Category: Podcast

Before I get started I wanted to remind you that The Smarter Accountant CPE Course “Everything You Need To Know About Procrastination” is on Wednesday, May 21st at 4 pm EST.  You can sign up at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/cpe/.  You’ll not only get CPE credit but I will also be sending the replay and a workbook so that you can apply what you learned.

If you don’t know this about me, one of my favorite topics to discuss is time management.  As accountants, we’re taught a lot of things and have a lot of knowledge, but ironically, effective time management is not one of them. 

The thing is, there’s a lot of advice out there about how to get more done, but a lot of it isn’t from an accountant who’s been in the trenches, it’s not helpful, and it might actually be holding you back. What if the things you’ve been told about managing your time aren’t even true?

Think about it: how often do you push yourself to work harder or longer, only to feel more drained and less productive? Or maybe you’ve followed all the so-called “rules” but still feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water.

The problem isn’t you—it’s the lies we’ve been told about how time management should work. And these lies can make life even harder for us with deadlines, demanding clients, and long to-do lists.

So today, I want to explore some of the biggest myths about time management that could be holding you back. By the end of this, you might just see time—and yourself—a little differently.

Lie #1 – Waking up an hour earlier is the answer to having a more balanced day

This advice is everywhere—“Wake up earlier, and you’ll get more done!” It sounds simple, right? But what if the problem isn’t about when you wake up, but how you’re using the time you already have?

The truth is, waking up earlier doesn’t magically make you more productive. Productivity is about how well you manage your energy and focus throughout the day, not how early your alarm goes off. If you’re running on fumes, waking up earlier just gives you more tired hours to struggle through.

Honestly, I am an early riser, but that doesn’t guarantee I’ll have a more balanced, productive day.  What makes it possible for me to be so productive is effectively planning my time, no matter what time I wake up.

Since this is the podcast that blends brain science and accounting, here’s where the brain science comes in: your brain needs enough sleep to function at its best. When you cut your sleep short, even by an hour, it has an impact on your ability to concentrate, make decisions, and manage your emotions. 

You might think staying up late or pushing through exhaustion helps you get more done—but the science says otherwise.  Research shows that lack of sleep makes it harder to focus, remember things, make decisions, and stay calm. Even if you’re putting in the hours, your brain just can’t keep up. It’s like trying to drive with the emergency brake on.

Instead of focusing on waking up earlier, think about how you can protect your energy and focus during the day. A balanced day isn’t about squeezing more hours in—it’s about making the hours you have count.

Lie #2 – If you work more hours, you’re more productive

It’s easy to think that working longer means getting more done. After all, more hours should equal more results, right? But here’s the catch—our brains don’t work that way.

The truth is, working more hours often leads to doing less of what actually matters. Overwork drains your energy, dulls your focus, and sets you up for burnout. You may feel busy, but busy isn’t the same as being productive.

Here’s why: your brain has a limited capacity to stay sharp and make good decisions. The prefrontal cortex—the Supervising Parent part of your brain responsible for focus and problem-solving—gets tired with prolonged use. When it’s tired, even simple tasks take longer, and mistakes become more common.

In fact, I worked less hours while I was recently going through chemo and I was more productive than I’ve ever been.  How is that possible?  Well research backs this up.

Between 2015 and 2019, Iceland ran a major experiment: they let thousands of workers shift from a 40-hour week to a 35 or 36-hour week, without reducing their pay.

You’d think less time at work would mean less productivity, right?  But that’s not what happened.

In fact, productivity stayed the same or even went up, and people were happier, healthier, and more focused. They had more energy, less stress, and a better work-life balance—which helped them actually do better work in less time.

For me, when I had limited time and energy, my brain focused on what really matters. I cut out the extra noise and got to the point faster.  That’s not laziness—it’s smart and efficient.

So, instead of clocking extra hours, consider how you can work smarter, not longer. True productivity is about making the most of your brain’s prime time, not about squeezing every last minute out of the day.

Lie #3 – If you stay later, you’re more dedicated

We’ve all seen it—the person who’s always the last to leave the office. It’s easy to assume they’re the most committed. But is staying late really a sign of dedication, or is it something else entirely?

The truth is, staying late often says more about poor time boundaries than true commitment. It can signal that you’re stretching yourself too thin or trying to meet impossible expectations. Being “always on” doesn’t make you a better accountant—it just makes you more exhausted.

Here’s what’s happening in your brain: the reward system confuses guilt with accomplishment. When you stay late, you might feel a temporary sense of relief, as if you’ve done something extra. But that feeling is misleading. Over time, it reinforces a cycle where overworking becomes the norm, and rest feels like failure.

This lie is something I dealt with early on in my career at Deloitte.  Thankfully, I found a way to show I was dedicated, working a reduced schedule and still leaving at 5:30 every work day.

The truth is, dedication isn’t about how late you stay—it’s about how effectively you use your time and energy during the day. Setting boundaries around your workday isn’t a lack of commitment; it’s a smart way to protect your focus, your health, and your long-term success.

Lie #4 – To-do lists are necessary to manage your time

I get that there’s something satisfying about writing a to-do list. It feels like you’re getting organized, like you’re taking control. But have you ever noticed how often your list just gets longer, or how some tasks linger for days (or weeks)?

The truth is, to-do lists alone won’t help you manage your time. Without prioritization and decision-making, they’re just wishful thinking on paper. They show you what needs to be done but not when or how to do it.

Here’s what’s happening in your brain: when you write a list, your brain gets a quick hit of relief—it feels like you’ve made progress. But when it comes time to execute, your brain can become overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Without a clear plan, your list can actually increase stress instead of reducing it.

I tell my time management coaching clients that to-do lists are not time management, they’re workflow management.  True time management is making effective decisions and planning.

The bottom line is that managing your time isn’t about checking off as many items as possible; it’s about focusing on what matters most. A to-do list can be a helpful tool, but only when paired with thoughtful decisions about priorities and action steps. Otherwise, it’s just another thing to manage.

Lie #5 – Setting time boundaries is not good business

It’s tempting to believe that always being available makes you a better professional. After all, saying “yes” to every client or colleague and staying flexible sounds like the recipe for success, right? But what if constantly being “on” is actually working against you?

The truth is, setting time boundaries isn’t just good business—it’s essential. Clear boundaries protect your focus and energy, allowing you to show up fully for your clients without running yourself into the ground. When you’re burned out, the quality of your work suffers, and so does your ability to serve.

Here’s the fascinating part: your brain is wired to feel discomfort when you say “no.” Social conditioning has taught us that agreeing to everything keeps the peace and earns approval. But in reality, saying “no” is critical for brain balance—it prevents overload and preserves the mental clarity you need to do your best work.

I have learned how to set and stick to effective time boundaries over the years and it has made a huge difference for me both professionally and personally.

The thing is, boundaries aren’t barriers; they’re bridges to better service and a sustainable career. When you set limits, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re ensuring that your clients and colleagues get the best version of you, every time.

Lie #6 – Procrastination means you’re lazy or unmotivated

When you procrastinate, it’s easy to label yourself as lazy. Maybe you’ve even told yourself you’re just not motivated enough to get things done. But what if procrastination isn’t about laziness at all?

The truth is, procrastination often comes from something deeper. Things like fear of failure, perfectionism, or even decision fatigue can all cause you to put things off. It’s not about not wanting to do the work—it’s about feeling stuck or overwhelmed by what the work represents.

Here’s what’s happening in your brain: the primitive Toddler brain, which processes fear, reacts to perceived threats. If a task feels too big, uncertain, or likely to fail, your brain sees it as a threat and steers you toward avoidance. To your brain, procrastination becomes a way to protect yourself from discomfort, even if it creates more stress in the long run.

Thankfully, once you understand the feelings that are driving you to procrastinate, you’ll see that procrastination is not your fault, but that it is much easier to overcome than you realize.

So, no, procrastination doesn’t make you lazy—it makes you human. Understanding why you’re avoiding something is the first step toward tackling it with more compassion and less judgment.

Lie #7 – Everything is equally important, so just start anywhere

When your to-do list feels overwhelming, it’s easy to think, “I’ll just start anywhere and work my way through it.” It feels like progress, but is it really?

The truth is, not all tasks have the same impact. Some move the needle significantly, while others barely make a dent. If you treat everything as equally important, you risk spending your time on low-impact work while the high-priority tasks sit untouched.

Here’s what’s happening in your brain: it’s wired to see everything as urgent. I’ve discussed this before, but it’s known as the Mere Urgency Effect, where tasks that feel immediate grab your attention—even if they don’t matter much in the grand scheme. It’s why answering an email can feel just as pressing as finishing a critical project.

This is why, as I mentioned before, to-do lists are so ineffective.  Your brain sees a list of things to do and thinks everything is equally urgent and important.

The key isn’t to just start anywhere but to focus on what matters most. When you learn how to prioritize high-impact tasks, you make real progress instead of just spinning your wheels.

Lie #8 – Time blocking only works for certain personality types

Time blocking gets a bad rap for being “too rigid” or only working for super-organized people. You might think, “That’s not my style,” and write it off completely. But what if time blocking is actually more flexible than you’ve been led to believe?

The truth is, time blocking is a tool that anyone can adapt to fit their needs. For accountants juggling deadlines and competing priorities, it can be a game-changer. It’s not about creating a rigid schedule—it’s about giving yourself structure so you can focus and stay on track.

Here’s how your brain comes into play: the brain thrives on structure because it reduces decision fatigue and helps you stay organized. However, it also resists systems that feel too restrictive, which is why overly detailed or unrealistic time blocks can feel stifling.

I have seen the incredible power of effective time blocking which is why I created a process called “Container Calendaring.”  It takes the basics of time blocking and makes it easier to guarantee that you actually follow through.

The bottom line is that time blocking isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s customizable. You can design it to work with your personality, workload, and preferences. When used smartly, it can give you the balance of structure and flexibility you need to get more done without feeling overwhelmed.

Lie # 9 – You need to respond to emails as soon as they come in

It’s easy to feel like every email needs your immediate attention. After all, isn’t being responsive just good business? But constantly checking and replying to emails might be doing more harm than good.

The truth is, responding to emails the moment they arrive derails your focus and interrupts the flow of deep, meaningful work. Every time you stop what you’re doing to check your inbox, you’re forcing your brain to switch gears, which wastes time and energy.

Here’s what’s happening in your brain: every time you check an email, you get a tiny dopamine hit—the same chemical that makes social media addictive. It feels rewarding in the moment, but it fragments your attention and makes it harder to concentrate on bigger tasks.

I’ve often joked that email is an accountant’s drug of choice, but there is brain science behind that.  Just try not checking email for a day or two and you’ll feel like an addict going through withdrawals.

So, instead of letting emails control your day, try creating dedicated times to check and respond. Your focus—and your productivity—will thank you.

Lie #10 – It’s faster and easier to just do it yourself

When you’re juggling a million tasks, it’s tempting to think, “I’ll just handle it myself—it’s quicker that way.” But is it really faster, or is it just a shortcut that’s holding you back?

The truth is, doing everything yourself might feel easier in the moment, but it costs you valuable time in the long run. Delegation isn’t just about offloading work; it’s an investment that frees you up to focus on higher-impact tasks that truly move the needle.

Here’s what’s happening in your brain: it craves short-term ease, so it naturally resists delegation. Training someone or trusting them with responsibility takes effort upfront, but it pays off over time by reducing your workload and increasing efficiency.

My time management coaching clients that have mastered delegation have said it has had the greatest impact on their career satisfaction and has reduced burnout significantly.  

The truth is, you don’t have to do it all to be successful. Letting go of the “faster and easier” myth allows you to grow, both in your career and your capacity to focus on what really matters.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Overcoming Time Management Lies

Now let me share a few stories about coaching clients that learned to overcome some of the time management lies.  

One client thought waking up earlier would be the answer to her packed schedule. Every morning, she set her alarm an hour earlier, convinced she’d get ahead, but by mid-afternoon, she was completely drained. She felt like something was wrong with her because she couldn’t keep her energy up.

After working on becoming a Smarter Accountant, she realized the real problem wasn’t her effort—it was her lack of rest. Once she started prioritizing sleep and planning her work around her natural energy peaks, everything changed. She got more done in less time and finally felt like herself again.

Another client believed working long hours was the only way to stay on top of everything. Staying late became part of his routine, almost like proof of his dedication. But the more hours he worked, the more drained he felt—and the mistakes started piling up.

After working together, he learned that setting boundaries wasn’t about doing less—it was about doing better. By focusing on his most important tasks during his peak energy times, he could leave the office earlier and still get everything done. He told me that his clients were happier, and so was he.

Another one of my clients relied on to-do lists every day, but no matter how much she crossed off, the list just kept growing. It felt like she was always behind, and by the end of the day, she was overwhelmed and guilty for not doing more.

The Smarter Accountant Coaching Program helped her see that it wasn’t about how many tasks she finished—it was about doing the right ones. She started using my time blocking process, Container Calendaring, to plan her high-priority work, and it made all the difference. Now, she finally feels like she’s in control of her time.

Another coaching client told me that he couldn’t resist his email inbox. Every time a new message came in, he stopped what he was doing to respond. He thought being available was just part of the job, but it left him feeling scattered and unproductive.

After learning how to set and stick to boundaries with his time, he set simple boundaries with specific times to check and respond to emails instead of reacting all day. It was tough at first, but he quickly noticed how much more he could accomplish when he wasn’t glued to his inbox. His focus improved, and so did his results.

The last client I want to share with you was convinced it was faster to do everything herself. Delegating felt like too much work—it was easier to just handle it all. But trying to juggle everything left her stressed and constantly behind.

After working together, she started to see delegation as a long-term solution, not just a quick fix. She invested time in training her team, and soon, she had more space to focus on the big picture. Not only did her workload lighten, but her team grew professionally with the added responsibility.

So, do any of these stories sound familiar? If they do, I want you to know that there’s hope, and there’s a way forward.  It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what works. 

Now I’m going to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway from this episode is that the lies you believe about time management aren’t just unhelpful—they’re holding you back. Start by choosing one lie you’ve been living by and ask yourself, ‘What would change if I stopped believing this?’.

This question helps you pause and reflect on whether your current approach to managing your time is really working for you or just adding stress. 

For example, do you believe that working longer hours means you’re more productive? Or that responding to every email immediately is good for your career? These beliefs often feel natural because they’ve been reinforced over time, but that doesn’t mean they’re helpful.

By identifying just one belief that might be holding you back, you can start to make changes that align better with how your brain works and what your goals actually are. It’s not about overhauling everything at once—it’s about taking that first step to question what’s not serving you.

Pulling Back The Curtain

Pulling back the curtain for a moment…

As I mentioned earlier, when I was going through chemo recently, I had to work fewer hours—it wasn’t optional. I physically couldn’t do what I used to, and at first, I panicked. I thought, “How am I going to keep up? What’s going to fall through the cracks? Will my clients or coworkers think I’m not pulling my weight?”

I’ve been in public accounting for decades, and like a lot of accountants, I’ve carried around the belief that long hours equals a strong work ethic. So being forced to slow down felt like a threat—not just to my schedule, but to how I saw myself as a professional.

But something surprising happened: I got more done in less time than I ever had before.

I was sharper. I planned better. I wasn’t wasting time on things that didn’t really matter. Because I didn’t have the luxury of long hours, I had to be smarter with the time I did have—and it honestly changed everything.

I started seeing how many time management lies I had been living by for years. Things like “working longer proves your commitment,” or “you have to say yes to everything to be seen as a team player.” I didn’t even realize how much those beliefs were draining me—until I had no choice but to challenge them.

I noticed when I was feeling guilty for not having the energy to push through and I reminded myself that trying to get accounting work done when I’m feeling guilty, stressed, or any other negative emotion isn’t helpful.  By managing my mind, choosing more productive emotions, and only then sitting down to get work done, I was able to be much more efficient and productive.

That experience reminded me of something I tell my coaching clients all the time: time management isn’t about doing more. It’s about thinking differently about time—about your time.

Unfortunately, I think one of the biggest mistakes this profession makes is not teaching effective time management early on.  I think it’s one of the reasons that accountants are so burned out and miserable.

But I can tell you this – when you learn how to effectively manage your brain and your time, you will begin to see your work in a whole new light.  You’ll get more done in less time and you’ll free up time for the things and the people you love.

If today’s episode made you rethink any of the time management advice you’ve followed—or if you’re starting to wonder whether it’s actually working for you—I want to invite you to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com.

It only takes a few minutes, but it can show you which patterns might be getting in your way. And if you want help breaking those patterns, you can also schedule a free 30-minute call with me at www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar.

And if this podcast has been helpful, the best thing you can do is share it with another accountant. We’ve all been taught the same time management myths—but we don’t have to keep believing them.

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

Before I get started, I wanted to remind you to stay to the end because I just added a new section to the podcast titled “Pulling Back The Curtain” where I give you a behind the scenes look at how I’ve personally dealt with the topic I’m discussing in each episode.  Hopefully, it will give you a better idea about the person behind this microphone.

I also wanted to mention that The Smarter Accountant CPE Course “Everything You Need To Know About Procrastination” is on Wednesday, May 21st at 4 pm EST.  You can sign up at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/cpe/.  You’ll not only get CPE credit but I will also be sending the replay and a workbook so that you can apply what you learned.

Tax season’s over—finally. You got through the long hours, the crazy deadlines, and all those last-minute surprises.

And now that it’s behind you, it’s totally normal to just want to move on. You might be thinking, “Let’s not even talk about it until next year… or maybe the next extension deadline.”

But here’s the thing—what if now is actually the best time to hit pause? Not to beat yourself up, but just to take a quick, honest look at how it really went.

We’re so used to powering through that we rarely stop and ask, “What would I want to do differently next time?” The problem is, when you don’t stop and reflect, it’s easy to fall right back into the same hard season again and again.

This isn’t about guilt or shame. It’s about curiosity—for just a few minutes.

You already know tax season takes a toll. On your time, your body, your mind, your family. But do you know where it hit you the hardest?

It’s kind of like finishing a big project and never checking to see what actually worked… or what totally fell apart. You just keep doing it the same way, even if that way isn’t really working.

And let’s be clear—you’re not lazy, and you’re not disorganized. You’re just busy. But what if a little reflection now could make a huge difference later?

Imagine if next tax season didn’t feel so chaotic. What if a few small changes now could help you feel more in control next time?

Whether you realize it or not, you’ve already learned a lot. You’ve just been too tired or too slammed to notice.

And no, I’m not saying you need to spend hours reviewing every detail. But what if you gave yourself just a little space to look back—without judgment?

Because here’s the thing: if you don’t look back, your brain assumes everything went fine. And that means next year will look exactly the same.

But what if this year could be the last one that felt this hard? What if this is your chance to start doing things smarter?

Most people won’t take the time to reflect. That’s exactly why it matters so much when you do.

You don’t need a perfect tax season. You just need some clarity.

So here’s the big question: What would you find out if you looked back with fresh eyes?

Let’s talk about it.

What Is a Tax Season Autopsy?

A Tax Season Autopsy is just a simple way to look back once the season is over and do a little digging. It’s where you ask yourself, “What actually worked for me? What didn’t? And what would I want to do differently next time?”

It’s not about pointing fingers or beating yourself up. It’s just about paying attention, from a non-judgemental space, so you can learn from what you just went through.

Think about it like this—athletes watch game replays, surgeons talk through what happened in the OR, and performers rewatch their shows to see where they can improve.

They’re not doing it because they messed up. They’re doing it because they want to keep getting better.

That’s exactly what this is. A Tax Season Autopsy is your way of saying, “Okay, let’s hit pause and see what this season taught me.”

It’s really just about awareness—slowing down long enough to notice what helped and what hurt. Because the truth is, most of us are so quick to move on that we don’t even give ourselves the chance to take anything useful from the experience.

Smarter Accountants don’t treat tax season like something to forget as fast as possible. They look at it like a goldmine of clues—clues about how they work, how they feel, and where things went off track.

They don’t make it personal. They look at it like information. Not drama—just data.

And once you start doing that, you realize how helpful it actually is. You can make small changes that stick, instead of trying to overhaul everything next year in a panic.

No guilt. No shame. Just a chance to reset with a little more clarity and a lot more intention.

When you look at it that way, a Tax Season Autopsy isn’t about the past—it’s really about giving yourself a better future.

So if it’s this helpful, why don’t more accountants do it? Let’s talk about that next.

Why Most Accountants Skip This Step

Let’s be honest—once tax season ends, the last thing most of us want to do is look back. You’re tired, you’re fried, and all you want is to feel normal again.

And that totally makes sense. Your brain is wired to avoid anything that feels uncomfortable. Thinking back on a tough season can bring up regret, frustration, or even guilt, and your brain would rather you skip all that.

So it gives you thoughts like, “It’s done, just move on,” or “Next year will be different,” or even, “Why bother thinking about it now?” Those thoughts sound harmless, but they’re sneaky—they keep you stuck in the same loop.

The problem is, if you don’t take even a few minutes to learn from what happened, you’re probably going to repeat it. Not because you’re doing anything wrong, but because your brain assumes, “Well, I guess this is just how we do it.”

That’s why every tax season can start to feel the same—rushed, stressful, and way too much. You fall into the same patterns, make the same choices, and cross your fingers that somehow it’ll be better next time.

But hoping things get better isn’t a real plan. And skipping this step means your brain keeps running the same playbook year after year.

Taking time to reflect might feel optional, but it’s actually one of the smartest things you can do. It’s what gives you the chance to do things differently—without having to work harder.

And if your brain is resisting it, that doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated. It just means your brain is doing what it thinks will protect you.

But maybe the real protection comes from understanding what actually happened. And that’s where knowing a little brain science can help. Let’s take a look at that now.

The Brain Science Behind Reflection

Your brain loves routine—even if that routine is completely draining. It’ll keep doing what’s familiar, even if it’s not really working for you.

That’s because your brain sees familiar as safe. If you made it through tax season doing things a certain way, your brain thinks, “Great! Let’s do that again.”

Unless you pause and reflect, your brain won’t stop to ask, “Was that actually the best way?” It just assumes, “Well, that’s how we always do it.”

Here’s the good news: there’s another part of your brain that can help you think ahead and make better choices. It’s called the prefrontal cortex, or what I refer to as The Supervising Parent—and it’s the part that helps you plan, evaluate, and make smarter decisions.

But there’s a catch—it only works when you use it intentionally or on purpose.

If you’re constantly rushing from one thing to the next, reacting to emails, putting out fires, and just trying to stay afloat, that smarter part of your brain doesn’t get much of a say.

That’s why slowing down to reflect is so important. If you want different results, you need different thinking. And that starts by giving your brain a moment to step out of autopilot.

So now that you know why reflection in the form of a Tax Season Autopsy matters, the next step is knowing what to reflect on. Let’s now talk about 5 questions to ask yourself after tax season

Five Questions to Ask Yourself After Tax Season

Once things start to settle down, it’s worth taking just a few minutes to ask yourself some simple questions. Not to overwhelm yourself—but to get a little clarity that could really help you next time around.

1. What actually worked this season?

Start by giving yourself credit. Even if this season felt tough overall, there were probably a few things that made it a little easier.

Maybe you stuck to your office hours more than usual, and that helped you feel less drained at the end of the day. Maybe you finally used that shared calendar with your team or batch-processed client emails instead of checking them all day long.

Even small wins count. This question is about seeing what did go well, so you can keep doing it or build on it next year.

2. What didn’t work—and why?

This isn’t about blaming yourself. It’s about getting real with what made things harder than they needed to be.

Maybe you agreed to take on too many last-minute returns, thinking you could squeeze them in. Maybe you worked weekends even though you promised yourself you wouldn’t—and now you’re more exhausted than ever.

Ask yourself why it didn’t work. Was it lack of planning? People-pleasing? Fear of saying no? The goal is to spot the patterns that tripped you up, so you don’t keep repeating them.

3. What would I want to do differently next year?

Think of this like setting your future self up for success. What would you want to change if you could do it all over again?

Maybe you want to build in time for breaks, or set firmer deadlines for when you’ll stop accepting new work.

And here’s the deeper part—ask yourself: What would I need to think or feel to actually follow through?

For example, if you want to turn down late work, maybe you need to think, “My time has value,” or feel more confident setting boundaries. If you want to delegate more, maybe you need to feel trust in your team. The mindset piece matters more than we realize.

4. Where did I lose time that I didn’t expect to lose?

This question can uncover the sneaky time drains you may not have noticed while you were in the middle of it all.

Maybe you were constantly pulled into client emergencies that could’ve been avoided with better upfront communication. Or maybe you spent hours trying to find documents or organize files because your systems weren’t solid.

This is a chance to look at time management with fresh eyes—especially the things that stole your time without you even realizing it.

5. Where did I feel the most overwhelmed?

Think back to the moments when you felt like everything was unraveling. Was it during onboarding new clients? Was it juggling home and work responsibilities? This question can help you see where things started to break down so you know what needs more support next time.

As you think through your answers, consider your boundaries, your energy levels, and your support system. What was missing? What do you wish you had done earlier?

These questions aren’t meant to solve everything at once. They’re simply a way to pay attention—and give yourself more options next time around.

And bonus points – have your team do their own version of a Tax Season Autopsy too. You’ll get a bigger picture of what worked, what didn’t, and how to make improvements as a team—not just as an individual.

Still wondering if this kind of reflection really makes a difference? Let me tell you about a coaching client who tried it for the first time—and what happened next.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Performing a Successful Tax Season Autopsy

One of my coaching clients used to hate the idea of reflecting—especially after tax season. Her attitude was basically, “It’s over. I survived. Let’s not bring it up again.”

She figured looking back would just make her feel worse. To her, it felt like picking at old wounds when she was already beyond exhausted.

When I first brought up the idea of doing a Tax Season Autopsy, she was not into it. She actually said, “Why would I want to rehash all that chaos?” But eventually, she agreed to give it a try—just once.

We kept it really simple. She answered a few questions, took 15 minutes to think about her experience, and that was it.

What came up for her was eye-opening. She realized how much time she lost saying yes to last-minute client requests, and how often she skipped breaks thinking it would help her catch up—when it actually left her more drained.

She also noticed how she avoided asking for help because she thought it would take too long to explain things. But in the end, she was doing everything herself and feeling totally overwhelmed.

The next year, she went into tax season with a plan. She set firmer boundaries with her clients, blocked time for focused work, and even gave herself catch-up time every week—something she’d never even thought to do before.

The change was huge. She was still working hard, but she wasn’t crashing and burning. She felt calmer, more in control, and way less reactive.

Now, she actually looks forward to doing a quick reflection after tax season. It helps her see what’s working and where she can make little adjustments that add up over time.

She didn’t overhaul everything overnight. She just gave herself the chance to learn from her own experience—and it made her smarter each year.

And honestly, you can do the same thing.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Have you ever promised yourself that next tax season would be different—but it wasn’t? That’s exactly why doing a Tax Season Autopsy matters.

It’s not just a nice idea—it’s a habit that smart leaders rely on to stop repeating the same painful patterns. It’s how you start taking back control of your time, your energy, and your future.

Doing a Tax Season Autopsy isn’t extra credit—it’s what smart leaders do. It’s how you take control of your time, your energy, and your experience going forward.

For this week, I suggest asking yourself, “If nothing changes between now and next tax season, what’s likely to happen again?”

Really sit with that for a minute. Your answer is more important than any checklist or planner.

Because that answer holds the insight you need. It shows you exactly where to focus your attention now, so you’re not stuck in the same stressful cycle next year.

Don’t wait until next tax season to wish you had done things differently. Small awareness now leads to big change later.

And if you’re wondering what this looked like in my own career, let me pull back the curtain and share a story I’ve never told before.

Pulling Back the Curtain

I’ll never forget this one particular tax season, years ago, when I kept telling myself I just had to push through. No breaks, barely any sleep, nonstop stress—I figured that was just part of the job.

I kept thinking, “I’ll rest when it’s over.” I didn’t think I had time to slow down or reflect, so I didn’t. And by the end of that season, I was completely burned out.

The scary part? I didn’t even notice how bad it had gotten until weeks later. I was snapping at my family, couldn’t focus, and honestly, I felt like all the joy had drained out of my work. I remember thinking, “Wait… is this what it’s going to be like every year?”

And it didn’t help that it was my first tax season being married to my second husband. He was not happy with what tax season turned me into—and honestly, I couldn’t blame him. That was the moment I realized something had to change.

The first time I did what I now call a Tax Season Autopsy, I’ll be honest—it was uncomfortable. I didn’t want to look back. I wanted to forget it ever happened.

But I pushed through that resistance and sat down to ask myself a few simple questions. And once I did, it was like a fog started to lift.

I realized a lot of my stress came from how I was approaching the season—not just the workload. I noticed patterns I had never seen before. And for the first time, I actually had something I could work with.

That one small act of reflection made a huge difference. I started planning more intentionally, setting better boundaries, and thinking ahead instead of always reacting in the moment.

Was it perfect? Of course not. But it was smarter. And that alone changed everything.

If this past season left you drained or frustrated, you’re definitely not alone. And the good news is—you don’t have to do it that way again.

Taking time to reflect doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re wise. And it might be one of the smartest things you ever do for your future self.

If you’re interested in becoming a Smarter Accountant, I have The Smarter Accountant Quiz as the first step. It’s quick, it’s free, and it’ll help you see what’s actually getting in your way. You can find it at https://thesmarteraccountant.com.

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

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

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

Before we dive in, I want to let you know I’m doing something a little different starting this week.

At the end of each episode, I’m going to start sharing something I’ve never really done before—something more personal. I’m calling it “Pulling Back the Curtain,” and it’s where I’ll talk honestly about what I’ve learned the hard way in my own accounting career.

It’s not about tips or strategies—it’s about the real life. The behind-the-scenes struggles that I can share about each week’s topic and shifts that helped me become a Smarter Accountant.

So be sure to stick around to the end—because what I’m sharing today might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed to hear.

On this 100th episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I wanted to give you a sneak peek into what I’ve learned over the past 35 years and what I’ve been teaching accountants for over a decade.

When I started out as an accountant, I thought stress and long hours were just part of the job. It felt normal to always be busy, constantly checking my to-do list, and telling myself, “I’ll catch up soon.” But no matter how hard I worked, that moment never came.

For years, I tried working faster, staying later, and using every time management hack I could find. But I still felt like I was barely keeping my head above water. And I know I’m not the only one.

That’s why I wrote The Smarter Accountant and started my coaching business—to help accountants find a sustainable way to work. In my 6-week program, every accountant starts by taking The Smarter Accountant Quiz to see what’s really getting in their way. Then, they choose three key struggles to focus on, and after years of coaching, I’ve noticed the same challenges come up again and again.

There are a few core issues that keep us feeling stuck, stressed, and exhausted—no matter how many hours we put in. And honestly, it makes sense. The deadlines, client demands, and never-ending to-do lists make it easy to feel like you’re always behind.

But here’s the thing—working harder isn’t the solution. If it was, you’d feel better by now. Instead, most of us just keep pushing through, thinking, “Maybe next week will be better,” or “Once I get through this deadline, things will calm down.” But they never do.

If you’ve ever thought, “Why can’t I get ahead?” or “Why does it feel like I’m working all the time but never actually catching up?”—you’re not alone. You might think you just need better time management, but the real issue is what’s happening underneath.

Most accountants assume stress, long hours, and pressure are just part of the job. But what if that’s not true? What if the things making work so frustrating aren’t just “how it is,” but patterns that can actually be changed?

That’s what I see in coaching all the time. These same struggles show up again and again, but once accountants learn how to shift their thinking, everything changes. They don’t just work smarter—they feel better. They stop spinning their wheels and start making real progress, not just at work, but in every area of their life.

So, what are these struggles? And why do they keep showing up? That’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today. I’m willing to bet you’ll recognize at least one of them in your own life. And by the end of this, you’ll see them in a whole new way.

Why Accountants Feel Constantly Stressed and Overwhelmed

As I said earlier, I’ve been keeping a tally of the most common issues that accountants want to work on with me and for years, stress has been the #1 issue.  But in a few minutes I’m going to share the issue that has actually surpassed stress and overwhelm (if you can believe it!).

But right now, let’s talk about stress and overwhelm—because if you’re an accountant, I know you’ve been there. That feeling of constantly being behind, like no matter how early you start or how late you work, there’s always more to do.  

I remember starting my day thinking, “Today, I’m going to get ahead.” But before I knew it, the day was gone, and my to-do list had somehow gotten longer. No matter how hard I worked, I was always scrambling, always reacting, always playing catch-up.

Even when I got things done, I never really felt relieved. As soon as I crossed one thing off, ten more popped up. It felt like running on a treadmill that wouldn’t stop, no matter how fast I moved.

The real problem? Stress doesn’t just drain your energy—it wrecks your focus and decision-making. When you’re overwhelmed, your brain runs on emergency mode all the time. You start making rushed decisions, struggling to concentrate, and feeling completely drained. It’s no wonder accountants burn out. You’re not just doing the work—you’re carrying the weight of the work.

And here’s what makes it even trickier—your brain isn’t prioritizing important work. It’s prioritizing urgent work. You end up reacting to everything instead of making real progress. It’s like spending all day bailing water out of a boat instead of fixing the leak.

I used to think the solution was just working harder—starting earlier, staying later, making better to-do lists. But no matter what I did, I still felt overwhelmed. That’s when I realized something big: overwhelm isn’t just about how much you have to do. It’s about how your brain processes what you have to do.

Your brain isn’t built to handle everything at once. It sees all your tasks, emails, and deadlines as equally urgent, even when they’re not. That’s why your to-do list feels impossible.

But here’s the thing—it’s not just the workload. It’s your thoughts about the workload that create overwhelm. When I used to think, “I’ll never get this all done,” or “I have too much to do and not enough time,” my brain went into panic mode. And a panicked brain isn’t efficient. It jumps from task to task, gets distracted, and burns out faster.

If stress and overwhelm have been running the show for you, trust me, I get it. But here’s the good news—once you learn how to manage your thoughts about your workload, everything changes. The goal isn’t to get rid of work—it’s to stop feeling like it’s crushing you. And that is absolutely possible.

The Real Reason Accountants Struggle With Time Management

If you’re like most accountants, it probably feels like there’s never enough time. You start the day with a plan, but before you know it, emails, last-minute requests, and interruptions pull you in a million directions. It’s like the entire world is on a mission to keep you from getting anything done.

And the most frustrating part? You are busy. You’re constantly working, constantly checking things off, constantly doing. But somehow, at the end of the day, it feels like nothing really got accomplished. You think, “Where did the day go?” or “Why am I working so much but not making real progress?”

I used to think the solution was simple—just get better at organizing my tasks. I tried all the systems. I made detailed to-do lists, color-coded my calendar, and planned my day down to the minute. But no matter how much I planned, I still felt scattered and behind. That’s when I realized something big: time management isn’t just about planning—it’s about decision-making.

Here’s what I mean. Every time you sit down to work, your brain has to make decisions. “What should I do first?” “How long should this take?” “Is this even the best use of my time?” But if you don’t make those decisions ahead of time, your brain defaults to whatever feels urgent in the moment. And urgent doesn’t always mean important.

This is why so many accountants spend their days reacting instead of managing their time. You bounce between emails, answer questions, and handle whatever pops up—because when you don’t have a clear system, everything feels equally important. And before you know it, your entire day is filled with low-impact tasks that don’t actually move the needle.

The real problem isn’t a lack of time—it’s a lack of intentionality with time. When you don’t have a clear way to prioritize, time just disappears. It bleeds into your personal life, your evenings, and your weekends. You tell yourself, “I’ll just catch up later,” but later never comes.

And let’s talk about to-do lists for a second—because, honestly, they don’t work the way we think they do. We treat them like a magic fix, but they’re just a storage system, not a time system. 

They remind you of what needs to be done, but they don’t actually help you do the work. That’s why you can have a long to-do list and still feel stuck—because checking things off doesn’t mean you’re focusing on what actually matters.

If you feel like you’re always busy but never truly productive, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need more hours in the day—you just need a better way to decide how you’re using the ones you already have.

Why You’re Busy All Day But Still Feel Unproductive

If you’ve ever worked all day, checked off tasks, and still felt like you accomplished nothing, you’re not alone. It’s frustrating to put in long hours and wonder, “Why does it feel like I got nothing done?”

A big part of the problem is distractions. You sit down to focus, but before you know it, you’re answering emails, responding to messages, and getting pulled into something else. Then you finally get back to your task—only to get interrupted again.

And then there’s procrastination. You have important work to do, but suddenly checking email or organizing your desk seems urgent. You tell yourself, “I’ll start in five minutes,” but an hour later, you’re even more behind.

Here’s the truth—working more hours doesn’t mean getting more done. If you’re constantly switching tasks, getting interrupted, or putting things off, you’re spending time working without real progress. And that just leads to more stress and frustration.

So why is it so hard to stay focused? Because deep, focused work takes effort, and your brain prefers easy tasks, like checking email or skimming spreadsheets. That’s why you feel the urge to do anything except the thing you’re supposed to be doing.

And procrastination? It’s not about time management—it’s about avoiding discomfort. When a task feels overwhelming or boring, your brain looks for an escape. You tell yourself, “I’ll feel more ready later,” but later comes, and you still don’t want to do it.

If you’ve ever wondered why you struggle to push through, it’s not about discipline. It’s about how your brain is wired. But once you understand what’s happening, you can stop feeling guilty and start working with your brain instead of against it.

Because productivity isn’t about working harder—it’s about staying focused on what actually matters. And once you figure that out, everything changes.

How Accounting Work Is Affecting Your Relationships

If you’re an accountant, you’ve probably felt how work takes over your life. By the time you get home, you’re exhausted, but your brain is still stuck on work. You want to be present with family or friends, but that little voice keeps saying, “I should be getting more done.”

I know that feeling. I’ve sat at family dinners, nodding along while mentally running through my to-do list. I’ve told myself, “I’ll just check one quick email,” only to lose 30 minutes. Even when I promised to unplug, work was always in the back of my mind.

When work bleeds into personal time, relationships suffer. At first, it’s subtle, but over time, you feel more disconnected. Maybe your partner seems distant, your kids don’t come to you as much, or friends stop reaching out. And the more disconnected you feel, the more stress you carry.

That stress follows you back to work, creating a cycle—more work leads to less connection, which leads to more stress, making you work even more. Before you know it, work is running your entire life.

So why is it so hard to shut work off? Most accountants believe working more makes them better. There’s this unspoken rule that true dedication means answering emails late at night, always being available, and putting in extra hours. It’s easy to say, “I’ll slow down after this deadline,” but there’s always another one.

The truth is, your brain isn’t wired to balance priorities naturally. It prioritizes what feels urgent, so work will always win unless you intentionally make space for personal time. That’s why it’s easy to ignore family time but impossible to ignore a work email.

If you’ve been feeling like work is taking over, you’re not alone. But real success isn’t about working more—it’s about creating a life where work and personal time both have space. And being a great accountant doesn’t have to mean sacrificing everything else.

Why Accountants Struggle to Set Boundaries With Work

Another common issue that accountants want to work on is boundaries. It’s hard to say no when people are counting on you. You don’t want to let anyone down, so you take on more, answer emails at all hours, and convince yourself, “It’s just easier if I handle it myself.”

At first, it doesn’t seem like a big deal. You stay late, squeeze in one more task, or check emails after dinner. But over time, work takes over, and personal time disappears. You keep saying, “I’ll slow down after this deadline,” but there’s always another one.

Then resentment kicks in. You wonder, “Why do people expect so much from me?” But the more you say yes, the more they assume you always will. When you finally try to set a boundary, guilt creeps in.

So why is saying no so hard? Most of us don’t want to disappoint others. We fear being seen as difficult or unreliable, so we convince ourselves, “It’s just this one time,” even when we’re already stretched too thin.

But here’s the truth—setting boundaries doesn’t push people away. It actually teaches them to respect your time. When you protect your schedule, others adjust. When you stop answering emails at night, people stop expecting instant replies. When you set limits, you do better work because you’re not running on empty.

If you’ve been struggling with boundaries, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to wait until burnout to set them. Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about making sure you don’t lose yourself in the process.

What Causes Imposter Syndrome in Accountants (And How to Spot It)

Remember I said earlier that stress had been the most common issue that accountants want to work on, but that there was another issue that had become even more common?  Well, that issue is imposter syndrome.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not as good as people think you are, you’re not alone. You might look like you have it all together on the outside, but inside, there’s this little voice saying, “I don’t really know what I’m doing,” or “What if they find out I’m not as good as they think?”

No matter how much experience you have, you still second-guess yourself. You double-check your work, then check it again just to be sure. You compare yourself to other accountants and think, “They seem so much more confident. Why don’t I feel that way?” And no matter how many wins you have, they never seem to be enough to quiet the doubt.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t just mess with your confidence—it holds you back. Instead of speaking up in meetings, you stay quiet because you don’t want to say the wrong thing. Instead of going after new opportunities, you hesitate because you’re not sure you’re ready. And when you do get recognition for your work, you brush it off, thinking, “They’re just being nice,” or “I just got lucky.”

And here’s the tricky part—it makes you work even harder. You over-prepare, overthink, and put in extra hours just to make sure no one ever questions your abilities. But no matter how much you do, it never feels like enough. Instead of feeling more confident, you just feel more exhausted.

So why does this happen? Why do so many accountants, even the most skilled ones, struggle with self-doubt?

The truth is, your brain is wired to focus on what’s wrong, not what’s right. It has a negativity bias, which means it’s constantly scanning for mistakes, weaknesses, and reasons why you might not be good enough. And once your brain starts looking for evidence that you don’t measure up, it finds plenty—because that’s what it’s trained to see.

But here’s the thing—confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It’s a skill. The only difference between confident accountants and those struggling with imposter syndrome is what they believe about themselves. Confident people aren’t always the smartest or the most talented—they just don’t spend all their time questioning whether they belong.

If you’ve been stuck in self-doubt, you’re not alone. But the good news is, imposter syndrome isn’t a sign that you’re not good enough. It’s just a sign that your brain is doing what brains do. And once you learn how to shift those thoughts, you stop feeling like an imposter and start owning what you already bring to the table.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Transforming Stress, Time Management, and Imposter Syndrome

Now let me share about one of my coaching clients.  When he first came to coaching, he was completely overwhelmed. Every day felt like a race he was losing. He told me, “I wake up stressed, rush through the day, and go to bed feeling like I didn’t do enough. No matter how much I work, it never feels like it’s enough.”

He worked long hours but never felt accomplished. Even after finishing a big project, he thought, “I probably missed something,” or “Anyone else could have done this better.”

Time management was another struggle. He started each day with a plan, but the minute an email or request came in, everything fell apart. He jumped between tasks, reacting all day, and by evening, he had no idea where the time had gone.

Then there was self-doubt. Despite years of experience, he constantly questioned if he was good enough. He compared himself to colleagues, hesitated to speak up in meetings, and brushed off praise, thinking, “They’re just being nice,” or “That was just luck.”

When we started working together, we focused on stress. He assumed it came from his workload, but he realized a big part of it came from his thoughts about his workload. Every morning, he’d think, “I have too much to do,” which made everything feel worse. We worked on shifting those thoughts so he could regain control.

Next, we tackled time management. Instead of overwhelming to-do lists, he started making clear decisions about what needed to get done, what could wait, and how much time each task deserved. By planning intentionally, he stopped reacting and started focusing on what mattered most.

Then came imposter syndrome. He had spent years feeling like he had to prove himself. Through coaching, he saw how his brain was wired to focus on mistakes rather than wins. He practiced noticing his successes, challenging negative thoughts, and trusting his own experience instead of assuming others knew more.

A few months later, everything felt different. He told me, “For the first time in years, I don’t feel like I’m scrambling all the time.” He was still busy, but stress, poor time management, and self-doubt no longer controlled his career. And because of that, everything felt easier.

If you’ve ever felt this way, know this—it doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t have to feel constantly behind or doubt your abilities. Just like he did, you can take back control. And when you do, everything changes.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway from today’s episode is that the biggest struggles accountants face—stress, time management issues, imposter syndrome, and more—aren’t just part of the job. They’re patterns that can be changed. 

The truth is that when you learn how to manage your thoughts, make clear decisions about your time, and stop doubting your own abilities, everything gets easier. You don’t need more hours in the day—you just need a better way to use the ones you already have.

For this week, ask yourself, “What’s the one struggle that’s causing me the most stress right now?”

Maybe it’s constantly feeling behind, second-guessing yourself, or never having enough time. Whatever it is, recognizing it is the first step to changing it. Because once you see what’s really getting in your way, you can start to take back control.

And if any of what I talked about today sounds familiar, take The Smarter Accountant Quiz. It only takes five minutes, and it will help you get clear on what’s holding you back. Once you know that, you can start making real changes that actually last.

Take the quiz now and see what’s standing between you and a smarter way to work. You might be surprised by what you find.

Pulling Back The Curtain

As I said in the beginning, I’m going to start switching things up at the end of the podcast and I’m going to start sharing some behind the scenes, personal experiences with the topic of the week.

I think it’s the perfect time to go a little deeper and let the listeners see more of me—the accountant, the coach, and the human behind the mic.

With that said, pulling back the curtain for a second…

I still remember sitting at my desk years ago—kids were little, I was working full-time in public accounting, and I’d come home every night completely drained. Not just tired—emotionally fried. I’d lie in bed thinking, “Is this really what my career is supposed to feel like?”

But I kept pushing through. I told myself I just needed to work harder… get more organized… be better. Meanwhile, I was waking up anxious, second-guessing my work, and silently comparing myself to everyone else who looked like they had it all together.

I didn’t talk about it back then. I didn’t even realize how common it was to feel overwhelmed, behind, and not good enough—especially as an accountant.

That’s part of why I started this podcast. And in this 100th episode, talking about the 6 most common issues accountants face? I wasn’t just sharing what I’ve seen in coaching—I was sharing what I’ve lived.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly chasing a finish line that keeps moving, like you’re capable but stuck, or like you’re the only one who feels this way… please know, you’re not. You’re actually in really good company.

That’s why I created The Smarter Accountant Quiz. It’s not fluff—it’s designed to help you spot the deeper issue that’s running in the background. And once you see it, everything can start to shift.

You can take the quiz in under five minutes at www.thesmarteraccountant.com. And if you want help figuring out what it all means for you, schedule a free 30-minute call with me at www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar. No pressure, just clarity.

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

Let’s be real—meetings can feel like the bane of our work lives. We’ve all been there: you’re juggling deadlines, emails are piling up, and then, ding!—it’s time for yet another meeting. 

You log on, sit through an hour of discussion, and leave wondering, “What did we actually accomplish?” Or worse, you leave with more on your plate than when you started. It’s frustrating, right?

Now, don’t get me wrong. Meetings can be incredibly useful. They’re supposed to help us connect, plan, and move forward. But when they’re unproductive or dragged out, they can start to feel like huge time-wasters. 

For us accountants especially, time is precious. Every hour spent in an ineffective meeting is an hour we could have used to tackle client work, finalize reports, or check off those tasks we actually want to get done.

So, why do meetings so often feel like a drain? Maybe it’s because they interrupt your flow just as you’re getting into a productive groove. Or perhaps it’s the lack of focus and direction—meetings without a clear agenda that wander all over the place before finally wrapping up with a vague sense of “we’ll circle back on that.” Sound familiar?

And then there’s the toll it takes on your mental energy. Let’s be honest, a jam-packed day full of meetings can leave you feeling drained. 

Have you ever found yourself finishing a day of back-to-back meetings and realizing you’re too mentally wiped out to tackle anything else? There’s a reason for that. Our brains can only handle so much “meeting mode” before they’re completely tapped out.

But what if there was a way to change all that? What if meetings could be a tool, not a time-suck? 

Imagine if every meeting had a clear purpose, wrapped up on time, and left you feeling focused and ready to tackle the next thing on your list. It may sound like wishful thinking, but it’s completely possible with a few small changes.

So here’s the big question: What would it take to make your meetings more effective? What if, instead of dreading them, you could actually look forward to meetings as an opportunity to get things done quickly and efficiently? What if meetings didn’t just steal your time but actually gave you back more focus, more clarity, and more time in your day?

If you’re intrigued by the idea of reclaiming your time and making meetings work for you instead of against you, keep listening. I’m going to dive into why meetings so often go wrong, what’s actually happening in our brains during those long sessions, and some practical tips to make sure every meeting you attend is as effective as it can be. 

By the end of this, you’ll be able to approach meetings with a fresh perspective—and who knows, you might even find yourself with a little extra time in your day.

The Biggest Issues with Ineffective Meetings

Let’s dig into why meetings can feel like they’re wasting time instead of maximizing it. If you’ve ever left a meeting wondering what it was even about, you’re not alone. Ineffective meetings often boil down to a few recurring issues that, unfortunately, are all too common.

One major culprit is the lack of clear goals and agendas. When meetings don’t have a defined purpose, they tend to meander. 

Discussions veer off course, and everyone’s talking, but no one’s quite sure what they’re trying to achieve. Without a focused goal, meetings can quickly turn into long-winded conversations that go in circles. 

People leave feeling just as unclear as they were when they came in—and now they’ve also lost an hour or more they could’ve spent on focused work.

Another issue is inviting too many people. While it can feel inclusive to have everyone present, more participants mean more opinions, which can lead to more sidetracks and tangents. 

And not everyone in the room always needs to be there—some may not have any decision-making role, while others only need the final recap. Too many attendees can add unnecessary complexity, stretching meetings longer than necessary.

Poor time management is another factor that drags meetings down. You’ve probably seen it happen: a meeting that was supposed to be 30 minutes stretches into 45, then an hour, and you realize you’re nowhere near wrapping up. 

This overrun cuts into other tasks and disrupts the flow of the day. Without a time-bound agenda, it’s easy for discussions to lose focus and for small topics to eat up large chunks of time. Everyone’s left playing catch-up with their own work after the meeting finally ends.

Then there’s the trap of recurring meetings that haven’t evolved. Weekly check-ins or standing meetings can be helpful, but over time, they can become routine and lose purpose. 

If the meeting format stays the same, people may start to feel like they’re simply going through the motions. In these cases, a meeting that once felt productive can turn into a box to check off, rather than a tool to help the team move forward.

Finally, there’s the hidden financial impact of unproductive meetings. Time spent in an unproductive meeting is money spent with little to show for it, especially for accountants who could be using that time to bill clients or wrap up projects. 

Every hour lost in a meeting without results is an hour lost from tasks that drive revenue and productivity.

The good news is, with some intentional tweaks, it’s entirely possible to avoid these pitfalls. By identifying and addressing these common issues, meetings can become a powerful tool for moving work forward rather than a frustrating time-sink. 

Why Meetings Can Be Productivity and Time Killers

Alright, so we know what makes meetings ineffective, but have you ever wondered why they feel so draining? Let’s be real—it’s not just about how long they are or how many people are there. 

There’s a reason why, by the end of a meeting, you can feel like your brain’s been squeezed dry and you still have a mountain of work left.

One big reason is how meetings completely interrupt our flow state. You know that feeling when you’re deep into a task—like, really in the zone, knocking things out left and right? That’s what we call being in a “flow state,” and it’s when we do our best work. 

But meetings just pull us right out of that zone. And it’s not easy to jump back in, either. 

Research shows that it can take up to 20 minutes to fully regain your focus after an interruption. So every time you have to stop what you’re doing for a meeting, you lose a chunk of productive time. 

By the time you’re back on task, you’re already playing catch-up, and your brain is working overtime to get back in that groove.

Then there’s the opportunity cost of meetings—basically, what we’re giving up every time we spend an hour or more in a meeting. For accountants especially, that time could be used on high-impact work, like getting through client files, preparing for tax season, or planning ahead for deadlines. 

Instead, meetings that drag on (or could have been emails) end up eating into that time. And the funny thing is, the work doesn’t go away! So we end up staying later or working through lunch just to make up for it. It’s like we’re constantly chasing time because of these meetings.

And I know you’ve probably felt this, too—the mental and physical drain that meetings cause. Back-to-back meetings, especially long ones, can leave you mentally fried. 

Our brains aren’t wired to stay hyper-focused for long stretches without a break, so if you’re sitting in a meeting that’s going past 20 or 30 minutes, your focus naturally starts to drift. You start zoning out, and by the end, it’s like your brain just can’t handle any more information. 

Add in the physical toll from sitting still for too long and staring at a screen, and it’s no wonder you feel completely wiped by the end of the day.

When meetings are stacked one after another like this, it’s like they’re slowly draining your productivity without you even realizing it. But here’s the thing: once we understand why meetings are so exhausting, we can start designing them to work with our brains, not against them. 

Now I want to dive into the brain science behind why we feel so spent after a meeting and how knowing this can actually help us turn meetings into a tool that works in our favor, not against us.

The Brain Science Behind Effective Meetings

Let’s get into what’s actually going on in our brains during these meetings, because understanding a few basics can make all the difference.

First, our brains are built to focus best in short, intense bursts. They’re not designed for long stretches of nonstop concentration. It’s kind of like trying to stretch a rubber band—if you keep pulling, it’s eventually going to snap. 

That’s why those long meetings leave us feeling mentally checked out halfway through, even when we’re really trying to stay engaged. Keeping meetings short and focused actually works with our brains instead of against them.

Then there’s cognitive load—basically, how much information our brains can process at once. Imagine your brain as a computer with limited RAM; once it’s maxed out, everything slows down, and processing new information becomes tough. 

Meetings that pack in too many topics or lack structure overload our “mental RAM.” But when a meeting has a clear structure and agenda, it’s easier for our brains to keep up and stay engaged.

We also deal with something called decision fatigue. Every choice we make in a meeting—whether to speak up, process information, or follow a discussion—drains our mental energy. 

So, in long meetings or complex discussions, we’re more likely to feel wiped out by the end, with our decision-making abilities shot. That’s why a focused, purposeful meeting leaves us feeling more productive, while a long, wandering one leaves us drained.

And let’s talk about memory and retention. Our brains actually remember concise points and focused conversations better than winding discussions. 

Ever wonder why you can barely remember half of what was covered after a long meeting? It’s because our brains don’t know which parts to prioritize. When meetings are clear, with specific takeaways and action items, it’s much easier to remember what’s important.

Knowing these brain basics doesn’t just help us understand why meetings can be so exhausting—it also shows us how to design them to work for us. When we keep cognitive load low, avoid decision fatigue, and respect our brain’s attention span, meetings can go from draining to actually productive.

Now, let’s bust a few common myths about meetings that might be holding us back from making them as effective as they could be.

Busting Myths About Meetings

Alright, let’s get real about some of the myths that keep meetings stuck in “unproductive” mode. These are things we’ve all heard—or maybe even believed—that seem harmless but actually make meetings more exhausting and less effective. Time to bust these myths wide open.

Myth #1: Everyone Needs to Be in the Room

A big one, right? We tend to think that inviting the whole team is inclusive, but it usually just creates more noise. When everyone’s there, discussions get sidetracked, more opinions get tossed in, and it’s way harder to keep the meeting focused. 

The truth is that only the people directly involved in the topic or decision need to be there. Fewer people mean clearer conversations and faster decisions. Next time you’re setting up a meeting, ask yourself, “Who really needs to be here?”

Myth #2: Longer Meetings Get More Done

Ever been in a meeting that drags on and on because someone thinks more time means better results? It’s a myth that doesn’t hold up. In reality, the longer a meeting goes, the more people zone out, and engagement plummets. 

Meetings don’t need to be long—they just need to be focused. Some of the best meetings are 15 or 20 minutes because they cut right to the main points, leaving everyone free to get on with their day. Think of meetings like a sprint, not a marathon.

Myth #3: Weekly Meetings Are Always Necessary

We often get stuck in the habit of scheduling weekly or bi-weekly meetings, assuming they’re essential. But sometimes, recurring meetings lose their purpose, and people start attending out of habit instead of need. 

If there’s no new information or updates, that weekly check-in can become a time drain. Don’t be afraid to cancel a meeting if it’s not adding value. Instead, call a meeting only when there’s something specific to discuss. People will show up more engaged and ready to contribute.

Myth #4: Meetings Need to Cover Everything

It’s tempting to try to tackle as many topics as possible to “make the most of the time.” But cramming everything into one meeting often overwhelms people, and nothing gets fully resolved. 

Instead, keep each meeting focused on one or two key topics. When you stick to a specific agenda, everyone can dive deeper into the discussion and leave with a clear understanding of next steps. Less really is more when it comes to meeting agendas.

Letting go of these outdated ideas about meetings can open up a whole new way of thinking. By ditching these myths, we can design meetings that are lean, effective, and actually helpful. 

Now let’s get into some practical strategies for running meetings that make the most of everyone’s time.

Strategies for Holding More Effective Meetings

Alright, so we’ve busted the myths, and we know the brain science—now let’s talk about what we can actually do to make meetings better. These strategies are all about making meetings feel purposeful, keeping them on track, and helping everyone walk away feeling like their time was well spent. Because let’s be honest, if we’re going to be in a meeting, it better be worth it, right?

Set a Clear Objective

This one might sound obvious, but it’s amazing how many meetings kick off without a clear purpose. When everyone knows the exact goal of the meeting—whether it’s to make a decision, solve a problem, or update the team on progress—it sets a tone that keeps things focused. 

Think of the objective as the meeting’s anchor. If the discussion starts to drift (as it often does), a clear objective helps steer it back. So, before sending out that calendar invite, ask yourself, “What do I want to accomplish in this meeting?” If you can’t answer that, maybe it’s time to rethink the need for the meeting altogether.

Create a Time-Bound Agenda

Have you ever noticed how meetings without an agenda seem to last forever? An agenda not only shows people what will be covered, but it also sets a time limit for each topic. It’s like setting up mini-deadlines within the meeting, which naturally keeps the pace moving. 

And here’s a tip—try sharing the agenda before the meeting starts. This gives everyone a chance to prepare, making discussions faster and more productive. Bonus points if you set a hard stop time. When people know the meeting won’t go on indefinitely, they’re more likely to stay focused and get to the point.

Limit Participants to Essentials

It can feel tempting to invite everyone to a meeting “just in case” they have input. But too many people can actually slow things down and make it harder to reach decisions. Instead, only invite those who are directly involved in the topic or who need to take action afterward. 

You can always send out a summary to others if they need to stay in the loop. Keeping the guest list lean creates a more focused environment where decisions can be made quickly and efficiently.

Use Visuals and Summaries

We talked about how the brain processes and retains information, right? Well, visuals and summaries are a fantastic way to make things stick. When key points are reinforced visually—whether that’s through a quick slide, a chart, or even a few bullet points—it’s easier for people to follow along and retain what’s being discussed. 

And wrapping up with a summary of action items at the end? That’s like the cherry on top. It reinforces what’s been decided and makes sure everyone leaves on the same page.

Assign Action Items and Follow Up

One of the best ways to make meetings meaningful is to end with clear action items and deadlines. Let’s face it: meetings without follow-ups tend to go nowhere. If there’s no accountability, it’s easy for all those great ideas and decisions to fade into the background once everyone’s back to their busy workdays. 

When each person has a specific task and a timeline, it keeps the momentum going. And don’t forget a quick follow-up afterward—an email or a shared document with the action points can be all it takes to keep everyone aligned.

These strategies aren’t just about making meetings more efficient; they’re about giving everyone a sense of purpose and accomplishment. When meetings are clear, focused, and actionable, they actually add value instead of taking it away. 

And the best part? You’ll likely find yourself spending less time in meetings and more time actually getting things done.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Learning To Have More Effective Meetings

One of my coaching clients is a manager at a mid-sized firm, and was stuck in a cycle of endless, draining meetings that felt more like obstacles than opportunities. Each week, she’d gather her team for what was supposed to be a productive check-in, but without a set agenda or clear focus, the meetings quickly spiraled. 

Discussions would jump from one topic to the next, with everyone chiming in on unrelated issues. By the end of each session, her list of action items had somehow tripled, and she left feeling mentally exhausted and stressed, knowing her actual work was piling up. 

She dreaded these meetings, but felt they were just part of the job.

Once we began working together, she admitted she hadn’t realized how much her meetings were dragging down her productivity—and her team’s. We worked on creating a new approach: each meeting would have a clear goal, a time-bound agenda, and only the essential team members needed to get things done. 

She learned how to set boundaries within the meeting to keep discussions focused and purposeful. The transformation was immediate. Her meetings went from nearly an hour to a focused 20-30 minutes, with everyone leaving clear on their action items. 

She told me that not only did her own productivity soar, but her team seemed more engaged, too. She now walks into meetings with confidence, knowing they’re designed to move projects forward instead of holding them back. 

For this client, meetings have become a powerful tool, not a necessary evil—and she finally has the time and energy to focus on what really matters in her work.

The bottom line is if you’re dreading meetings, you need to learn how to run or participate in more effective meetings. 

Now I’m going to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway from this episode is that effective meetings aren’t just about saving time—they’re about creating clarity, maintaining focus, and ensuring everyone leaves with a sense of purpose and actionable steps.

For this week, ask yourself, “What can I change or suggest for my next meeting to make it more focused and valuable for everyone involved?”

This question encourages you to look at your meetings with a fresh perspective. Instead of seeing them as an obligation, consider them an opportunity to drive real progress. 

Consider specific changes you can make, like setting a clear agenda, inviting only necessary participants, or ending with defined action items. By taking even a few small steps, you can turn meetings from time-drains into productive sessions that help you and your team move forward with energy and direction.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared The Smarter Accountant’s guide to more effective meetings. I hope you’re walking away with a better understanding of what’s been getting in your way when it comes to effective meetings.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to better manage your time or anything you’re currently struggling with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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

Let’s be honest—how often do you sit there waiting for that spark of motivation to finally kick in? Maybe it’s a pile of client work staring at you, or a lingering task that’s been on your to-do list for way too long. 

You think, “I’ll get to it when I feel more motivated,” and then… nothing. The spark never comes, and suddenly you’re scrambling to get things done at the last minute.

It’s frustrating, isn’t it? This idea that motivation should somehow show up when we need it most, like a magic wand to make everything easier. 

So if motivation isn’t the key to getting things done… what is? And how do the most productive accountants make progress even when they don’t feel like it? Stick with me, because what I’m about to share might just change the way you approach your work forever.

Think about it. Motivation feels so good when it’s there, right? Like you’re unstoppable and ready to tackle anything. But what happens when it disappears? 

It’s kind of like a fair-weather friend—great company when things are easy but nowhere to be found when life gets tough. You can’t rely on it, and yet so many of us keep waiting for it to show up before we take action.

Here’s the thing: we’ve all been conditioned to believe that motivation is the key to success. You hear it everywhere—find your motivation, stay motivated, motivate your team. 

But no one really talks about how unreliable it is. No one tells you what to do when you wake up on Monday morning feeling completely unmotivated and staring down another busy week.

The truth is, motivation isn’t even the thing that gets the most successful people through their days. So, what is? That’s the question that changes everything.

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to push through no matter how they feel, while others can’t seem to get started unless they “feel like it”? What’s the secret to getting things done on the days when your motivation tank is running on empty?

I’ll give you a hint: it’s not about finding motivation. It’s about building something far more reliable.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in a cycle of waiting for motivation to strike, only to end up overwhelmed and behind, keep listening. The truth about motivation—and why it isn’t what you think—might just change the way you approach your work and your life.

Ready to learn what no one ever told you? Let’s dive in.

The Fleeting Nature of Motivation

Let’s break down what motivation actually is. At its core, it’s just a feeling—one that comes and goes, often when you least expect it. 

Sometimes it’s sparked by an exciting goal, a deadline, or even just the thought of finally crossing something off your list. Other times? It’s nowhere to be found, no matter how hard you try to summon it.

The challenge with motivation isn’t just that it’s inconsistent; it’s that we give it so much power. Think about it—how many times have you put off starting something because you weren’t “in the mood”? 

Maybe you were waiting for that magical burst of energy or inspiration to sweep you off your feet and make everything easier. But how often does that really happen?

The truth is, motivation doesn’t follow a schedule, and it doesn’t stick around just because you want it to. It can be influenced by your mood, your environment, and even things as random as the weather or how much sleep you got last night. Some days it’s there, but most days? Not so much.

And for accountants, this is where things get tricky. You can’t exactly wait around for motivation when deadlines are looming or clients are calling. If you’re relying on motivation to get you through your work, you might find yourself scrambling more often than not.

For example, let’s say you’ve got a client project sitting in front of you, and it’s not exactly your favorite task. Instead of diving in, you tell yourself, “I’ll tackle it later when I feel more motivated.” But “later” keeps getting pushed further and further back. 

Before you know it, the deadline is right around the corner, and you’re in full-on panic mode trying to pull it all together. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing—this isn’t about willpower or discipline (yet). It’s about understanding that motivation was never meant to be the driving force behind everything you do. 

It’s a nice bonus when it shows up, sure, but it’s not the engine. Treating it like one is what creates the frustration and stress we all know too well.

So, if motivation isn’t reliable, what is? And how can you get things done even when that spark is nowhere to be found? The answer lies in building something much stronger, and that’s what we’ll explore next.

What’s More Effective Than Motivation?

If motivation is the unreliable friend who only shows up when it’s convenient, discipline is the one who’s always there for you, no matter what. Discipline doesn’t care if you’re tired, unmotivated, or having an off day. It’s the habit of showing up and taking action, even when you don’t feel like it.

The great thing about discipline is that it’s dependable. Unlike motivation, which comes and goes based on how you’re feeling, discipline is something you can count on. 

It’s not flashy or exciting, but it works. It’s the quiet, steady force that helps you keep moving forward, one step at a time, no matter how your day is going.

So, what exactly is discipline? It’s the choice to act, even when every part of you would rather procrastinate. 

It’s deciding in advance what needs to get done and then following through, whether you’re in the mood for it or not. Discipline doesn’t ask, “Do I feel like it?” It just does what needs to be done.

This is why discipline is so reliable—it builds momentum. Each time you act, you’re making progress, even if it’s small. And that progress adds up. You start to realize that even on days when you’re not at your best, you can still get things done.

Let’s look at how this plays out in real life. Imagine it’s Monday morning, and you’re already feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you’re not in the mood to tackle that client project that’s been sitting on your desk. 

If you’re waiting for motivation, that project might sit there all day—or worse, all week. But if you’ve developed discipline, you’ll start anyway. You’ll chip away at it, one piece at a time, until it’s done.

Here’s the truth: the accountants who consistently meet deadlines, even under pressure, aren’t relying on motivation to get them through. They’ve built the habit of discipline. They know that some days they won’t feel like it, and that’s okay. What matters is that they take action anyway.

Discipline isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. The more you practice it, the more it becomes second nature. And when it does, you’ll find that you don’t have to rely on fleeting feelings to get things done—you can trust yourself to show up and do the work, no matter what.

If motivation is the spark, discipline is the steady flame that keeps the fire going. It might not always feel exciting, but it’s exactly what you need to stay consistent and get things done.

The Brain Science Behind Why Motivation is Overrated

Let’s get into the “why” behind all of this. Motivation might feel great when it shows up, but it’s not designed to stick around—and there’s a good reason for that. Motivation comes from your brain’s reward system, specifically a chemical called dopamine. 

Every time you feel motivated, your brain is giving you a little hit of dopamine to encourage you to take action. It’s like your brain saying, “Hey, this feels good—let’s do more of this!”

But here’s the catch: dopamine isn’t meant to keep flowing indefinitely. It spikes quickly and then drops off just as fast. This is why you can start a task feeling fired up, only to lose steam halfway through. 

Your brain isn’t wired to keep you motivated—it’s wired to conserve energy. Once the initial excitement fades, your brain shifts into “saving mode,” and suddenly, the task you were so excited to start feels like a slog.

This is where discipline comes in. Unlike motivation, which is fueled by a quick burst of dopamine, discipline is about building habits that stick. 

Every time you follow through on something—whether it’s getting started on a project, sticking to a schedule, or knocking out that one task you’ve been avoiding—you’re strengthening the neural pathways in your brain that make it easier to act next time. It’s like carving a trail through the woods: the more you walk it, the clearer and easier the path becomes.

For accountants, this is a game-changer. Our work is full of recurring tasks—deadlines, client deliverables, monthly reconciliations. Waiting for motivation to get you through those tasks is like rolling the dice and hoping for the best. 

But discipline? Discipline rewires your brain to make action your default setting, even when you’re not “feeling it.”

Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re staring down a big project. It’s not urgent yet, so your brain isn’t giving you that dopamine hit to get started. If you’re relying on motivation, you might find yourself procrastinating, hoping that spark of energy will show up later. 

But if you’ve trained yourself to act out of discipline, you’ll get started anyway. Even if it’s just a small step, you’re teaching your brain, “This is what we do—we take action.” Over time, that habit becomes second nature, and starting gets easier and easier.

The best part? Your brain rewards discipline in its own way. Each time you take action, you build momentum, and with it, a quiet sense of confidence that you can handle whatever’s next. 

You stop waiting for motivation to show up, because you don’t need it anymore. You’ve built something much stronger—a system that works no matter what kind of day you’re having.

So, while motivation might give you a quick boost, discipline is the real secret to getting things done. And the more you understand how your brain works, the easier it becomes to use it to your advantage.

How To Build What Actually Works

Now that we’ve talked about why discipline is more reliable than motivation, let’s look at how you can actually build it. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight to become disciplined. 

In fact, the best way to start is by thinking small—really small.  The truth is that discipline isn’t about making massive changes all at once; it’s about creating tiny habits that you can stick to consistently. 

For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to overhaul my whole workflow this week,” start with something as simple as committing to spend the first 10 minutes of your day tackling your highest-priority task. That’s it. Just 10 minutes. 

When you start small, it’s easier to keep your word to yourself, and every time you follow through, you’re building trust in your ability to act, no matter what.

One of the most powerful tools for building discipline is making decisions ahead of time. When you plan your day—or even your week—you’re essentially removing the mental debate about what to do in the moment. Time-blocking is perfect for this. 

By deciding ahead of time what you’ll do and when, you take the guesswork out of your day. You don’t have to sit there wondering, “What should I work on next?” You’ve already made the decision, and now all you have to do is follow through.

Think of it like making a reservation for your time. When you make a reservation at a restaurant, you don’t second-guess it when the time comes—you show up. It’s the same with time-blocking. You’re treating your time with the same level of respect and intention.

Here’s where it gets really powerful: discipline isn’t just about actions; it’s also about managing your thoughts. The way you talk to yourself matters more than you might realize. 

If your inner dialogue is full of thoughts like, “I don’t feel like doing this,” or “I’ll never get it all done,” guess what? Your brain is going to look for ways to confirm that.

But if you intentionally shift your thoughts to something like, “I can do hard things,” or “I’m just going to take the next step,” you’re creating a mental environment that makes action easier. It’s not about forcing positivity—it’s about giving yourself the kind of mindset that supports discipline, not fights against it.

Let me give you an example.  Imagine it’s a typical Monday morning, and your to-do list is already overwhelming. If you’re relying on motivation, you might spend half the day avoiding the toughest tasks, waiting to “feel ready.” 

But if you’ve built the habit of discipline, you’ll start small—maybe with a single email or a simple prep task for a client project. You’ll follow your time blocks, not because you feel like it, but because you’ve already decided they matter.

By the end of the day, you’re not just crossing things off your list—you’re reducing stress, gaining momentum, and proving to yourself that you can trust your own decisions. And that confidence? It’s priceless.

Building discipline doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about showing up consistently, even when things aren’t ideal. Every small habit, every intentional choice, and every managed thought adds up, creating a system that works for you. 

And once you’ve built that system, you’ll never need to wait for motivation again. You’ll already have everything you need.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Successfully Managing His Workload Despite a Lack of Motivation

When he first came to me, one of my clients was drowning in a sea of deadlines and pressure. He was a highly skilled accountant, but he constantly felt like he was falling behind, stuck in a cycle of procrastination and last-minute scrambles. 

He’d tell me, “I know what I need to do, but I just can’t seem to get started. I keep waiting for the right moment, and it never comes.”

Every Sunday night, the weight of the week ahead would hit him like a ton of bricks. He’d plan to tackle his workload with the best intentions, only to get stuck in a spiral of avoidance by Monday morning. 

A single email could derail his entire day, and the projects he put off would haunt him until the deadlines loomed too close to ignore. By then, the stress was unbearable, and he’d end up working late into the night just to catch up.

He told me he felt ashamed. How could someone so smart and experienced fall into this pattern over and over again? I could totally feel his frustration. He wanted to do better—for his clients, for his career, and for himself—but he didn’t know where to start.

When we started working together we began by unraveling his dependence on motivation. He’d always believed he needed to “feel ready” to get started, and that belief was holding him hostage. I explained that motivation is fleeting, but discipline is something he could build step by step.

At first, it felt awkward for him. I encouraged him to start small, with micro-habits like setting aside 10 minutes each morning to dive into his most important task—whether he felt like it or not. 

He also began time-blocking his day, reserving time for tasks like he’d reserve a table at a restaurant. The shift wasn’t dramatic at first, but he stuck with it, and over time, those small steps started to build momentum.

The real breakthrough came when he started managing his thoughts. We worked on the internal dialogue that had been sabotaging him—thoughts like, “I’ll never get this done in time,” or “This is too much to handle.” 

Instead, he practiced replacing them with thoughts like, “I can handle this one step at a time,” and “Getting started is the hardest part, and I’m already doing it.”

Fast forward a few months, and he’s a completely different person. He still has deadlines and busy days, but now he faces them with confidence instead of dread. 

He doesn’t wait for motivation anymore; he trusts the systems we’ve built together and knows how to follow through, no matter how he’s feeling.

The most emotional moment for me came when he said, “For the first time in years, I feel like I’m in control of my work instead of my work controlling me.” That’s the power of discipline—it doesn’t just change the way you work; it changes the way you see yourself. And for him, that was everything.

The bottom line is, when you stop waiting for motivation and start building discipline, you take back your power—and that changes everything.

Now I’m going to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is this: Motivation is fleeting, but discipline is dependable. When you stop waiting for the perfect moment to feel ready and instead build small, consistent habits, you take control of your actions—and ultimately, your results. Discipline isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.

For this week, ask yourself, “What’s one small action I can commit to today, even if I don’t feel like it?”

This question shifts your focus from how you feel to what you can do. It reminds you that progress doesn’t require big, dramatic steps—it starts with something as simple as taking the next action. 

Asking yourself this question puts you in the driver’s seat. Instead of waiting for the right circumstances, you’re making the decision to act, no matter what’s going on around you.

It’s important because discipline grows through practice. The more you choose to take small actions—even when motivation isn’t there—the easier it becomes to trust yourself to follow through. Over time, those small steps build momentum, confidence, and a sense of control over your work and life.

When you ask this question regularly, it helps you focus on what’s possible right now. And that’s where true change begins.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared the truth about motivation that no one ever told you. I hope you’re walking away with a better understanding of what’s been getting in your way of getting things done.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to better manage your time or anything you’re currently struggling with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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

Let’s talk about something your brain does without you even realizing it: it’s called confirmation bias. It’s a fancy way of saying that we tend to notice things that back up what we already believe—and we ignore the rest.

I’ll explain more in a minute, but you might be asking yourself, “Why does this matter?” Because whether you’re at work, at home, or just going about your day, confirmation bias is shaping how you see the world and the decisions you make.

Think about it—have you ever been absolutely sure a client was going to be difficult? And didn’t it seem like every email they sent just proved you right? What if you’d already decided they were helpful instead? Would you have noticed something completely different?

The truth is that our brains are wired to focus on what we expect to find. But what happens when those expectations don’t reflect the whole picture?

What if the way you see a coworker, a project, or even yourself isn’t the full picture? What if your brain is just hunting for proof that what you believe is true—even when it’s not helping you?

This isn’t about being wrong or right; it’s about what we focus on and why. Our brains like to stick to familiar beliefs, even when they hold us back.

For example, have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m just not good at this,” and then finding endless proof to back it up? Why is it so much easier to confirm a negative thought than to challenge it?

The truth is, confirmation bias is something all of us deal with. I’ll explain more about this later, but it’s a built-in feature of the human brain—one that’s trying to keep things simple and efficient.

But here’s the thing: what if you could use that same mental habit to your advantage? What if you could train your brain to confirm empowering beliefs instead of limiting ones?

It’s a fascinating idea, isn’t it? The way we think shapes what we see, and what we see shapes what we believe. But how often do we stop to ask, “Is this belief actually helping me?”

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your thinking or wondered why certain patterns keep showing up, you’re not alone. The good news is that once you understand how confirmation bias works, you can start to notice it—and even change it.

Are you curious yet? Understanding confirmation bias starts with knowing exactly what it is and why our brains love it so much.

What Exactly Is Confirmation Bias?

Let’s get into a little more about what confirmation bias is.  Confirmation bias is like having a built-in spotlight in your brain. Whatever you already believe, your brain shines that light on anything that matches it—and leaves everything else in the dark.

It’s not something we do on purpose; it’s more like a reflex. The brain loves patterns, and it feels good when we find things that fit the ones we already know.

For example, if you believe you’re bad at meeting deadlines, your brain will zoom in on every time you’re late. But it will also conveniently overlook all the times you finished early or right on time.

This habit of the brain isn’t about being good or bad—it’s about being efficient. If you’ve thought something for a long time, your brain assumes it’s important and keeps proving it to you.

But here’s the tricky part: your brain doesn’t check if the belief is helping or hurting you. It just keeps looking for proof, no matter what.

Think about how this plays out in daily life. If you believe someone is unreliable, your brain will zoom in on every mistake they make, just like it overlooks your own successes when you believe you’re bad at something. 

It’s not the world that’s changing—it’s what your brain decides to focus on. That’s confirmation bias in action.

This isn’t just about how we see other people; it’s also about how we see ourselves. Your brain loves to reinforce the stories you’ve been telling yourself for years, even if they’re holding you back.

The funny thing is, we don’t even realize it’s happening most of the time. It feels like we’re just observing facts, but really, we’re seeing a filtered version of reality.

Understanding confirmation bias isn’t about judging yourself. It’s about noticing the stories your brain is telling and asking, “What else might be true?”

Once you understand confirmation bias, you’ll start noticing how it shows up everywhere. And for accountants, it’s especially important to recognize because precision and objectivity are key to the work we do.

Why Confirmation Bias Matters for Accountants

So why am I talking about this on a podcast for accountants?  Because in accounting, precision and objectivity are non-negotiable. But confirmation bias doesn’t care about those rules—it’s always working in the background, influencing how you think and what you notice.

When you’ve already decided something is true, your brain focuses on evidence that supports it, even if it’s not the most accurate conclusion. 

Imagine reviewing a client’s records while convinced they’re careless with their finances. Every mistake you find will seem to confirm that belief, even if the majority of their records are perfectly fine.

Confirmation bias also shows up when we evaluate our own performance. If you believe you’re “terrible at delegating,” you’ll focus on every time something went wrong after you handed it off. Meanwhile, the times you delegated successfully will quietly fade into the background.

I see this all the time with my Smarter Accountant Time Management coaching clients.  They have a difficult time delegating because they’ve had a few issues in the past and their brain just wants to focus on them, resisting the idea that delegation can work.

And what about decision-making? Whether it’s choosing a software solution, creating a financial strategy, or advising a client, confirmation bias can steer you toward the conclusion you want instead of the one that’s most accurate. Even when you’re staring at conflicting data, your brain has a way of making the preferred outcome feel like the only right choice.

It doesn’t stop there. In team dynamics, confirmation bias can build walls where there could be bridges. If you’ve decided a coworker is difficult, every interaction becomes “proof” of that belief, while their positive efforts get overlooked. Over time, it becomes harder to see them any other way.

The real problem isn’t that our brains do this—it’s that we rarely notice it happening. Confirmation bias is sneaky.  It works quietly, shaping our thoughts, decisions, and even our relationships without us realizing it.

In a profession like accounting, where small assumptions can lead to big consequences, learning to spot confirmation bias isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It’s the key to seeing situations clearly, making better decisions, and improving how you work with clients and colleagues.

Spotting confirmation bias in your work is one thing, but understanding why your brain works this way takes it to a whole new level. Let’s dig into the science behind it so you can see how your mind shapes what you notice—and what you don’t.

The Brain Science Behind Confirmation Bias

Since this is the podcast that blends brain science with accounting, let’s talk about the brain science behind confirmation bias.

Confirmation bias isn’t just a bad habit—it’s rooted in how our brains are designed to work. The brain is constantly sorting through information, deciding what’s important and what can be ignored. This isn’t random; again, it’s all about efficiency.

Your brain wants to save energy, so it sticks to what it already knows. If you’ve been thinking a certain way for years, your brain considers that thought a well-worn path. It’s easier to keep walking down that familiar road than to start carving out a new one.

Here’s another thing your brain does: it loves being right. Every time it finds evidence to support your belief—whether it’s “I’m bad at presenting” or “That client is always late”—it gives you a little reward in the form of a feel-good chemical called dopamine. 

That’s why it feels satisfying to be “proven right,” even when the belief isn’t helping you.

But being right isn’t always a good thing. The same mechanism that makes your brain confirm positive beliefs can also reinforce negative ones. If you believe “I’m overwhelmed and there’s never enough time,” your brain will focus on every stressful moment to keep that story alive.

Then there’s the brain’s fear of change. To your brain, a new belief feels risky. It’s like stepping into unfamiliar territory, and the brain doesn’t like that—it sees uncertainty as a potential threat. This is why changing how you think about something often feels uncomfortable or even scary.

On top of that, our brains are wired to prioritize speed over accuracy. The part of your brain responsible for quick decisions, the Toddler Brain, loves shortcuts. It grabs onto whatever aligns with what you already believe and skips the hard work of considering other perspectives.

This process might have been helpful when our ancestors needed to make snap decisions to survive. But in the modern world, especially in accounting, it can cause more harm than good. It can lead to missed opportunities, flawed decisions, and strained relationships.

The good news is that the higher part of your brain—the Supervising Parent—can override this instinct. This part of the brain is where logic and intentional thinking happen. When you slow down and question your beliefs, you give this part of your brain a chance to step in and take the lead.

The bottom line is that understanding the science behind confirmation bias is empowering because it puts you back in control. Now, let’s look at how you can take this natural tendency and turn it into a tool for growth.

How to Turn Confirmation Bias Into an Advantage

Now that you know that confirmation bias is always running in the background, why not flip it around and make it work for you instead of against you? That same habit of focusing on what you already believe can actually help you get the results you want—if you point it in the right direction.

Start by paying attention to the stories you’re telling yourself. Do you ever catch yourself thinking, “I’m too disorganized to handle this,” or “That client never listens to me”? Once you notice those thoughts, ask yourself: are they helping you or just holding you back?

Then try asking better questions. Instead of thinking, “Why is this client so difficult?” what if you asked, “What’s one way they’ve been helpful lately?” Your brain loves answering questions, so give it something better to work with—it’ll start finding answers you didn’t expect.

Another thing that helps is looking for evidence that challenges your negative beliefs. Let’s say you’ve convinced yourself, “I’m terrible with technology.” Start paying attention to moments when you actually figured something out, no matter how small. Those little wins add up and can start shifting how you see yourself.

And here’s a big one: reframing. If you’re thinking, “I can’t handle this busy season,” try flipping it to, “This is my chance to practice staying calm under pressure.” When you do that, your brain will start looking for proof that the new thought is true—and it will find it.

It’s also really helpful to have someone who can give you honest, constructive feedback. Whether it’s a mentor, coach, or a trusted colleague, having someone who can help you see things from a different perspective can make all the difference.

Finally, focus on building positive beliefs on purpose. If you decide, “I’m great at solving problems under pressure,” your brain will start noticing all the ways that’s true. The more you reinforce those beliefs, the stronger they’ll become.

You can’t just turn off confirmation bias—it’s always going to be there. But you can guide it.

When you’re intentional about what you want to believe and actively look for proof to back it up, you can turn this natural habit into a powerful tool. Instead of keeping you stuck, it can help you grow in ways you didn’t think were possible.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Dealing With Confirmation Bias As An Accountant

One of my coaching clients came to me feeling completely stuck. She believed she was terrible at managing her time and was convinced that no matter what she tried, she’d always be behind on her work. Every time she missed a deadline or felt overwhelmed, it became “proof” that she wasn’t cut out for her role.

During one of our sessions, I introduced her to the idea of confirmation bias. At first, she was skeptical—she was sure her thoughts about herself were just facts. But I asked her to try a simple exercise: look for moments, no matter how small, where she handled her time well.

At first, she struggled. But then she started noticing little wins, like finishing a client’s report a day early or organizing her inbox in less time than expected. Slowly, she began to see that her belief wasn’t the full story.

Over the next few weeks, she started reframing her thoughts. Instead of telling herself, “I’m always behind,” she shifted to, “I can figure out how to manage this.” Her brain began to find evidence for this new belief, and her confidence grew.

By the end of our work together, she wasn’t just managing her time better—she felt more in control and capable. She told me that for the first time in years, she didn’t dread busy season. 

Her old belief had held her back, but once she understood how her brain worked, she was able to turn it into her biggest advantage.

Now I’m going to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that confirmation bias is always at work, shaping how you see the world and yourself. The good news is, with a little awareness, you can turn it from a stumbling block into a stepping stone for growth and success.

For this week, ask yourself, “What am I focusing on, and is it actually helping me?”  This question cuts straight to the heart of how confirmation bias works. 

Paying attention to your thoughts can reveal beliefs that hold you back. Once you see them, you can choose to focus on ones that move you forward.

It’s like taking the reins and deciding how you want your mind to see things—it’s such a game-changer!

The bottom line is that you can’t stop your brain from looking for evidence to support your beliefs, but you can decide what beliefs you want it to focus on. When you intentionally guide your thoughts, confirmation bias becomes a tool to reinforce your growth, confidence, and success. 

So, start paying attention to where your mental spotlight is aimed—it might just change everything.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I explained confirmation bias and how it shapes your work as an accountant. I hope you’re walking away with some awareness that might change how you manage your career and your life.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to better manage your time or anything you’re currently struggling with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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

Before I get started, I just wanted to mention that I am running a monthly group coaching program for accountants on the 3rd Friday of every month at 12 pm EST.  For April I had to change things a little so we’ll be meeting on the 2nd Friday, April 11th.  The topic for April is “Time Estimation.” 

If things always take longer than expected or you’re constantly running out of time, you’re not alone.  But I’ll be working on helping you spot what’s throwing off your time estimates and how to get back in control.

When you join, every month you’ll get a workbook to dive deeper into the topic of the month, you get the one hour group coaching session, access to a private Linkedin group where you can network and connect between sessions, and a monthly mini on-demand video about the topic.  

If you are interested, email me at dawn@thesmarteraccountant.com with “Group Coaching” in the subject line and I’ll send you the details. 

Okay, let’s get started with this week’s episode.  Have you ever really thought about where you work best? Not just your desk setup or whether you like a coffee shop vibe, but where you actually feel the most focused and balanced?

For years, accountants thought we had to be in an office to do our jobs. Then 2020 happened, and suddenly, we had to figure out how to work from home. And guess what? A lot of us realized we could actually get just as much—if not more—done without being in the office.

That changed everything. It made us ask: Do we really need to be in the office every day?

Now, thanks to technology, we have choices—office, remote, or hybrid. But it’s not just about where you work. It’s about how each option affects your productivity, your focus, and even your energy levels.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Maybe you thrive on the structure of the office. Maybe working from home gives you the freedom you never knew you needed. Or maybe, like a lot of accountants, you’re finding that a mix of both is the sweet spot.

It’s great to have options, but let’s be real—it can also feel a little overwhelming.

What works for you might not work for someone else, and that’s okay. But understanding the pros and cons of each setup? That’s the key. Because this isn’t just about comfort—it’s about your well-being and productivity.

And here’s something interesting—how we work isn’t just about personal preference. It’s tied to how our brains function. And that’s definitely worth thinking about.

So, let’s dive in. Whether you’ve already found your perfect setup or you’re still figuring it out, this is something we all need to think about. The way we work has changed—and the way we think about work and life has too.

The Traditional Office Model: A Tried-and-True Setup

Let’s be real—there’s something familiar about the traditional office. For years, accountants like us were expected to show up, settle in, and get to work. It’s how we were trained, and for many, it still feels like the best setup for staying focused and productive.

There’s structure, routine, and easy access to coworkers. Need help with a tricky return or a client question? Just walk over to someone’s desk. Have a complicated audit issue? A five-minute hallway chat can clear things up fast. That kind of quick problem-solving is hard to replicate when you’re working remotely.

Some big firms, like PwC and KPMG, still rely on in-office work for team-based projects like audits or client consultations. And honestly, there’s something to be said for face-to-face collaboration when you’re working through complex issues.

For some accountants, the office also makes it easier to separate work from home. When you’re in the office, you’re in work mode. When you leave, you can (hopefully) switch off. That physical boundary helps create a clearer line between work life and personal life—something that’s not always easy when you’re working from home.

But let’s talk about the downsides. The commute alone can be exhausting—spending an hour (or more) in traffic or crammed onto a train just to get to work? That’s time you could be using to knock out emails, prep for the day, or just enjoy a slow morning.

Then there are the office distractions—coworkers stopping by to chat, meetings that pop up out of nowhere, and the general office buzz that makes it tough to focus when you really need quiet time for deep work.

For some, the office still works. But for others, it feels a little rigid—especially now that we know work can be done differently. The predictability and in-person collaboration are great, but they come with trade-offs: long commutes, constant interruptions, and feeling “on” from the moment you step in until the second you leave.

And that’s the real question—does the office actually help you work better, or is it just what you’re used to?

The traditional office model may have been the gold standard for decades, but it’s no longer the only way to work. That’s why remote work has changed the game for so many accountants. It’s a completely different setup, but for some of us, it offers freedom and flexibility the office never could.

Let’s take a look at how working from home has reshaped the way we work.

The Rise of Remote Work: Flexibility Meets Freedom

For some of us accountants, it’s a game-changer. For others, it still feels a little unfamiliar. But whether you love it or not, there’s no denying that it’s completely reshaped how we think about getting work done.

I remember when working from home was something you did only on snow days or when a kid was sick. Now, it’s a real option for a lot of us—and for good reason.

There’s something freeing about skipping the morning rush, avoiding traffic, and ditching the long commute. Instead, you can roll out of bed, grab your coffee, and get straight to work—often in your favorite sweatpants. 

And the best part is that you control your environment. Want music in the background? Go for it. Prefer total silence? No problem. Your space, your rules.

The thing is, a lot of smaller accounting firms and solo practitioners have gone fully remote, which means they can work with clients anywhere—sometimes even internationally—without needing a physical office. And the hiring pool is way bigger when you’re not limited to local talent.

In fact, I was just working with one of my accountant entrepreneur coaching clients and encouraged her to use the fact that her firm is 100% remote as a selling point to potential clients.  The fact that she is able to hire the best employees in the country and not be limited to the best in her geographic area can be a big plus.

But let’s be honest—it’s not just about convenience. Many of us have found we actually get more done at home. No surprise interruptions, fewer meetings, and the flexibility to work when we’re at our best. If you’re an early bird like me, you can knock out deep-focus work first thing in the morning. Night owls? You can tackle projects when you’re naturally more productive.

Of course, remote work isn’t perfect. It can get lonely, especially if you’re used to the buzz of an office. Without those quick chats with coworkers, it’s easy to feel disconnected.

And let’s talk about boundaries—because they can be tricky. When your home is your office, it’s way too easy to keep working. One minute you’re shutting down for the day, the next you’re answering emails at 9 p.m. just because your laptop is right there.

Then there’s the mental switch. The same space where you relax and watch Netflix at night is also where you’re prepping tax returns during the day. Without that clear separation, stepping away from work can feel almost impossible.

So, while remote work gives us incredible freedom, it also comes with responsibility. The flexibility is amazing, but it requires discipline to manage time and set boundaries.

For many accountants, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. But if neither full-time office work nor remote work feels quite right, there’s another option—the hybrid model. Let’s take a look at that next.

The Hybrid Model: The Best of Both Worlds?

Now, let’s talk about the hybrid model—a little office time, a little remote work. For a lot of accountants, myself included, this setup just works. It gives us the structure of the office and the flexibility of home. Kind of like having the best of both worlds, right?

With a hybrid setup, you get to choose when to go into the office and when to stay home. Maybe you head in a couple of days a week to meet with clients, catch up with coworkers, or work on team projects. Then, the rest of the time, you’re at home, tackling deep-focus work without the usual office distractions.

It’s no surprise why so many accountants love this option. You still get face-to-face time for things like brainstorming, mentoring, or just feeling connected to your team. But you’re not stuck in the office every day, which means you also get the perks of remote work—like fewer interruptions and no commute.

I was just telling my husband that I get along so well with the coworkers I share my home office with.  They sleep most of the day, they don’t complain or gossip, and they only need my attention when I need to let them out in the backyard (of course I’m talking about my two dogs.)

Some firms, like Grant Thornton, have embraced hybrid work, letting employees split their time between home and the office to boost both productivity and collaboration. Small to mid-sized firms—like the one I work for—offer flexibility based on workload, which makes a huge difference during busy seasons.

But let’s be real—hybrid work isn’t perfect. Scheduling can be tricky, especially when everyone has different in-office days. Sometimes you need an in-person meeting, but half the team is working remotely. And then there’s hybrid guilt—you know, that little voice in your head wondering if your coworkers think you’re slacking off just because they can’t see you working.

On top of that, constantly switching between workspaces can take a toll on focus and productivity. One day, you’re in the office, surrounded by people, bouncing between meetings and quick chats. The next day, you’re at home, trying to shift into deep focus mode—but your brain is still in “collaboration mode.”

Or maybe it’s the other way around: you’ve had a quiet, productive work-from-home day, and then suddenly, you’re back in the office, struggling to concentrate with all the background noise and interruptions.

It takes time to mentally adjust every time you switch locations, and that adjustment isn’t always seamless. Some accountants thrive on the variety, while others find it exhausting to constantly shift between two different work setups.

On the flip side, when you are in the office, you might feel like you’re missing out on the freedom of working from home. It can feel like a constant balancing act—trying to stay productive no matter where you are. And while some people love switching between locations, others find it exhausting to adjust to different workspaces throughout the week.

Still, when hybrid work does work, it’s a game-changer. You get the flexibility to work where you’re most productive while keeping that in-person connection when you need it. It’s a great middle ground—no rigid “all-or-nothing” approach.

So, whether you’re someone who leans more toward office life or home life, hybrid work lets you have a foot in both worlds. And for many of us, that’s the perfect balance. But no matter where we work, there’s something deeper going on—our brains are playing a huge role in how we function in each setup.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes.

The Brain Science Behind Your Work Environment

Alright, let’s talk about something we don’t always think about but should—how our brains react to where we work. It’s wild, but our brains are wired to respond differently depending on the environment we’re in. And that plays a huge role in how focused, productive, and even happy we feel during the workday.

Let’s start with the office. Ever notice how some accountants feel more productive there? That’s because our brains love routine and structure. Walking into an office sends a clear signal: It’s time to work. 

You’ve got a dedicated workspace, a clear division between “work mode” and “home mode,” and all those little office cues—your desk, coworkers, the smell of coffee brewing. These things help your brain switch into focus mode.

Plus, we’re wired for social interaction. Being around colleagues can actually boost creativity and problem-solving, which is why brainstorming sessions often work better in person.

Now, what about remote work? Well, it’s a little trickier for the brain. Without that physical separation between work and home, your brain has to create that boundary on its own—and that’s not always easy.

Sure, working from home lets you design your ideal workspace (hello, noise-free deep focus!), but it also makes it harder to switch off. That’s why so many accountants struggle with “remote burnout.” When your laptop is right there, it’s tempting to answer one more email or tweak one more report. Before you know it, your brain never fully relaxes.

Then there’s the hybrid model, which sounds like the best of both worlds—and for some, it is. But switching between home and office constantly forces your brain to adjust. This is called context switching, and our brains aren’t great at it. Every time you move between workspaces, your brain has to recalibrate, which can leave you feeling drained even after a productive day.

Think about it—when you’re in the office, your day is often filled with meetings, quick questions from coworkers, and shifting between multiple client tasks. Then, when you work from home the next day, you’re suddenly expected to sit down and focus deeply on a complex tax return or audit analysis. 

Your brain has to shift gears from “collaboration mode” to “deep focus mode,” and that transition isn’t always smooth. By the time you fully adjust, it’s time to switch environments again. No wonder hybrid work can feel mentally exhausting at times.

So, which setup is best? Honestly, it depends on your brain. If you thrive on structure, the office might be your sweet spot. If you need flexibility and quiet, remote work could be your thing. And if you like a little of both, hybrid can work—as long as you’re mindful of how the back-and-forth affects your focus and energy.

At the end of the day, understanding how your brain reacts to different work setups helps you make smarter choices about where and how you work. And once you figure that out? You can set yourself up for success, no matter what model you choose.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Making My Office Choice Work Best

Let me tell you a little about my own journey to finding the right work environment. When I started at Deloitte in 1988, there was only one way to work—you went into the office, every day, no questions asked. It was just how things were done, and it worked because it was the only option we had. 

Fast forward about 13 years later, and I moved to a smaller firm. That’s when I started to experiment with something new. I gradually transitioned into a hybrid setup, working three days a week in the office and two days from home. It gave me the structure I was used to while offering me a bit more flexibility.

But life has a way of throwing curveballs. Recently, I’ve been going through surgery and chemotherapy treatments, which meant I had to adjust again. For the past nine months, I’ve been working entirely from home. It wasn’t what I had planned, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. 

Here’s the wild part: even with everything going on, I finished my work for the extended tax deadline two weeks early. That’s right—despite taking days off for chemo treatments and recovery, I was done ahead of time.

When I told my husband, he looked at me and said, “How is that even possible?” And my answer was simple: “Think about what’s different this year. I’ve been working 100% from home.”

The truth is, I’ve been able to make this work because I know how to manage my focus and my time. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t sitting in an office or that I had to take time off for treatments—I had the tools and the mindset to get it done. 

Once my health is back on track, I’m planning to go back to a hybrid model—working two days in the office and three days from home. It’s the balance that works for me, and it’s one I’ve crafted based on what I’ve learned about myself over the years.

That’s the key here: it’s not about where you work, but how you make your work environment work best for you. Whether you’re in an office, at home, or doing a little of both, becoming a smarter accountant means knowing how to manage your time, your focus, and your energy. 

Once you figure that out, you can thrive no matter where your desk happens to be.

Now I’m going to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway from this episode is that choosing the best work model—whether office, remote, or hybrid—comes down to understanding how each option impacts your productivity, focus, and overall well-being. It’s not just about where you physically work, but how that environment supports or hinders your ability to manage your time, energy, and mental health. 

By being intentional about where and how you work, you can set yourself up for success, whether you’re collaborating in the office, enjoying the flexibility of remote work, or finding a balance with a hybrid approach. The goal is to create a work environment that helps you thrive both professionally and personally.

This week, ask yourself, “What work environment allows me to stay most focused and productive without sacrificing my mental well-being?”  This question highlights the importance of balancing productivity with mental health.

You should be considering how each environment (office, remote, or hybrid) impacts your focus, energy levels, and ability to disconnect from work when needed. It reinforces that the choice isn’t just about where you work but how you feel and perform in that setting.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared a comparison of work environments and the brain science behind each.  I hope you’re walking away with a better understanding of what might be best for you.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to make your work environment work best for you, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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

First, let me just say that I cannot tell you how many coaching clients have been dealing with this issue in the past few weeks.  When I told them that this week’s episode is all about why hope is not a time management strategy, they laughed and said they couldn’t wait to listen to it.

So let’s start off by talking about something we all rely on way too much: hope. It feels good to hope for a smoother day tomorrow, to hope that the chaos will settle down, or to hope that you’ll finally get everything crossed off your to-do list.

But here’s the thing—hope isn’t a plan. It’s not a time management strategy. And yet, so many of us lean on it like it’s going to magically solve everything.

For example, I was working with a group of accountant entrepreneurs on time management and one of them was going over a project she was working on.  When I asked her when it would be done, she said, “I hope to get it done by next Friday.”

The look on my face told her she had broken one of my cardinal rules for effective time management – hoping is ineffective, because it puts the outcome outside of your control. I asked her, “What needs to happen for this to actually be done by next Friday?” She paused and admitted she hadn’t really thought about it—she was just hoping things would fall into place.

That’s the problem with hope. It feels like a plan, but it’s really just wishing for the best without a clear path forward. And when you’re managing deadlines, clients, and an endless to-do list, hoping isn’t enough.

If you’re like most accountants, you’ve probably had days where you hoped for fewer interruptions, hoped that emails wouldn’t pile up, or hoped that you’d have time to focus on your real priorities. How often does that actually work?

I get it. When things feel overwhelming, hope can seem like the easiest option. It’s comforting to think, “Maybe tomorrow will be better,” instead of figuring out how to make tomorrow better.

But what if hope is actually keeping you stuck? What if it’s quietly robbing you of the control and clarity you need to truly get things done?

When was the last time hoping for something actually moved the needle for you? Did it help you meet that deadline? Did it stop the last-minute requests from pouring in? Probably not.

Here’s the tricky part—hope feels productive, doesn’t it? It’s like a mental shortcut that makes us feel like we’re doing something, even when we’re not. But is it possible that this feeling is holding you back?

What if there’s a better way? What if you could swap out hope for something that actually works—something that helps you take control of your time and your day?

In today’s episode, we’re going to explore why hope isn’t enough and what makes it such a tempting trap. Because let’s face it, as an accountant, you can’t afford to leave your time management to chance.

This is about more than just getting through the day. It’s about showing up for yourself in a way that feels intentional and empowering. Because let’s be real, you deserve more than just hoping things will get better.

The Comfort of Hope and Its Hidden Costs

Let’s talk about why hope can feel so good, even when it’s not helping you. The truth is, it’s like a mental safety net—when things feel overwhelming, hope gives you a momentary sense of relief.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of hoping things will settle down. After all, it’s much less stressful than confronting everything on your plate. Hope lets you push the problem off to some future version of yourself.

But here’s the thing: hope doesn’t actually solve anything. It keeps you in a waiting pattern, expecting circumstances to change instead of taking steps to make that change happen.

The real issue is that hope often feels like you’re doing something. It gives a quick emotional boost, like a little promise to yourself that things will be okay. But honestly, does that promise actually translate into progress?

It’s important to point out that the hidden cost of hope is that it delays action. When you’re hoping for a quieter day or fewer interruptions, you’re not planning for how to handle the noise or the chaos when it inevitably comes.

Hope also has a sneaky way of creating frustration. When things don’t improve the way you hoped they would, it’s easy to feel like the problem is outside of your control. But is it really?

Let’s be clear—there’s nothing wrong with being hopeful. The problem is when hope becomes a substitute for action. It’s like having a map but not taking the first step toward your destination.

If you’ve ever wondered why your workload feels so unpredictable or why you can’t seem to catch up, it might be worth asking yourself: am I hoping for things to change, or am I making decisions to create change?

I like to tell my coaching clients, “If you’re not changing it, you’re choosing it.”

Hope feels safe and comforting, but it doesn’t give you the tools to deal with the challenges that come your way. To take control, you need more than hope—you need a strategy.

Let’s break down what’s really going on here and why relying on hope might be keeping you stuck.

Why Hope Alone Isn’t Enough for Time Management

Here’s the thing about hope—it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s often the spark that makes us believe things can get better. But when it comes to managing your time, hope can’t do the heavy lifting.

Hope doesn’t prioritize your tasks. It doesn’t create a plan or decide what needs to happen next. And when your to-do list is as long as a CVS receipt, those are the things that actually matter.

The truth is, time management is about action. It’s about making intentional decisions in the moment, even when things feel chaotic. Hope can’t decide which email needs a reply or which project should come first.

If you’ve ever found yourself hoping for a free afternoon to finally catch up, you know how unreliable that can be. Free time doesn’t just appear. Without a plan, that hope gets swallowed up by distractions and urgent requests.

Hope also doesn’t help you handle the unexpected. It can’t stop a last-minute client email or prevent an interruption in the middle of a complex task. When things go off track, hope won’t guide you back—it just waits for the dust to settle.

Another issue is that relying on hope often leads to overwhelm. When you don’t have a system in place, everything feels equally urgent. It’s exhausting to live in a constant state of “maybe tomorrow will be better” without a clear way forward.

Again, it’s not that hope isn’t helpful—it’s that it can’t stand alone. It’s the starting point, not the whole solution. What gets you from overwhelmed to organized isn’t hoping for change—it’s taking steps to make that change happen.

Now let’s talk about the brain science behind hope and procrastination.

The Brain Science Behind Hope and Procrastination

It’s one thing to understand why hope isn’t enough, but have you ever wondered why we keep leaning on it anyway? If we know it’s not solving the problem, why do we keep doing it? The answer lies in how our brains are wired.

Our brains are designed to avoid discomfort. When faced with a long to-do list or a big decision, your brain naturally looks for the path of least resistance. Hope feels easy—it gives you a quick sense of relief without forcing you to take action.

Unfortunately, this is where procrastination sneaks in. Hope and procrastination go hand in hand because both give you a way to avoid the hard stuff in the moment. Your brain convinces you that putting things off is fine because, well, you’re hopeful it’ll all work out later.

But what’s happening behind the scenes is that when you choose to hope instead of action, your brain rewards you with a little burst of dopamine. That feel-good chemical tricks you into thinking you’ve accomplished something, even though nothing has actually changed.

The issue is that that dopamine boost is short-lived. When the same tasks you were avoiding show up again—and now with added pressure—it’s easy to feel stuck. The cycle of hope and procrastination can leave you overwhelmed, stressed, and wondering why nothing seems to improve.

The thing is, your brain isn’t trying to sabotage you. It’s just trying to keep you comfortable. Your higher brain, the part I refer to as the Supervising Parent, is responsible for planning and decision-making and thrives on structure and clarity. But when you rely on hope, you’re bypassing that part of your brain and leaning on emotions instead of logic.

This is why procrastination often feels easier in the moment but leaves you feeling worse later. Your brain’s quick fix—the dopamine from hope—ends up costing you more time and energy in the long run.

Understanding this brain science isn’t about blaming yourself for procrastinating. It’s about recognizing what’s really going on and learning how to work with your brain instead of against it.

So, how do you break the cycle? How do you move from a place of passive hope to intentional action? Let’s take a closer look at how to make that shift.

How to Move from Hope to Intentional Action

Okay, let’s get real—how do you stop relying on hope and actually take charge of your time? Don’t worry; you don’t have to flip your whole life upside down. It’s all about small, simple steps that add up to big changes.

Start by thinking about where hope is sneaking into your day. Are you hoping your emails won’t pile up while you work? Or maybe you’re hoping for some magical stretch of free time to get that big project done. Be honest—where are you leaving things to chance?

Here’s a question to ask yourself: “What’s one part of my day where I’m just hoping instead of deciding?” It might be a small thing, like hoping you’ll stay focused during a busy afternoon, or something bigger, like hoping this week will finally feel less chaotic. Just notice it—no judgment, no guilt.

Now, let’s talk about what you can do. The secret is focusing on small, strategic wins. You don’t need hours of free time to make progress. Start with something tiny, like blocking off 30 minutes to work on one specific task. No distractions, no multitasking—just one thing.

It’s amazing how much lighter you’ll feel after even a little win like that. And those small wins start to stack up. Pretty soon, you’re not just hoping for progress—you’re seeing it.

The next thing you can do is all about tools. Hope is no match for a good plan. And that plan starts with effective time blocking. 

In The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program I have an on-demand training about the time blocking process I created for accountants, and I can tell you it’s a game changer.

Effective time blocking is like making a reservation for your time. When you decide in advance what you’re going to do, it’s so much easier to stay focused and actually get it done.

Or, if you’re like me and sometimes everything feels important, try using a prioritization framework. Something simple, like figuring out what’s high impact versus low impact. It takes a few minutes, but it helps you stop spinning your wheels on low-priority things that your brain can get fixated on.

And let’s be honest—interruptions and curveballs aren’t going anywhere. So instead of hoping they’ll stop, train your brain to handle them. Expect them, plan for them, and know how to pivot when they show up.

Another key is mindfulness.  Just pausing for a second when you’re overwhelmed can help you respond instead of react. It’s like giving your brain a little space to breathe.

The bottom line is that moving from hope to action isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making progress, one small decision at a time. And every step you take brings you closer to feeling in control of your day. 

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Not Using Hope As A Time Management Strategy

Although this is a very common time management issue for my coaching clients, there’s one particular client that I want to share with you.

When I first started working with him, he was stuck in what I call the “hope cycle.” He hoped his clients would provide their documents on time, hoped his mornings would be interruption-free, hoped he’d find the energy to tackle his never-ending to-do list, and hoped he’d get home in time for dinner with his family.

Every week, he felt like he was falling further behind, and no matter how much he hoped for a calmer schedule, it never happened. When I asked him what his plan was for handling these challenges, he said, “I don’t really have one. I just keep hoping it’ll all work out.”

But it wasn’t working out. He was overwhelmed, frustrated, and completely drained. Hope had become his default strategy, and it was failing him.

Fast forward a few months, and his approach to time management looks completely different. Instead of hoping for fewer interruptions, he started time blocking his schedule using my approach and setting boundaries around his deep work time.

When interruptions did come up—and they always do—he had a plan. He learned to expect them and used mindfulness techniques to stay calm and focused instead of letting them derail his day.

He also got intentional about his priorities. Instead of hoping he’d find time for everything, he began using a simple prioritization tool I taught him to decide what truly mattered. By focusing on small, strategic wins, like finishing one client’s return before lunch, he built momentum that carried him through the rest of her day.

Now, he no longer relies on hope to manage his time. He relies on decisions. His weeks aren’t perfect—whose are?—but now he feels in control. Instead of ending his days feeling defeated, he ends them knowing he’s made real progress.

When I asked him how he feels about his time now, he said, “I didn’t realize how much hope was holding me back. Now, I have a system that actually works.”

Hopefully you can see that this client’s story is proof that moving from hope to intentional action can completely transform how you approach your time. And if he can do it, so can you.

Now I’m going to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that hope is a great feeling, but it’s not a strategy. To truly take control of your time, you need intentional decisions and small, consistent actions that move you forward.

For this week, ask yourself, “What’s one area of my day where I’m relying on hope instead of making a plan?”  This question is powerful because it helps you pinpoint where you’re waiting for things to magically improve instead of taking charge. 

Maybe it’s hoping interruptions will stop, or that you’ll finally have time to focus on that big project. Once you’ve identified it, you can take one small step to create change instead of leaving it to chance.

The bottom line is that hope can be a starting point, but it can’t do the work for you. By making intentional decisions and focusing on what you can control, you’ll not only manage your time better—you’ll feel more in charge of your day and your results. 

Remember, it’s the small steps that lead to big changes. 

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I explained why hope is not a time management strategy for accountants. I hope you’re walking away with some awareness that might change how you manage your time at work and at home.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to better manage your time or anything you’re currently struggling with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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

Do you have issues with interruptions sneaking into your day like I do? You sit down with a clear plan, ready to tackle your to-do list, and then it happens—a phone call, an email ping, someone dropping by with “just a quick question,” or even your own wandering thoughts pulling you off track. 

Before you know it, your focus is gone, and you’re trying to remember where you left off.

Here’s something that might surprise you: on average, professionals lose two hours every day to interruptions and the time it takes to refocus. Two hours! That’s 10 hours a week—an entire workday—just slipping away to distractions. Imagine what you could do with that time back.

Now, let me ask you this: What if you could regain those hours? What if you could end your day feeling accomplished instead of exhausted, knowing you focused on what really mattered?

I’ll never forget the time I did my own “interruption audit.” I thought my day wasn’t that bad when it came to distractions—until I started keeping track. 

In one morning alone, I realized I’d been interrupted over 20 times. And here’s the thing: most of those interruptions weren’t from other people—they were self-inflicted. 

Checking my email, chasing random thoughts, and letting my attention drift were doing more damage than I realized. That experience opened my eyes to how much control we actually have over interruptions, once we start paying attention.

Interruptions might feel like they’re just part of the job, but they don’t have to run your life.

But before you can take back control, it’s important to understand the four types of interruptions and just how much interruptions are really costing you—because they’re doing more damage than you might think.

The Four Types Of Interruptions

Interruptions come in all shapes and sizes, and no matter where they come from, they all have the same effect: they pull you away from what you’re doing and leave you scrambling to refocus. Understanding the four types of interruptions is key to seeing how they creep into your day—and how they make you feel.

First, some interruptions are external, and these are often the easiest to spot. Think about the email notifications that pop up constantly or the coworker who stops by to chat when you’re trying to focus. Then there’s the ‘helpful’ coworker who sends you a message with a task you didn’t ask for, saying, ‘I thought you’d want to see this.’ 

Even little things, like a stray thought about dinner can completely throw you off before you even realize it.

But not all interruptions come from the outside. The second type are self-induced, and those might be the most frustrating of all. 

For example, have you ever caught yourself checking your phone for no reason, checking email because you were feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, or scrolling through social media just because you’re bored or stuck on a task? It’s like you’re interrupting yourself, trying to avoid discomfort or procrastinate on something that feels hard.

Then there’s the third type, task switching, which doesn’t always feel like an interruption—but it absolutely is. Every time you jump from one task to another without finishing the first, your brain has to work overtime to adjust. 

For example, maybe you’re reviewing financials, but you pause to answer a quick email. Before you know it, 15 minutes have passed, and you’re struggling to pick up where you left off.

And last but not least are environmental distractions, which are sometimes the hardest to control. Maybe you work in a noisy office with phones ringing, coworkers chatting, or background noises you can’t block out. Even small things like your neighbor’s dog barking or a cluttered desk can break your concentration.

The issue is that the feelings these interruptions stir up can be overwhelming. Frustration is often the first reaction—you’re in the zone, making progress, and then suddenly, you’re pulled away. It feels like slamming on the brakes when you’re finally gaining momentum.

As the interruptions stack up, they can leave you feeling even more overwhelmed. You start the day with a plan, but by noon, it feels like you’ve barely made a dent in your to-do list. That nagging feeling that you’re falling behind can make it hard to focus on anything.

Then there’s guilt, especially when it comes to external interruptions. You might feel bad for not answering someone’s email immediately or saying no to a request for your time. It’s easy to feel like you’re letting people down, even when you’re trying to protect your focus.

Add all this together, and it can’t help but lead to the feeling of stress. By the end of the day, you’re mentally drained, and instead of feeling accomplished, you’re left wondering where the time went. Interruptions might feel small in the moment, but their impact is anything but.

So, now that you know the four types of interruptions, let’s talk a little more about the hidden costs of interruptions.

The Hidden Costs Of Interruptions for Accountants

Interruptions aren’t just annoying—they come with a price tag. Every time you’re pulled away from a task, you lose more than just a few seconds or minutes. Those tiny moments of distraction add up, and the true cost is far greater than it seems.

First, let’s talk about lost productivity. When you get interrupted, you don’t just pause and pick up where you left off—it takes time for your brain to refocus. 

In fact, research shows it can take up to 23 minutes to fully get back into a task after an interruption. Imagine this happening multiple times a day. By the end of the day, those lost minutes can easily total hours of wasted time.

Interruptions also cause an energy drain that’s harder to see but impossible to ignore. Think of your brain like a battery. Every time you switch tasks or refocus after an interruption, you’re draining a little bit of that energy. By the afternoon, you’re mentally exhausted, even if you haven’t made much progress on your work.

Then there’s the decline in work quality. When you’re constantly pulled away, you’re more likely to make mistakes or overlook details. 

For example, let’s say you’re reviewing a complicated report, and someone interrupts with a question. Even if it seems like you get right back to it, you might miss an error or overlook something important because your focus was broken.

Interruptions also lead to decision fatigue, which can quietly sabotage your day. Every time you’re interrupted, your brain has to decide: Should I stop what I’m doing to address this? Is this urgent, or can it wait? 

These small decisions might not seem like a big deal, but they add up, leaving you mentally worn out and less capable of making good decisions by the end of the day.

But I think the most damaging cost is how interruptions keep you stuck in reactive mode. When you’re constantly responding to what’s coming at you—emails, calls, and requests—you don’t have the chance to focus on what truly matters. 

Instead of working on high-priority tasks, you’re putting out fires or checking off minor to-dos that feel urgent but aren’t actually important.

The truth is, reactive mode is a trap. It gives you the illusion of productivity because you’re busy, but in reality, you’re just treading water. 

For example, you might spend hours answering emails and feel like you’ve accomplished something, only to realize at the end of the day that none of your critical projects moved forward.

This constant state of reaction also kills your ability to do deep work—the kind of focused, uninterrupted effort needed for creative thinking or solving complex problems. Without deep work, you’re stuck in surface-level tasks, and the big, meaningful projects keep getting pushed aside.

Interruptions are more than just a temporary annoyance. They chip away at your time, energy, and ability to focus in ways that make it harder to succeed. The good news? Once you understand the brain science behind interruptions, you can start taking steps to break free from their grip.

The Brain Science Behind Interruptions

Do you know why interruptions pull your focus so easily? It’s because your brain is wired to react to anything new—it’s how humans survived back in the day. If a predator showed up, your brain had to decide, ‘Do I fight, or do I run?’

Now, here’s the funny thing—your brain doesn’t know the difference between a predator and an email ping. It treats them both like they’re equally urgent, which is why you feel that pull to check your phone or see who just emailed you.

But here’s the good news: you can teach your brain to not react. For starters, turn off those notifications during focus time. It’s like telling your brain, ‘Hey, nothing life-or-death is happening right now, so stay on track.’

Another thing to keep in mind is how much energy your brain uses when it’s constantly switching between tasks. Every time you jump from one thing to another, it’s like restarting a car over and over—it drains your mental gas tank. 

To fix this, try batching your tasks. For example, answer all your emails at once instead of checking them all day long. It makes a huge difference.

The bottom line is that once you understand why your brain reacts this way, you can work with it instead of against it. Little changes like these can help you stay focused without feeling completely drained by the end of the day.

Although interruptions may be a fact of life, they don’t have to control you. When you understand how your brain reacts to them, you can also start setting boundaries that protect your focus and energy, helping you get more done without feeling mentally exhausted.

The Power of Boundaries

Boundaries are like invisible fences that protect your time and focus. Without them, interruptions can invade your day at any moment, leaving you feeling scattered and out of control.

The reason why boundaries work is that they send a clear message to others that your time is valuable. For example, when you let your team know you’ll only check emails twice a day, they start to respect your focus time instead of expecting instant replies.

Boundaries also clarify when interruptions are okay and when they’re not. Imagine setting a rule that colleagues should only interrupt you for emergencies during certain hours—this gives you uninterrupted time to focus and helps them think twice before disrupting your work.

But setting and sticking to boundaries definitely comes with its own challenges.  One of those challenges that I see all the time with my coaching clients is that the hardest part of setting boundaries is the fear of disappointing others. 

For example, it might feel awkward to say “no” to a last-minute meeting request, but it’s often necessary if you’re in the middle of something more important.  

Another challenge I see all the time is staying firm once you’ve set a boundary. Maybe you’ve blocked off two hours for focus work, but a colleague asks for “just five minutes” of your time. It’s so tempting to give in because, let’s face it, the thing you were about to work on might be challenging.

It’s also important to recognize the fact that sometimes, the resistance comes from within. You might feel guilty declining a request, like skipping a team lunch to focus on your deadlines, even if it’s what you need to get through your day without stress.

So what’s the good news?  Well, this is where managing your mind becomes essential. If guilt creeps in when you enforce a boundary, remind yourself that you’re not saying “no” to people—you’re saying “yes” to the work that matters most.

In order for my coaching clients to effectively learn how to handle interruptions, they first need to learn how to manage their minds.  Mind management makes it possible to set and stick to boundaries.

For example, instead of thinking, “I’m letting them down”, you can shift to, “I’m teaching them to respect my time so I can be at my best for everyone.”

If you’re still on the fence about being able to handle interruptions, let me share how one of my coaching clients learned to effectively handle interruptions.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Learning To Effectively Handle Interruptions

As part of The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program, I include a on-demand mini-training on effectively handling interruptions because I believe it’s one of those topics that accountants aren’t taught.  Every coaching client that’s watched it said they had one aha moment after another.

For example, one accountant came to me for coaching because her days felt like a constant scramble. She was always available—answering every email immediately, taking unscheduled calls, and saying “yes” to every request from her team. 

By the end of the day, she was completely drained, with barely any progress made on her own tasks. She felt like she was letting everyone else dictate her schedule, and it left her frustrated and overwhelmed.

After going through The Smarter Accountant Programs, she learned to set clear boundaries and stick to them. She started by blocking two hours of focus time each morning and letting her team know she wouldn’t be available during that time unless it was urgent. 

At first, she felt guilty, but with practice and mind management, she realized her boundaries were helping her deliver higher-quality work. Now, she ends her days feeling accomplished and in control, knowing she’s prioritizing what matters most without sacrificing her well-being.

I promise you that effectively handling interruptions is easier than you might think when you understand how to manage your brain and how to set and stick to boundaries with yourself and others.

Now I’m going to share the key takeaway from today and an action item for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that interruptions are more than just small distractions—they’re draining your time, energy, and focus. By understanding their impact and using tools like boundaries and mind management, you can take back control of your day and focus on what truly matters.

For this week, ask yourself, “What’s one change I can make today to reduce the interruptions that derail my focus?”  This question encourages you to look at your own habits and environment. 

Maybe it’s silencing notifications during work hours, creating a dedicated block of time for deep work, or finally setting boundaries with your colleagues. The key is to identify one actionable step that feels doable and gives you back some control.

The bottom line is that interruptions might feel inevitable, but you have more power over them than you think. By being intentional with your boundaries, managing your mind, and taking small, actionable steps, you can reduce the chaos and make space for meaningful work. 

The changes might feel small at first, but they can have a huge impact on how you end your day—less stressed, more productive, and fully in control.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared everything you need to know about handling interruptions. I hope you’re walking away with some awareness that might change how you manage your career and your life.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to better manage your time or anything you’re currently struggling with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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

Have you ever sat down to work, ready to be productive, but your brain just won’t cooperate? You stare at the screen, shuffle through emails, maybe even open and close a few spreadsheets, but nothing clicks. You’re trying to push through, but it just feels like you’re spinning your wheels.

I get it. As accountants, we have deadlines, client work, endless emails, and meetings—plus all the other to-dos swirling around in our heads. Some days, it feels like our brains are running a hundred tabs at once. No wonder it’s hard to focus.

But what if you had a reset button for your brain?

Picture this: Instead of feeling mentally cluttered and overwhelmed, you could clear out all that noise, refocus, and actually get things done without exhausting yourself. Sounds pretty great, right?

Here’s the thing—you don’t need to push harder or do more. In fact, it’s the opposite. A small shift can help you drop all that mental weight so you can show up as your best, most focused self.

Think about a time when you were completely in the zone, when your mind was clear and you were knocking things off your list like a pro. It felt amazing, didn’t it? Now, imagine if you could create that feeling on purpose, whenever you need it.

The truth is, mental clutter slows us down. It’s like trying to run a race with a backpack full of bricks. At some point, you’ve got to drop the extra weight if you actually want to move forward.

So what if productivity isn’t about doing more, but doing less with more focus? What if the real game-changer is learning how to clear the mental chaos that’s keeping you stuck?

Most accountants believe they need perfect conditions to focus—no distractions, an empty inbox, or a perfectly structured day. But what if that’s not true? What if you could reset your brain in just a minute or two without waiting for the stars to align?

I know it sounds almost too simple, but sometimes the simplest things make the biggest difference. And if you’re curious about how to reset your mind and finally get some clarity, you’re in the right place.

The Biggest Block To Peak Productivity

Let’s talk about why it’s so hard to stay productive—mental clutter. It sneaks in, drains your energy, and makes everything feel harder than it needs to be.

You know that feeling when you sit down to work, but your brain won’t stop jumping from one thing to the next? You try to focus, but your mind is all over the place, running through emails you need to send, deadlines you can’t forget, and that random thought about whether you paid the electric bill. It’s exhausting, and it makes getting anything done feel impossible.

I’ve been there. The truth is, our brains aren’t designed to juggle everything at once. It’s like having too many tabs open on your computer—at some point, everything slows down or crashes. And when your mind is overloaded, even simple tasks feel like wading through quicksand.

The tricky part is that we get so used to this mental clutter that we don’t even realize how much it’s holding us back. It just feels normal. But imagine what it would be like if you could turn down the noise, even for a little while.

What if you didn’t have to carry every thought, every to-do, and every worry with you all day long? What if you could actually get more done just by giving your mind a little breathing room?

Because here’s the thing—productivity isn’t about cramming more into your day. It’s about focusing on what actually matters. And you can’t do that when your brain is overloaded.

So if you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or completely drained, you’re not alone. But maybe the problem isn’t that you have too much to do—maybe it’s that your brain is too full.

The good news is that if mental clutter is the problem, clearing it is the solution. And it’s way easier than you might think.

Let’s talk about how to do that, without overhauling your life or adding another complicated system to your plate. It’s a simple shift, so let me show you how it works.

The Easy Reset Trick You Can Use Anytime

So how do you clear out mental clutter? The answer might surprise you—it’s not about working harder or pushing through. It’s about giving your brain permission to let go, even for a minute.

Dr. Maxwell Maltz, in Psycho-Cybernetics, called this “clearing the calculator.” And once you hear it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along.

As accountants, we’re very familiar with the ins and outs of using calculators.  Which is why this trick is especially helpful for us.

Think of your brain like a calculator. Before solving a new problem, you have to hit the clear button. Otherwise, everything gets jumbled, and you won’t get the correct answer. 

For example, have you ever been using your calculator to solve a problem and once you get the answer you’re like “That doesn’t look right.”  Then you realize you never hit the clear button from the previous equation.

Your brain works the same way—when it’s overloaded with stress, to-dos, and worries, focusing becomes almost impossible.

The good news is that you can hit clear anytime. Just imagine putting all your swirling thoughts into a mental box, placing it on a shelf, and coming back to it later. You’re not ignoring them—you’re just organizing them so they don’t hijack your day.

And here’s the best part—you don’t need an hour to reset. Sometimes, just a minute or two is enough to start fresh. Ever taken a deep breath or stepped away from your desk for a second to reset? That’s the same idea.

Once you get the hang of it, you can use this trick anytime:

Feeling overwhelmed? Hit clear.

Getting distracted? Hit clear.

Stuck on a problem? You guessed it—hit clear.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about giving your brain the space to think clearly and work smarter. And let’s be real—what accountant doesn’t need more of that?

You might be wondering why such a small shift makes such a big difference, so let’s talk about what’s happening in your brain when you clear the clutter.

The Brain Science Behind Why This Reset Works

Let’s talk about why this reset actually works. It’s not just a feel-good trick—there’s real brain science behind it.

As accountants, we rely on our brains to handle complex work, juggle deadlines, and make decisions all day long. But here’s the thing—our brains have limits. 

When too many thoughts, worries, and to-dos pile up, it’s like an overloaded computer trying to process too many tasks at once. Everything slows down, and even the simplest things start feeling harder than they should.

This overload creates something called cognitive load—it’s like carrying too many grocery bags at once. You might be able to manage for a while, but eventually, something’s going to drop. 

Your brain works the same way. When it’s weighed down with too much information, it struggles to focus, make decisions, and get things done efficiently.

And then there’s the stress response. When your mind is all over the place, your brain thinks you’re in danger and kicks into “fight or flight” mode. 

That’s great if you’re being chased by a bear, but not so helpful when you’re just trying to finish a tax return or respond to a client email. Instead of making progress, you feel tense, scattered, and even more overwhelmed.

But when you clear out the mental clutter, you send a different signal to your brain—it’s safe to focus. You shift from a reactive, stressed-out state into a calmer, more productive mindset where you can actually think clearly and get things done.

Then there’s decision fatigue. Every lingering thought, worry, or unfinished task is like an open loop your brain is constantly trying to process. 

The more of these you carry, the harder it becomes to concentrate. But when you reset your mind, you free up space for what actually matters.

And you’ve probably experienced flow state before—that feeling when you’re completely locked in, making real progress, and maybe even enjoying your work. Resetting your mind helps you get there faster by clearing away distractions that pull you in different directions.

Pretty interesting, right? Science proves that clearing your mind isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential if you want to work at your best.

And the best part is that you don’t need fancy tools or hours of prep to do it. You just need a few simple steps.  Next I want to talk about how to actually use this reset in your day. It’s so much simpler than you think, and the results might surprise you.

How to Use This Reset in Your Day-to-Day Life

The good news is that it’s not complicated. You don’t need extra time, special tools, or a perfect setup. It’s quick, simple, and something you can do anytime you need a mental reset.

1. Pause for a Minute

That’s it—just stop. Take a deep breath and give yourself permission to pause. You don’t have to fix everything or figure it all out right now. Just take a moment to reset.

2. Box Up the Mental Clutter

Imagine taking every thought that’s swirling around in your head—every worry, to-do, and random distraction—and placing it in an imaginary box. Picture each one going in, one by one. When the box is full, mentally place it on a shelf.

You’re not throwing it away—you’re just setting it aside for now.

3. Choose One Thing to Focus On

Once your mental clutter is boxed up, pick one thing to focus on. Just one. Maybe it’s finishing a report, replying to an important email, or making progress on a project.

You’ll be amazed at how much faster and easier you can get things done when your mind isn’t trying to juggle everything at once.

4. Give Yourself Permission to Let Go

The whole reset can take as little as 60 seconds. The key is to be intentional—really allow yourself to let go of everything else, even if just for a little while. Your brain will thank you.

5. Come Back to the Box When You’re Ready

That box of thoughts isn’t going anywhere. When you’re done, you can take it down, open it up, and deal with whatever’s inside. But here’s the funny thing—by the time you come back to it, some of those things won’t feel as urgent anymore.

This reset might feel a little weird at first, but once you see how much lighter and more focused you feel, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.

So next time you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or pulled in a hundred directions, try it:

Pause.
Box up the clutter.
Focus on one thing.

It’s a small shift, but it can make a huge difference in how you work—and how you feel at the end of the day.

Because let’s be real, don’t we all need a reset sometimes?

Try It Out: A Challenge for You

Alright, now it’s your turn to give this a try. Don’t just think about it—actually do it. I promise, it’s easier than you might expect.

Here’s what I want you to do: Before you start work tomorrow, take one minute to clear your mental calculator.

1 – Pause for a moment. Take a deep breath.

2 – Picture boxing up all the thoughts, worries, and to-dos floating around in your head.

3 – Imagine placing that box on a shelf. It’s not going anywhere—you can come back to it later.

Once you’ve done that, choose one thing to work on. Just one. Maybe it’s a project, an email, or even something small like organizing your desk. Whatever it is, commit to giving it your full attention, knowing that everything else is packed away for now.

At the end of the day, take another minute to reflect:

How did it feel to focus on one thing at a time?

Did you notice a difference in how productive or calm you felt?

Was it easier to work without that constant mental tug-of-war?

This little reset won’t magically fix everything, but it’s a start. And sometimes, just starting is enough to create momentum.

The best part is that you can use this technique anytime. Feeling overwhelmed in the middle of the day? Hit pause, clear your mental calculator, and reset. Stuck on a problem that feels impossible? Box it up, step away, and come back with fresh eyes.

You don’t have to do this perfectly. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Even if you can only clear your mind for a few minutes, that’s still a win.

So, are you up for the challenge? Try it this week and see how it feels. You might be surprised by how much lighter and more focused you feel with just a small shift like this.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How a Simple Reset Changed Everything

I once coached a senior accountant at a mid-sized firm who felt like his brain was in overdrive 24/7. He’d start the day already behind, scrambling to answer emails while trying to prep for client meetings. No matter how many hours he worked, his to-do list only seemed to grow.

Even at home, he couldn’t shut it off—he’d be at the dinner table half-listening to his family while replaying a conversation with a difficult client in his head. At night, he’d lie in bed staring at the ceiling, his mind spinning with everything he still had to do. He told me, “I feel like I’m always working—even when I’m not at my desk.”

One of the first things we worked on was the “clearing the calculator” technique. At first, he was skeptical. “This sounds too simple,” he said. But after a particularly stressful week, he finally gave it a try.

Each morning, he took just one minute to pause, mentally box up all the lingering thoughts about unfinished tasks or worries, and then chose one thing to focus on for the next hour.

Within a couple of weeks, he told me, “I actually feel like I’m running my day instead of my day running me.” He started each morning with a one-minute reset—boxing up his mental clutter, choosing one priority to focus on, and giving himself permission to let go of the rest.

The difference was huge. Instead of constantly feeling scattered, he found himself completing tasks faster and with fewer mistakes. He wasn’t second-guessing every decision or playing mental ping-pong between projects.

And the best part was that by the time he got home, his brain felt lighter. He could actually enjoy dinner with his family without mentally answering emails in his head. He was still getting everything done—but now, he wasn’t carrying it all with him 24/7.

That one simple daily reset became his go-to strategy—not just for work, but for creating more balance in his life.

It’s proof that sometimes, the smallest shifts can lead to the biggest results.

So before we wrap up, I want to leave you with one key takeaway and a simple action step for the week ahead.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that clearing your mental clutter with the “clear the calculator” technique is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your productivity and reduce overwhelm. It’s not about doing more—it’s about giving your mind the space to accomplish more in less time and with less stress.

For this week, ask yourself, “What am I carrying in my mind right now that I can set aside, even just for a little while?”  This question helps you pause and take stock of all the mental clutter you’re holding onto. 

Often, we carry worries, tasks, or thoughts that don’t need our attention in the moment. By identifying those things, you can mentally “box them up” and make room for what actually matters right now. 

It’s not about ignoring your responsibilities—it’s about prioritizing your mental energy.

The bottom line is that sometimes, all it takes is a small reset to turn your day around. Clearing the mental clutter is simple, but it can make a huge difference in how productive, calm, and focused you feel. 

I want to encourage you to give it a try.  You might be surprised by how much lighter your mind feels. 

After all, the clearer the calculator, the better the results.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I explained the simple reset accountants need for peak productivity. I hope you’re walking away with some awareness that might change how you manage your workload.

As I always say, you’ve worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’d like to discuss how to better manage your time or anything you’re currently struggling with, you can schedule a free 30-minute call with me at  https://thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar/. 

And don’t forget to check back each week for more tips and strategies to help you go from being a stressed accountant to a Smarter Accountant.

Also, if you haven’t already, make sure to take The Smarter Accountant Quiz at www.thesmarteraccountant.com to see if you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain. It’s a great starting point to see where you are and how you can improve.

Lastly, if you’ve found today’s episode helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could spread the word to other accountants. The more we get this message out, the more we can change the narrative in the accounting profession and help accountants everywhere.

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