Category: Podcast

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.

Have you ever had one of those moments where your spouse says something, and you just stop and think, “Do they have any idea what I actually do all day?” Maybe they ask, “Why are you so tired, you just sit at a desk?” Or they say, “Can’t you just leave work at work,” and you feel your frustration bubbling up.

If that sounds familiar, trust me, I get it. As a CPA, I know what it’s like to carry the mental weight of deadlines, clients, and the never-ending pressure to get everything right. And I also know what it’s like when my husband doesn’t fully understand what that feels like.

It’s not that he doesn’t care, but he doesn’t always see the hundreds of little decisions I make each day. My brain is constantly juggling numbers, responsibilities, and deadlines, which makes it almost impossible to shut it all off when the workday is over.

And honestly, how could he? He’s never had to sit through tax season, deal with a client who sends an emergency email at 9 p.m., or wake up in the middle of the night wondering if he forgot to double-check something.

But just because I know he does care about me, doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating. There have been times when I’ve felt completely drained after a long day, and all I wanted was for him to just get it—to understand why I needed a little space before diving into dinner or house stuff.

Maybe you’ve felt that way too. Maybe you’ve wished your spouse understood why you come home exhausted, why your mind is still racing long after you log off, or why some days, you just don’t have the energy for small talk.

So what do you do when the person you love most doesn’t quite understand the mental load you carry? Do you keep trying to explain, or is there a better way to get the support you actually need? More importantly, how do you stop frustration from taking over and start making things easier on yourself?

That’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today, so let’s start with the frustration of feeling misunderstood.

The Frustration of Feeling Misunderstood

There’s nothing worse than coming home after a long, exhausting day, hoping for a little understanding, and instead feeling completely unheard. You try to explain why you’re drained, but your spouse just doesn’t seem to get it. 

Maybe they shrug it off, change the subject, or say something like, “It’s just work, don’t let it bother you so much.”

And that’s when the frustration kicks in. You’re not asking for them to solve anything—you just want them to understand. To see how much you’ve had to juggle all day, how much pressure you’re under, and why it’s not that easy to just turn it all off the moment you walk through the door.

But instead, you feel stuck in a cycle. You try to explain, they don’t quite get it, you get frustrated, and they get confused about why you’re upset.  You start wondering, “Why can’t they see how much I’m carrying? Why do I have to keep explaining this?”

Over time, this frustration builds until talking about work starts to feel like too much effort. Instead of explaining, you pull back, and resentment creeps in. You start thinking, “If they really cared, they’d try harder to understand.”

It’s exhausting, and the more it happens, the more it reinforces the belief that they’ll never get it. But here’s the thing—this isn’t just about them not understanding. It’s about how your brain is wired to seek connection and validation.

So what’s really going on beneath the surface? Why does this disconnect feel so personal? It all comes down to how your brain processes stress and relationships. Let’s break it down.

The Brain Science Behind Feeling Misunderstood

It’s hard when the person you love the most doesn’t really understand what you go through every day. You want to feel supported, but instead, you feel like you’re speaking a different language.

That’s because your brain is wired to want connection. When you talk about something stressful, you’re not just looking for words—you’re looking for someone to get it. You want to feel seen, heard, and understood.

But when that doesn’t happen, your brain flags it as a problem—kind of like sending a text and getting no reply. At first, you assume they just didn’t see it, but as time passes, the silence feels louder, and frustration builds.

The same thing happens in conversations with your spouse. You try to explain your stress, but they don’t seem to understand. And instead of feeling closer, you feel even more alone.

Your brain also has something called confirmation bias. That means once you believe something—like my spouse doesn’t understand me—your brain looks for proof that it’s true. Every time they make a comment that misses the mark, it feels like more proof that they don’t get it.

And then there’s mental overload. Accounting takes a lot of brainpower, and by the end of the day, your mind is exhausted. When you’re tired, little things—like a casual comment from your spouse—can feel way bigger than they actually are.

None of this means your frustration isn’t real. It just means your brain is reacting exactly how it was designed to. But instead of getting stuck in the frustration, what if there was a different way to look at it?

Let’s talk about what you can do when your spouse doesn’t get it—and how to make things feel easier.

What to Do When Your Spouse Just Doesn’t Get It

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish they would just understand what my job is really like,” you’re not alone. It would be nice if your spouse just magically got it without you having to explain. But the truth is, that probably won’t happen.

And that’s okay. They don’t have to fully understand your work to support you. The key is shifting your focus from I need them to get it to I need to be clear about what I need from them.

The goal isn’t to make them understand—it’s to make sure you get what you actually need. Instead of hoping they’ll suddenly start asking the right questions or saying the right things, focus on what would actually make your life easier. 

Do you need space? Do you need them to listen without trying to fix it? Do you just need a hug and a quiet moment before jumping into dinner and kids?

Most of the time, spouses aren’t trying to be dismissive; they just don’t know what would actually help. If you don’t tell them, they’ll keep guessing—and more often than not, they’ll guess wrong.

You can also make it easier for them to understand by explaining it in a way that makes sense to them. Instead of saying, “I had a really stressful day because of tax prep and client emails,” try something like “Imagine having to solve a huge puzzle with missing pieces while people are rushing you to finish—it feels like that.”

Another thing that helps is managing your own thoughts about it. If you keep thinking, “They should get it by now,” you’re just going to feel more frustrated. But if you shift to, “They don’t need to understand every detail to be supportive,” you’ll feel a little lighter.

At the end of the day, your spouse doesn’t have to know what debits and credits are to be there for you. They just need to know what actually helps you feel better after a long day.

So how does this actually work in real life? Let’s look at a real example of what happens when you make this shift.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Dealing With a Spouse That Just Doesn’t Get It

I was coaching a CPA who was completely drained by her job. Every night, she walked through the door feeling like she had nothing left to give. But before she could even sit down, her husband would casually ask, “Why are you so stressed? Just don’t think about work when you’re home.”

That one sentence made her blood boil. She felt like she was drowning in deadlines, emails, and endless demands all day long—only to come home and feel like none of it even mattered. Instead of support, she felt dismissed. Instead of being able to exhale, she was hit with another wave of frustration.

She tried to explain, but every conversation ended the same way. He didn’t get it, she got frustrated, and they both walked away annoyed. After a while, she gave up. 

She told me that she had stopped talking about work altogether, but the resentment kept growing. She caught herself thinking, “If he really cared, he would try harder to understand.”

But the truth was, he did care. He just had no idea how to help. So instead of waiting for him to magically “get it,” we focused on something different.

She started thinking about what she actually needed after a long day. Instead of hoping he would understand her stress, she told him exactly what would help—ten minutes alone when she got home, a hug instead of advice, and no questions about work unless she brought it up.

At first, it felt weird to ask for something so simple. But the moment she did, everything changed. 

Her husband wasn’t ignoring her stress—he just needed a clear way to support her. Once he knew what to do, he actually wanted to help.

And the best part was that she stopped feeling so drained at home. Instead of spending her evenings frustrated, she felt like she could finally breathe. 

This might not sound like a big deal, but it made a huge difference.  It was enough to make her nights feel lighter, easier, and way less exhausting.

So, if you’ve been feeling like your spouse just doesn’t get it, maybe it’s not about making them understand. Maybe it’s about getting clear on what actually makes your life easier—and making sure they know too.

Open and honest communication is the key to any relationship, but especially when you’re an accountant who feels like their spouse just doesn’t get it.  The truth is that non-accountants rarely get what it’s like to be us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to bridge the gap. Instead of waiting for them to fully understand, we can focus on what actually helps us feel supported.

That might mean being clear about what we need after a long day, whether it’s quiet time, a listening ear, or simply a little patience as we transition out of work mode. It might also mean letting go of the idea that they should get it and instead appreciating the ways they do show up for us.

At the end of the day, your spouse doesn’t have to know the ins and outs of accounting to be there for you. They just need to know what makes your life easier—and that starts with you telling them.

Okay, now let’s talk about the key takeaway from this episode and one key question I want you to ask yourself.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Your spouse may never fully understand your job, and that’s okay. What matters more is telling them what you need instead of waiting for them to just get it.

For this week, ask yourself, “Am I spending more time feeling upset that they don’t understand, or asking for what I really need?”

Feeling frustrated takes a lot of energy, and it doesn’t fix anything. If you’ve been waiting for your spouse to finally understand, try something different. Think about what would actually help you after a long day, and let them know.

You might be surprised how much better things feel when you focus on what you need instead of what they don’t understand.

Believe me I get it – feeling misunderstood by your spouse can be really frustrating. You work hard all day, and the last thing you want is to come home and feel like no one sees how much you’re carrying.

But waiting for them to get it will only leave you feeling more drained. They don’t have to fully understand your job to be able to support you.

The good news is, you don’t have to waste energy being frustrated. You can take back control by getting clear on what actually helps you and letting them know.

Small shifts like this can make a big difference. Less frustration, more connection, and more time to enjoy the moments that matter.

And, if this is something you struggle with, coaching can help you get unstuck. Because when you learn how to manage your mind, everything else—including your relationships—feels easier.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I discussed when your spouse just doesn’t get it. 

If this is something you struggle 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.

Ever feel like no matter how early you start or how late you finish, there’s always more to do? You power through emails, tackle client questions, and check off task after task—yet somehow, your to-do list is just as long at the end of the day.

It’s exhausting. You try to stay ahead, but deadlines, last-minute requests, and constant interruptions keep pulling you back under. It’s like trying to sprint through quicksand—no matter how hard you work, you never quite reach solid ground.

But here’s the frustrating part—some people seem to handle it all effortlessly. They meet deadlines, get everything done, and still have time to breathe. Meanwhile, you’re drowning in work, wondering what secret they know that you don’t.

The truth is that they don’t have more hours—they’ve just figured out how to use time in a way that actually works. And the good news is that you can too.

It’s not about cramming more into your day or cutting sleep. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Think of it like organizing a messy closet. When everything has a place, you find what you need faster. Time works the same way. When you prioritize what matters, you gain more time for what really needs your attention.

But let’s be real—this isn’t easy. Emails pile up, calls interrupt, and distractions never stop. If you’re like most accountants, you’ve tried every to-do list and calendar hack. Maybe they worked for a bit, but then life got busy, and you were back to square one.

The real key is changing how you think about time. Imagine ending each day feeling accomplished instead of exhausted. That’s the goal—to manage time so well it feels like you’ve gained extra hours.

In today’s episode, I’ll share simple ways to make your day feel longer, without burnout. You’ll learn how to handle distractions and take control of your time.

So if you’re ready to create your own 26-hour day, let’s dive in! You don’t need more time—you just need to use it differently. And once you do, you’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done without feeling rushed.

Why Time Always Feels Out of Reach

Have you ever noticed how some days, no matter what you do, time seems to vanish? You start with a plan, maybe even a to-do list, and then—poof!—it’s 6 p.m., and half of what you wanted to get done is still waiting. 

Time has a way of slipping away, especially when you’re bouncing from task to task. But there’s more to it than just being busy.

First, our brains are wired to react. We jump at whatever seems urgent—emails, quick requests, little tasks. But these “time traps” pull us in without us realizing they aren’t the most important things.

Another reason time feels so short? Constant distractions. Notifications, emails, and messages make staying focused harder than ever. Each time you get interrupted, it takes minutes to get back on track. Those lost minutes add up fast.

And then there’s perfectionism. Maybe you double-check a client’s file again (and again). While quality work matters, overchecking eats up time and leaves you wondering where your day went.

But here’s the good news: You’re not bad at managing time—it’s just how our brains work. The constant distractions, habits, and pressures are things we can change.

So instead of feeling like time is always running away, let’s look at the biggest time traps accountants face. Once you spot them, you can make simple changes that free up hours in your day. 

The Sneaky Time Traps Stealing Your Day

Let’s talk about time traps—the little things that quietly steal hours from your week. The tricky part? These time wasters often feel necessary or harmless in the moment. But once you spot them, you can take back control.

Email overload – You check your inbox “for a minute,” and suddenly, you’re deep in emails, replying and sorting nonstop. And guess what? Emails never stop. It’s like trying to empty a river with a bucket. Instead of checking all day, set specific times for email so it doesn’t run your day.

Mindless scrolling – Ever go online for one thing and end up lost in social media or random articles? It’s easy to get hooked. What was meant to be a quick break can turn into 30 minutes gone. Setting a timer or a clear goal before you start can help.

Interruptions – The “quick questions” and constant pings pull you out of focus. Imagine trying to read while someone taps your shoulder every few minutes—you’d never finish a page! Setting boundaries, like quiet work blocks, can help you stay on track.

Procrastination – It’s not laziness; it’s your brain avoiding something that feels hard. Whether it’s a big project or a tough decision, putting it off only makes it worse. The trick? Take one small step to get started, and momentum will follow.

Perfectionism – Spending too much time making things “just right” can be a huge time drain. Maybe you’re tweaking a report for the third time when the first version was fine. Perfectionism isn’t about better work—it’s about calming that little voice saying, “Not good enough.” Learning to let go can save you hours.

Recognizing these traps is the first step. Once you do, you can set simple boundaries to protect your time. But why are these distractions so hard to resist? It all comes down to how our brains are wired. Understanding that can help you finally break free.

The Brain Science Behind Time Traps

Alright, let’s dive into why these time traps are so good at pulling us in, even when we know better. It turns out, our brains are wired in ways that can actually make time management harder than it should be. Understanding how this works can help us stop blaming ourselves when we get sidetracked and start making smarter choices with our time.

Your brain loves quick wins. That’s why checking email or scrolling social media feels good—it triggers a dopamine hit. But here’s the catch: these tiny rewards pull your focus away from what really matters. The more you chase them, the harder it is to do deep, meaningful work.

Or, have you ever checked a notification mid-task, then struggled to refocus? That’s “task-switching hangover.” Your brain doesn’t reset instantly—each interruption leaves a mental residue, making it harder to dive back in. Those seconds add up fast, costing you hours.

Every interruption leaves a mental residue, pulling part of your focus away. The more you switch tasks, the harder it is to get real work done.

It’s also important to understand that procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s your brain avoiding discomfort. Big tasks feel overwhelming, so your brain steers you toward easier ones. But avoiding them only makes stress pile up, stealing even more time.

So, when you find yourself reaching for your phone, clicking on that next email, or putting off a tough project, know that your brain is just doing what it’s wired to do. But the good news is, once you’re aware of these patterns, you can start working with your brain instead of against it. 

In the next section, we’ll go over some practical strategies for turning things around. With a few simple tweaks, you can start managing your time in a way that finally feels in sync with how your brain actually works.

Practical Ways to Create More Time in Your Day

Now that we know how our brains can lead us into these time traps, let’s talk about how to take back control and actually feel like we’re gaining time. No, we can’t magically create more hours, but we can make it feel like we have.  How?  By better use of the ones we already have. 

It’s all about small shifts that add up, helping us stay focused and cut out the stuff that drains our day.

1. Make a Plan and Stick to It – I know, planning sounds like the oldest advice in the book. But here’s the thing: making a plan isn’t the hard part—it’s actually sticking to it that’s tricky. Our brains love novelty, so it’s easy to get sidetracked. 

Try starting your day with a clear list of priorities, then make a conscious effort to follow through on what you’ve mapped out. When those distractions pop up, remind yourself that every time you step away from your plan, you’re spending time you don’t get back. 

Stick with it, even if it feels tough at first. The more you follow your plan, the easier it becomes to stay on track.

2. Set Boundaries Around Your Email and Phone- Emails and notifications are two of the biggest time-stealers out there. It’s so tempting to check them “just for a second,” but we all know that second can turn into several minutes—or even longer. 

To avoid this trap, set specific times during the day to check your inbox and messages, and resist the urge to peek outside those times. 

For example, designate 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. as your email slots. Outside of these times, turn off notifications and set an auto-responder letting clients know when you’ll check their messages. 

This small boundary not only preserves your focus but also trains others to respect your time, creating a win-win dynamic where you’re in control of your schedule without feeling like you’re letting anyone down.

3. Use Short Breaks to Recharge, Not Scroll – It’s easy to reach for your phone during a break, but scrolling can actually drain more energy than it gives. Instead, try doing something that really lets your brain recharge. 

For example, take a 5-minute walk around your office or home and pay attention to your surroundings—the trees, the sound of birds, or even the rhythm of your steps. This kind of mindfulness during a break not only clears mental clutter but also restores your focus and energy, making it easier to dive back into work with a fresh perspective. 

A simple shift like this can turn a break from a time-waster into a productivity booster.

4. Break Big Tasks into Small Steps – When you’re facing a big project, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, and that’s often when procrastination kicks in. To make it less intimidating, break it down into small, manageable steps. 

For example, if you’re preparing for a quarterly financial review, instead of tackling it all at once, start by organizing client data today, draft the summary tomorrow, and finalize the presentation the next day. This approach helps shift your focus from ‘I have so much to do’ to ‘What’s the one thing I need to do right now?’ 

Each completed step builds momentum, and by spreading out the workload, you’ll feel less overwhelmed while still making consistent progress.

5. Embrace “Good Enough” Over Perfect – Perfectionism can be one of the biggest time-wasters, which is why I teach my clients the concept of ‘B+ Work Wins.’ Instead of aiming for perfection, the goal is to deliver excellent results that meet the client’s needs without obsessing over minor, time-consuming details. 

For example, if you’re reviewing a report, ask yourself, ‘Is this already A-level in its value to the client?’ If the answer is yes, the extra tweaks likely aren’t adding value—they’re just stealing your time.

By focusing on the core value—delivering accurate, timely information—you can save hours of unnecessary effort while still exceeding client expectations. This mindset shift can help you prioritize progress over perfection without compromising quality.

6. Plan Your Distractions, Don’t Let Them Plan You – Here’s a surprising trick: give yourself planned “distraction time.” Pick a point in the day where you can take 10-15 minutes to check your favorite social media, watch a quick video, or do whatever usually tempts you away from work. To make it even more effective, set a timer for your distraction time and pair it with a reward. 

For instance, schedule your distraction break after completing a high-priority task. This way, the break feels earned, and you’re less likely to let it spill over into your focused work time. Over time, this structured approach trains your brain to associate focused work with satisfying rewards.

These small changes might seem simple, but together, they add up to a big difference. The goal isn’t to pack every single minute with productivity; it’s to create a day that feels balanced and manageable, where you’re in control rather than feeling like time is slipping away. 

With a few adjustments, you’ll start to notice that those “extra hours” aren’t as impossible to find as they once seemed.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Learning How To Create a 26-Hour Day

One of my coaching clients came to me feeling completely overwhelmed and burned out. He was a hard worker, juggling multiple client accounts, but despite putting in long hours, he always felt behind. 

By the end of each day, he’d look at his to-do list and feel defeated—like time was slipping through his fingers, no matter how hard he tried to keep up.

At first, he thought the solution was to push even harder. He’d start his day early, responding to emails as soon as he woke up, and he’d often work late into the evening, jumping between tasks and trying to handle every new request as it came in. 

But he was exhausted, and the constant interruptions left him feeling like he was getting nowhere. He knew he needed a change but wasn’t sure where to start.

In our coaching sessions, we began by discussing some of the time traps that were draining his day. He learned that his brain’s craving for quick rewards was leading him to prioritize small, urgent tasks over meaningful work. 

We worked on setting specific times to check email and taught him how to resist the urge to respond to every notification immediately. I also encouraged him to implement what I call ‘Focus Blocks’—dedicated time blocks where he grouped similar tasks, like responding to emails or preparing financial reports, into uninterrupted work sessions. 

During these blocks of time, he eliminated distractions and focused solely on completing one category of tasks, which not only improved efficiency but also reduced mental fatigue from constant task-switching.

He also began experimenting with short, breaks that didn’t involve his phone. Instead of scrolling through social media, he’d step outside or stretch, giving his mind a true reset. 

And the biggest change of all was that he learned to embrace “good enough” rather than aiming for perfection in every single task. This shift saved him hours every week and reduced a lot of the stress he’d been feeling.

A few weeks later, he told me that things were finally different. He wasn’t putting in more hours, but he was getting more done and ending each day with a sense of accomplishment. 

Instead of feeling like time was slipping away, he was in control of it. He even had a little extra space in his schedule to focus on projects he’d been putting off for months. 

The difference was not only feeling like he had created a 26-hour day but also a completely new way of using each hour.

The bottom line is that by understanding his time wasters better, he was able to make changes that created more time.

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 gaining control over your time isn’t about cramming more into your day but about understanding how your brain works and making intentional choices to avoid time traps. 

By learning how to make some changes like effectively setting boundaries, taking meaningful breaks, and letting go of perfectionism, you can create a day that feels longer and more manageable.

For this week, ask yourself, “What is one simple change I can make today to take control of my time rather than letting it control me?”  This question will help you identify a specific, actionable step to shift how you approach your day. 

Maybe it’s setting a fixed time for checking emails or committing to focus on one task at a time without jumping to the next notification. By making even one small change, you’re breaking the cycle of constant reactivity and beginning to create a day that works for you, not against you. 

It’s about practicing small habits that bring a sense of balance and intention into your day, letting you experience that feeling of a “26-hour day” without the stress.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared the secret to creating a 26-hour day.  I hope you’re walking away with a better understanding of what’s been getting in your way when it comes to time management.

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.

Imagine this: it’s late at night, and you’re staring at your computer, trying to finish one last thing before bed. Your inbox is full, deadlines are piling up, and you keep thinking, “I’ll never catch up.”

As an accountant, pressure can feel like part of the job—deadlines, endless tasks, and always racing against the clock. But pressure doesn’t just stay at work. It follows you home, keeps you up at night, and makes everything feel harder.

What no one teaches us is that pressure isn’t always bad. It can help you get things done, stay focused, and even do your best work. The real problem is when it turns into something overwhelming, making everything feel heavier than it needs to be.

What’s interesting is that pressure feels different for everyone. Two accountants could have the same deadline—one feels motivated, while the other feels completely stuck. That’s because pressure isn’t just about workload or deadlines. It comes from what we believe about them.

And here’s the surprising part—trying to get rid of pressure isn’t always the answer. The key is learning how to use it so it sharpens your focus instead of making you feel stuck.

If pressure has ever made you feel trapped, you’re not alone. But there’s a better way to handle it, and it starts with understanding what’s really happening in your brain.

The Brain Science Behind Pressure

The pressure you feel isn’t really about deadlines, demanding clients, or a full inbox. It’s actually about what’s happening inside your brain.

Before we get into that, here’s a quick tip: when you feel overwhelmed, stop and ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can finish right now?” Focusing on just one task helps you feel less stuck and builds momentum.

Now, here’s why this works. Your brain’s main job is to protect you. When something feels too much or too hard, your brain sounds the alarm. The problem is, it can’t always tell the difference between real danger—like a bear chasing you—and everyday stress, like a last-minute request from a client. To your brain, they’re the same, which is why you feel panicked, your heart races, and clear thinking becomes harder.

Your brain also has a negativity bias. That means it notices problems more than solutions. A small issue—like an email request from a client—can quickly feel like a huge problem.

On top of that, your brain loves patterns. If you often think, “I can’t keep up,” your brain gets used to repeating that thought. The more you think it, the more real it feels, like a path that gets easier to walk the more you use it.

But here’s the good news—your brain can change. It’s called neuroplasticity, and it means you can train your brain to think differently. When you notice pressure-building thoughts, you can shift them. Instead of “This deadline will crush me,” try “I’ve handled deadlines before, and I can handle this one too.”

This small change makes a big difference. The way you think about pressure affects how you feel and react to it. When you learn to manage your brain, pressure stops running your life and becomes something you can use to your advantage.

Now, let’s look at what unhealthy pressure really is and how to know when it’s taking over.

Warning Signs of Unhealthy Pressure

Sometimes, pressure helps you stay on track. But other times, it sneaks up and starts dragging you down. One moment, you’re keeping up, and the next, you feel like you’re drowning. The key is knowing the warning signs before things spiral.

Have you ever been running late even though you hate being late? Or snapping at coworkers or family over small things? These are clues that pressure might be turning unhealthy.

It doesn’t always show up in obvious ways. Maybe you can’t focus, starting tasks but never finishing them because your mind is racing. Or you procrastinate, avoiding important tasks because they feel too overwhelming.

Another sign is constant complaining. We all need to vent sometimes, but if you’re stuck in a cycle of frustration without looking for solutions, unhealthy pressure might be behind it.

Then there’s the physical side. Maybe you’re exhausted but can’t sleep, or your body feels tense—clenching your jaw, feeling a knot in your stomach. Your body gives signals when something’s not right.

It’s easy to brush these signs off and think, “It’s just busy season, or Once this deadline passes, I’ll feel better.” But how often does that actually happen? Usually, another deadline pops up, and the cycle starts all over again.

Noticing these signs is a big step toward breaking that cycle. It’s about being honest with yourself and admitting when pressure is no longer helping but hurting you.

Take a moment to think—are you seeing any of these signs? Maybe you’re more distracted, more irritable, or feeling shut down. If so, you’re not alone. And more importantly, you don’t have to stay stuck.

The good news is, unhealthy pressure isn’t permanent. Once you recognize it, you can shift it into something that works for you, not against you. Now, let’s look at what’s really causing all this pressure.

The Root Cause of Unhealthy Pressure

Ever wake up already feeling overwhelmed, like no matter what you do, it won’t be enough? Like pressure is always there, following you around?

The truth is, it’s not just about your workload. It’s your brain attaching meaning to everything on your plate.

Pressure often starts with one small thought—”I don’t have enough time” or “I can’t afford to mess up.” At first, these thoughts seem harmless, but they pile up quickly, making everything feel heavier.

Your brain isn’t trying to make life harder. It’s just doing what it’s used to. If you’ve been thinking “I need to be perfect” or “I should have everything under control” for years, those thoughts will keep showing up—especially during stressful times.

Over time, this becomes a pattern—a web of shoulds and what-ifs that weigh you down. That’s why you might start your day already feeling behind, before you even check your email. It’s not the work itself that’s overwhelming. It’s the story your brain is telling about it.

And that’s the real cause of unhealthy pressure. It’s not just deadlines or workload. It’s the emotional weight of self-doubt, fear, and perfectionism. That’s what drains your energy.

But here’s the good news: those thoughts aren’t facts. They’re habits, and like any habit, they can be changed.

The first step is noticing them. When you hear yourself thinking, “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never get it right,” pause and ask, “What if that’s not true?” Try shifting it to “I’ll figure it out” or “I’ve done hard things before, and I can handle this too.”

The bottom line is that unhealthy pressure isn’t about what’s happening around you—it’s about what your brain is making it mean. And once you see that, you can start to change it.

Imagine how much lighter life could feel if you let go of some of that weight. It’s possible, and it starts by learning how to switch from unhealthy to healthy pressure, so let’s talk about that now.

How to Switch from Unhealthy to Healthy Pressure

Now that we know where unhealthy pressure comes from, how do we turn it into something helpful? The goal isn’t to get rid of pressure completely—you can’t. Instead, it’s about managing it so it helps you move forward without dragging you down.

Healthy pressure feels different. It gives you focus and momentum without the feeling of overwhelm. It’s the balance between being challenged but not crushed, busy but not burned out. And getting there doesn’t require a major life change—just a few simple shifts.

First, focus on what actually matters. When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. Ask yourself, “What really needs my attention right now?” Not everything on your list is equally important, and treating it all the same adds unnecessary pressure.

Next, set realistic expectations. You don’t have to do everything, and you don’t have to do it perfectly. Letting go of perfection and aiming for done instead of perfect helps reduce stress while still making progress.

Third, make sure you take breaks. Healthy pressure doesn’t mean working nonstop. Think of it like a marathon—you need time to recharge. Even stepping away for five minutes or making space for something you enjoy can help you manage pressure better.

Fourth, learn how to set and stick to better boundaries. Sometimes the best thing you can do is say no. It’s not about avoiding work—it’s about protecting your time and energy so you can focus on what matters most.

Lastly, stay flexible. Deadlines change, unexpected things happen, and some days don’t go as planned. Instead of getting frustrated, ask yourself, “What’s my next best step?” A flexible mindset keeps pressure from turning into stress.

The bottom line is that shifting from unhealthy to healthy pressure doesn’t require perfect conditions. It’s about small changes that help you stay grounded and focused—even on your busiest days. And the more you practice, the easier it gets.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: The Game-Changer of Transforming Unhealthy Pressure

I’ve worked with many accountants struggling with pressure, but one client’s story stands out. She felt like she was carrying the weight of the world every day. No matter how much she finished, her to-do list never seemed to shrink.

She woke up anxious, already thinking about everything she had to do. By the time she sat at her desk, she felt defeated before even starting. At night, she couldn’t relax because her mind kept racing about what she didn’t finish.

She was beyond exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Work was taking over her life. She snapped at her family, then felt awful about it. She told me, “I don’t know how to keep up, but I don’t know how to stop either.”

At first, she thought the only way to feel better was to have less work or quit altogether. But as we talked, she realized the pressure wasn’t just from deadlines—it was from the thoughts she had about them.

She had automatic beliefs like, “If I don’t do this perfectly, I’m failing” or “It’s all on me to make this work.” These thoughts were running in the background, shaping how she felt every day.

Once she saw this, things started to shift. We worked on questioning those thoughts and replacing them with better ones—like, “I’ve handled tough situations before, and I can handle this” as well as the thought, “Doing my best is enough.”

She also became more intentional about her work. Instead of trying to do everything, she focused on what actually mattered and let the rest go. She took guilt-free breaks—something she hadn’t done in years.

The difference was huge. She felt lighter, more in control, and finally like herself again. Even her family noticed. She told me, “I’m not snapping at them like I used to. I actually have the energy to enjoy being with them.”

If pressure is running your life, know that it doesn’t have to be this way. You’re not stuck, and you’re not failing. Sometimes, you just need help seeing things differently—and once you do, everything can change.

Now, let’s go over today’s key takeaway and an action step for the week ahead.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that pressure isn’t the problem—it’s how you think about it. When you stop believing the automatic, self-doubting thoughts your brain offers, you can shift from feeling overwhelmed to feeling capable. 

By questioning those thoughts and focusing on what’s within your control, you can turn pressure into a tool for growth instead of a burden.

For this week, ask yourself, “What am I telling myself about this situation, and is it actually true?”

This question helps you pause and reflect on the story your brain is creating about the pressure you’re feeling. Often, the thoughts running through your mind are exaggerations, assumptions, or old patterns that don’t serve you. 

By questioning them, you create space to replace those thoughts with something more helpful—thoughts that empower you instead of dragging you down.

When you ask this question, you’re not just reacting to the pressure; you’re taking control of how you respond. That small shift in perspective can make a huge difference in how you approach your work, your day, and your life. 

It’s the first step toward feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared what no one ever taught us about pressure. I hope you’re walking away with a better understanding of how to handle unhealthy pressure.

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, let me just mention that if you are a fan of the podcast and haven’t downloaded The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide, you can simply go to https://thesmarteraccountant.com/podcast-guide/  This guide will help you apply what you’ve learned in the first 50 episodes so that you’re not just listening; you’re taking action.

Once I reach 100 episodes, I’ll be updating the podcast guide, but for now, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy.

What if I told you the biggest factor in your productivity isn’t time, but how you feel while working?

The truth is, stress and overwhelm have a sneaky way of making everything feel urgent and important. Your brain goes into overdrive, convincing you that if you don’t do it all right now, something terrible will happen. And let’s be real, how often does that actually turn out to be true?

The good news is, getting more done in less time isn’t about packing your day with more hours or squeezing in every single task. It’s about learning how to work with your brain and emotions to make your time count.

Think about the last time you felt really focused, motivated, and clear-headed. Did you notice how much you were able to accomplish when you were in that zone? That’s the secret—your feelings are the driving force behind what you get done and how efficiently you do it.

If you’ve ever wished you could find a better way to work without feeling like you’re always running on empty, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how you can get more done in less time without burning out in the process.

The Power of Productive Emotions

Let me ask you a question—have you ever had a day where everything just clicked? You sat down, got to work, and before you knew it, you’d plowed through your to-do list with ease. Now compare that to a day when you felt scattered, overwhelmed, or frustrated—where even the smallest task felt impossible to finish.

The difference? Your emotions.

Let’s break it down with some real-life examples:

Non-Productive Emotions: Imagine you’re staring at a massive tax return, and your first thought is, “This is going to take forever. I don’t even know where to start.” That thought creates overwhelm, which leads to procrastination. Suddenly, instead of working, you’re checking emails, scrolling LinkedIn, or grabbing another cup of coffee.

Productive Emotions: Now, imagine you approach that same tax return with a different mindset—“I know exactly what needs to be done. I’ll take it one section at a time.” This creates focus and determination, making it easier to get started and stay engaged.

Or take another example:

Non-Productive Emotion: You get an unexpected email from a client with a last-minute request, and your immediate reaction is, “Ugh, I don’t have time for this. Why do they always wait until the last minute?” That frustration clouds your ability to think clearly, making the task feel more annoying than it really is.

Productive Emotion: Instead, what if you shifted to “Alright, this wasn’t planned, but I’ll handle it efficiently so I can move on.” That small change can help you work through the issue faster, rather than wasting time feeling frustrated.

The bottom line is that emotions dictate how efficiently you work. If you’re stuck in feelings like stress, frustration, or doubt, your productivity plummets. But when you tap into emotions like confidence, focus, and motivation, your efficiency skyrockets.

Now that you see the power of productive emotions, let’s talk about the brain science behind productivity and emotions.  

The Brain Science Behind Productivity and Emotions

Here’s something that might surprise you: your brain has a lot to say about how productive you are, and it all comes down to how it reacts to your emotions. Understanding this can make all the difference when it comes to getting more done in less time.

Think about this—when you’re stressed or overwhelmed, does it ever feel like your brain just shuts down? You can’t think clearly, and even the simplest tasks feel impossible. That’s not your imagination; it’s your brain doing exactly what it’s wired to do under pressure.

Your brain operates in two distinct “modes” that I like to call the Supervising Parent and the Toddler. Think about the Supervising Parent as the wise, steady voice in your head—it’s the part of your brain that plans ahead, makes decisions, and keeps you focused on the bigger picture.

Now let’s talk about the Toddler. The Toddler brain has one job: react to whatever feels most pressing in the moment. It doesn’t care about long-term consequences or whether the task you’re tackling is actually important. Its motto is “If it’s loud and shiny, it must need attention right now!”

Imagine trying to meet a tight deadline, and instead of calmly prioritizing tasks, you’re running around like a toddler in a toy store, grabbing whatever catches your eye. That’s what happens when you’re overwhelmed—your Toddler brain hijacks your focus, pulling you toward what feels urgent, not what’s impactful.

The good news is that like a patient parent guiding a toddler, you can bring your Supervising Parent back into the driver’s seat. The secret is managing your emotions—when you intentionally create feelings like calm or determination, it’s like giving your Supervising Parent the green light to step in, quiet the Toddler, and focus on what truly matters.

When you intentionally create feelings like focus, determination, or calm, you not only give your Supervising Parent the green light to take charge—you also reduce decision fatigue, handle tasks more efficiently, and end your day with a sense of accomplishment rather than burnout.

This isn’t about being “zen” all the time or ignoring your stress. It’s about recognizing what’s happening in your brain and choosing to respond in a way that keeps you moving forward. 

Even something as simple as taking a deep breath and reminding yourself, “I can handle this,” can help shift your brain back into problem-solving mode.

Another thing to know is that your brain loves rewards. When you set a clear goal and break it into smaller steps, every little win gives your brain a hit of dopamine—the feel-good chemical that motivates you to keep going. 

The more you work with your brain, instead of against it, the easier it gets to stay productive without burning out. It’s not about forcing yourself to power through; it’s about giving your brain the right environment and emotional fuel to get more done in less time.

So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, think about what’s really going on upstairs. Your brain wants to help you succeed—it just needs a little guidance.

How to Tap Into Productive Emotions to Get More Done In Less Time

Now that we’ve seen how emotions impact productivity, let’s talk about how to intentionally create the emotions that help you get more done. You don’t have to wait for motivation to show up—you can generate it on purpose.

Here’s how:

1. Decide how you want to feel before you start working.
Before you jump into a task, ask yourself, “How do I want to feel while working on this?” Do you want to feel focused, determined, or confident? Identifying the desired emotion helps you set the tone.

2. Choose a thought that creates that feeling.
Your emotions come from your thoughts, so if you want to feel focused, you need a thought that supports that feeling.

Instead of “I have way too much to do,” try “I’ll start with one thing and build momentum.”

Instead of “This is overwhelming,” try “I know exactly what to do next.”

Small shifts in thinking create huge shifts in productivity.

3. Use small wins to build momentum.
If you’re struggling to get started, pick one simple task and complete it. Your brain loves the feeling of progress—each completed task releases dopamine, which keeps you motivated.

4. Set up your environment for success.
Your workspace affects your emotions more than you think. Minimize distractions—silence notifications, close extra tabs, and create a focused workspace to make it easier to stay in a productive mindset.

5. Acknowledge your progress.
Productivity isn’t just about checking off tasks—it’s about recognizing what you did accomplish. Instead of thinking about what’s still left to do, take a moment to acknowledge, “I made progress today.” That small boost keeps your productive emotions going.

By using these steps, you’ll stop relying on fleeting motivation and instead create the emotions that make your workday smoother and more efficient.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: My Experience With Getting More Done In Less Time

As I have shared on the podcast, I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometrial cancer back in June and when I was going through chemo for 6 months, I had every reason to slow down or even stop altogether. Between the physical exhaustion and the emotional weight of it all, it would have been easy to say, “I just can’t do this right now.” 

But I didn’t. In fact, I managed to get more done in less time during that season of my life than I ever thought possible.  Not only did I get my accounting work done in less time, but I also ran my coaching business and created two podcast episodes every week.

It wasn’t because I had superhuman energy or some magical time-management hack. It was because I knew how to manage my emotions and my focus, even when life threw the hardest curveball imaginable.

For months, my schedule revolved around doctor’s appointments, treatments, and recovery days. On paper, there was no room to keep up with my work, let alone finish everything two weeks ahead of the extended tax deadline. But I did.

How? It came down to one thing: being intentional about how I wanted to feel while I worked. I knew that stress and overwhelm weren’t going to serve me, so I chose to focus on emotions that would. 

Focused, motivated, determined, and calm became my go-to feelings, and I made a conscious effort to create them every single day.

Here’s an example. On the days when my energy was low, I didn’t tell myself, “This is too hard; I’ll never get through it.” Instead, I reminded myself, “I have a plan, and I’ll do what I can with the time and energy I have.” That shift in thinking gave me the focus I needed to take small, steady steps without getting bogged down by everything else.

I also got really clear about what mattered most. I stopped trying to do everything and prioritized what was truly important—both in my work and in my personal life. I learned to let go of the “busywork” and instead focus on the high-impact tasks that would move the needle.

Even my environment played a role. Working from home during chemo allowed me to eliminate distractions and protect my time in a way that wasn’t possible before. I created a space where I could focus and get into the right emotional state, even on the toughest days.

Looking back, I realize that season of my life taught me more about being a Smarter Accountant than any other time in my career. It reinforced that productivity isn’t about pushing harder or working longer hours. It’s about managing your mind, your emotions, and your priorities in a way that works for you—even when life feels overwhelming.

If I could do it while going through chemo, I know you can do it too. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being intentional. And that’s a lesson I’ll carry with me forever.

Now I want 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 getting more done in less time isn’t about working harder or adding more hours to your day. It’s about managing your emotions and your mind so you can focus on what truly matters. 

When you tap into productive emotions, you create the clarity, determination, and energy you need to accomplish more in less time. Instead of feeling like you’re spinning your wheels and always behind, you’ll start to feel in control of your workload and even have more time to focus on the things you truly enjoy.

For this week, ask yourself, “What emotions are driving the way I work right now and are they helpful or useful?”  This question helps you pause and reflect on the connection between how you feel and how you’re showing up. 

If stress, overwhelm, or frustration are running the show, your actions will reflect that, and you’ll struggle to make progress. But when you intentionally create emotions like focus, confidence, or calm, you set yourself up for success. 

I promise, it’s a small shift that can lead to massive results in your productivity and overall well-being.

The bottom line is that your emotions are one of the most powerful tools you have for getting more done in less time. When you take the time to manage how you feel, you’ll find it easier to focus, prioritize, and make meaningful progress. 

Remember, productivity isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things with the right mindset. The next time you feel stuck, ask yourself how you want to feel and start there. 

You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you let your emotions work for you, not against you—it’s like unlocking a secret superpower you’ve had all along.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared how to get more done in less time. I hope you’re walking away with the awareness of how you can start getting more done in less time, no matter what’s going on.

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 walked into a room and felt like something was wrong, even if no one said anything? Maybe people looked worried, or the air just felt tense. Before you knew it, you started feeling nervous too.

Now think about a different kind of room—one that feels calm and steady, even when there’s a lot going on. In that kind of space, it’s easier to think and get things done. It almost feels like the room itself is telling you, “You’re doing great!”

That’s because people feel the energy of the leader in the room. If a leader is calm, it helps everyone else stay focused. But if a leader is stressed, that stress spreads like a cold—real fast.

Think about a time when you felt really clear and ready to work. Was it because everything was perfect? Or was it because the person in charge made you feel safe and focused? The truth is, how a leader feels affects the whole team, whether they realize it or not.

Some people think staying calm under pressure is just something you’re born with, but that’s not true. It’s a skill you can practice—like learning to ride a bike or tying your shoes. And when you do, it makes a huge difference.

Think about this – have you ever noticed how your own mood affects others? If you walk into a room feeling worried, do people start looking nervous too? But when you walk in feeling calm, doesn’t everything seem to run more smoothly?

The thing is, being a great leader isn’t just about what you say or do. It’s also about how you make people feel. And the good news is that you don’t have to be perfect. Just making small changes to your energy can help your whole team feel better and get more done.

So, what kind of energy are you bringing into the spaces where you lead? Are you helping people feel focused and ready to work? Or does it sometimes feel like everything is spinning too fast?

If you’ve ever wanted to create a calm and focused space for your team, this episode is for you. 

Why Emotional Contagion Happens

Have you ever been around someone who was really stressed and, all of a sudden, you started feeling nervous too? Or maybe you were with someone who was super calm, and you started to feel relaxed, even if you were worried before?

That’s because feelings can spread—kind of like a yawn. When one person feels a certain way, the people around them often start to feel the same. This happens all the time, even when we don’t notice it.

Here’s why: Our brains have something called mirror neurons. These little brain cells help us copy the feelings and actions of others. If someone is smiling and calm, our brain picks up that signal and helps us feel calm too. But if someone is worried or upset, we start to feel that way without even trying.

Our brains are also always watching for danger. One way we figure out if things are okay is by looking at the people around us—especially leaders, coworkers, or others that you come in contact with. If they seem calm, our brain thinks, “Everything is fine.” But if they look stressed, our brain might panic and make small problems feel big.

This isn’t just about feelings—it actually changes how well we think and work. When we’re around calm people, our brain stays clear and focused, making it easier to solve problems. But when we’re around stress, our brain jumps into panic mode, making everything seem harder than it really is.

What’s really amazing is that we don’t even choose to copy someone’s emotions—it just happens. That’s why one person’s mood can spread to a whole group without anyone saying a word.

So why does this matter? Because your feelings affect others, too. The way you act and feel spreads to the people around you. If you stay calm, you help others feel calm, too. But if you’re upset, that feeling spreads just as fast.

The good news is that you can choose what kind of energy you bring into a room. Even small changes—like taking a deep breath before reacting—can help everyone around you feel more steady and focused.

The best leaders know this secret: When they stay calm, their whole team works better. And when you understand this, you can use it to help others, too.

The Brain Science Behind Calm Leadership

Let’s look at what happens in the brain when we’re calm—or when we’re not—and why it’s so important for you and the people around you.

Your brain is always working, even when you don’t notice it. One of its biggest jobs is to keep you safe. It’s always watching and listening to see if everything is okay. And one of the biggest clues it uses is the people around you.

If you stay calm, it tells other people’s brains, “Everything is fine. We’ve got this.” But if you seem nervous or stressed, their brains might think, “Uh-oh! Something is wrong!” This happens because of how different parts of the brain work.

The thinking part of the brain, which I like to call the Supervising Parent, helps us solve problems and make good decisions. But when we get too stressed, the brain switches to a different part—the Toddler Brain. This part only cares about danger and reacts fast, even when there’s no real danger. It’s like a fire alarm that goes off whether there’s smoke or just burnt toast.

When the Toddler Brain takes over, it’s hard to focus. Even small tasks feel big. But when a leader stays calm, it helps everyone think clearly and get things done.

Think of it like Wi-Fi. When the signal is strong, everything works smoothly. But when it’s weak and glitchy, it’s stressful.  Like trying to watch a video that keeps freezing. 

Even better, when you stay calm over and over, people start to trust you. Their brains learn, “This person won’t freak out, even when things get hard.” That makes everyone feel safer and more confident, which helps them do their best work.

Being calm isn’t just good for the brain—it’s good for the body too. When people feel safe and supported, they have less of a stress hormone called cortisol, which makes everything feel extra hard. Instead of wasting energy worrying, they can focus on what really matters.

So next time things get busy, think about the energy you’re giving off. Are you helping others stay calm, or making things feel even more stressful? The way you show up affects how everyone else’s brain works—and that’s a big deal, especially for accountants.

Why Calm Is a Leadership Superpower

Now that we know how calmness helps the brain, let’s talk about why it’s such a superpower for leaders. Being calm isn’t just about feeling good—it helps people trust you, think clearly, and work better as a team.

Have you ever met someone who stays steady even when everything around them feels stressful? The kind of person who walks into a busy room and suddenly, things feel a little more under control?

That kind of leader makes everyone feel safer, more focused, and more capable. It’s not just nice—it’s powerful.

Being calm doesn’t mean pretending problems don’t exist. It means staying steady even when things get tough. When a leader does that, it helps everyone else take a deep breath, think before they react, and find solutions instead of just worrying about problems.

And research shows that people trust calm leaders the most. Not because they always have the right answer, but because they don’t panic. They show, over and over, that they can handle tough situations without losing control. That kind of leader makes people feel safe.

Another reason calmness is so important is that it helps people see things more clearly. Imagine looking at a mountain covered in thick fog. You can’t see the path forward. 

But when the fog lifts, everything becomes clear. That’s what a calm leader does—they help people focus on what matters and let go of what doesn’t.

Calm leaders also help people be more creative and work together better. When people don’t feel rushed or judged, they share more ideas and take more chances. A calm leader makes everyone feel safe to try new things, and that’s when great ideas happen.

Studies also show that calmness spreads. When one person stays steady, others start to do the same. Before you know it, the whole team is handling challenges with more confidence and focus—not because the problems disappeared, but because you showed them how.

Being a calm leader doesn’t mean you’ll never feel stressed. Of course, you will—you’re human. But it does mean choosing to manage your emotions so they don’t control you. The more you practice, the better you get.

So, what makes a great leader? It’s not just their job title or their skills. It’s their ability to bring calm to the chaos, to build trust, and to help people do their best, no matter what’s going on around them. That’s what makes calm leadership a superpower.

The Hidden Costs of Stressful Leadership

But what happens when calm is missing? Let’s look at how stress in leadership can slow things down and make work harder for everyone—including the leader.

When a leader is stressed, it’s like the whole team is carrying extra weight. Even simple tasks start to feel heavy. Instead of moving forward smoothly, everything feels rushed and messy.

Have you ever noticed that when people are nervous, they make more mistakes? That’s not an accident. 

Stress makes it harder for the brain to focus. Instead of paying attention to details, people go into survival mode—and that’s when things start slipping through the cracks.

But it’s not just about mistakes. Stress makes work exhausting. Even small tasks feel like a huge effort when the whole team is on edge. It’s like everyone is running a race without a finish line.

When a leader is stressed, the team reacts instead of solving problems. It’s like trying to clean up a mess that never ends. Over time, stress makes people feel tired and unmotivated. Work starts to feel like a chore.

Stress also hurts trust. If a leader is always tense or unpredictable, people might be afraid to ask for help or share their ideas. Instead of feeling safe, they just try to avoid making mistakes.

And here’s the tricky part—stress spreads fast. Even small things start to feel like big problems. But many leaders don’t see how their stress affects everyone around them.

This isn’t about blaming leaders for feeling stressed—leading is a tough job. But it’s important to ask: Is the way I handle stress helping or hurting the people around me?

When you lead with calm, you avoid these hidden problems. You help your team focus, trust each other, and do their best work—even when things are tough. And that can make all the difference.

How to Cultivate Calm as a Leader

Being a leader can feel stressful, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stressed all the time. Let’s look at some simple ways you can stay calm and help your team feel steady, no matter what’s going on.

Here’s the thing: Staying calm doesn’t just happen—it’s a choice you make every day, even when things feel overwhelming.

One of the best things you can do is leave your stress at the door. If you’re having a tough day or feeling frustrated, that’s okay. But your team doesn’t need to carry that weight with you.

This doesn’t mean you should hide your feelings or act like a robot. It just means thinking about how you show up, so your emotions don’t make things harder for everyone else.

If you notice yourself feeling anxious or rushed, take a moment to pause. Even one deep breath can help you feel more in control before you walk into a meeting or conversation.

Another way to stay calm is to set clear boundaries. If you take on too much, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Protecting your time helps you handle challenges without feeling stretched too thin.

Being prepared also makes a huge difference. If you think ahead about how you’ll handle tough situations, you’ll feel more in control when they happen.

And don’t forget to give yourself breathing room. A little extra time between meetings or tasks can help you reset and stay steady throughout the day.

Lastly, you don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, a coworker, or your team, asking for help can take some of the pressure off your shoulders.

Being a calm leader doesn’t mean you never feel stressed. It just means choosing to manage your emotions so they don’t spread to everyone else.

When you show up steady and focused, it helps your whole team feel the same way. And that’s one of the best ways to lead.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Creating My Own Calm in the Midst of Chaos

Sometimes, staying calm isn’t just about being a good leader—it’s about survival. Let me share a story about how I learned to find calm during one of the hardest times of my life.

I’ve worked with leaders who were anything but calm. You know the type—the ones who turn everything into a crisis. It’s exhausting, right?

For a long time, I thought I just had to deal with it. I figured my job was to get my work done, no matter how stressful the environment was. But then, life changed everything when I was diagnosed with cancer in May of 2024.

Suddenly, staying calm wasn’t just about making it through the workday—it was about my health. I needed to take care of myself, and that meant learning how to protect my peace. I made a decision: No matter what was happening around me, I was going to create my own bubble of calm.

The hardest part was setting boundaries. The person I worked for was always rushing, always stressed, and always pulling everyone into their chaos. If I let their energy take over, I knew I wouldn’t stand a chance.

So, I got really clear about what I needed. I calmly told them when I would be available, how I would handle last-minute requests, and what I couldn’t take on. It wasn’t easy, but the more I stood my ground, the more I realized—I could protect my own peace.

And the good news is that it worked. Not only did I stay focused when I was working, but I also had the mental strength I needed to get through one of the toughest times in my life.

But here’s the thing—this isn’t just for big life challenges. It’s for anyone who wants to stay steady in a stressful world.

You don’t have to be a boss to set the tone for your own space. You can decide how you want to show up, what energy you bring, and what energy you allow in. It’s not about controlling everything—it’s about choosing what affects you.

I won’t say it’s always easy. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that protecting your peace is worth it. It doesn’t just help you do better at work—it helps you feel better in your life.

So, what would it look like for you to create your own bubble of calm? What boundaries could you set? How could you show up differently, even when things feel chaotic?

It’s not about being perfect—it’s about taking small steps toward the peace you deserve.

And speaking of small steps, let’s go over the biggest takeaway from today and an action item you can try this week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The most important thing to remember is this: Your energy is one of your most powerful tools. Whether you’re leading a team or just managing your own day, choosing to stay calm—even when things feel chaotic—helps you focus, do your best work, and positively affect everyone around you.

So here’s something to try this week: Ask yourself, “What would it look like for me to bring calm into my day, no matter what’s going on around me?”

This question helps you turn your focus inward. It’s easy to think that staying calm depends on what’s happening around you, but the truth is, it starts with you.

By asking yourself this, you’ll start noticing small ways to bring more calm into your day. Maybe it’s setting a boundary, taking a deep breath before reacting, or deciding not to get pulled into someone else’s stress.

Choosing calm doesn’t mean you’ll never feel stress. It means choosing how to handle it. When you stay calm, everything feels easier. You don’t have to fix everything—just decide how you want to show up.

So, what’s one way you can create calm today? Start there and see how it changes not just your day, but the energy of the people around you.

Well, that’s what I have for you today. Thank you for joining me as I shared why calm leaders create focused teams. I hope you’re walking away with the awareness of how you can create calm in the midst of chaos, whether you’re a leader or not.

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 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.