaries to reduce stress, follow through with implementing those changes. Take concrete actions like talking to your boss about workload, scheduling regular breaks, or setting a firm end time for your workday.

Just as important as the action of committing is believing in your decision. This means having confidence that you’ve made the right choice based on your self-reflection and understanding of your needs. 

If you’ve decided to stay and make changes, believe that these changes will improve your situation. If you’ve decided to leave, trust that this decision is the best for your long-term happiness and growth.

By committing to both the action and the belief, you create a sense of purpose and direction. This helps reduce second-guessing and regret. You’re not just making a change; you’re embracing it with confidence and a clear understanding of why it’s the right choice for you.

In short, making informed decisions means taking the time to understand your true needs, avoiding impulsive or overly cautious behavior, and fully committing to your choices with both actions and beliefs. 

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Using Current Challenges As Opportunities

Let me share a story about one of my Smarter Accountant coaching clients that might help you to see this all in action.  She had been working in accounting for ten years and recently felt overwhelmed by the mounting pressures of her job. 

She was at a breaking point, thinking seriously about leaving the profession she had once loved.  She was dealing with an increased workload, demanding clients, and the constant stress of meeting tight deadlines. 

Every day felt like a grind, and she often thought, “I can’t keep doing this.” She felt trapped and believed that leaving her job was the only way to find relief and happiness. The stress was affecting her health, her relationships, and her overall sense of well-being.

But before making any drastic decisions, we decided that she should take a step back and really evaluate her situation. She began to explore how she could use her current challenges as opportunities to develop better decision-making skills and improve her overall mindset.

She started by slowing down and reflecting on her thoughts and feelings. She realized that her constant stress was due to how she was thinking about her work. 

She often felt like she had no control and that everything was happening to her. With this awareness, she decided to shift her mindset.

She began to see her challenges as opportunities for growth. Instead of thinking, “I can’t handle this workload,” she started thinking, “I can prioritize my tasks and ask for help when needed.” 

She also set boundaries to protect her personal time, ensuring she had moments to relax and recharge.

I taught her the concept of becoming an emotional adult, which meant taking responsibility for her feelings and reactions. She stopped blaming her job and clients for her stress and started focusing on what she could control: her responses and attitudes. 

This shift was empowering and allowed her to tackle her challenges with a clearer, more positive mindset.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too long until she noticed significant changes. She felt more in control and less overwhelmed. By prioritizing her tasks and setting boundaries, she managed her workload more effectively. 

Her stress levels decreased, and she began to enjoy her work again. She even found herself looking forward to new projects and challenges.

Sarah also saw personal growth. She became more confident in her decision-making and felt a greater sense of satisfaction in her career. 

By upleveling her accountant brain, she not only improved her professional skills but also enhanced her overall quality of life.

Hopefully you can see that my client’s story shows that by using current challenges as opportunities for growth, you can transform your experience in the accounting profession. It’s about shifting your mindset and developing better decision-making skills. Instead of seeing obstacles as insurmountable, view them as chances to learn and improve.

Remember, staying in the profession might become a more attractive option once you address your mindset issues. Like my client, you might find that with the right approach, you can rekindle your passion for accounting and thrive both personally and professionally. 

So, before you decide to leave, consider how you can turn your challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that before making any major decisions about leaving the accounting profession, it’s crucial to slow down, reflect on your current thoughts and feelings, and consider how your mindset is influencing your experience. 

By shifting your perspective and addressing your thought patterns, you can transform your challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth, potentially rekindling your passion for accounting.

If you do decide to leave, at least you will have the awareness that your decision is based on a thoughtful and informed evaluation of your true needs and desires, rather than an impulsive reaction to temporary stress.

This week, ask yourself: “Am I blaming my job for my dissatisfaction, or can I change my mindset to see opportunities for growth and improvement in my current situation?”

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed before you leave the accounting profession.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

As I share all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

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

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

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

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

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

So be honest – have you ever double-checked your work, then triple-checked it, just to make sure there are no mistakes? Or maybe you’ve stayed late at the office, not because you were behind, but because you wanted everything to be perfect? If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with perfectionism.

Perfectionism basically means wanting everything to be flawless. For accountants, this can be a big deal because our job involves handling financial records, making sure we follow rules, and giving important information for decisions. 

It’s easy to see why we strive for perfection. However, always trying to be perfect can lead to stress, burnout, and other problems.

For many accountants, perfectionism means working very hard to avoid mistakes and to produce perfect work. It’s not just about doing a good job; it’s about feeling that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. 

The truth is that this mindset can be both a help and a burden.

Think about your daily tasks as an accountant. Even a small error can have big consequences. 

It’s no wonder many of us set very high standards. But here’s the thing: no one is perfect. 

Mistakes happen, and trying to be perfect can sometimes set us up for disappointment. Imagine spending hours checking your work, unable to finish because you’re convinced it’s not right. 

Think about the toll on your mental and physical health when you’re always pushing yourself to meet unrealistic expectations. Unfortunately, perfectionism can lead to anxiety, stress, and burnout.

But let’s also recognize the good side of perfectionism. Yes, there’s actually a good side!  Many  accountants who proclaim to be perfectionists are known for their strong work ethic and dedication. 

Their commitment to high standards results in high-quality work that employers and clients appreciate. The key though is finding a balance – using the positive sides of perfectionism without letting it take over.

If you’ve been a long-time perfectionist and see it as a badge of honor, I completely understand. But you need to admit the toll it’s taking on you and be open to change. 

As accountants, we often resist change, especially when it feels like we might fail if we don’t keep doing things the same way. This resistance is understandable. 

Our profession relies on consistency, and changing tried-and-true methods can seem risky. This is why completely getting rid of perfectionism is often impossible and unnecessary. 

Instead, the goal should be to find a balance that allows us to maintain high standards without harming our well-being. In other words, find the sweet spot between the pros and cons of perfectionism.  Now I’m going to talk about understanding perfectionism better.

Understanding Perfectionism

First, I’ll admit that as a Professional Certified Coach for Accountants, I have definitely been guilty of bashing perfectionism and will most likely continue.  I’ve waved my judgmental finger at our tendency to strive for perfection and get an A on our tests because I have those tendencies myself.

But then I dug a little deeper, did some research, and learned that there’s more to perfectionism than meets the eye.  In fact, there are two types of perfectionism.

The first type is adaptive perfectionism.  This is the “good” kind of perfectionism. 

Adaptive perfectionists set high standards for themselves, but they do it in a healthy way. They are motivated by their goals and feel satisfied when they meet them. 

They understand that mistakes are part of learning and growing. For example, an adaptive perfectionist might double-check their work to ensure accuracy, but they won’t panic if they find a small error—they’ll fix it and move on.

They also don’t waste too much time and are able to move forward.  They’re not so obsessed that they lose track of the big picture.

The second type of perfectionism is maladaptive perfectionism.  This is the “bad” kind of perfectionism. 

Maladaptive perfectionists set unrealistically high standards and become extremely self-critical if they don’t meet them. They fear making mistakes and often feel anxious or stressed. 

They might spend excessive time on a task, unable to finish because they’re never satisfied with their work. For example, a maladaptive perfectionist might keep revising a financial report endlessly, worried that it’s not perfect enough to submit.

As I researched this topic, I also came across some common traits and behaviors of perfectionists that I wanted to share.  Here are a few you might recognize:

High Standards: You always aim for the best possible outcome and are never satisfied with “good enough.”  You might find yourself setting goals that are exceptionally high, sometimes even unrealistic, which can lead to frustration when they are not met.

Attention to Detail: You pay close attention to every detail, sometimes to the point of obsessing over small things.  For accountants, this can be beneficial in many situations, but it might also cause you to spend excessive time on trivial aspects, which can slow down your overall progress.

Fear of Failure: You worry a lot about making mistakes and often see errors as personal failures.  This fear can be paralyzing, preventing you from taking risks or trying new things because the possibility of failing feels too daunting.

Procrastination: You might delay starting or finishing tasks because you fear you won’t do them perfectly.  This can create a cycle of stress and anxiety, as deadlines approach and the pressure to perform flawlessly becomes overwhelming.

Overworking: You often work long hours, believing that more effort will lead to perfect results. This belief can lead to burnout and exhaustion, as you push yourself beyond healthy limits, neglecting self-care and personal time.

Self-Criticism: You are very hard on yourself and often have a critical inner voice that tells you that you’re not good enough.  This self-criticism can undermine your confidence and self-esteem, making it difficult to celebrate achievements or recognize your worth.  I often see imposter syndrome in my perfectionistic coaching clients.

Hopefully, by understanding these aspects of perfectionism, we can start to see how it can both help and hurt us in our accounting careers. Recognizing whether we lean more towards adaptive or maladaptive perfectionism can be the first step towards finding a healthier balance.

Now let’s talk about your brain’s role in perfectionism.

Your Brain’s Role In Perfectionism

As I’ve shared before, this is the podcast where brain science meets accounting.  The thing is, understanding how our brain works can help us see why we might strive for perfection. 

When it comes to perfectionism, certain parts of our brain and certain chemicals play key roles.

I’ve discussed this before, but the higher part of our brain, the part that is only present in humans and that I refer to as the Supervising Parent, is in charge of things like setting goals, planning, and controlling impulses. Think of it as the brain’s “manager.” 

When you’re trying to be perfect, your higher brain is working hard to set high standards and keep you focused on reaching them. The problem is that this can create an unsustainable situation.  

It’s also important to understand that there are chemicals in your brain that affect how you feel and what you do or don’t do.  

The first is serotonin which helps regulate mood and anxiety. Low levels of serotonin can make you feel anxious and stressed, which can push you to try even harder to be perfect. 

If you’re constantly worried about making mistakes, it might be because your serotonin levels are off balance.

The second chemical is dopamine which is linked to the brain’s reward system. When you achieve something, like completing a project perfectly, your brain releases dopamine, which makes you feel good. 

For perfectionists, the brain might be especially sensitive to dopamine, making you constantly seek that rewarding feeling of getting everything just right.

It’s also important to understand that stress and anxiety can have a big impact on the brain, especially for perfectionists. When you’re stressed, your brain releases a hormone called cortisol. 

High levels of cortisol over time can make it harder to think clearly and make decisions. It can also lead to feeling overwhelmed and burned out.

For perfectionists accountants, the fear of making mistakes and the constant push to be perfect can create a lot of stress and anxiety. 

This can make the higher brain work even harder, which can be exhausting. It’s like running a marathon every day – eventually, you’re going to get tired.

The thing is, when stress and anxiety are high, it’s harder to focus, make decisions, and feel satisfied with your work. This can create a cycle where the more you try to be perfect, the more stressed and anxious you become, and the harder it is to actually achieve that perfection.

The reason I’m always trying to incorporate brain science in each episode is because understanding how your brain processes something like perfectionism can help you find ways to manage it. Knowing that your brain is wired to seek rewards and avoid mistakes can help you be kinder to yourself when things aren’t perfect. 

Again, it’s about finding a balance that allows you to maintain high standards without overwhelming yourself.

By recognizing the roles of your higher brain, serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol, you can start to see perfectionism not just as a personality trait but as a series of brain processes. This understanding can be the first step in learning to manage perfectionism in a healthier, more balanced way.

Now let’s talk about the surprising pros of perfectionism in accounting.

The Surprising Pros of Perfectionism in Accounting

To truly benefit from perfectionism, we need to redefine what we mean by “perfect.” If we let other people define what perfect is, we can fall into maladaptive perfectionism, the bad kind I mentioned a few minutes ago. 

This is where perfectionism turns negative, leading to stress and burnout. Instead, we should define perfection for ourselves.

For example, if you decide that doing B+ or A- work is perfect for you, instead of always aiming for A++, you’re setting your own boundary. You’re creating a doable goal. 

This way, you can still maintain high standards without exhausting yourself. By defining what’s perfect for yourself, it’s much easier to avoid the slippery slope of burnout.

One of the big advantages of perfectionism in accounting is the attention to detail. When you’re more apt to focus on the details, you check your work before passing it off to someone else.

This means financial statements and reports are more accurate. For example, you might catch small errors that others might miss. 

This level of detail can often be crucial in accounting, where even a tiny mistake may have big consequences.  It’s okay to pay attention to the details, but to balance that with letting go and moving on.

The second pro is that perfectionists set very high standards for themselves. This drive can push you to deliver excellent work consistently. 

When I have coaching clients who are perfectionists, they’re the most diligent about our work together in The Smarter Accountant 6-week program .  They like to go the extra mile to make sure everything is top-notch. 

In fact, when a perfectionist hires me as their coach, I feel honored because I know I am meeting their high standards and that our partnership is going to achieve some remarkable results.  

The third pro is a strong work ethic.  Perfectionists are typically reliable and dedicated to their job. 

They care about what they produce and are willing to put in the time to make sure things are perfect. Again, this is where it’s crucial for my perfectionist clients to redefine what “perfect” means for them and to set self-imposed boundaries with themselves.

While their strong work effort is commendable, it’s important to not have tunnel vision.  I remind them that life outside of work is as important as life at work.

Their commitment can set a positive example for others in the workplace as long as they are not becoming an example of how other accountants do NOT want to be.

Before I move onto the cons of perfectionism, I want to mention time management for a perfectionist.  In The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program I suggest scheduling what I refer to as “overflow time” at the end of the day.

This is 30 – 60 minutes blocked off to tie up loose ends.  But here’s why this is so important – when my coaching clients are learning to manage their time, they create time blocks with boundaries that cannot be crossed.

For example, if they calendar working on a tax return from 9 am to 11 am, they stop working on the return at 11 am and move onto whatever was calendared in the next time block.  But what happens if they haven’t finished?

For my perfectionist coaching clients, this is extremely difficult.  Their perfectionist brain is screaming, “You can’t stop!  It’s not perfect yet!”

But here’s where the beauty of overflow time comes in – by giving themself a buffer of time to stop working on the tax return and then look at it during overflow time, they very often realize that it doesn’t need much more to be done, if anything at all.

In other words, because they unplugged their perfectionist brain obsessed with getting the tax return done perfectly, they give their brain time to let it go for a bit.

Clients are always amazed when it’s overflow time and they realize that whatever they originally felt they couldn’t stop working on, is now seen through a different lens.

Bottom line – by paying close attention to detail, setting high standards, and having a strong work ethic, perfectionist accountants can achieve great things.  But remember, it’s crucial to define what perfect means to you. 

Setting your own standards can help you stay motivated and avoid burnout, ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling career.

Now let’s talk about the unfortunate cons of perfectionism in accounting.

The Unfortunate Cons of Perfectionism in Accounting

You’ve probably heard about the cons of perfectionism before, but don’t tune me out.  They’re worth revisiting.

The first major downside of perfectionism is burnout. When you’re always trying to be flawless, it can be exhausting. 

You might find yourself working late nights, weekends, and never feeling like you can take a break. This constant pressure can leave you feeling drained and overwhelmed. 

Last week I did an entire episode on burnout so if you haven’t checked it out, it’s episode #61, but here’s the thing – we need to stop normalizing burnout in the accounting profession.  Burnout doesn’t just affect your work; it impacts your overall well-being, making it hard to enjoy life outside of work.

I also think it’s a major contributing factor to the decrease in the number of students majoring in accounting and why the industry is having a pipeline issue.  

The second downside to perfectionism for accountants is analysis paralysis.  This happens when you overthink every detail and delay making decisions because you’re afraid of making mistakes. 

In accounting, this can become a big problem.  It can slow down your work and lead to missed deadlines. 

You might spend so much time perfecting one part of a project that you don’t finish the rest on time. This can be frustrating for you and your team.

The third downside is that perfectionism can take a toll on your mental health. Constantly striving for perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. 

When you’re dealing with perfectionism, you might feel like you’re never good enough, no matter how hard you work. This can create a cycle of negative beliefs that affect your happiness and productivity. 

And the final downside to perfectionism for accountants is that it can also strain your professional relationships. I want you to honestly ask yourself this question, “How much fun do you think it is to work for you or with you?”

The hard truth is that when you set unrealistic expectations for yourself, you might do the same for others. This can lead to conflicts with coworkers who may feel pressured or judged. 

And if you haven’t noticed, perfectionists often have trouble delegating tasks because they believe no one else can do the job as well as they can. This can create tension and resentment within your team.

This is another reason why I have an entire mini-training in The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program on effective delegation because I know how challenging it can be, especially if you’re a perfectionist.

The bottom line – while aiming for high standards is good, it’s crucial to find a balance. Recognizing and addressing the negative aspects of perfectionism can help you maintain a healthy, productive, and enjoyable career.

Now let me share a relatable story about an accountant who learned to strike a balance.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Striking A Balance

I’ve dealt with perfectionism myself and coached many accountants on this topic, but let me just share the story of one particular coaching client.

One client stands out for me because he had been struggling with perfectionism his whole life.  Now that he was midway in his accounting career and was noticing the impact his perfectionism was having on him and his family, he knew something needed to change.

He often found himself with too much work and not enough time to get it done.  He also realized that perfectionism was a huge contributing factor so we worked on him redefining what “perfect” looked like.

He began by setting more realistic deadlines for his projects. Instead of trying to complete everything perfectly in one go, he broke his tasks into smaller steps. 

For example, instead of aiming to finish a comprehensive report in one day, he set a goal to complete the data collection on the first day, analysis on the second, and writing on the third. 

This made his workload more manageable and less stressful.

Next, whenever he made a mistake, he took a moment to reflect on what he could learn from it. If he missed a detail in a report, he would note it and find ways to improve his process for the next time. 

This shift in thinking helped him to see mistakes as part of his learning process, rather than as failures.  He also began to change the way he thought about materiality and stopped making everything seem like if it wasn’t done perfectly, it was a failure.

Lastly, he also started practicing self-compassion. He realized his inner critic was another huge contributing factor to his perfectionism.

So when he felt overwhelmed or criticized himself harshly, he took a step back and reminded himself that he was doing his best. He started jotting down his achievements and positive feedback from colleagues to remind himself of his strengths and progress.

This let his brain see that he didn’t need to keep proving himself as valuable; he already was.

By becoming a Smarter Accountant he managed to reduce his stress and improve his overall well-being. He was still able to maintain high standards, but without the constant pressure to be perfect.

He was also able to get more work done in less time which made it possible to get home at a decent hour.  His family was thrilled which gave him an incredible sense of pride.

So no matter where you are on the spectrum of perfectionism, just remember this – it’s not about being perfect; it’s about doing your best and learning along the way.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Finding balance in perfectionism is essential. It’s okay to strive for high standards, but set realistic goals, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and practice self-compassion. 

This balance will help you maintain your well-being and productivity in your accounting career, without becoming a burnout statistic.

For this week ask yourself, “What is one area in my work where I can set a more realistic goal instead of aiming for perfection? How can I redefine “perfect” to make it more achievable for myself this week?

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed the pros and cons of perfectionism.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

As I share all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

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

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

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

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

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

So, as I was going through the list of topics we’ve covered on this podcast, I was pretty surprised to realize we haven’t talked about burnout yet. It’s such a common issue these days, especially for us accountants, that I originally assumed I must have already discussed it.

With all the demands of our profession, it’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, stressed, and just plain exhausted. Whether it’s the chaos of tax season, the pressures of financial reporting, or managing client expectations, the intense workload can really take a toll on both our mental and physical well-being.

But burnout isn’t just about being tired after a long day at work. It’s a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion that can lead to all sorts of problems, like reduced productivity, more sick days, and a higher chance of making mistakes. And for those of us who pride ourselves on our attention to detail and accuracy, the effects of burnout can be especially tough.

One of the trickiest parts about burnout is that it sneaks up on you. It often starts with small signs like feeling low on energy, having trouble sleeping, or finding it hard to concentrate. 

You might get more irritable, or notice you’re catching colds more often. Over time, these symptoms can escalate into feelings of hopelessness, losing enjoyment in your work, and feeling detached from your colleagues and clients.

For many accountants, burnout isn’t just a work issue—it’s personal too. Balancing a busy accounting career with personal responsibilities, like taking care of kids or elderly parents, can feel impossible. The pressure to excel in both areas can leave you feeling like you’re running on empty with no time to recharge.

It’s really important to know that burnout isn’t a sign of weakness or failure, and there’s no shame in it. It’s a natural response to prolonged stress and overwork that needs to be addressed. In fact, chronic stress from burnout can increase your risk of serious health issues, like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

But here’s the good news: burnout isn’t inevitable, and it doesn’t have to be permanent. By recognizing the signs early on and taking proactive steps to manage stress, you can reduce your risk of burnout and improve your overall well-being.

This episode is all about helping you understand the root causes of burnout and giving you practical strategies to overcome it. I’ll explain where burnout comes from, why it hits accountants so hard, and what you can do to find balance in your life. 

Whether you’re an employee or an entrepreneur, a seasoned pro or just starting out, the tips and insights shared here can help you handle the challenges of your profession with more ease and resilience.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. Burnout is common among accountants, but it can be managed and even prevented with the right approach. By taking the time to understand and address what’s stressing you out, you can reclaim your energy, enthusiasm, and passion for your work, or at least not dread it so much.

Understanding Burnout

In order to understand burnout better, let’s start with signs of burnout.  As I said before, the truth is that burnout can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention.

Thankfully, there are clear signs that indicate if you’re heading towards or already experiencing it.  I’m going to share some of the common symptoms a little more in depth:

Lack of Energy: Feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep, can be a sign of burnout. You might find it hard to have the energy to tackle your daily tasks.  You might notice you’re drinking more caffeine to counteract the lack of energy.

Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed can all be linked to burnout. Your mind might be racing with thoughts about work, making it hard to relax.  If you can’t remember the last time you had a good night’s sleep, that’s something to take a look at.

Lack of Focus or Forgetfulness: Finding it difficult to concentrate, remember things, or make decisions can be a sign that your brain is overwhelmed and needs a break.  Of course, as we get older our brains aren’t as sharp as they used to be, but burnout makes it even harder to focus.

Frequent Illnesses: When you’re constantly stressed, your immune system can weaken, making you more susceptible to colds, flu, and other illnesses.  With Covid-19 still affecting many of us globally, it’s even more important to support your immune system.

Feeling On Edge or Hopeless: Burnout can make you feel anxious, edgy, or even hopeless. You might feel like you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop.  If you feel a sense of dread on a regular basis, that’s something to pay attention to.

Increased Irritability: You might notice that you’re more irritable or quick to anger. Small annoyances that you could usually brush off might feel overwhelming.  It’s important to be willing to hear people who are close to you when they say you seem off or more irritable than usual.

Loss of Enjoyment: Activities you used to enjoy, whether at work or in your personal life, might no longer bring you pleasure. It can feel like the joy has been sucked out of your daily routine.  When each day blends into the next and you find yourself not looking forward to anything, it could be a sign of burnout.

Negative Self-Talk: Burnout often comes with a lot of negative self-talk. You might catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do this.”  Although our brain is wired with a negativity bias, when we’re experiencing burnout, that negative voice is loud and heard often.

Isolation: Feeling detached from others or withdrawing from social interactions can be a sign of burnout. You might feel too tired or overwhelmed to engage with friends or family.  Even if you’re an introvert, isolating yourself from others is something to look at to see whether it’s extreme or not.

Reduced Productivity: Despite working long hours, you might find that you’re getting less done. Tasks that used to be easy now take much longer to complete.  This is a big one to pay attention to as an accountant because burnout makes it nearly impossible to get more done in less time.

If you can relate to any of these, just know that you’re not alone, but you’ll want to not sweep these issues under the rug, or worse, normalize them.  I think that’s why burnout is such a common issue in the accounting profession – because we’re surrounded by other burned out accountants so we just assume that’s the way things are.

While burnout can hit anyone, in any profession, as accountants we face some unique challenges that can make us especially susceptible due to the nature of the work we do and the deadlines we deal with.

A Tragic Story Of The Effects Of Burnout

If you haven’t read my book, “The Smarter Accountant”, or listened to previous episodes of this podcast, I shared the story of Jim.  Jim was a partner in an accounting firm and a father to 5 young children – 2 boys and 3 girls.  He worked hard to support his wife and children, doing what he could to afford a home in a good school district.

As a partner in a firm at only 38 years old, with a stay-at-home wife, 5 children, and a new home, he was very stressed and on the verge of burnout.  He tried not to bring that stress and overwhelm home, but it wasn’t easy.  

His wife was concerned for his health, especially with him having had a heart attack the prior year.  

One day Jim and his family went to the beach with some friends, and he had the opportunity to go water skiing on one of his friend’s boats.  It seemed like something fun to try and a nice way to relax and detach from the pressures of work.

Unfortunately, that day Jim had a heart attack on the beach, in front of his wife and young children, and didn’t survive.  He left a young wife with 5 young children, trying to make sense of what happened.

As more studies have shown the effects of stress on the body, it’s safe to assume stress most likely contributed to his heart attacks at such a young age.  Stress was poisoning his body and had unfortunately become a silent killer.

The truth is that Jim’s story is personal to me because he was my husband’s father.  I never got to meet him, but I have been married to the 8-year-old boy who watched his father die on the beach that day.

When my husband told me the story of his dad’s death, I couldn’t help but wonder how many accountants have no idea how much stress is detrimentally affecting them.  How many accountants need to be burned out, or worse, before something changes?

Whether you have children or not, please do not let Jim’s story become your story.  Consider becoming a Smarter Accountant not just for your sake, but for everyone’s sake. 

Understanding the signs I’ve shared and the impact of burnout is the first step toward addressing it. By recognizing the symptoms early, you can take proactive steps to manage stress and prevent burnout from taking over your life. Remember, it’s about finding balance and taking care of yourself, both professionally and personally.

Your Brain’s Role In Burnout

Burnout isn’t just about external pressures and responsibilities; it’s also deeply connected to how your brain processes and responds to stress. Understanding this can help you take control and reduce its impact on your life.

When you’re stressed, your brain triggers a “fight-or-flight” response, a primitive reaction designed to help you survive immediate dangers by flooding your body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While this response is helpful in short bursts, constant stress keeps your brain and body in a heightened state of alert, leading to exhaustion and burnout.

Our brains are wired to notice and react to potential threats. In the modern world of accounting, these threats often come in the form of deadlines, workloads, and other stressors. 

This can lead to negative thought patterns, where your brain focuses on what’s wrong rather than what’s right. For accountants, this might mean fixating on mistakes, looming deadlines, or high expectations, which can amplify feelings of stress and burnout.

Your beliefs about work and stress play a significant role in how your brain responds to burnout. If you believe that being busy and stressed is just part of being an accountant, your brain will continue to reinforce that belief, making it harder to break the cycle of burnout. This is often seen in the narrative of the “busy accountant,” where long hours and high stress are viewed as badges of honor.

It’s also important to understand that how you perceive your work and responsibilities can influence your level of burnout. If you see your workload as overwhelming and never-ending, your brain will react accordingly, keeping you in a state of stress. 

However, if you can shift your perception to view challenges as manageable and opportunities for growth, you can reduce the stress response.

The key is understanding that your brain and body are in constant communication. When you’re stressed, your brain sends signals to your body, which can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension. 

Thankfully, when you learn how to manage your brain, you also learn how to reduce stress and prevent burnout.  The good news is that you can rewire your brain to respond to stress more positively. 

This involves changing your thought patterns and beliefs about work and stress. As I tell my coaching clients all the time, when you learn how to manage your brain, you can manage everything else. Until you learn that skill, burnout will always be an option.

The bottom line is that by understanding your brain’s role in burnout, you can take proactive steps to manage stress and protect your mental health. It’s about recognizing that while you can’t always control external pressures, you can control how you respond to them. 

This shift in perspective can make a significant difference in reducing burnout and improving your overall well-being. Remember, taking care of your brain is just as important as taking care of your workload.

Practical Strategies to Reduce Burnout

Now I want to talk about steps you can take to reduce burnout.  One of the most powerful ways to beat burnout is by shifting your mindset. 

How do you do that?  By recognizing that unaddressed stress and overwhelm create burnout.  

When an average week looks like a roller coaster ride of stress, overwhelm, and frustration, it’s no wonder you’re on the verge of burnout.  But thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way.

My first tip is to understand that feelings of stress and overwhelm are only ever created by your thoughts.  In other words, no person, place, or thing is ever causing you to burnout.

In fact, it’s the constant feelings of stress and overwhelm which lead to ineffective action that lead to burnout.  If you constantly tell yourself that your workload is overwhelming and unmanageable, your brain will respond accordingly, keeping you in a state of stress. 

Instead of thinking, “I’ll never get through all this work,” try reframing it to, “I’ll tackle one task at a time.” By changing your self-talk, you can reduce feelings of stress and overwhelm and increase your sense of control.

Another culprit of burnout is issues with decision-making.  The truth is that indecision can be a major source of mental fatigue and stress, contributing to burnout. 

So my second suggestion is to focus on improving your decision-making skills by using the “Do it, dump it, delegate it” method. For example, if you have an email that requires a quick response, do it immediately. 

If there’s a task that’s not essential, dump it. If there’s something that someone else can handle, delegate it. This method helps clear your to-do list efficiently and reduce chances of burnout.

It’s also important to avoid perfectionism, which can paralyze decision-making and increase stress. I’m going to do an upcoming episode on perfectionism, but if you’re noticing signs of burnout, perfectionism might be the culprit.

That’s why my third suggestion is to become aware of perfectionist tendencies and to remember that making timely decisions, even if they aren’t perfect, is better than procrastinating and letting tasks pile up.

Another issue that can quickly lead to burnout is overworking without productive results.  I’ve said this before on the podcast, but trying to get accounting work done when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed is like putting the parking brake on and trying to drive 100 mph.

It doesn’t work and it leads to the engine of the car seizing or things burning out.  The same goes for you.

My fourth tip is to learn to identify and eliminate distractions that waste your time. One of the keys to better time management that no one else teaches is to plan your time based on the results you want to achieve, not just the actions you need to take. 

For example, set a goal to complete a specific task within a set time frame, such as reviewing a tax return in one hour, if that’s reasonable. This approach forces your brain to focus and reduces the likelihood of getting sidetracked by less important activities. 

Personally I believe that effective time management is one of the keys to beating burnout for accountants.  That’s why I created The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program.

The truth is that when you can effectively manage your brain and your time, you’ll feel much more focused and less stressed and overwhelmed.  In other words, when feelings like focused and confident are fueling your day, you’re less likely to succumb to burnout.

Another issue I see all the time with my coaching clients is not being able to set and stick to boundaries.  Setting clear boundaries is crucial for protecting your well-being and reducing burnout. 

That’s why my sixth tip is to start by scheduling your free time first, before work and family commitments. This ensures you have dedicated time to relax and recharge. 

It’s important to have a long-term vision for your career and life, and establish boundaries that support this vision. For example, set specific work hours and stick to them, even if it means saying no to additional tasks or requests. 

For me, I have non-negotiable boundaries throughout the week but especially on Wednesdays – my husband and I have had a date night every Wednesday for 16 years and I will not schedule anything that will conflict with that, whether someone else likes it or not.

The truth is that boundaries not only protect your mental health but also help you maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Another thing that often gets overlooked when trying to beat burnout is self-care.  It’s important to understand that incorporating self-care into your routine is essential for combating burnout. 

For this, my seventh tip is to create healthier habits like going for a 30-minute walk every morning to start your day with exercise and fresh air. Prepare healthy meals in advance to ensure you’re eating well-balanced food instead of reaching for the sugary snack or the 4th cup of coffee to get through the day.

Spend an hour each weekend on a hobby you love to help you relax and recharge.  Or limit the amount of time you check email on the weekends in order to leave work at work.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining your productivity and mental health.

And don’t be ashamed to seek professional support if you’re dealing with burnout.  Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or professional organizations for guidance and support. 

For this, my tip is to share your experiences and challenges with others because it can provide valuable insights and help you feel less isolated. Consider speaking with a therapist or a coach who can offer strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout. 

The truth is that burnout is more common than you think, but professional support can provide a fresh perspective and practical advice tailored to your specific situation.  Just know that sweeping signs of burnout under the rug only puts you in more danger than necessary.

And lastly, you need to be willing to advocate for reasonable workloads and realistic deadlines. Be willing to say something.

I’m going to bet you’re surrounded by others who are struggling with burnout which means that open and honest discussions about burnout and mental health can help create a supportive work environment. 

For this, I would suggest you encourage your employer to implement policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible working hours or remote work options. By creating a culture of openness and support, you can help reduce burnout not only for yourself but also for your colleagues.

To be honest, I think the accounting profession has turned a blind eye to burnout for way too long, creating some very unhealthy beliefs about what it takes to be a good accountant.  If we aren’t willing to do something about it now, we’re just going to keep creating burned out accountants.

Just know this – reducing burnout is not about making drastic changes overnight but about making small, consistent adjustments that lead to a healthier, more balanced life. Prioritize your mental health, seek support when needed, and set boundaries to protect your well-being. 

The accounting profession needs you, so do what you can to address burnout before it’s too late.  

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Transforming Burnout To Balance

I’ve dealt with burnout myself and coached many accountants on this topic, but let me just share the story of one particular coaching client.

When she first came to me for coaching, she was at her wit’s end. She had always been a high achiever, known for her work ethic and her ability to handle a heavy workload. 

However, over the past few years, the demands of her job had steadily increased, and she found herself working longer hours, often late into the night.  Her personal life was equally demanding. 

As a mother of two young children, she was juggling school runs, homework help, and family activities alongside her professional responsibilities. Her husband also had a demanding job, which meant that much of the household management fell on her shoulders. 

She felt like she was constantly racing against the clock, with no time left for herself.  The signs of burnout were clear. 

She felt exhausted all the time, struggled with insomnia, and found it hard to concentrate at work. She became increasingly irritable with her colleagues and family, and tasks that she once enjoyed now felt like burdens. 

Despite her efforts, her productivity at work was declining, and she began to fear that she was failing both professionally and personally.

When we first met she told me that she believed that her burnout was an inevitable consequence of her responsibilities and that there was no way out. But together, we started by identifying the key areas contributing to her burnout and discussed strategies to address them.

First, we worked on changing her internal dialogue. Instead of seeing her workload as “insurmountable”, we reframed it into manageable tasks. For example, she began to tell herself, “I can tackle one thing at a time and make progress,” rather than, “I’ll never get this done.”

Second, she adopted the “Do it, dump it, delegate it” method by handling small tasks immediately, discarding non-essential activities, and delegating where possible. This streamlined her workload and reduced her mental fatigue.

Third, we focused on effective time management. She began setting specific goals for her work sessions, such as completing a tax return review in one hour, and used timers to maintain focus. This helped her to avoid distractions and complete tasks more efficiently.

Fourth, she learned to set clear boundaries between her work and personal life by scheduling personal activities, like her morning jog and family dinners, before filling in her work commitments. She also started saying no to additional tasks that fell outside her work hours.

After becoming a Smarter Accountant, she no longer felt like she was constantly running on empty. Her energy levels improved, and she began to sleep better at night.  She also found herself more productive at work, completing tasks with greater efficiency and less stress.

Her relationships at home improved as well. Her newfound ability to set boundaries meant she could spend quality time with her family without the constant worry of unfinished work hanging over her head. She felt more present and engaged with her children and husband.

Bottom line: No matter what is contributing to your burnout, just know that you no longer have to accept that it’s normal.  You can do something about it.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

While burnout is a common issue among accountants, it doesn’t have to be a permanent state. By shifting your mindset, improving decision-making, managing your time effectively, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, you can significantly reduce burnout and enhance your overall well-being. 

Remember, burnout isn’t because of your workload, but how you perceive and respond to it. Taking proactive steps to manage stress and seeking professional support when needed can help you reclaim your energy, productivity, and happiness in both your professional and personal life.

For this week, ask yourself, “What one change can I make today to start shifting my mindset or routine to reduce stress and prevent burnout in my accounting career?

You’d be surprised at how powerful just one small change can be.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed beating burnout.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

As I share all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

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

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

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

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

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

Today, I want to talk about social anxiety, a topic many of us deal with but don’t often discuss. According to the World Health Organization, social anxiety affects millions of people worldwide.

So let me start by asking – Have you ever felt nervous or uneasy in social situations at work? Imagine being at a company event, surrounded by colleagues and clients, and you feel your heart racing, your palms sweating, and your mind filled with worries about how others see you.

If you can relate, you’re not alone. Social anxiety is common and affects many people, including accountants. It’s something I’ve experienced too.

If you’re not sure if you have social anxiety, think about this: do you worry about how others perceive you during client meetings or networking events? For accountants, the pressure to perform and maintain professionalism can be overwhelming.

For example, the holidays bring many social events – company parties and client gatherings – that can increase anxiety. But social anxiety isn’t limited to any time of year; it can happen anytime, in person or online.

How about this: Do you often replay social interactions in your mind, wondering if you said or did the right thing? For accountants, this anxiety can be intensified by the high expectations and critical nature of our profession. The need for accuracy and precision can make any social misstep feel like a significant blunder, adding to the stress.

In today’s world, where virtual meetings are as common as in-person ones, social anxiety has found new ways to manifest. Speaking up in a Zoom meeting can be just as daunting as doing so in a conference room. Technology doesn’t always reduce the pressure; for some, it can even increase it.

When you Google social anxiety, you might find many suggestions for stress-relieving medications or therapies. While these can be helpful, it’s also important to understand the root causes of social anxiety.

The good news is that social anxiety is manageable. You don’t have to avoid social situations or rely solely on medication to cope. By understanding the causes of social anxiety and adopting practical strategies to manage it, you can navigate social interactions with more confidence and ease.

In today’s episode I want to dive into what causes social anxiety and how you can deal with it more effectively. I’m going to explore the specific challenges accountants face and provide practical tips to help you manage anxiety in various professional settings. 

Whether you’re attending a client meeting, a networking event, or a team gathering, you can learn to handle social anxiety in a way that empowers you rather than hinders you. Let’s look at what causes social anxiety for accountants.

Social Anxiety Triggers For Accountants

The truth is that social anxiety is more than just feeling a bit shy or nervous in social situations. It’s often a persistent and intense fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation. 

This fear can sometimes be so severe that it interferes with your daily activities, work, and relationships.  Personally, being a classic introvert, I’ve had my fair share of dealing with social anxiety in many situations. 

In my experience, it’s not just about feeling uneasy; it comes with physical and psychological symptoms, from my heart racing, to my palms sweating, or even feeling like I’m going to be sick. 

Psychologically, the intense worry about upcoming social situations, the overwhelming fear of embarrassment, and the strong urge to avoid these scenarios altogether can take a huge toll.

As an accountant, certain professional scenarios can be particularly nerve-wracking. Here are some common triggers:

Client Meetings: The pressure to present accurate and comprehensive financial data can be intense. You might worry about making mistakes or not meeting client expectations. It’s a lot to handle, especially if you’re already prone to anxiety.

Networking Events: These can be especially problematic. The need to make small talk, present yourself professionally, and leave a good impression on potential clients or partners can be a major source of stress. It feels like you’re constantly under a microscope.

Team Gatherings: Even within your own organization, social events or meetings can trigger anxiety. Speaking up in meetings or interacting with higher-ups can make your heart race.

Presentations: Public speaking is a common fear for many of us. It’s like all eyes are on you, waiting for a slip-up.

While social anxiety is uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, understanding these triggers is crucial because it’s the first step toward managing it. When you know what sets off your anxiety, you can start to develop strategies to cope with it.

Bottom line: by addressing these triggers head-on, you can take control of your anxiety instead of letting it control you.

The Causes of Social Anxiety

It might be uncomfortable, but understanding the causes of social anxiety can really help. Besides the typical triggers that I just shared, it’s important to understand that one of the main causes is how we think about and perceive social interactions. 

The truth is, if you’ve got social anxiety, you probably have a bunch of negative thoughts making social situations seem way scarier than they are.  For example, you might catch yourself thinking, “Everyone is going to notice if I make a mistake,” or “People will think I’m incompetent.” 

These thoughts can create a self-fulfilling prophecy. How? Well, when you expect to be judged or embarrassed, you might get so nervous that you actually stumble over your words, which then makes you think, “See, I knew I’d mess up!”

Another big factor is negative self-talk. This is that little voice in your head that keeps criticizing you and expecting the worst. 

Thoughts like “I’m going to mess up” or “They’ll think I’m boring” are common. Unfortunately, this kind of thinking ramps up anxiety and makes social interactions even tougher.

There’s also something called projection. This is when you assume that others are thinking the same critical thoughts about you that you have about yourself. 

For example, if you’re self-conscious about your appearance, you might believe others are judging you negatively too, even if they’re not.

Since my cancer diagnosis and losing my hair once I started chemo, I had to have my head shaved.  Even though I’ve been wearing bandanas and cute hats, my brain keeps believing that others are judging me negatively because I’m not fully comfortable with the effects of chemo myself.

But it’s not just about our thoughts. There are biological and psychological factors at play too. Here’s a quick rundown:

Biological Factors – Genetics can play a role. If social anxiety runs in your family, you might be more prone to experiencing it. Plus, brain chemistry and how neurotransmitters like serotonin function can affect anxiety levels.

Psychological Factors – Past experiences, such as bullying, rejection, or humiliation, can contribute to social anxiety. These experiences make you more sensitive to the possibility of the same thing happening in the future.

Evolutionary Perspective – From an evolutionary standpoint, being tuned into social cues and seeking social approval had survival advantages. In other words, being accepted by the tribe was important for our survival.  But in today’s world, this can show up as excessive worry about social acceptance and fear of rejection.

Understanding all this can help you see that social anxiety isn’t just about “being shy” or “lacking confidence.” It’s often a mix of how we think, our past experiences, and our biology.

So what’s the good news? By working on both the mental and emotional aspects of social anxiety, you can find ways to manage and reduce its impact on your life.  Next, let’s explore how your brain plays a part in social anxiety.

Your Brain’s Role in Social Anxiety

As I’ve shared numerous times, this is the place where brain science meets accounting.  That’s why I think it’s important to understand your brain’s role in social anxiety.

First off, your brain has a built in alarm system called the primitive brain or what I refer to as The Toddler.  It’s the part of your brain that gets activated when you feel threatened. 

When you’re about to speak in a meeting or meet new people, and you start feeling anxious, that’s your Toddler brain kicking into gear. It sends out alarms that make your heart race and palms sweat, preparing you to either fight or run away. 

For those of us with social anxiety, this alarm system is extra sensitive, even when there’s no real danger.

Thankfully, we also have the higher brain that I refer to as The Supervising Parent.  This part of the brain helps you think things through and decide if something is really a threat. It’s like the brain’s manager, keeping the alarm system, the Toddler, in check. 

But if you have social anxiety, your higher, Supervising Parent part of your brain might struggle to calm things down, making you feel more anxious than necessary.

It’s also important to know that your brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to send signals. Two key players here are serotonin and dopamine. 

Serotonin helps regulate your mood and anxiety levels. If you don’t have enough serotonin, you might feel more anxious. 

Dopamine is linked to how you feel pleasure and reward. If dopamine levels are off, it can affect how anxious you feel in social situations.

As I said before, from an evolutionary standpoint, our ancestors had to stay in groups to survive. Being part of a group meant protection and resources, so they were very attuned to social cues and approval. 

Fast forward to today, and this survival mechanism can make us overly worried about social acceptance and rejection. This is why you might feel anxious about being judged or not fitting in.

The truth is that when you have social anxiety, your brain often defaults to negative thoughts like “Everyone is judging me” or “I’ll mess up.” These thoughts become habits and reinforce your anxiety. Your brain gets used to these patterns, making it hard to think positively without conscious effort.

But, here’s the good news: your brain can change! This ability is called neuroplasticity. 

With practice, you can create new, healthier thought patterns. This is part of what I work on with my coaching clients in The Smarter Accountant Program – teaching them how to rewire their brain.   

By using The Supervising Parent part of the brain more intentionally, it retrains their brain to handle social situations with less anxiety.

The truth is that understanding how your brain works can help you see that social anxiety isn’t just about being shy or lacking confidence. It’s about how your brain processes and reacts to social situations. 

The best part is, you can train your brain to respond differently, reducing the impact of social anxiety on your life.  Now that we understand the brain’s role in social anxiety, let’s look at some strategies to manage it.

Strategies to Manage Social Anxiety

In order to handle social anxiety, the first strategy is to recognize the signs. These can include physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, or trembling, and psychological symptoms like intense worry, fear of embarrassment, and a strong desire to avoid social situations. The more you understand these signs, the better prepared you’ll be to address them.

It’s also important to accept that social anxiety is a common experience. Many people feel the same way, even if it doesn’t always seem like it. 

I promise you, in a room of 10 accountants, there are at least two or more who have varying degrees of social anxiety.  The truth is that accepting that social anxiety is a part of your life can help you stop fighting it and start finding ways to manage it.

The second strategy is to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. When you catch yourself thinking, “They’re not going to like me,” or “They’re going to judge me,” question these thoughts. 

Are they really true? Often, you’ll find that these fears are exaggerated or unfounded.

Since losing my hair I’ve learned to use the concept of projection in a positive way.  For example, if I retrain my brain to think something like, “I’m beautiful whether I have hair or not” then I project that onto other people and assume they’re thinking the same thing about me.

It’s amazing what’s possible when you learn how to manage your brain! 

The third strategy is, instead of focusing on negative outcomes, try to reframe your thoughts to be more positive and realistic. For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll definitely embarrass myself,” try thinking, “I’ve prepared well, and I’ll do my best.” 

This shift in perspective can reduce anxiety and help you feel more confident.

Here are some practical techniques that might help:

Deep Breathing and Relaxation Exercises – simple techniques like deep breathing and relaxation exercises can do wonders for reducing anxiety. Practice taking slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system. You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and then relax different muscle groups in your body.

Mindfulness and Meditation Practices – mindfulness and meditation can also help you stay present and reduce anxiety. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, which can help you break free from negative thought patterns. Meditation can also help you relax and center yourself before social interactions.  Apps like Calm and Headspace are super helpful.

Gradual Exposure to Social Situations to Build Confidence – gradually exposing yourself to social situations can help build confidence over time. Start with smaller, less intimidating situations and work your way up to more challenging ones. This gradual exposure can help you become more comfortable in social settings.

I’ve recently decided to seek out speaking opportunities in order to gradually expose myself to social situations and build confidence.  The more I can desensitize myself, the easier it will be to be able to feel a little more comfortable.

Also, one of the most helpful things for me is preparing for social interactions in advance.  The truth is that preparation can make a big difference in how you feel about social interactions. 

If you’re nervous about a meeting or event, take some time to prepare. Think about what you want to say and how you want to present yourself. The more prepared you feel, the less anxious you’ll be.

Another suggestion is to set small, achievable goals for yourself in social situations. Instead of aiming to be the life of the party, set a goal to have one meaningful conversation or to introduce yourself to someone new. 

In fact, I heard someone share once that they make a game out of having a certain number of meaningful conversations during a social setting and once they’ve hit their mark, they give themselves permission to leave if they want.  I love this idea because it helps you to achieve small goals and can build your confidence over time.

For me, it’s often setting a goal to stay for a specific amount of time, but to always have my own car so that I don’t feel trapped.  Knowing there’s an end point in mind makes it easier for me to relax in social situations.

I once heard author Glennon Doyle share that if she’s invited to a party and there’s no start and end time, she’s less likely to say yes.  Again, the thought of no end in sight can just be too overwhelming when you deal with social anxiety.

Another suggestion is having a good support system. Be willing to talk to mentors, colleagues, or friends who understand what you’re going through. 

There’s no reason to be ashamed.  Reaching out to others can provide support, advice, and encouragement, helping you feel less alone and more capable of managing social anxiety.

Hopefully you can see that by incorporating these strategies into your routine, you can start to manage social anxiety more effectively and feel more confident in social situations. Remember, it’s a journey, and it’s okay to take small steps along the way.

With these strategies in mind, let’s move on to becoming a smarter accountant by effectively handling social anxiety.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Handling Social Anxiety

Now let me share how one of my coaching clients was able to become a Smarter Accountant and handle social anxiety.

She was an experienced accountant with over a decade in the field, but found herself struggling with social anxiety, especially in professional settings. Despite her technical expertise, she dreaded client meetings and presentations. 

The thought of speaking in front of a group made her heart race and palms sweat. She often found herself avoiding networking events and team gatherings, which affected her career growth and professional relationships. 

She felt isolated and frustrated, knowing her anxiety was holding her back.

Once we started working together, she decided to tackle her social anxiety head-on. Through our sessions, we focused on several key areas like awareness, mindset, and practical techniques.

First, she learned to recognize her anxiety triggers and accept that social anxiety is a common experience. This helped her feel less alone and more in control.

Next, we worked on challenging her negative thoughts and reframing them into positive, realistic ones. For example, instead of thinking, “I’ll embarrass myself,” she practiced thinking, “I’m prepared, and I can handle this.”

Next, she started practicing deep breathing exercises and mindfulness to calm her nerves before meetings. She also used gradual exposure techniques to build her confidence in social situations.

Lastly, we developed a strategy for her to prepare thoroughly for client meetings and set small, achievable goals for networking events.

Over time, her confidence grew. She started participating more actively in team meetings, attended networking events, and even led a successful client presentation. 

As her confidence grew, she not only improved her professional relationships but also opened up new career opportunities. She shared that she now feels empowered and ready to take on social challenges with a positive mindset.

Bottom line: Handling social anxiety is more manageable than you might think when you’re willing to ask for help.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Social anxiety is something many of us deal with.  Understanding that not only is it common, but that it’s rooted in our thoughts, biology, and past experiences can be really empowering. 

Ask yourself, “What specific thoughts or situations trigger my social anxiety, and how can I reframe my thinking to manage it more effectively?”

Hopefully you can see that while everyone’s experience with social anxiety is unique, the first step to managing it is becoming aware of it and accepting it. Recognize that you have the power to change how you think and react. 

Embrace this insight, and let it guide you to find your own ways to handle social situations with more confidence. Your journey is personal, but you’re not alone in it.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed how to handle social anxiety.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

As I share all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

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

And make sure you download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide.  This one-of-a-kind guide will help you not just passively listen to the podcast, but actually do something with what i teach in each episode.  To download the podcast guide, simply to go https://thesmarteraccountant.com/podcast-guide/

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 is all about dealing with the place where we spend one-third of our time and what to do when it’s a toxic work environment.  I believe this is important because too many of us dread not only Monday mornings, but Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

These days, complaints about toxic workplaces are on the rise. In fact, recent studies highlight the significant issue of toxic work environments, especially among accountants. 

One survey found that one in three employees have left their job due to negative work culture and ineffective management. Additionally, 82% of workers who entered management roles had no formal management training, exacerbating the issue of poor leadership and toxic environments

In the accounting profession specifically, a study revealed that 50% of surveyed accountants reported issues such as poor communication, cliquey colleagues, and bullying as major problems in their workplaces​. Another survey indicated that 22% of employees across various sectors, including accounting, experience harm to their mental health due to workplace toxicity​. 

It’s interesting to note that, fifty years ago, ‘toxic’ often meant actual hazardous chemicals. Now, it covers a spectrum of issues—bad management, office gossip, harassment, and poor work-life balance.

Dealing with toxic work environments isn’t just about making the office a nicer place. It’s about protecting our mental and emotional health. Being stuck in a toxic workplace feels like carrying a heavy burden that drags down both our work and personal lives.

The good news is that as more people are willing to step up and call out unacceptable behavior, many more people and companies are being held accountable and setting an example of what not to do. Where a decade ago everyone tolerated bad bosses and bad work environments, we now need to pay attention when ethical lines are crossed, and speak up, address the issue, or leave if necessary.

But what about the less extreme issues like a demanding boss, office gossip, unmotivated coworkers, or lack of work-life balance? How do you handle these kinds of toxic environments?

In a large company, you might go to HR or consider finding a new job. But what if there’s no HR, or you can’t or don’t want to leave?

If you’ve been in a toxic work environment, you know it creates unrest, constant stress, and low morale. It’s like a fog of frustration, distraction, and overwhelm.

If ignored, these issues seep into your home life, dominate conversations with loved ones, disrupt your sleep, and lead to burnout.

The upside is that even when HR isn’t helpful or quitting isn’t an option, there are ways to manage a toxic work environment. You don’t have to feel hopeless or suffer through the daily grind anymore.

In this episode, we’ll explore why toxic work environments happen, how they affect us, and most importantly, what we can do about them.

Why You Might Be Dreading Your Job

It’s normal for job satisfaction to fluctuate, especially in a demanding field like accounting. Sometimes, you feel proud of your work, and other times, you question your career choices.

This ebb and flow is part of any profession, but accounting can make those lows particularly tough. Just like you, I’ve met very few people who love their job all the time and are okay with every aspect of it.

Here are some common complaints among accountants:

Demanding Deadlines: Constant pressure to meet quarterly reports and tax filing deadlines can be overwhelming.

Work Overload: Handling multiple clients or projects can lead to burnout, especially when work isn’t fairly allocated.

Lack of Recognition: Doing your best without acknowledgment can be disheartening. We don’t need a gold star on everything, but lack of recognition can wear you down.

Office Politics: One of the biggest complaints. Navigating gossip and favoritism can be exhausting.

Poor Management: Ever heard the quote, “People don’t leave jobs; they leave managers”? Dealing with demanding, uncommunicative, or micromanaging bosses can drain your motivation.

Work-Life Imbalance: Long hours and the expectation to be available around the clock can make it hard to maintain a healthy balance.

These issues can crush morale and take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical problems.

But here’s the thing: Often, the reason you dread your job has more to do with your mindset and how you perceive the demands, the people, and the environment than the actual job itself.

This might not sound like good news, but it actually is. Recognizing that you have the power to change your perspective can help reduce anxiety, frustration, and overwhelm.

This doesn’t mean you should tolerate unacceptable behavior or stay in a situation where you feel mistreated. If you feel unsafe or unfairly treated, speak up, set firm boundaries, or consider leaving.

For those dealing with moderate toxicity—like stress, difficult coworkers, or lack of balance—there are ways to improve your situation. If you’re frustrated but not in immediate danger, you can take steps to make your job more manageable.

The hard truth is, it’s not your job’s responsibility to make you happy, nor can your job inherently make you unhappy. It’s your relationship with your job, or the thoughts you have about your job, that creates how you feel about your job.

Understanding and accepting this is crucial because feeling powerless at work can impact your personal and professional life. This sense of powerlessness can become a major distraction, affecting your performance and well-being at home.

And let’s be honest—the added stress can mess with your mood, productivity, and even your sleep.

Thankfully, by shifting your focus from external issues to what you can control—your internal responses—you can take charge of your work experience and improve your overall quality of life.

Understanding Your Relationship with Your Job

Let’s be real—if we all quit our accounting jobs every time work or people got tough, we’d never stick around anywhere for long. We’ve all faced challenging work environments to some extent, some more toxic than others.

The key to dealing with a toxic work environment is understanding your relationship with your job. Just like with people, you have relationships with things like money, time, and yes, your job.

Every relationship is shaped by your thoughts about the person, place, or thing involved. This includes your job.

So, how do you feel when you think about your job? Excited, energized, respected? Or stressed, overwhelmed, and anxious?

Understanding how you currently feel about your job is crucial because changing any relationship starts with knowing where you stand. You need to be clear about your current feelings to move toward where you want to be.

Don’t just assume you hate your job and leave it at that. Take some time to really sit with it and ask yourself what your predominant feeling is toward your job.

Think of it this way: if you had the same relationship with a person, how would you describe your feelings about them? By examining your feelings about your job, you can better understand your relationship with it and take steps to improve it, even in a toxic environment.

Let me share a personal story. A few years ago, I had an incident with my bosses that left me feeling deeply mistrustful of them and my job.

In my personal time, I became certified as a life coach and started coaching clients on moving on after divorce. My bosses found out and brought it up during my annual review, even though it didn’t affect my accounting work at all.

This boundary-crossing made me feel like I was doing something wrong, even though I wasn’t. Up until then, I had enjoyed many aspects of my job, but suddenly, it felt toxic, like I was being watched all the time, even outside of work.

Dealing with the aftermath of that review was tough. I had to decide whether to stay at the firm or leave. There were many good aspects of the job, like flexibility and proximity to home, but my relationship with my job was strained.

Here’s the thing—there are plenty of valid reasons to change jobs or leave entirely, but it’s crucial to do it for the right reasons. If you’re just trying to escape feelings of stress or anxiety, those feelings are likely to follow you to your next job.

Bottom line: It’s important to address the underlying issues rather than just running away from them.

Your Brain’s Role in Dealing with a Toxic Work Environment

Understanding how your brain deals with a toxic work environment is crucial. Our brains are incredibly powerful, shaping our perceptions, reactions, and overall experiences.

From a young age, our brains start forming patterns based on our experiences and the information we receive. These patterns help us navigate life by creating shortcuts for how we think and react.

For example, if you’ve had a demanding boss in the past, your brain might automatically associate certain behaviors or situations with stress and anxiety.

Over time, these patterns get ingrained, influencing how we perceive and respond to various situations. In a toxic work environment, past negative experiences can shape how you view your current job, even if things have changed.

The problem is, when you’re in what you consider a toxic work environment, your brain’s negative patterns can become even more pronounced. These patterns can make it hard to see any positive aspects of your job, leading to a cycle of stress and dissatisfaction. If you’re used to being criticized, you might start expecting criticism even when it’s not there, which ramps up your anxiety and stress.

Negative thought patterns also impact your physical health. Chronic stress from a toxic work environment can lead to headaches, fatigue, and even long-term conditions like heart disease.

Understanding how your brain’s patterns contribute to stress is the first step in breaking the cycle.

Bottom line: Our brains develop patterns of thoughts and beliefs through our personal and work experiences, and these patterns stick with us until we actively change them.

So, what can you do when leaving isn’t an option?  Let me explain.

What to Do When You Work in a Toxic Work Environment

Dealing with a toxic work environment is tough, and the urge to leave can be strong. But before making any big decisions, remember that you have the power to change your relationship with your job.

The good news is our brains can change. This concept, called neuroplasticity, means you can rewire your brain with intentional effort to develop healthier thoughts and reactions.

By changing your perspective, you can improve your experience and possibly transform your work environment.

Here are some practical steps to help you improve your relationship with your job:

Awareness: Start by noticing your thought patterns. How do you react to situations at work? Do you assume the worst? Focus more on negative interactions than positive ones? Recognizing these patterns is the first step to change.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: Once you’re aware of negative thoughts, challenge them. Ask if your thoughts are based on facts or assumptions. If you think, “My boss hates me,” ask if that’s really true. Maybe your boss’s behavior is more about their stress than your performance.

Reframe Your Thoughts: Replace negative thoughts with positive or neutral ones. Instead of “I can’t handle this workload,” try “This workload is challenging, but I have the skills to manage it.” This practice helps shift your brain from negative to balanced thinking.

Seek Positive Experiences: Look for positive experiences at work. Acknowledge a job well done, build supportive relationships with colleagues, or set small, achievable goals. Positive reinforcement helps create healthier neural pathways.

By understanding and changing your thought patterns, you can better manage and improve your experience in a toxic work environment. This not only boosts your professional life but also your overall well-being.

Here are more tips for dealing with a toxic work environment:

Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize how you feel about your job. Are you stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Understanding your emotions is the first step to addressing them.

Set Boundaries: Define boundaries to protect your well-being. This might mean setting limits on work hours or avoiding office gossip. Boundaries help create a healthier work-life balance and reduce stress.

Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on aspects of your job you can control, like your attitude, work ethic, and interactions with colleagues. This makes you feel more empowered and less affected by external circumstances.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from trusted colleagues, mentors, or coaches. Talking about your experiences can provide new insights and help you feel less isolated. If you need to talk to someone outside your organization, that’s what I’m here for.

Take Care of Yourself: Take care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can improve your resilience and overall outlook on life and work.

While it may not happen overnight, these steps can help you feel more in control and improve your job satisfaction over time.

But if you need to leave, that’s okay too. Just know you can always improve your current relationship with your job by thinking about the kind of relationship you want to have.

Would you prefer to feel focused, supported, and engaged? That doesn’t depend on anyone or anything changing.

Think about a long-term relationship you’ve had with a partner or a close friend. You’ve probably had disagreements and challenges but worked through them. You chose to improve that relationship, learning and growing along the way.

The same approach applies to your job. By working towards the relationship you want with your job, you can create a deeper, more fulfilling connection, especially during tough times when leaving seems easier than staying and working things out.

The truth is, when you learn to feel how you want to feel, you’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel about your job. You’ll take your power back and create the environment that works best for you.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How I Dealt With a Toxic Work Environment

After that tough annual review I mentioned, I knew I needed to make a change—not necessarily by leaving my job, but by changing how I thought about it. I realized that if I didn’t address my feelings of mistrust and stress, they’d just follow me to any new job, causing the same issues all over again.

First, I stepped back and thought about my relationship with my job. I admitted to myself that I felt mistrust and saw how it was affecting my daily work life. Instead of viewing my bosses’ actions as personal attacks, I tried to understand their point of view—they were probably worried about my focus and commitment to the firm.

Next, I worked on changing my thoughts. Instead of thinking, “They’re watching my every move,” I started to think, “They want to make sure my work here is my top priority.” This shift helped me feel less like I was under constant surveillance and allowed me to appreciate the positive aspects of my job.

Setting clear boundaries was also important. I openly talked with my bosses about my side business, reassuring them that it didn’t interfere with my responsibilities at the firm. I made sure to keep my coaching activities completely separate from my accounting work, both physically and mentally.

I also sought out positive experiences at work. I built stronger relationships with my colleagues, which helped create a more supportive environment. I began to acknowledge and celebrate my achievements at work, no matter how small, to remind myself of my value and competence.

Over time, I noticed a shift in my relationship with my job. By changing my perspective and dealing with my feelings directly, I began to feel more empowered and less overwhelmed. The work environment, while still challenging at times, felt less toxic because I wasn’t seeing it through a lens of mistrust and stress anymore.

Ultimately, this transformation had a big impact on both my professional and personal life. I became more productive and engaged at work, which improved my overall job satisfaction. At home, I was able to relax and enjoy my time without constantly worrying about work.

What this experience taught me is that while you can’t always change your external circumstances, you can change how you respond to them. By understanding and reshaping my relationship with my job, I was able to create a healthier, more fulfilling work experience.

This empowered approach is something I carry with me, no matter where my career takes me.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

If you’re struggling with a toxic work environment, remember that you have the power to change your experience by shifting your perspective. It’s not just about the external circumstances—it’s about how you respond to them. 

Ask yourself, “What changes in my mindset or approach can I make to improve my experience in my current work environment?”

Start by becoming aware of your thought patterns, challenge negative thoughts, and reframe them into positive or neutral ones. Set clear boundaries, seek support, and focus on what you can control. 

By taking these steps, you can improve your relationship with your job and create a healthier, more fulfilling work environment. Empower yourself to take control, and you’ll see positive changes in both your professional and personal life.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed how to deal with a toxic work environment.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

As I share all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

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

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

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

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

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

Today, I want to talk about something that might seem a bit odd for busy accountants: handling boredom. Trust me, this is more important than you might think because boredom can be pretty sneaky and has a way of affecting us in unexpected ways.

I know, in the fast-paced world of accounting, boredom might seem like a strange thing to talk about. Our days are usually jam-packed, leaving little room for idle moments. 

But here’s the thing: boredom can creep in when we least expect it, and it’s crucial to understand how it impacts our well-being and productivity.

Picture this: tax season has just ended, and there’s a brief lull before the next wave of deadlines. In this calm before the storm, boredom can sneak in, especially if you’ve had a particularly stressful year both personally and professionally. 

I’m not talking about the well-deserved break we all need after a hectic period; it’s about the sneaky ways boredom can infiltrate our lives.

While having fewer commitments might sound like a blessing, our brains are wired to seek out stimulation and rewards, even during downtime. That’s where boredom can catch us off guard.

If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend watching the Netflix documentary, “The Social Dilemma.” It’s a real eye-opener about how the technology we rely on daily can have a dark side.

The documentary features insights from tech developers and designers who created the social media platforms we and our kids use today. These brilliant minds understand how the human brain works and have crafted methods to keep us hooked, providing endless entertainment and ensuring we’re never bored. 

It exposes how these platforms, designed to connect us, can also manipulate our vulnerabilities, keeping us constantly engaged and disconnected from reality.

As accountants, it’s important to understand how our brains work and how technology shapes our relationship with boredom. The hard truth is, we’re not great at dealing with boredom. 

In fact, to our busy accountant brains, boredom can be downright scary.

When boredom hits, we often try to escape it by doing mindless tasks, munching on snacks, scrolling through social media, watching the news, or playing games like Candy Crush. Our world is filled with more rewards and distractions than ever before, so it’s no wonder we try to avoid boredom at all costs.

But today, I want to help you understand boredom better.  I want to explore whether boredom is a problem or an opportunity and share strategies to handle it more effectively. 

Understanding Boredom

Let’s begin by diving into the curious world of boredom. It’s one of those feelings we’re all familiar with, but do we really understand what it’s all about? 

First off, what exactly is boredom? It’s more than just feeling uninterested or restless when things slow down. 

Boredom is what happens when our minds crave stimulation and engagement, but we’re not getting it. It’s like sitting in a waiting room with nothing to do, or staring at a blank screen with no idea what to watch. 

Our brains start to itch for something to capture our attention and get those mental gears turning again.  Have you ever noticed how many restaurants or bars are now surrounded by TVs?  We can’t be allowed to be bored even when we’re eating.

The thing you need to understand is that boredom isn’t caused by external factors like having nothing to do. It’s actually created by our own thoughts. Let me explain. 

Think about a situation where you’re stuck waiting in line. One person might find it boring and start tapping their foot impatiently, while another might see it as an opportunity to people-watch or daydream. 

Same situation, different reactions. That’s because boredom is all about how we perceive and interpret our surroundings.

Take, for example, a long commute. Some might dread it as a dull and monotonous experience, while others see it as a chance to unwind, listen to music, or catch up on podcasts. It’s all about the perspective we bring to the table.

But here’s where things get interesting. As I said before, our modern world is a playground of distractions. From social media feeds to endless streaming options, we’re bombarded with stimuli 24/7. 

And while these distractions might offer temporary relief from boredom, they also come with a downside.

Consider this: you’re waiting for a friend at a café, and instead of enjoying the moment, you whip out your phone to check your notifications. Before you know it, you’re mindlessly scrolling through your social media feed, completely oblivious to the world around you. 

Sound familiar? We’ve all been there.  As soon as there’s a commercial break on TV or there’s a lull in the conversation, my husband and I are totally guilty of picking up our phones.

The truth is that our reliance on technology has made us increasingly intolerant of boredom. We’ve become conditioned to seek out instant gratification and constant stimulation, to the point where even a few moments of stillness can feel unbearable. 

We’ve forgotten how to simply be present and embrace the quiet moments.

Think about the last time you had a few minutes to spare. Did you reach for your phone without even thinking about it? Did you feel anxious or restless when there was nothing to occupy your mind? 

If so, you’re not alone. Again, our modern lifestyles have rewired our brains to crave constant stimulation, making it harder than ever to sit with our thoughts and just be.

But here’s the thing: boredom isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, it can be a powerful catalyst for creativity and self-discovery. 

When we allow ourselves to sit with our boredom and explore it without judgment, we open ourselves up to new ideas and insights.

Consider the story of Isaac Newton, who famously discovered the laws of gravity while sitting under an apple tree, bored out of his mind. Or Albert Einstein, who credited his best ideas to moments of boredom and daydreaming. 

These examples show us that boredom isn’t something to be feared or avoided—it’s an opportunity for growth and inspiration.

So the next time you find yourself feeling bored, try embracing it instead of running from it. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and let your mind wander. Who knows what amazing ideas you might stumble upon?

Assessing Boredom: Problem or Opportunity?

Now let’s take a closer look at boredom from the perspective of accountants. Is it really the productivity killer it’s often made out to be, or could it actually be a hidden opportunity for growth and innovation?

First, I want to challenge the notion that boredom is inherently negative, especially in the context of the accounting profession. In a field known for its precision and attention to detail, there’s often a stigma attached to moments of downtime. 

Many of us believe that if we’re not constantly busy, we’re not being productive. But is that really the case?

Consider this: some of the greatest breakthroughs in history have come from moments of boredom. For example, Steve Jobs, credited his moments of boredom with sparking his most innovative ideas. 

The point is that boredom isn’t necessarily a sign of laziness or inefficiency—it’s a natural part of the creative process.

Now, let’s talk about the consequences of our society’s growing intolerance towards boredom. In our hyperconnected world, where smartphones and social media are always within arm’s reach, we’ve become accustomed to constant stimulation. 

But this relentless pursuit of distraction comes at a cost.  Our fear of boredom has led us to seek out constant stimulation, often at the expense of meaningful connection and reflection.

This aversion to boredom can also have serious implications for our mental health. Studies have shown that constantly seeking out distractions can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. 

By avoiding moments of stillness and introspection, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to recharge and reflect on our lives.

For example, think back to a time when you felt bored at work. How did you react? Did you see it as a problem to be solved, or as an opportunity to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities?

For many of us, boredom can be a source of discomfort and frustration. We’re so used to being constantly busy that we struggle to sit with our thoughts and emotions when we’re not constantly doing something. 

But what if we reframed boredom as a chance to reconnect with ourselves and tap into our creativity?

Consider the story of Charles Darwin, who famously spent hours staring out the window of his study, lost in thought. It was during these moments of boredom that he formulated some of his most groundbreaking ideas about evolution. 

This serves as a powerful reminder that boredom isn’t something to be feared—it’s a natural part of the human experience, and one that can lead to profound insights and discoveries.

For us as accountants, I think it’s time to reconsider our attitudes towards boredom in the accounting profession. Rather than seeing it as a problem to be avoided, let’s embrace it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. 

By challenging our perceptions of boredom, acknowledging what happens when we become intolerant of being bored, and reflecting on our own experiences, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with boredom.

Strategies for Handling Boredom

Now that we’ve explored the complexities of boredom, I want to dive into some practical strategies for managing it. The truth is that there are plenty of ways to turn boredom from a burden into an opportunity.

One of the first steps in handling boredom is to shift our perspective. Instead of seeing it as something to be avoided, let’s embrace it as a chance to slow down and reconnect with ourselves. Boredom can be a powerful catalyst for self-reflection and mindfulness, allowing us to gain clarity and insight into our thoughts and emotions.

Consider the practice of mindfulness meditation, which encourages us to observe our thoughts and sensations without judgment. By tuning into the present moment, we can gain a greater sense of awareness and acceptance, even during moments of boredom. 

Next time you find yourself feeling restless, try taking a few deep breaths and bringing your attention to the sensations in your body. You might be surprised at what you discover.

It’s also important to recognize the coping mechanisms we often turn to when faced with boredom, and their limitations. Whether it’s mindlessly scrolling through social media or reaching for a snack, these distractions may provide temporary relief, but they rarely address the underlying cause of our boredom.

Take, for example, the habit of checking our phones whenever we’re bored. While it may seem harmless at first, excessive screen time can actually exacerbate feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction. 

Instead of reaching for your phone, try doing things that promote genuine connection and fulfillment, such as spending time with loved ones or pursuing a hobby you enjoy.

Besides what I just shared, here are some practical techniques for managing boredom:

Disconnect from technology: Set aside dedicated time each day to disconnect from your devices and engage in offline activities. Whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, or practicing a hobby, taking a break from screens can help clear your mind and foster a greater sense of presence.

Practice mindful observation: Take a moment to observe your surroundings with curiosity and openness. Notice the sights, sounds, and sensations around you, without judgment or attachment. By cultivating what’s referred to as a “beginner’s mind”, you can find beauty and wonder in even the most mundane moments.

Engage in creative expression: Because the work we do is so numbers driven, it can be helpful to channel your boredom into creative outlets such as writing, drawing, or playing music. Allow yourself to experiment and explore without worrying about the end result. Creativity thrives in moments of boredom, so don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can learn to embrace boredom as a natural part of life. So, the next time you find yourself feeling bored, remember that it’s not a problem to be solved, but an opportunity to be seized.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Effectively Handling Boredom

Let me share how some of my clients have learned to handle boredom.

One accountant I coached found herself with extra time after tax season. Instead of scrolling through her phone, she decided to take an online course on advanced Excel techniques. This kept her mind busy and added a valuable skill to her professional toolkit.

Another client used downtime to strengthen her professional network. She reached out to colleagues and industry peers for virtual coffee chats. This not only helped her deal with boredom but also expanded her professional connections and opened up new opportunities.

One CPA client noticed that boredom often hit during slower periods at work. He used this time to organize his workspace and plan out upcoming projects. By creating a more efficient work environment and having a clear plan, he felt more prepared and productive when the workload increased.

A tax accountant client discovered that she enjoyed creative writing. During slower periods, she began writing a blog about common tax misconceptions. This kept her engaged and provided valuable content for her clients, helping her establish herself as an expert in her field.

Hopefully, these stories give you a better idea of the benefits of handling boredom properly. When you manage boredom effectively, you’ll start to enjoy your professional and personal life more.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Boredom might seem like an unusual topic for busy accountants, but it’s more relevant than you might think. Instead of seeing boredom as a problem, view it as an opportunity for self-reflection, creativity, and mindfulness. 

This week ask yourself, “How can I embrace moments of boredom as opportunities for growth and creativity in my professional and personal life?”

Recognize that boredom is created by your thoughts, not your circumstances. By shifting your perspective, disconnecting from technology, and engaging in mindful practices, you can turn moments of boredom into moments of growth. 

Embrace the quiet times, let your mind wander, and discover the creativity and insights that can emerge from simply being present. Handling boredom effectively can lead to greater well-being and productivity, both professionally and personally.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed how to handle boredom.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

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

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

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

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

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

re I get started let me just mention to make sure you listen until the end because I’m going to start sharing some key takeaways from each episode and some action steps you can take.  As I’ve created with the one-of-a-kind Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide, I want to help you apply what you’re learning in each of these episodes.

Today I want to talk about the reason you aren’t taking action.  I think this topic is incredibly important for accountants because we often have a lot to do and not enough time to do it.

See if you can relate to this – you’re unable to take action despite having a laundry list of things you want to accomplish – believe me, I know the feeling all too well. 

It’s like having a mental to-do list a mile long, but when it comes down to actually getting things done, you just can’t seem to find the motivation.

In our line of work as accountants, we’re no strangers to meticulous planning and attention to detail. But just because we’re good at planning doesn’t mean we’re good at executing the plan.

In other words, having a plan of action is great, but when you’re not actually taking action, then you’ve got a problem.  Maybe you’ve found yourself asking, “Why can’t I make progress? Why do I keep procrastinating? Why do I feel stuck?”

I’ve worked with many accountants in The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program on the topic of procrastination so don’t feel like you’re the only one.  I’ve been there, done that as well, and I’ve got some insights to share with you. 

I discuss the powerful tool called The Model in my book, “The Smarter Accountant,” but I want to tell you that it’s been a game-changer for me and my clients. The Model is a formula that helps you to understand why you’re not taking action and, more importantly, how you can change that.

Now, before I dive into the nitty-gritty details of The Model, let me reiterate that you are not alone if you’ve been having difficulty taking action.  Again, this is something I work on with my coaching clients every single day.

I’ve worked with many accountants who feel frustrated because of their inability to take action. It’s a common struggle that many of us face, but the good news is that there’s a way out.

What is that way out?  Understanding The Model.  The basic premise is that there are circumstances in our lives that we can’t control, but everything else—our thoughts, feelings, actions, and results—is within our control.  

The Model is an awareness tool and understanding how to utilize it is a game-changer.  It’s a shift in perspective that helps us to see what’s getting in the way of us taking action.  

I’ll explain more in a minute, but for now, just know that our thoughts have a profound impact on our feelings, which in turn influence our actions and inactions. It’s a domino effect that can either move us forward or keep us stuck. 

The key is that once we understand the powerful role our thoughts play, we can start to take control of them and steer our lives in the direction we want to go.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But how do I even begin to unravel the tangled mess of thoughts swirling around in my head?” Trust me, I’ve been there. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely doable. 

With practice and patience, you can learn to observe your own thinking patterns with compassion and curiosity, rather than judgment and criticism.

Understanding The Tool, The Model

Alright, now I’m going to explain The Model a little more.  Think of it as our roadmap to understanding why we do what we do and how we can make positive changes in our lives.

The first line of The Model is the circumstance line.  These are the things in our lives that we simply can’t control—like the weather, other people’s actions, or even our past experiences.

For accountants, it’s things like the amount of work we have, the time of year, what a client did or didn’t do, and what other people say.  Circumstances are the external factors that we have to deal with, whether we like it or not.

The second line of The Model is the thought line. Thoughts are the sentences in our heads that we are have, both consciously and unconsciously. Our thoughts have a huge impact on how we perceive the world around us and how we feel about it.

The third line of The Model is the feeling line.  Our feelings are the one word emotions we experience that are only ever created by our thoughts. 

Whether it’s stress, excitement, frustration, or overwhelm, our feelings play a huge role in shaping our behavior.  In other words, what we do or don’t do is 100% dependent on our feelings.

And speaking of behavior, that brings us to the fourth line of The Model which is the action line.  The action line is made up of all the things we do—or don’t do—as a result of our thoughts and feelings. 

Whether it’s hitting the gym, procrastinating on a project, or reaching out to a client, our actions are driven by our feelings.

The final line of The Model is the result line.  These are the outcomes that we create based on our actions and inactions. 

Whether it’s achieving our goals, building relationships, or making progress in our careers, the results we see in our lives are a direct reflection of the actions we take—or don’t take.

Now, here’s why The Model is so helpful – because while we may not be able to control our circumstances, we have full control over our thoughts, feelings, and actions. That’s where the real power lies. 

When we recognize what’s within our control and what isn’t, we can start to take charge of our lives and make positive changes that stick. It’s all about understanding the dynamics at play and leveraging them.

Thoughts Create Feelings, Feelings Drive Actions

Alright, now let’s take a closer look at the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Trust me, it’s worth understanding, especially for accountants.

Here’s the thing: every action we take—whether it’s hitting the “send” button on an email, completing a spreadsheet, or even just grabbing a cup of coffee—is fueled by a feeling. And every feeling we have is only ever because of a thought.

Remember, the circumstance line of The Model is first and it’s all the neutral facts of our lives.  Next are our thoughts, the sentences in our brains that give meaning to our circumstances.

After the thought line is the feeling line.  These are the one word emotions created by our thoughts.

And after the feeling line of The Model is our actions; the things we do or don’t do.  The reason you aren’t taking action is all there in The Model.

For example, let’s say you’re faced with a daunting task at work, like a complicated tax return or compiling a complex set of financials. Just the thought of tackling it might trigger feelings of overwhelm or anxiety. 

And what do you do in response? You’d probably procrastinate, avoid the task altogether, or do something easier to stay busy.  

I see this all the time with my clients.  They’ll tell me they were so busy but didn’t seem to get the thing they really needed to get done, done.

Again, as accountants, we’re really good at creating a plan, but that doesn’t guarantee that we follow through on the plan.  In fact, it’s one of the key elements in The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program – learning how to follow through no matter what – and why I have an entire mini-training on how to conquer procrastination, once and for all.

Let me give you another example – let’s say you’ve got your long to-do list, you know everything that needs to get done and you’ve even numbered things in order to prioritize.  You look at the next item you’re about to work on and you think, “This is going to be tough to figure out” or “I don’t know if I can do this.” 

And boom, just like that, you’re hit with feelings of uncertainty or frustration. So, what happens next?  You’ll most likely put off tackling the problem and either find something on the to-do list that’s easier to do or you’ll gravitate towards something like checking email.  

The point is, our thoughts create our feelings, which in turn influence the actions we take—or don’t take—in our professional lives. It’s like a chain reaction that starts in our minds and ripples out into our actions and the results we see.

So, if you’re struggling with taking action, it’s not because there’s anything wrong with you.  You just have an unmanaged brain that is thinking unhelpful thoughts that lead to unhelpful feelings.  

By understanding the power of our thoughts and their ripple effects on our feelings and actions, we can become more intentional in how we approach our work.

The Practice of Observing Your Own Thinking

Now, let’s talk about a crucial skill that’s essential for mastering The Model: observing our own thinking. The issue is that we have 60,000 thoughts a day!

Trying to make sense of them all can feel like trying to untangle a giant ball of yarn.

But thankfully, there’s a tool that can help us cut through the noise and gain clarity: awareness. By practicing awareness, we can learn to observe our thoughts with curiosity and non-judgmental awareness.

What I mean by non-judgmental awareness is that you just want to pay attention to your thoughts without beating yourself up for having them.  This is important because it can be a bit shocking when you really pay attention to your thoughts and how negative and scattered they can be.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “I’m an accountant. This is not really my cup of tea.” And, I get it. Initially, it wasn’t mine either.

Paying attention to our thoughts can be a real challenge, especially for us busy accountants who thrive on action and productivity.

But here’s the thing: awareness isn’t time consuming. It’s about simply being aware of what you’re thinking and feeling.  

In fact, the homework my clients do takes 10 – 15 minutes every day.  That’s it.  And the results are remarkable.

By becoming more aware of our own thinking, we can begin to understand what’s happening when we aren’t taking action, and also what to do about it.  

Identifying Common Reasons Accountants Aren’t Taking Action

So now I want to shine a light on some thought patterns that often hold us back in the accounting world – perfectionism, comparison, and fear.  There are many more, but it’s important to understand that these ways of thinking are sneaky because we’re not only taught how to think as accountants, we also have plenty of other accountants thinking the same way we do, so we normalize it.

But thankfully, with a little awareness, we can start to do something about some of these unhelpful thought patterns.

Let’s start with the perfectionism trap. As accountants, we’re no strangers to high standards and attention to detail. But when that desire for perfection becomes our default, it can paralyze us. 

For example, you spend hours agonizing over every decimal point, afraid to submit that report until it’s absolutely flawless. You begin to feel anxiety, overwhelm, or maybe even imposter syndrome. 

And what happens next? Procrastination sets in, and that report gathers dust on our desk.

I’ve worked with accountants who took hours and hours trying to find the penny difference in a complicated bank reconciliation.  Next thing they knew, they were procrastinating working on it the following month.

The next common thought pattern that we have in accounting is the comparison game.  In the smart world of accounting, where so many smart people are doing smart things, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to our peers. 

For example, we see someone else’s impressive career on LinkedIn or a new certification someone achieved, and suddenly, we’re hit with feelings of inadequacy or envy because we’re thinking something like, “I’ll never measure up.” And before we know it, those feelings of doubt and insecurity lead to inaction—we hesitate to set goals or pursue new opportunities, fearing we’ll fall short.

I’ve seen this a lot with my coaching clients.  They’ll feel like they don’t measure up and then stop themselves from setting and achieving career goals.

The third common thought pattern is the fear of failure. As accountants, we’re trained to mitigate risk and avoid mistakes at all costs. But when that fear of failure becomes all-consuming, it can paralyze us. 

For example, we’d rather stick to the familiar, the safe, the tried-and-true, even if it means missing out on growth opportunities. We tell ourselves, “What’s the point of trying if I’m just going to fail anyway?” And so, we stay stuck in our comfort zone, unwilling to take the leap.

I’ve coached many accountants who’ve had the dream of going out on their own but years later, they’re still at the same job, miserable as ever.

It’s important to understand that each of these common thought patterns—perfectionism, comparison, fear of failure—leads to specific feelings, which in turn drive our actions and especially our inactions. 

Thankfully, when we understand the why behind our thoughts we can begin to rewrite the script and take meaningful action in our lives. 

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Examples Of Taking Action

Now let me share how a few clients learned how to overcome the reason why they weren’t taking action.  

One of my clients had always dreamed of starting her own financial consulting business, however, she was gripped by fear of failure. She worried about not being able to attract clients, make enough money, or sustain her business in the long run. 

Unfortunately, this fear paralyzed her.  She wanted to stay in her comfort zone and stick with her steady but unfulfilling corporate job.

After becoming a Smarter Accountant, she reframed her mindset, viewing failure as a natural part of the learning process rather than a reflection of her worth. We worked on her taking small, calculated risks and gradually building confidence.

Within a short period of time, she launched her successful consulting business.  She said that now she understands the reason why she isn’t taking action, but also what to do about it.

Another client was asked to lead an audit for a major client, and as the deadline got closer, he felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of the project. He felt anxious about making mistakes, missing crucial details, or disappointing his team and clients, which left him paralyzed, unable to focus or make progress on the audit.

After working together, he recognized the impact of his anxiety on his productivity, he got clear on the thoughts causing him to feel stressed and regained control. He effectively planned his time and followed the plan, eventually leading to the successful completion of the audit.

He used that experience as an example of what happens when he feels anxious, but also how to override the thoughts causing the feeling of anxiety.  He’s now much better at taking action, no matter what.

One client was a tax CPA and was assigned a complex tax project with a tight deadline. As he reviewed the work to be done, he kept thinking, “This is too much.  I’ll never have the time to complete this,” which led him to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start and how to proceed.

We decided that since overwhelm was never going to lead him to take action, the feeling of determined was going to be much more useful.  From the feeling of determined, he prioritized tasks, allocated specific time blocks for each part of the project, regained a sense of control and clarity, and finished the project on time.

After seeing how much more he got done when he felt determined, he decided that that would be one his go-to emotions at work.  He just needed to pay attention to his thoughts and choose ones that created the feeling of determined.  

Hopefully, you can see how overcoming the common feelings that lead to inaction can help you take action when you need to or want to.  The truth is that the reason you aren’t taking action is because of an unhelpful feeling.

As I tell my coaching clients, when you learn how to manage your mind you can manage everything else.  The bottom line: if you want to take effective action, you need to manage your thoughts and feelings first and foremost.   

Key Takeaway and Action Item

If you find yourself struggling to take action, remember that it’s not about a lack of motivation or willpower—it’s about understanding the powerful connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Our thoughts create our feelings, which drive our actions. 

Ask yourself, “What unhelpful thought patterns might be holding me back from taking action, and how can I reframe them to move forward?”

By recognizing and managing unhelpful thought patterns like perfectionism, comparison, and fear of failure, you can shift your mindset and start taking meaningful action. Practicing awareness, observing your thoughts without judgment, and consciously choosing thoughts that lead to productive feelings can transform your approach to tasks and goals. 

Take control of your thoughts, and you’ll take control of your actions, paving the way for a more effective and fulfilling accounting career.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed the reason you aren’t taking action.  As always, 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.

As I tell accountants all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.  That starts with taking The Smarter Accountant Quiz at  www.thesmarteraccountant.com. 

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.

Before I get started let me just mention to make sure you listen until the end because I’m going to start sharing some key takeaways from each episode and some action steps you can take.  As I’ve created with the one-of-a-kind Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide, I want to help you apply what you’re learning in each of these episodes.

Today I want to talk about something that’s probably crossed your mind more times than you can count – just wanting to feel better. It’s one of those universal desires, right? I mean, who doesn’t want to feel good? 

Think about it. When was the last time you heard someone say, “I just want to feel miserable all the time”? Exactly. 

Most of us, when asked about our ultimate life goal, will boil it down to one simple statement: “I just want to be happy.” It’s like the holy grail of emotions – the one thing we’re all chasing, hoping to catch and hold onto forever.

But here’s the thing – happiness, as much as we pursue it, isn’t the only emotion out there. Sure, it gets top billing at the box office and in the emotional hierarchy, but there’s a whole spectrum of feelings that color our lives. 

And if we’re being honest, not all of them are rainbows and sunshine.

Take sadness, for example. Sometimes it feels like it comes out of nowhere and leaves you feeling defeated.  Or how about anger – where it feels like your blood is literally boiling.

And then there’s anxiety, that pesky little voice in your head that never seems to shut up.  Or the feeling of stress and overwhelm that are all too familiar to accountants.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting – we often treat these emotions as if they just “happen” to us.  For example, we say something like “I just wish I could feel happier,” as if the feeling of happiness is something we stumble upon by chance, like a lucky penny on the sidewalk.

But what if I told you that happiness – and every other emotion under the sun – isn’t something that happens to us, but something we create? Sounds crazy, right? Stick with me.

When my mentor taught this topic, she asked us to think about the last time we heard about someone winning the lottery. Can you imagine how excited they must have been?  

Here’s the thing – they hadn’t actually received the money yet. They were still in the same financial situation they were in before they bought the ticket. And yet, in that moment, they were walking on air, high on the promise of what was to come.

Why? Because of a thought. That’s right, a simple thought – “I just won the lottery” – was enough to send their emotions into overdrive. It wasn’t the money itself that made them happy because they didn’t actually have it; it was the belief that their life was about to change for the better.

And if thoughts can have that kind of power over something as monumental as winning the lottery, imagine what they can do for the everyday moments of your life. 

That’s what I’m going to explore in this episode – the fact that happiness isn’t something we find, but something we create. So if you just want to feel better (and who doesn’t?) then keep listening.

Challenging the External Perception of Happiness

The truth is that we’ve been taught to believe that happiness is somehow tied to things like what we have or how we look. You know what I’m talking about – those flashy commercials telling us that buying this car or wearing those shoes will bring us the happiness we’re looking for. 

Think about the last time you scrolled through your social media feed. How many posts did you see of people flaunting their latest purchases or showing off their perfectly curated lives? It’s like we’ve bought into this idea that happiness is something we can order online or pick up at the mall.

The problem is that people, places, and things don’t create our feelings, especially the feeling of happiness.  In fact, circumstances like a healthy 401k balance or a new house on a lake do not actually create a feeling of happiness or security.  

Think about it this way – remember how you couldn’t wait to pass the CPA exam or get that accounting job?  You probably got a temporary wave of excitement or happiness, right?

But once the honeymoon period wore off, were you still as excited or happy?  Or were you now as stressed and overwhelmed as most accountants feel?

I’ve been there, trust me. I thought my career would be set after I got hired by Deloitte and that passing the CPA exam would make me feel happy and confident.

Spoiler alert: they didn’t.

In fact, some of the unhappiest times in my life were after I passed the CPA exam and worked at Deloitte.  I mistakenly believed that those 3 letters after my last name, CPA, would give me the confidence, happiness and security that I had always wanted, only to find myself miserable and chasing other jobs that I believed would finally make me feel better.

Sound familiar?  The truth is that it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Or maybe you thought that finally getting married and having kids would be the thing that would make you happy.  Then reality sinks in and there’s a mortgage, college savings, and trying to balance a career with a family.

The good news though is that we don’t need people, places, and things to be a certain way for us to feel better because we have the power to feel better whenever we want.  And more importantly, without anything or anyone else changing.

How is that possible?  Because happiness, or any better feeling, isn’t out there somewhere, waiting for us to find it. 

The truth is that our feelings are only ever created by our brains with our thoughts.  In other words, our thoughts cause our feelings, not circumstances.

For example, the reason we feel stressed during tax season has nothing to do with the fact that it’s tax season.  It has everything to do with what our brain thinks about the fact that it’s tax season.

The issue is that most of the time we’re not being intentional or in charge of the thoughts we’re thinking.  In fact, our lower, primitive brain is in charge 80 – 90% of the time without us realizing it.

Thankfully though, learning how to easily manage our brains allows us to feel better, if we want to. 

In other words, the feeling of happiness isn’t created by something we can acquire or if a situation is what we want. It’s about shifting our focus from external circumstances to internal thoughts and beliefs. 

And trust me, once you make that shift, everything changes for the better.

Understanding the Relationship Between Thoughts and Emotions

I’ve discussed how our brains work on this podcast and in my book “The Smarter Accountant,” but the most important thing that you need to know is that there are circumstances in our lives and then there are the sentences in our brains about those circumstances.

Those sentences are what give circumstances their meaning.  For example, a new car is just a neutral circumstance, but it’s our thoughts about that circumstance like, “I’m so lucky to have this new car” that gives that car any meaning.

But here’s where it gets interesting – again, each thought we have creates a feeling.  The truth is that it’s not the car that might make us feel excited; it’s the thought, “I’m so lucky to have this new car” that makes us feel excited.

To help you understand the relationship between thoughts and emotions, imagine the same new car, but your thought is, “I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to afford it.”  

How is that sentence in your brain going to make you feel?  You’d probably feel worried.

Think about it – the same car with different sentences in your brain about that car, leads to completely different emotions.  The truth is that our thoughts have way more power than we give them credit for. 

But what about those times when life throws us a curveball, like the loss of a loved one? It’s easy to think that grief is something that happens to us, something beyond our control. 

But here’s the truth: even in the face of tragedy, our thoughts still play a crucial role in shaping our emotions.

Think about it like this – two people can experience the same loss, but their reactions can be worlds apart. Why? Because it’s not the event itself that determines our emotional response; it’s how our brains interpret and perceive that event.

One person could think, “This shouldn’t have happened” and feel angry and another person could think, “I’m so grateful to have had this person in my life” and feel gratitude.  Same loss, two different emotions based on different thoughts about the loss.

So the next time you find yourself feeling an unwanted emotion, take a step back and ask yourself: what am I thinking right now? You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can shift your mood simply by changing your thoughts. 

Because at the end of the day, our emotions are nothing more than the product of our thoughts. And once you grasp that concept, there’s no limit to the happiness you can create.

Practicing Emotional Mastery

So, I’ve talked about the importance of understanding how our thoughts create our emotions, but now it’s time to put that knowledge into action. I’m going to share some practical exercises and strategies that you can start using right away when you just want to feel better.

Thought-Shifting Techniques – this exercise is all about catching yourself in those moments when your mind starts to spiral into negativity and consciously redirecting your brain towards more helpful thoughts.  

One simple technique is called “reframing.” When you catch yourself dwelling on a negative thought, try to reframe it in a more positive light. 

For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I’ll never be able to do this,” try reframing it as, “This is challenging, but I’m capable of finding a solution.” It takes practice, but over time, you’ll become more adept at catching those negative thoughts and flipping them.

Celebrating Accomplishments – it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, especially as accountants, and forget to acknowledge our wins, big and small. But taking the time to celebrate our accomplishments is an important part of practicing emotional mastery.

For this exercise, make it a habit to regularly reflect on your successes, no matter how minor they may seem. Maybe you finally finished that book you’ve been meaning to read, or you managed to stick to your budget for a whole month – whatever it is, take a moment to pat yourself on the back and acknowledge your achievement. 

Not only does this boost your confidence, but it also helps to reinforce positive behavior and motivation.

Embracing Excitement for the Future – looking ahead with anticipation and excitement can be a powerful tool for feeling better whenever you need to. For this exercise, set some goals for yourself – they don’t have to be big, just something to strive towards. 

Maybe it’s learning a new skill, traveling to a new destination, or even just spending more quality time with loved ones. Visualize yourself achieving those goals and allow yourself to feel excited about the possibilities. This sense of anticipation can help to keep you motivated and focused on the path ahead.

Mindful Awareness – the last exercise involves developing a sense of mindful awareness – being present in the moment and fully engaged with your thoughts and feelings. Practice mindfulness by checking in with yourself as often as possible.

For example, during more stressful times of the year, I check in with myself every 30 minutes by asking myself, “How are you feeling?”  This practice helps me to quickly catch myself feeling an unwanted or unhelpful emotion.

The key is that the quicker I catch it, the easier it is to do something about it before I fall down the well of negative emotions.  Instead of having a bad day or a bad week, the most I’ll have is a bad half an hour because I’m checking in with myself every 30 minutes.

Whichever exercise you decide to use, remember, emotional well-being is not something that just happens to us – it’s something we actively create through intentional thought management and self-awareness. By practicing these simple exercises and strategies, you can start to take control of your emotional state and create a more positive and fulfilling life for yourself. 

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Feeling Better Whenever You Want

If it sounds easier said than done, let me share how one of my coaching clients was able to implement what I’ve shared.

She was a Senior Tax Manager in a mid-sized firm.  She prided herself on her attention to detail and her ability to meet tight deadlines. 

The problem was that, despite her professional success, she often found herself overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. The constant pressure to perform at work mixed with her personal responsibilities, left her feeling exhausted and depleted. 

No matter how hard she tried to stay on top of her workload, it seemed like there was always more to be done.  She found herself snapping at her coworkers and loved ones, unable to shake the constant feeling of tension that seemed to follow her everywhere. 

She tried to cope by working longer hours and pushing herself harder, but it only seemed to make things worse. She felt like she was trapped in a never-ending cycle of stress and negativity, with no way out.

She started working with me because, like many accountants, she was tired of feeling so stressed and overwhelmed.  She started by paying attention to when she actually felt stressed and overwhelmed and what she was thinking that was causing her to feel that way.

As she became more aware of her thoughts and feelings, she learned that she had the power to choose how she felt, no matter what was going on around her. Instead of allowing herself to be overwhelmed by stress, she learned to choose how she wanted to feel each day and the thoughts that would help her create the wanted feelings.

In just a few weeks, she realized she was feeling better at work and at home; better than she had felt in a long time.  She even decided to apply what she learned to tax season, and she was amazed at how much better she felt and how much more productive and efficient she was.

Her husband even mentioned that he noticed the change in her.  Today, she’s an example to others in her firm of what’s possible when you master your emotions.

Just know that you are allowed to experience any emotion, but if your current emotion is unhelpful or unuseful, you always have the power to feel better, no matter what the situation is.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Remember, you have the power to feel better whenever you want by managing your thoughts. The truth is that happiness and other positive emotions are not dependent on external circumstances but are created from within. 

Ask yourself, “What thoughts can I choose to focus on right now to feel better and improve my emotional well-being?”

By challenging external perceptions of happiness, understanding the relationship between thoughts and emotions, and practicing emotional mastery through thought-shifting, celebrating accomplishments, embracing excitement for the future, and mindful awareness, you can take control of your emotional state. 

You don’t have to wait for things to change around you; you can start feeling better now. Trust in your ability to create the emotional well-being you desire and enjoy a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed when you just want to feel better.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

As I share all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

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

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

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

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

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

Before I get started let me just mention to make sure you listen until the end because I have started sharing some key takeaways for each episode and some action steps you can take.  As I’ve created with the one-of-a-kind Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide, I want to help you apply what you’re learning in each of these episodes.

Today is all about helping you to have an easier accounting career.  As I say all the time, you worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier for you to be one.

For a second, think about everything that went into you becoming an accountant – all the education, the training, and the hard work.  Now think about this – did you ever think being an accountant was going to be as challenging as it is?

I’ll be the first to admit that I had come to a point in my career a number of years ago when I thought to myself, “Are you sure you want to be doing this for the long-term?”  Just like many of you, I was getting burned out by a lot of the aspects of being an accountant and I was at a crossroads.

Do I try to figure out something else to do with my career or do I try to figure out how to have an easier accounting career?  Thankfully, I’m pretty stubborn and don’t like to give up easily, so I decided to focus on how to have an easier accounting career instead of giving up what I had worked so hard for.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve never felt better about my career and the steps I’ve taken to make it much more sustainable.  That’s also the reason why I wrote my book, “The Smarter Accountant,” because I wanted to teach accountants what I had learned that has made it possible for me to have an easier accounting career and a happier life.

What I’ve noticed over the years and with coaching many accountants is that there are 5 mistakes most accountants make that are creating a lot of the issues they’re having with their accounting careers.  These 5 mistakes are incredibly common which can make it challenging to realize that they’re actually mistakes.

Think about it – if you’re surrounded by other accountants making the same mistakes, then you probably think it’s pretty normal.  Plus, you probably don’t even see what you’re doing as a mistake by virtue of the fact that if everyone else is dealing with the same issues as you, then it must not be fixable.

I’m here to tell you that having an easier accounting career is simpler than you might think, especially when you deal with the 5 mistakes I’m going to share with you now.

Mistake #1: Assuming that Stress and Overwhelm are Par for the Course

Let’s be honest, in the world of accounting, it’s far too easy to fall into the trap of thinking stress and overwhelm are just part of the job description. After all, when we’re surrounded by other accountants who are equally stressed and overwhelmed, it’s easy to think it’s just how things are. 

But have you stopped to consider what this assumption is costing you? Take a moment to see if any of these statements hit close to home:

• “The pressure to meet deadlines is overwhelming, and I worry that one mistake could have serious consequences.”
• “I used to love my job, but now it feels like a never-ending cycle of stress and anxiety.”
• “I find it difficult to focus and concentrate, which makes simple tasks take much longer than they should.”
• “I’m struggling to balance work and personal life, and it’s taking a toll on my relationships and my health.”

As I often remind my coaching clients, trying to tackle accounting work when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed is like attempting to drive a car with the parking brake on while trying to drive 100 mph—it doesn’t work.

Instead of accepting stress and overwhelm as just part of the job description, it’s important to recognize the significant impact these feelings have on your ability to have an easier and more sustainable career in accounting by considering the following:

• How frequently do you find yourself overwhelmed?
• Do you carry those feelings home with you?
• How does stress affect your performance and productivity?
• Do you notice yourself procrastinating more when stressed?
• How do you feel at the end of each workday or week?
• Are stress and overwhelm pushing you closer to burnout?

It’s time to start paying attention to how stress and overwhelm are affecting your work and personal life. Remember, assuming they’re just part of the job makes it harder for you to take action to address them.

You also need to address the high costs of stress and overwhelm.  Since we’re accountants and we love numbers, let’s talk numbers for a moment. 

Research shows that stress and overwhelm can lead to a significant decrease in productivity, with stressed individuals being up to 50% less efficient at work. Also, chronic stress has been linked to a higher risk of developing health issues such as heart disease, obesity, and depression.

In my book, “The Smarter Accountant,” I shared the story of Jim, a CPA and partner in a firm who had a wife and 5 young children.  One day Jim died of a heart attack in front of his family, due to chronic stress at the age of 38.

The reason this story is personal to me is because he was my husband’s father.  I am married to the 8 year old boy whose mother was widowed with 5 young children.  This is why I’m so passionate about helping accountants have easier careers.

The truth is that the toll of stress and overwhelm can’t be underestimated. 

The bottom line is that stress and overwhelm don’t need to be the norm in your accounting career. Recognizing this and taking steps to manage them effectively can lead to a happier, more productive, and sustainable career.

Mistake #2: Working Off A To-Do List and Not Having Effective Time Management 

Here’s what I know for sure – effective time management for accountants is a critical skill that, in my experience, is not taught correctly.  We’re typically given work to do, possibly a budgeted amount of time to do it in, but not taught how to actually manage our time.

That’s why it’s easy to fall into the trap of relying solely on a never-ending to-do list to manage our workload. With countless tasks and deadlines looming, it might seem like the most practical solution. 

But have you ever stopped to consider what this mistake is truly costing you? Take a moment to see if any of these statements resonate with you:

• “I’m constantly busy but my to-do list never seems to get shorter.”
• “No matter how hard I work, I always seem to be behind schedule and playing catch-up.”
• “Working longer hours than I want has become normal as I try to keep up with my workload.”
• “I never seem to have enough time.”

It’s also important to understand that to-do lists are incredibly overwhelming to your brain.  And do you know what doesn’t help you manage your time effectively?  An overwhelmed brain!

If you’re not sure how this issue is affecting you, consider the following:

• How frequently do you feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of your workload?
• Do you feel organized and focused throughout the day?
• Are you able to maintain a healthy work-life balance with your demanding schedule?
• Do you often find yourself sacrificing personal time to meet work deadlines?
• Do you know how to effectively calendar your time so that you guarantee you follow through?

The truth is that relying on a to-do list without effective time management strategies can make it much harder to have an easier accounting career.  

It’s also important to know that research shows that one of the biggest issues with having enough time is poor time management.  In fact, it’s shown that not having effective time management costs you up to 40% of your time spent on unproductive things.  That’s a lot of wasted time.

Research has also shown that ineffective time management is one of the contributing factors in stress and burnout. As we struggle to keep pace with our workload and meet deadlines, our physical and mental well-being suffer as well as our job satisfaction.

The bottom line is that relying solely on a to-do list without learning effective time management strategies leads to ineffective time management.  Recognizing this mistake can help you take steps towards an easier accounting career.

Mistake # 3: Prioritizing The Wrong Things

As accountants, we often have a lot to get done, and not enough time to get it done.  That’s where prioritizing is indispensable. 

The problem is that we find ourselves focusing on the wrong things, or have no idea what to do next to get our work done efficiently.

See if you relate to any of these:

• Getting caught up in minor tasks or distracted by email while important projects remain untouched.
• Constantly reacting to urgent but ultimately unimportant things instead of focusing on high-impact tasks.
• Juggling multiple tasks without considering a clear plan of action.

The reason you’ll want to avoid this mistake is that prioritizing the wrong things can lead to wasted time, missed deadlines, and increased stress.

If you’re not sure if issues with prioritizing is affecting you, consider the following:

• Are you spending time on tasks that truly matter, or are you getting bogged down in minutiae?
• Do you have a clear understanding of your goals and priorities, both short-term and long-term?
• Are you able to distinguish between tasks that are high versus low impact?
• Do you struggle to say “no”?
• Do you regularly reassess your priorities to ensure you’re focusing on what matters most?

The truth is that prioritizing the wrong things not only affects your productivity and efficiency but also prevents you from getting more done in less time.  When you consistently prioritize low-impact tasks over high-impact ones, you waste valuable time.

In my experience, one of the biggest culprits of wasted time is not being able to handle interruptions effectively.  By pulling our focus and attention away from the task at hand, we’re giving in to interruptions and prioritizing the wrong things, causing even more wasted time.

In fact, a study by the University of California, Irvine found that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to regain focus after being interrupted.

The truth is, we all have a limited amount of time in a day, and if we’re not careful about how we prioritize our tasks, we risk wasting valuable time.

The bottom line is that prioritizing the wrong things isn’t just about being busy; it’s about being effective. By learning how to prioritize effectively, you can make the most of your time, achieve your goals, and thrive in your accounting career.

Mistake #4: Ignoring a Lack of Confidence or Imposter Syndrome

As accountants, even though we’re smart people doing smart things, we are often surrounded by other smart people, which can sometimes lead to feelings of self-doubt or imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome, the belief that we’ll be exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of our competence, is more common than you may have realized for accountants.

The problem is that many of us ignore these feelings, hoping they will go away on their own, or worse, we try to push through them without addressing the root cause.

If you’re not sure if you have a problem with self-doubt or imposter syndrome, see if you can relate to any of these:

• You feel like you don’t belong or that you’re not good enough, despite evidence of your qualifications and experience.
• You downplay your achievements or attribute your success to luck or external factors.
• You’re constantly seeking validation or approval from others to affirm your worth.
• You avoid opportunities for growth or advancement because you fear failure or rejection.
• You compare yourself to others and often feel inadequate.

The reason why you’ll want to avoid this mistake is because ignoring a lack of confidence or imposter syndrome can have serious consequences for your career and well-being. 

If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a lack of confidence or imposter syndrome, consider this:

• Do you often doubt your abilities or feel like a fraud, even when others praise your work?
• Are you hesitant to speak up or share your ideas in meetings because you fear being judged or criticized?
• Do you find yourself avoiding new challenges or opportunities for fear of failure or rejection?
• Do you struggle to accept compliments or acknowledge your achievements?
• Have you ever turned down a promotion or leadership role because you didn’t feel qualified or deserving?

The truth is that ignoring a lack of confidence or imposter syndrome not only holds you back professionally but also takes a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. 

Research shows that imposter syndrome can also lead to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout, as you constantly strive to prove yourself and fear being exposed as a fraud. This not only affects your mental and emotional well-being but also impacts your performance and productivity in the long run.

The bottom line is that although issues with self-confidence are normal, the good news is that you don’t have to let these feelings hold you back. By acknowledging and addressing them, you can take control of your confidence and have an easier accounting career.

Mistake #5: Not Setting and Sticking to Boundaries

As accountants, we often find ourselves juggling many responsibilities and deadlines, making it important to establish clear boundaries to protect our time and well-being. However, many of us struggle with setting and sticking to boundaries, often leading to burnout and resentment.

The problem is that without boundaries, we risk overextending ourselves, sacrificing our personal time, and ultimately, affecting our health and happiness.

To determine whether you’re making this mistake or not, see if you can relate to any of these:

• Feeling overwhelmed by the constant demands of your job and struggling to find time for yourself or your loved ones.
• Saying “yes” to every request or project, even when it means sacrificing your own needs or priorities.
• Feeling guilty or anxious when you try to set boundaries or say “no” to others.
• Ignoring warning signs of burnout, such as exhaustion, irritability, or physical symptoms, because you feel obligated to keep working.
• Allowing work to “bleed into” your personal time, whether it’s answering emails after hours or working on weekends.

The reason why you’ll want to avoid this mistake is because neglecting to set and stick to boundaries can have serious consequences for your well-being and effectiveness as an accountant. In fact, research shows that individuals who set and enforce boundaries at work experience greater job satisfaction, lower levels of stress, and higher overall well-being.

To see how this issue might be affecting you, consider this:

• Are you constantly feeling overwhelmed or stressed by the demands of your job?
• Do you struggle to find time for self-care, relaxation, or hobbies outside of work?
• Are you able to prioritize your own needs and well-being, even when it means saying “no” to others?
• Do you have clear boundaries around your working hours, personal time, and availability to clients or colleagues?
• Have you ever felt resentful or burned out because you didn’t enforce your boundaries?

The truth is that by establishing clear boundaries and sticking to them consistently, you can protect your time, energy, and mental health, ultimately leading to an easier and more fulfilling career.

In my experience, one of the biggest costs of neglecting to set and stick to boundaries is burnout. When you constantly say “yes” to every request or project, without considering your own limits or needs, you risk depleting your energy.

Research shows that burnout can lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and even physical and mental health issues, such as chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. This not only affects your performance as an accountant but also your overall well-being and quality of life.

The bottom line is that although it’s not always easy to set and stick to boundaries, the good news is that you have the power to change this pattern. By prioritizing your own needs, setting clear boundaries, and communicating them effectively with others, you can create a healthier and more sustainable approach to work and life.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Avoiding The 5 Mistakes

Now let me share some examples of how avoiding these 5 mistakes can make a huge difference in your accounting career.

By far, the biggest change that has made it possible for me to have an easier accounting career is dealing with the mistake of assuming that stress and overwhelm were par for the course in being an accountant and learning the secret behind eliminating stress and overwhelm.  

Once I learned that stress and overwhelm are feelings that are only ever caused by our thoughts, not by the amount of work we have, the time of year, or any other factor we typically blame, I have been able to have stress-free tax seasons.  Yes, you heard me correctly – stress-free tax seasons!  

The best part is that I now get more done in less time because stress and overwhelm were making me much less productive and efficient.

For the second mistake – working off a to-do list and not having effective time management – I have coached and taught many accountants how to effectively manage their time.  It’s one of my favorite topics to teach because no one is teaching accountants the most effective way to manage their time.

By addressing this mistake, clients have been amazed at how much more work they get done in less time and how much time they’re able to get back.  They now have time for the things and the people they love.

For the third mistake – prioritizing the wrong things – I have a mini-training in The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program that teaches how to effectively prioritize.  Again, this is a topic that no one teaches us properly because no one is blending brain science and accounting the way I do.

The truth is that your brain is wired to believe that everything is urgent.  That’s why this mistake is so easy to make.

Once clients have gotten a better understanding of how to effectively prioritize, they’re amazed at how much easier it is to do what they do.

For the fourth mistake – ignoring a lack of confidence or imposter syndrome – this is one of the most requested topics that I work on with my coaching clients.  They’re often embarrassed to admit that they struggle with self-confidence, but once they do, they’re amazed at how much better they feel about themselves.

It’s so fun to see clients go after and achieve goals that they never thought possible, all because they were willing to stop making the mistake of ignoring a lack of confidence or the fact that they were struggling with imposter syndrome.

And for the fifth and final mistake – not setting and sticking to boundaries – this has also had a huge impact for myself and my coaching clients.  Being able to learn how to effectively set and stick to boundaries has made it possible for us to have the balance that most accountants are looking for.

We’re able to say “no” without feeling guilty and have designed accounting careers that are sustainable in the long run.

What I most want you to know from this episode is that even if you’re making any of these 5 mistakes, you’re not alone.  There are many, many accountants who are making the same mistakes.

But thankfully, you can have an easier accounting career once you address them.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Remember, the path to an easier accounting career starts with recognizing and addressing common mistakes. 

Ask yourself, “”Which of the five common mistakes do I most often make, and what specific steps can I take to avoid it and make my accounting career easier?”

Avoid assuming that stress and overwhelm are just part of the job—manage them actively. 

Don’t rely solely on a to-do list; master effective time management. Prioritize what truly matters, rather than getting bogged down by minor tasks. 

Confront any lack of confidence or imposter syndrome instead of ignoring it. Lastly, set and stick to boundaries to protect your time and well-being. 

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a more balanced, productive, and fulfilling accounting career.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed the 5 mistakes to avoid if you want an easier accounting career.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

If you are making any of these mistakes or 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 share some of the quick tips that will make it easier for you to get a jump start on addressing these mistakes.

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

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

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

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

Before I get started let me just mention to make sure you listen until the end because I have started sharing some key takeaways for each episode and some action steps you can take.  As I’ve created with the one-of-a-kind Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide, I want to help you apply what you’re learning in each of these episodes.

If you haven’t downloaded The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide yet, you can go to https://thesmarteraccountant.com/podcast-guide/  

So today, I want to dive into a topic that many of my coaching clients have been struggling with lately: owning their financial value and worth. Whether they’re employees, managers, or firm owners, they all seem to wrestle with this.

The thing is, they’re pros at valuing assets and businesses for their clients, but when it comes to valuing their own skills and contributions, things get a bit fuzzy. So, let me ask you: How do you see your financial value? 

Do you ever doubt if you truly deserve the recognition and compensation you’re seeking? Do you find it tough to ask for a raise or increase your client fees?

As financial professionals, we’re crucial in shaping the financial health of individuals and businesses. But here’s the issue – even though we’re valuable to others, many of us struggle to recognize our own financial value. 

The truth is, it’s not just about our credentials or where we work; it’s about how our brains interpret these factors.

In other words, while our accountant brains are great at finances, they’re not so great at valuing ourselves. And this matters because not acknowledging our worth can hold us back and slow our career growth. 

So today, I want to explore how to understand your true worth, how your brain sees it, and how to own your financial value and worth.

The Brain’s Influence on Financial Value

As accountants, we’re all smart, but just like everyone else, we’re affected by what society thinks about money and how it values us. The thing is, what we learn about work and money when we’re young affects how we see our own financial worth later on in life. 

For example, if you grew up in a family or a culture that says you should be humble, it might be hard for you to recognize your successes and see how much your work is worth.  If you were raised by a blue-collar family, you might struggle with making more money than other people in your family.  

You might even downplay your worth in order to be accepted by others or not feel greedy.  It’s important to understand that your brain has a tribe mentality which means it will do anything to be accepted by the tribe, even if that means not making more money.

It’s also important to realize that your own experiences growing up have a big impact on how you think about money. If you didn’t have much money when you were young, or if you saw people being really careful with money, it could make you feel like there’s not enough to go around, and affect how you see your own value.

On the flip side, a positive financial upbringing may create a sense of confidence in owning your worth.  Either way, reflecting on your early experiences can provide valuable insights into your current financial self-valuation.

It’s also important to point out that imposter syndrome is incredibly common for accountants and will affect whether we own our financial value and worth.  Because we’re surrounded day in and day out with other smart people, this can often cause our brain’s to compare and despair.

Imposter syndrome happens when your brain offers you thoughts that doubt your achievements, making you feel like you don’t deserve your success. I coach many accountants on the topic of imposter syndrome, and if it’s not addressed, it can get in the way of believing that your financial expertise is more valuable than you might believe.

Overcoming impostor syndrome involves recognizing and challenging these self-doubts and actively acknowledging accomplishments.

When working with coaching clients on this issue I’ve had them put on the top of a piece of paper “Why my clients/employer are lucky to have me” and list all the reasons why.  I’m telling you, they are amazed at how much they’re able to come up with, or others are, when they ask them for their opinions.  

Another issue to be aware of is the brain’s natural tendency to compare you to others.  Your brain believes it’s keeping you safe by doing this but it can become a significant roadblock in recognizing your financial value. 

In the competitive world of accounting, where benchmarks and industry standards are all around us, constant comparisons can lead to feelings of inadequacy. For example, one of my coaching clients would get discouraged every time he saw someone’s accomplishments on Linkedin.

Thankfully, we worked together to deal with the comparison bias in his accountant brain and shift his focus inward.  He was able to see others accomplishments as examples of what’s possible for him, appreciate his own progress, and set goals that we worked toward him achieving.

The last issue when it comes to our brain’s influence on our financial value and worth is the fear of failure.  It’s important to understand that a fear of failure is a cognitive bias that can impact how we perceive our financial value. 

The thing is, we’re taught to be scared of mistakes or things going wrong, which stops us from trying things that could help us make more money. To get past this fear, we need to see mistakes as chances to learn, take some smart risks, and know that setbacks are just part of getting better at what we do.

In other words, by acknowledging that occasional missteps are part of the journey, we can create a healthier mindset toward risk and reward.

Hopefully, you can now see why knowing how your accountant brain works and the biases it has is really important for realizing your financial value. When you understand your accountant brain better, you’ll feel more in control and confident in your accounting job and how much you’re worth professionally.

The Consequences of Undervaluing Yourself Financially

The issue with undervaluing yourself financially is that it can have profound implications on your career and business. For example, if you consistently undervalue your skills and expertise, you’re more likely to accept lower compensation or lower rates than industry standards. 

Over time, this undervaluation not only affects personal income but may also limit access to higher-profile projects and job opportunities. Employers and clients often associate value with the price paid for services, and consistently positioning yourself below market value may inadvertently communicate a lack of confidence in your abilities.

The truth is that not owning your financial value and worth is seen as a sign of weakness.  Clients and employers may be less likely to trust someone who does not assert their worth.

Whether you realize it or not, undervaluing yourself financially also takes a toll on your emotional well-being. Constantly underpricing your skills can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and frustration. 

The emotional stress that comes from undervaluation can show up in various forms, such as burnout, anxiety, or a general sense of unfulfillment. This, in turn, may impact your overall job satisfaction and affect your ability to perform at your best.

In the context of professional growth, consistently positioning yourself below your true worth may result in missed opportunities for promotions, leadership roles, or specialized training. The hard truth is that employers may be less inclined to invest in the advancement of someone who doesn’t fully recognize and advocate for their own value.

Additionally, when it comes to negotiations, a lack of self-valuation can lead to agreeing to less than you deserve.  Whether discussing salary increases, client fees, or contract terms, a failure to assert your worth may result in settling for less than what you genuinely deserve. 

This, in turn, reinforces a cycle of undervaluation and can have long-term financial implications.

Here’s the thing – understanding the far-reaching consequences of undervaluing yourself is the first step toward breaking free from this cycle. Once you see how it affects your job chances, how you feel, and how well you negotiate, you can take proactive steps to own how valuable you truly are.

Strategies for Owning Your Financial Value

The first step in owning your financial value involves identifying and challenging limiting beliefs that may have been with you for a while.  For example, if you were taught that discussing money is taboo or that you shouldn’t brag about your accomplishments, you’re going to need to reframe these beliefs.

You need to get clear about your current beliefs about money and value so that you can create a more empowered mindset. By recognizing and challenging any limiting beliefs, you can begin to own your financial value.

For example, one of my clients was taught that talking about money is impolite and bragging about achievements is wrong so she avoided discussing her salary and downplayed her successes. Once we worked together she started openly discussing her compensation and proudly sharing her achievements, feeling more confident in owning her financial value.

The second strategy is practicing gratitude by shifting your focus from your perceived shortcomings to your accomplishments. Take time to reflect on milestones, successful projects, or even personal financial goals achieved. 

As accountants, we often dismiss the things we’re good at because we’re surrounded by other people who are also good at what they do.  But by acknowledging and expressing gratitude for your accomplishments, you reinforce your sense of worth and competence, no matter what anyone else has done or is doing.

For example, one of my clients was an experienced financial analyst who struggled with owning her financial value and worth. Instead of getting fixated on challenges during a tough quarter, we worked on practicing gratitude for all the cost-saving measures she had already implemented.

This shift in mindset not only improved her confidence but also strengthened her sense of worth, creating a healthier connection with her achievements.  She had been so used to moving on to the next project, that she wasn’t taking time to appreciate everything she had done for the current project.

The third strategy for owning your financial value is to set clear and attainable financial goals. Whether it’s a short-term goal like securing a particular client or long-term goals like retiring at a specific age with a specific amount in retirement, having a roadmap provides direction. 

For example, one of my clients was an ambitious accountant but wasn’t taking proactive steps to achieve his financial goal of retiring early. Once we worked together on his lack of self-confidence, he set short-term goals like securing a high-profile client and long-term goals such as building a substantial retirement fund. 

By having a clear roadmap, he began charging much more for his services. Not only did his clientele improve, but so did his ability to achieve his retirement goals.  

The fourth strategy is to consider mentorship or coaching.  The truth is that you are not meant to have an accounting career alone and getting help is not a sign of weakness. 

The thing is that engaging with a mentor or seeking guidance from a professional coach like me provides valuable insights into specific barriers holding you back and what to do about them.

For example, one of my clients was a partner in a small firm and told me he wished he had come to me sooner because he had been struggling with raising his prices.  He admitted that he had some people-pleasing tendencies that were getting in the way of him building his business to the level he wanted.

Once we worked together, he was able to own his financial value and worth, increase his prices, let go of clients who pushed back, and make room for many more clients wanting his valuable expertise.  He made more money the following year than he had his entire time in business.

If you have been struggling to ask for more compensation in your job, raise your prices in your firm, or achieve your financial goals, just know that there are so many ways you can overcome any hurdles.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Overcoming Brain-Related Challenges

As I’ve shared before in other episodes, this podcast is the place where brain science meets accounting.  In order to deal with issues involving your financial value and worth, you have to get clear on your brain’s role and how to overcome these brain-related challenges.

Let me share how various clients have handled each brain-related challenge in order to improve professionally and personally.

The first challenge is insecurity.  One of my clients had several years of experience in public accounting but was struggling with persistent feelings of insecurity about her financial value even though she consistently delivered high-quality work.

She struggled to speak up in meetings or reviews, often not giving herself credit for what she did well. This made her less confident and stopped her from moving up in her career.

She realized she had a lot of limiting beliefs around money that were holding her back.

But after becoming a Smarter Accountant, she learned to see how valuable she really was. She started talking about what she’d achieved proudly and thinking more positively about herself. 

She began joining in more in meetings, showing off her financial skills without holding back. Feeling more sure of herself, she not only got a raise she deserved but also took on bigger jobs.

Another client was really struggling with feeling like a fraud. Even though he did great work for his clients and got good feedback, he thought it was all just luck.

This made it hard for him to show how good he was to new clients and made him often doubt himself. He wanted to grow his small business, but feeling like a fraud always got in the way.

After becoming a Smarter Accountant, he started to see how much he’d actually achieved. He learned to see that feeling like a fraud didn’t make sense.

So, he started to think more about what he’d done well and how lucky clients would be to work with him. Because of this change in thinking, he was able to get more clients than ever before and was able to charge more.

Now, when a potential client pushes back on his fees, he stands strong and explains how and why they would be lucky to be working with him.

Hopefully these clients can be examples of what’s possible when you learn how to manage your brain.  Whether you’re dealing with insecurity, stress, limiting beliefs, fear of rejection, lack of motivation, or imposter syndrome, owning your financial value and worth is so much easier when you learn how to get your brain onboard. 

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Bottom line: your financial value and worth are not just about your credentials or your job title—it’s about how you perceive and assert your own value. By understanding your brain’s influence, challenging limiting beliefs, and setting clear goals, you can confidently own your financial worth. 

This week, ask yourself, “What specific accomplishments and skills can I highlight to confidently communicate my financial value and worth?”

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Seek mentorship, practice gratitude, and embrace your achievements. Trust in your skills and contributions, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve. 

You are more valuable than you’re probably giving yourself credit for.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed how to own your financial value and worth.  Just know this – if you struggle in this area, you are definitely not alone.

Just because you’re smart doesn’t mean your brain offers you supportive thoughts.  In fact, most of the time, it’s doing the opposite.  

That’s why you need to learn a simple way to manage your brain so that you can quickly own your financial worth and value.  They say time is money, but if your brain is not on board, you’re leaving a lot of money on the table.  

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

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

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

Also, I would appreciate it if you could get the word out to other accountants about this podcast.  And don’t forget about The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide.  It will help you apply what you learned from the previous episodes.

Also, please keep sending positive thoughts my way as I recover from my surgery and find out what my next steps are.  I believe it takes a village to support someone in healing and I’m honored to have you as part of my village.

And as I end each week, the truth is that you’re already smart, but this podcast will show you how to be smarter.