Category: Podcast

At the end of each podcast, I always say, “Also, I would appreciate it if you could get the word out to other accountants about this podcast. The more accountants find out about it, the more we can begin to change the narrative in the accounting profession.” And there’s a reason I repeat this every week.

The accounting profession is built on traditions and long-standing beliefs that often go unquestioned. Many accountants are struggling with stress, overwhelm, and burnout because they’ve accepted these norms without realizing there’s another way. 

This podcast is about offering a different perspective—a way to challenge those beliefs and create a more sustainable, fulfilling career. But for that message to spread, we need more accountants to hear it.

If you’ve been in the accounting profession for a while, you’ve probably heard plenty of phrases like “tax season is stressful” or “the work never really slows down.” These beliefs get passed around so often that they start to feel like facts. 

But what if they’re not? What if the stress we experience as accountants isn’t just part of the job but a result of the stories we’ve been telling ourselves for years?

In many ways, the accounting profession has become stuck in these old narratives. We see others around us feeling stressed and overwhelmed, and we naturally mirror those feelings. 

In fact, it’s human nature to pick up on the emotions of those in our environment—especially in a field like accounting, where long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations are the norm. But when we do this without questioning it, we end up reinforcing a belief system that might not actually serve us. 

Whether it’s tax season, year-end reviews, or managing difficult clients, we’ve been conditioned to accept that accounting comes with constant pressure. We’ve been taught to believe that if you’re not stressed, maybe you’re not doing enough.

The problem with these narratives is that they become so deeply ingrained that we stop questioning them altogether. They get passed down from one generation of accountants to the next, without anyone taking a step back to ask, “Does it really have to be this way?” 

It’s almost as if we wear our stress like a badge of honor, something that proves our dedication to the job. But at what cost? Burnout, overwhelm, and dissatisfaction have become widespread in the profession, and the very things we’ve been led to believe are necessary for success are often what make the job feel unsustainable.

But what if it didn’t have to be this way? What if the stress we experience isn’t necessarily about the workload but more about the way we’ve been taught to think about it? 

Whether you’re dealing with tax season or a different demanding period in your accounting career, these feelings often stem from beliefs we haven’t stopped to challenge. It’s not just about the amount of work we have to do; it’s the stories we tell ourselves about that work. 

The question we need to start asking ourselves is: Are we stuck in a narrative that’s no longer serving us? And more importantly, what would happen if we chose to change it? 

Imagine what your work experience could look like if you let go of these old, limiting beliefs. What if, instead of focusing on the stress and overwhelm, we started focusing on how we could approach our work differently? What if we challenged the idea that stress is an inevitable part of being an accountant?

It’s time to consider that the old ways don’t have to define our future. No matter what area of accounting you’re in, there’s an opportunity to break free from the narrative of stress and overwhelm. 

By questioning these long-held beliefs, we can create a different, more sustainable way of working that allows us to thrive instead of just survive.

The Tribe Mentality: How We Mirror Those Around Us

As humans, our brains naturally pick up on and mirror the emotions of those around us. This instinct, called “tribe mentality,” has helped humans connect and survive for thousands of years. 

In our jobs, especially in accounting, this often shows up when we take on the stress and overwhelm of our coworkers without even realizing it. When one person feels anxious, it’s easy for that feeling to spread, creating an environment where stress feels like the norm.

Think about the last time you were working during a busy time, like tax season or a major deadline. Everyone around you may have seemed stressed, juggling papers, rushing to meet deadlines, and feeling worn out. Even if you started the day calm, it’s likely you began to feel their stress too. 

This is how easily we absorb the energy around us. You might have started to feel the pressure building, thinking that stress is just part of the job and that you have no choice but to feel the same way as everyone else.

But here’s something to consider: that stress you’re feeling may not actually be yours. Often, we adopt the thoughts and feelings of those around us because we’re wired to connect. We see others acting stressed or overwhelmed, and we naturally fall into the same mindset. 

But just because others are feeling pressured doesn’t mean you have to be. Many of us mirror the feelings in our environment without stopping to ask ourselves, “Do I really need to feel this way?”

Unfortunately, this is how tribe mentality works. We don’t want to be different, and we want to fit in. If everyone else is feeling overwhelmed, it can feel strange to stay calm. 

But what if you allowed yourself to step out of that cycle? What if, instead of taking on the stress of those around you, you decided to manage your own thoughts and emotions? You have the choice to decide how you want to feel, no matter how others are reacting.

Noticing how we mirror others is the first step to changing how we experience work. It’s not about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is fine. That’s not what I’m saying at all.  It’s about recognizing that just because your coworkers are stressed, doesn’t mean you have to be. 

You have the power to choose your own path and, in doing so, you might even inspire others to do the same. 

But thinking differently starts with recognizing the beliefs we’ve taken for granted. To create real change, we need to start challenging what we think we know about accounting and the stress we experience.

Challenging What We Think We Know

In the accounting profession, we tend to accept certain beliefs as facts, but when we take a closer look, they’re often just assumptions we’ve picked up along the way. These thoughts get passed down from one accountant to another until they become so ingrained that we stop questioning them. But the truth is, a lot of what we believe about our work is optional.

Take “tax season is stressful,” for example. This is something we hear all the time, and eventually, it starts to feel like an unavoidable reality. The same goes for “working long hours equals success.” These beliefs have been repeated so often that they’ve become part of the profession’s culture. 

But just because they’re common doesn’t make them true. What if tax season didn’t have to be stressful? What if success wasn’t measured by how many hours you put in, but by the quality of the work you do and the balance you maintain in your life?

In a few minutes I’ll share how I have had stress-free tax seasons for 10 years by challenging what I thought I knew, but that’s not the only limiting belief we have.

There are plenty of other phrases we toss around that perpetuate the stress and overwhelm in accounting:

“You’ll never get ahead unless you put in the extra hours.”

“We’re accountants; we’re supposed to be overworked.”

“Get used to being exhausted—this is how it is.”

“This is what we signed up for.”

“Clients are always going to be difficult, and we just have to deal with it.”

“If you’re not working late, you’re not dedicated enough.”

“You’ll never have a real work-life balance in this field.”

These phrases might seem harmless when we say them in passing, but they reinforce a mindset that stress and exhaustion are inevitable. We rarely stop to ask ourselves, “Is this actually true?” or “Does believing this help me?” Instead, we just accept them as part of the job.

But what if we didn’t? What if we started to challenge these assumptions and asked ourselves whether they serve us? Would we approach our work differently if we stopped believing that long hours are the only path to success? Could we find more peace and balance if we questioned whether stress is really necessary, or just something we’ve been told to expect?

The first step in changing the narrative of the accounting profession is to start questioning the beliefs we’ve taken for granted. By challenging these old ways of thinking, we open the door to new possibilities—ones where success and balance can coexist, and where stress doesn’t have to be the price we pay for being accountants.

By starting to question these long-held beliefs, we can create the mental space to consider a new approach—one where we actively reshape the future of the accounting profession. 

Continuing to hold onto these outdated beliefs is not only unhelpful but also harmful to the future of the profession. That’s why it’s crucial to understand why the ‘old ways’ have to go if we want to create a sustainable future.

Why the ‘Old Ways’ Have to Die Out for a Sustainable Future

Let’s be honest, the traditional attitudes and beliefs that have shaped the accounting profession for so long are no longer working. We’ve been holding on to ideas that are not only outdated but are actively contributing to burnout, stress, and dissatisfaction. 

The “old ways”—believing that long hours equal success, that stress is just part of the job, and that working non-stop is the only way to get ahead—are pushing accountants to their breaking point. And if we don’t change the way we think about our work, we risk pushing an entire generation of accountants out of the profession.

Look at the growing number of accountants experiencing burnout. It’s not just a coincidence. It’s a direct result of the mindset we’ve been conditioned to accept. The constant pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and work long hours is not sustainable. 

The belief that success is measured by how much you sacrifice—whether it’s your time, your health, or your relationships—has created a toxic cycle. Accountants are feeling the weight of this every day, and it’s taking a serious toll.

Continuing with this mindset doesn’t just hurt individual accountants; it hurts the profession as a whole. When we’re constantly stressed and overwhelmed, we can’t do our best work. 

We make more mistakes, we lose our passion for what we do, and eventually, we either burn out or leave the field altogether. If we want to create a sustainable future for accounting, we need to let go of these old, limiting beliefs and embrace a healthier, more balanced approach.

Changing the narrative in the accounting profession isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential. The profession needs to evolve to survive. 

That means challenging the idea that stress and long hours are a badge of honor and starting to prioritize well-being, balance, and efficiency. It means valuing quality over quantity and recognizing that a successful accountant isn’t one who works the most hours but one who works effectively and maintains their health and happiness along the way.

If we can shift our collective mindset, we can create a future where accountants thrive, not just survive. The old ways have to die out if we want to move forward. 

It’s time for a new approach—one that focuses on sustainability, both personally and professionally, so that the next generation of accountants can enjoy long, fulfilling careers without sacrificing their well-being.

Embracing a more sustainable future starts with changing the way we think, but real transformation happens when we take action to rewrite the story of what it means to be an accountant. So, how do we begin to shift this narrative in a practical way?

The Choice to Change the Narrative

At the end of the day, accountants have a choice: continue following the old, unsustainable narrative or start questioning the beliefs that have been holding the profession back. It’s easy to keep doing things the way they’ve always been done—working long hours, accepting stress as a given, and thinking that burnout is just part of the deal. 

But here’s the thing: we don’t have to keep living that story. We have the power to change it.

Plus, the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results.  We have to break free from these old patterns, challenge the beliefs that aren’t serving us, and start creating a new narrative—one that leads to healthier, more fulfilling careers in the accounting profession. 

The beliefs we hold about our work shape how we experience it. If we continue to believe that stress is unavoidable, then we’ll keep feeling overwhelmed. If we tell ourselves that working harder is the only path to success, then we’ll keep burning out. 

But if we start questioning those thoughts—if we begin to challenge the idea that being an accountant has to mean being stressed—everything can change.

You have a choice in how you experience your career. You can keep accepting the thoughts and beliefs that lead to stress and dissatisfaction, or you can decide to write a new narrative. It starts with awareness. 

Start noticing the thoughts you’re accepting without question. Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” and “Does believing this help me?” The simple act of questioning what you’ve always taken for granted can open the door to a completely different experience.

Imagine what your career could look like if you let go of the belief that stress and overwhelm are inevitable. What would happen if you redefined success to include balance and well-being, not just hours worked? How would your day-to-day experience shift if you allowed yourself to challenge the old ways and create a new, more sustainable approach to your work?

Now is the time to make that choice. The profession won’t change unless we start to change the way we think. 

By choosing to question the old narrative, we create the possibility of a future where accountants thrive—where the work is fulfilling, and the stress is manageable. It’s a future that’s within reach, but it starts with each of us deciding to think differently.

The choice is yours. Will you continue to follow the old story, or will you begin to write a new one?

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: How I Changed My Narrative

One of the biggest reasons why I wrote my book, “The Smarter Accountant” is because I had changed the narrative for myself and wanted accountants to learn what made that possible.

But the impetus for that change started after the first tax season that my second husband and I were married.  At the end of tax season he said to me, “What just happened?”  I said, “What do you mean?”  He said, “Tax season wasn’t what I expected.  You were always stressed and overwhelmed, you weren’t your normal self, you worked crazy hours, and you weren’t really present when you were home.”

I remember thinking, “Dude, you married a CPA.  What did you think it was going to be like?”  But, instead, I began to take to heart what he said.

I was working with a coach at the time and I told her what my husband had said and added, “Well, tax season is just stressful.”  She told me something that literally changed my career and my life.  She said, “You know that ‘Tax season is stressful’ is just a thought, not a fact.”

I remember thinking, “Well, clearly she has no idea what she’s talking about.”

She explained that it was a fact that I had tax deadlines and that there was more work to do during certain times of the year, but those things weren’t causing me stress.  What was causing me to feel stressed and overwhelmed was what I was thinking about those facts.

In other words, thoughts like “Tax season is stressful” or “I don’t know how I’m going to get all this done” were the cause.  And then she pointed out that our thoughts are 100% optional so if I chose more helpful and useful thoughts, I could reduce and even eliminate stress and overwhelm altogether.

Besides passing the CPA exam over 30 years ago, this was a pivotal point in my career and my life.  I began replacing my unhelpful thoughts and began practicing more helpful and useful thoughts like “Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful” and “I just need to focus on one thing at a time.”

I began feeling more focused and began getting more done in less time.  I had more energy at the end of the day and on the weekends.

The best part is that my husband started noticing without me telling him what I was doing differently.  When I explained what I had done differently that particular tax season he said, “Keep doing it.  It was a night and day difference from the previous year.” 

This is how I started to change my narrative in the accounting profession.  I began to challenge the thoughts and beliefs I had borrowed from other accountants and even publications like Accounting Today who had an article years ago titled, “Brace Yourself For Another Stressful Tax Season!”

I now recognize those unhelpful and unuseful beliefs and I choose wisely.  I get more done in less time than most accountants because I’ve become a Smarter Accountant.

Again, it’s why I wrote my book and why I distilled 10 years of knowledge into a 6-week Smarter Accountant Program.  To show accountants how to change their narrative so that they can have easier, more sustainable careers.

Let’s wrap up with a key takeaway and a simple question to help you apply what you’ve learned.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

As accountants, we have the power to rewrite the narrative of our profession. By questioning long-held beliefs and challenging assumptions like “stress is just part of the job,” we can create a more balanced, sustainable, and fulfilling career. 

The future of accounting doesn’t have to be defined by stress and burnout—we can choose a new path by thinking differently about our work.

This week ask yourself, “What is one thought or belief I’ve been holding onto about my work that I can start questioning today? How might changing that belief improve my experience in the accounting profession?

This question is crucial because the ripple effect of one accountant changing their narrative can be profound. When you shift your mindset and break free from the old, limiting beliefs, you not only transform your own experience but also set an example for those around you. 

When your colleagues see you thriving, getting your work done efficiently, and handling stress in a healthier way, it can make them stop and think about how they’re approaching things. It’s like a ripple effect—when one person starts questioning the idea that stress is just part of the job, it opens the door for others to do the same.

Honestly, it doesn’t take much. One person choosing to think differently can inspire real change and help reshape the whole accounting profession for the better. It all starts with just one small shift.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed changing the narrative in the accounting profession.  I hope that I’ve inspired you to change your narrative about the accounting profession because it just takes one person to make a difference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you ever started your day with a clear plan, ready to tackle everything on your list, and then—bam!—one small interruption throws you off course? Suddenly, it feels like every task is screaming, “Do me now!” Before you know it, you’re scrambling to figure out what to do first, and it’s like your to-do list has taken over your day.

Why does this happen? Why does everything suddenly feel so urgent, even when it’s not?

We all know we should focus on the important things, but those “urgent” tasks have a way of grabbing hold and not letting go. We’ve all been there—jumping on emails the second they hit our inbox, rushing to respond to a client request, or feeling the pull of a time-limited sale we just can’t ignore. It’s like urgency hijacks our day.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t happening because you’re disorganized or bad at time management. The truth is, our brains are hard-wired to respond to urgency—it’s almost impossible to resist. This response, called the “Mere Urgency Effect,” explains why we often get caught up in tasks that feel pressing but aren’t actually important.

Think about this: you’re shopping online, and you see, “Only 3 hours left to save 50%!” Even if you weren’t planning to buy anything, suddenly it feels urgent. That same pull shows up in your work life, too. 

You might have a big project that needs thoughtful attention, but as soon as an “urgent” email or request pops up, your brain jumps into action mode, leaving you constantly putting out fires instead of making real progress.

This cycle is exhausting. It keeps us busy, but not productive. And the tricky part? Those urgent tasks are often much less valuable than they seem in the moment.

So, how do we break free and take back control of our time? That’s what I want to cover today. We’ll dive into the Mere Urgency Effect, the brain science behind it, how it shows up in daily life, and, most importantly, how to manage it.

Let’s start with what the Mere Urgency Effect actually is and why it’s so hard to resist.

The Mere Urgency Effect Explained

You know that feeling when you sit down to work on something important, and just as you’re getting into it, your phone buzzes or an email pops up, and suddenly, you’re off track? It’s like whatever just came in feels so urgent, you have to handle it right away—even though, deep down, you know it’s not that important. 

That’s what’s known as the Mere Urgency Effect.  So, what is the Mere Urgency Effect? Basically, it’s our brain’s annoying habit of prioritizing things that feel urgent—even when they’re not really important. 

It’s like when you’re in the middle of a big project, and your phone alerts you to a “flash sale” that’s ending in an hour. You weren’t even thinking about shopping, but now you’re tempted to stop everything because, well, the deal is about to end.

Our brains are wired for this kind of reaction. It’s a leftover survival instinct from way back when we had to respond immediately to actual threats, like wild animals or dangerous weather. 

But nowadays, it’s more about reacting to every notification, email, or “limited-time offer” that comes our way. The problem is, we’re tricked into thinking everything that seems urgent needs our attention right now.

Let me tell you a funny story. I had set aside an entire morning to work on a big project. It was one of those high-impact tasks that needed my full focus. I was ready to dive in, and then my phone buzzed with a notification from Bath & Body Works—there was a “One-Day Only Sale” on candles. 

Now, I love their candles, so of course, I felt this little pull to check it out. I told myself, “It’s only today.”. Next thing you know, I spent 30 minutes buying candles I didn’t even need. 

And just as I was about to get back to work, my email pinged with a client question. It wasn’t urgent, but I thought, I’ll just answer this real quick. Long story short, that project barely got touched.

I got totally caught up in the Mere Urgency Effect. I let those small, “urgent” things take over, and the important stuff got pushed to the side. 

And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there—whether it’s checking emails the second they come in or tackling small tasks just to feel like we’re getting something done. It’s like we’re constantly busy, but we’re not making real progress on what truly matters.

The issue is that those little urgent tasks often give us a quick sense of accomplishment, which feels good in the moment. But in reality, we’re just putting out tiny fires, not building anything significant. So how do we stop this cycle?

The first step is understanding why we’re so drawn to these urgent distractions. Let’s dig into the brain science behind it and figure out why it feels so hard to resist.

The Brain Science Behind Why Everything Seems Urgent

Let’s break down why everything feels urgent, even when it’s not. I’ve mentioned this before on the podcast, but your lower, primitive brain, the part I like to call the “Toddler brain,” craves instant gratification and reacts in the moment. It’s not thinking about long-term goals—it just wants to feel good or fix something now.

When a notification pops up or a deadline looms, your Toddler brain kicks in, reacting instantly. Tackling a quick task gives you a small dopamine hit—the brain’s reward chemical—which feels great in the moment. 

This “quick win” satisfaction keeps you chasing after small, urgent tasks, even when they don’t move the needle on what truly matters.

Here’s the catch: this instinct made sense when we had to react quickly to survive, but today, it leads to jumping from task to task without focusing on what’s important. For example, you might drop a major project to respond to a non-urgent email, simply because it feels pressing in the moment.

Recognizing this pattern in your brain is the first step toward taking control. But how does this brain response actually play out in our everyday work lives? Let’s take a closer look.

How the Mere Urgency Effect Shows Up in Daily Life

Now that you understand how the brain’s hardwiring can pull you into urgent tasks, let’s talk about how this plays out day to day. It’s that feeling of running around all day, checking things off your list, only to end the day realizing you didn’t make any real progress. That’s the Mere Urgency Effect in action.

This effect tricks us into mistaking busyness for productivity. You might spend hours answering emails, thinking, “I’m getting so much done!” But when you look back, those emails could have waited, and the critical project requiring your focus remains untouched.

Our brains often confuse urgency with importance. A Slack message or email notification grabs your attention because it feels pressing, even if it’s not truly significant. This cycle of reacting to urgent-but-unimportant tasks can leave you stuck on a hamster wheel, constantly busy but not moving forward on what matters.

For accountants, this challenge is magnified by constant deadlines. Monthly closings, tax season, and client demands all feel urgent, making it hard to prioritize effectively. Imagine sitting down to prepare for a major client presentation only to get derailed by a less critical email or a quick team update. By the end of the day, the high-impact task hasn’t even started.

Breaking free from this cycle begins with recognizing the Mere Urgency Effect for what it is—a distraction from meaningful work. Once you’re aware of how it influences your choices, you can start to regain control. Let’s explore how to do that next.

What to Do About the Urgency Effect

Breaking free from the urgency trap starts with awareness. Think about the last time you sat down to work on something important, like preparing a client presentation or finalizing a month-end report. You were ready to dive in, but then a “quick” email popped up, or a colleague stopped by with a question. 

Before you knew it, half an hour had passed, and you hadn’t even started the task you planned to focus on. That’s the urgency effect at work—pulling your attention to what feels pressing instead of what truly matters.

The key to taking control is pausing. When you feel the pull of urgency, stop and ask yourself, “Is this really important, or does it just feel like I have to do it now?” This moment of pause gives you space to evaluate your priorities instead of reacting automatically. 

For example, when a client emails you with a non-urgent question while you’re reviewing a tax return with a tight deadline, pausing allows you to recognize that the return takes priority, and the email can wait until later.

Once you’ve paused, the next step is reframing your thoughts. Instead of thinking, “If I don’t answer this now, I’ll fall behind,” try something like, “This can wait while I focus on what’s most important.” 

Reframing helps you quiet that inner voice that tells you everything needs your attention immediately. For accountants, this can mean consciously choosing to let emails or less-critical client requests sit until you’ve completed a high-impact task.

Let’s look at another example. Imagine it’s close to the end of the month, and you’re balancing multiple responsibilities: preparing financial statements, responding to client questions, and managing last-minute team updates. Everything feels urgent. 

But if you pause and think it through, you might realize that while answering client questions feels pressing, completing the financial statements is the most important task because it affects your firm’s deadlines. By reframing your thoughts—“I can circle back to these questions after I finish the statements”—you give yourself permission to stay focused on the bigger priority.

This process of pausing and reframing becomes even more effective when you pair it with a clear plan. At the start of your day, take five minutes to outline your top priorities. Ask yourself, “What will make the biggest difference today?” Then, when something urgent-feeling pops up, you can remind yourself of the plan you already made.

For instance, if a team member messages you with a last-minute question while you’re working on a tax projection, you can respond with, “Let’s discuss this later—I’m wrapping up something critical right now.”

The goal isn’t to ignore everything that feels urgent but to consciously decide when and how to address it. Practicing this process takes time, but the more you pause, reframe, and stick to your plan, the easier it gets. 

You’ve already heard me talk about the Supervising Parent part of your brain—it’s all about letting that calm, rational side take charge instead of reacting to every distraction.

So, the next time you feel the pull of urgency, remember: pausing is powerful. It’s not about doing less but about doing what truly matters. 

With practice, you’ll notice a shift—you’ll feel more in control, less rushed, and far more productive. And that’s how you start breaking free from the urgency trap.

Practical Strategies to Manage Urgency

Let’s talk about some practical strategies to manage urgency. One of the best ways to manage it is to take a page out of an emergency room’s playbook. Think about it—ER doctors deal with urgency all day, but they don’t just jump into action for every case that comes through the door. They use triage to decide what needs immediate attention and what can wait. 

You can do the same with your tasks by asking, “What’s truly important here, and what can wait?” This small habit can save you from constantly reacting to every notification or request.

Once you’ve got that mindset, time blocking becomes a lifesaver. It’s like making appointments with yourself for the most important work. Set aside time specifically for high-impact tasks, and treat it like a meeting you wouldn’t cancel. 

The beauty of time blocking is that it helps you focus on what matters most while giving you permission to set aside distractions. Even when other things pop up that feel urgent, you can remind yourself, “This time is already spoken for.”

Prioritizing is just as crucial. At the start of your day—or better yet, the night before—ask yourself, “What will make the biggest difference in the long run?” 

Write down those priorities and commit to tackling them first. Let the smaller, less important tasks fall into place later. This way, you’re making intentional decisions about your time, rather than letting the day dictate your focus.

These strategies take practice, but they work. The more intentional you are with your time, the easier it gets to break free from that constant rush of urgency. 

You’ll feel more in control, less stressed, and far more productive. Remember, it’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things. 

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Getting A Handle On Urgency

One of the biggest benefits of The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program is getting a better handle on The Mere Urgency Effect. As accountants, no one teaches us how to manage our minds so that we can better manage our time. That’s why I do what I do.

Let me tell you about a client who felt like she was constantly running on fumes. Every day, she dove into emails, client calls, and last-minute requests, but by the end of the day, she was exhausted and frustrated. Despite working nonstop, the most important projects were still untouched. She told me, “I’m busy all the time, but I’m not making real progress.”

When we started working together, she realized how much small, urgent-seeming tasks were hijacking her focus. Emails and quick client questions felt pressing, but most of them could wait. The game-changer for her was learning to pause and ask herself, “Do I need to handle this now, or can it wait while I focus on what’s truly important?”

We also implemented time blocking for her high-priority tasks. At first, it felt strange to let some things wait, but she quickly saw the difference. Those “urgent” tasks weren’t as critical as they seemed, and for the first time in years, she made real progress on her big projects.

After a few weeks, she told me, “I finally feel in control of my time.” She was calmer, more productive, and even more present with her family. The constant stress of urgency was gone, and she felt like she had her life back.

Her story is proof that you don’t have to stay stuck in the urgency trap. When you pause, focus on what matters, and let the small stuff wait, you can take back your time and energy. If she could do it, so can you.

I hope you can see that while everything may seem urgent, it doesn’t have to be.  

Let’s wrap up with a key takeaway and a simple question to help you apply what you’ve learned.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that the Mere Urgency Effect can easily trick you into spending your time on tasks that feel pressing but aren’t truly important. By becoming aware of this effect and learning to reframe your thoughts, you can break free from the constant cycle of urgency. This allows you to focus on what truly matters, leading to a more productive and less stressful day.

This week ask yourself, “Is this task truly important, or does it just feel urgent?”

This question is crucial because it helps you pause and evaluate your actions before diving into a task. By asking this, you’re training your brain to distinguish between urgency and importance, which is the first step toward managing your time more effectively. 

This simple question can be a game-changer in how you approach your day and make decisions about where to invest your energy.

I promise you, everything is NOT urgent, even though it seems that way.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed why everything seems urgent and what to do about it.  I hope you’ve learned something that you can begin to apply in your career or in your personal life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s talk about something we all deal with—your inbox. Have you ever stopped to think about whether it’s helping or hurting your productivity?

Take a second to ask yourself: how many hours have you lost to email this week? If you’re like most accountants, the answer might surprise you.

The average professional spends about 28% of their workweek managing emails. That’s over 11 hours—basically an entire workday spent just on email!

We tend to think of email as something we quickly check between tasks or respond to when we have a free moment. But have you noticed how often a “quick check” spirals into way more time than you intended?

The truth is, email can easily take over your day if you’re not careful. And let’s be honest—it’s hard to stay on top of everything when unread messages keep piling up.

Have you ever come in on a Monday morning, opened your inbox, and immediately felt overwhelmed? Hundreds of unread emails staring back at you can make you feel behind before you even start.

Or maybe you’ve caught yourself thinking about emails even when you’re off the clock. That mental clutter can drain your energy, even when you’re not actively working.

Here’s the thing—email is supposed to make communication easier, but if it’s not managed well, it can do the opposite. It can pull you away from the work that really matters and leave you feeling scattered.

Think about it: how often do you stop what you’re doing to check your inbox? How many times have you reread the same email because you didn’t have time to deal with it the first time?

All those little interruptions add up. They break your focus, waste your time, and make it harder to get back on track.

Over time, an overflowing inbox doesn’t just waste hours—it creates stress and leaves you feeling like you’re always playing catch-up. That’s no way to work.

What if your inbox wasn’t such a constant source of frustration? Imagine opening it and seeing only the messages that actually matter, without all the clutter.

In today’s episode, we’ll dive into why your inbox feels so overwhelming and, more importantly, what you can do to fix it. It’s time to stop letting email run your day and start taking control.

Your inbox should be a tool to help you, not a time suck that drains your energy. Let’s make it work for you instead of against you.

The Brain Science Behind Inbox Overload

Let’s start by talking about why email feels like it’s taking over your day. You might not think of your inbox as a source of stress, but trust me, it totally is—and here’s why.

Your brain can’t automatically organize an inbox full of read and unread emails. It sees every unread email as something unfinished, which just piles on mental stress and makes it harder to focus.

Honestly, I often joke that email is an accountant’s “drug of choice.” Think about it—every time you hear that little ding or see a notification, your brain gets a quick hit of dopamine, the same feel-good chemical you get from eating dessert or getting a compliment.

It feels great in the moment, but that dopamine hit is what makes email so addictive. Before you know it, you’re constantly checking, craving that next “fix,” and feeling a little panicked if you can’t step away.

The problem is, every time you stop what you’re doing to check an email, it pulls you out of focus. And the more you do it, the harder it gets to concentrate on what really matters.

Here’s the thing—your brain can handle a lot, but it has limits. This is called decision fatigue, and it’s why things like making choices or staying focused get harder as the day goes on.

And email is like decision fatigue on steroids. Every time you check your inbox, your brain is flooded with questions: Should I reply now or later? Is this email even important? Should I save this or delete it?

Even those little decisions—like whether to open an email or ignore it—start to add up. With dozens, maybe even hundreds of emails coming in every day, your brain gets overwhelmed fast.

When your brain is in overdrive like this, your focus slips, and even simple tasks feel like climbing a mountain. That’s why you feel drained and less productive by the end of the day.

The truth is, an overflowing inbox doesn’t just eat up your time—it drains your energy and clarity too. It’s like trying to run a marathon while carrying a heavy backpack. You might make it, but it’s going to feel way harder than it should.

This is what email overload does to your brain. It weighs you down with mental clutter and makes it harder to focus on the things that actually matter.

Here’s the bottom line: It’s not just about freeing up your time—it’s about freeing up your mind too. If you want to be a smarter accountant, you’ve got to learn how to take care of your accountant brain.

Three Email Habits Getting In Your Way

Now that we’ve discussed how an overflowing inbox can overwhelm your brain, let’s dig into some specific habits that might be making things worse. These are common pitfalls that many of us fall into, often without even realizing the damage they’re causing to our productivity. And believe me, I’ve got the research that backs up just how serious these problems can be.

Habit 1: Lack of Scheduled Email Processing Time

One of the biggest productivity killers is the habit of reacting to every email as soon as it arrives. You’re focused on a task, and then ding—a new email notification pulls your attention away. Before you know it, you’re deep into responding to emails instead of working on the project you had planned.

This constant interruption is more harmful than you might think. Studies show that it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully regain focus after an interruption, a phenomenon known as “attention residue.”

This means that every time you check an email, even if it’s just for a moment, your brain struggles to refocus on what you were originally doing. Over the course of a day, these interruptions add up, leaving you feeling scattered and less productive.

Even worse, this habit can create a cycle of stress. The more you interrupt yourself to check emails, the more you feel the need to stay on top of them, and the less time you have to actually get meaningful work done. It’s a vicious circle that can leave you feeling like you’re always playing catch-up.

Habit 2: Subscription Overload

Another common issue is the habit of subscribing to too many newsletters, industry updates, or promotional emails. At first, it might seem like a good idea to stay informed and up-to-date. But before you know it, your inbox is overflowing with emails that aren’t directly related to your work.

The problem with this is that it creates unnecessary noise. One study showed that the average professional receives around 121 emails per day. 

With so many messages coming in, it’s easy for important emails from clients or colleagues to get lost in the shuffle. You might find yourself spending valuable time sifting through irrelevant content just to find the emails that really matter.

This overload doesn’t just waste time—it also contributes to decision fatigue. The more emails you have to process, the more your brain has to work to decide what’s important and what can be ignored. Over time, this can lead to mental exhaustion and reduced productivity.

Habit 3: Using the Inbox as a Catch-All

Finally, there’s the habit of using your inbox as a storage space for everything—tasks, reminders, documents, and more. It’s easy to fall into this trap because it feels convenient at the moment. 

For example, need to remember something? Just email it to yourself. Want to keep a document handy? Leave it in your inbox.

But this habit can create a digital mess that’s just as overwhelming as a physical one. Research shows that cluttered environments, whether physical or digital, can lead to reduced focus and increased stress. 

When your inbox is filled with non-email tasks and documents, it becomes harder to find what you need. You end up wasting time searching for information and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff sitting in your inbox.

It’s also important to understand that using your inbox as a catch-all means that your brain is constantly trying to process different types of information—reminders, documents, tasks—on top of regular emails. This adds to your cognitive load, making it harder to concentrate and get things done.

The bottom line is that even though we all have issues with one or more of these habits, they are making it harder for us to be productive and efficient accountants.  That’s why it’s important to recognize your unhelpful email habits and understand the toll they’re taking on your productivity and mental clarity.

How to Take Back Control of Your Inbox

Now that we’ve identified the habits that can make your inbox a source of stress and inefficiency, let’s talk about how you can start taking control. It’s all about making a few simple changes that can lead to big improvements in how you manage your emails—and ultimately, how you manage your day.

One of the most popular mini-training videos in The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program covers email management, but today I just want to share a few strategies with you:

Strategy 1: Implement Scheduled Email Times

One of the most effective ways to regain control of your inbox is to set up specific times to check and process emails. Instead of reacting to every email as soon as it comes in, you’ll handle them in batches. This approach helps you stay focused on your work without constantly being interrupted.

Here’s how you can do it:

Choose Your Times: Pick a few times during the day when you’ll check your email. Good options might be first thing in the morning, after lunch, and before you finish work for the day. These are natural breaks in your day when it makes sense to clear out your inbox.  The most important thing here is that you should be in charge of when to give attention to email; email shouldn’t be in charge of your focus and attention.

Stick to the Schedule: Once you’ve set your email times for no more than 15 to 30 minutes, it’s important to stick to them. This means resisting the urge to check your email outside of these times. It might be tough at first, especially if you’re used to checking your inbox constantly, but it’s worth it. By limiting when you check emails, you’ll reduce decision fatigue and free up mental space for more important tasks.  I’m telling you, this is a game-changer.

Turn Off Notifications: To help yourself stick to the schedule, turn off email notifications. This way, you’re not tempted to peek at your inbox every time a new message arrives. Instead, you can focus on your work and handle emails when it’s time.  Every time you hear or see an email notification, your brain gets a hit of dopamine—the feel-good hormone. To stay focused, it’s important to break this habit by turning off notifications.

Strategy 2: Declutter Your Subscriptions

Another key step in taking control of your inbox is decluttering all those subscriptions that you’ve signed up for over the years. While staying informed is important, too many newsletters and promotional emails can clutter your inbox and distract you from the messages that really matter.

Here’s how to clean things up:

Review Your Subscriptions: Take a look at the emails you receive regularly. Are there newsletters you never read or promotions you’re not interested in? If so, it’s time to unsubscribe. Most emails have an unsubscribe link at the bottom, and it only takes a few seconds to remove yourself from the list.

Use Unsubscribe Tools: If you have a lot of subscriptions, consider using an unsubscribe tool like Unroll.me or Clean Email. These tools can help you quickly identify and unsubscribe from emails you don’t need, making the process faster and easier.

Benefit from a Cleaner Inbox: Once you’ve decluttered your subscriptions, you’ll notice a big difference. Fewer emails mean less distraction for your brain, and you’ll be able to focus more easily on the important messages. Plus, a cleaner inbox is less overwhelming to your brain, which can improve your overall focus and productivity.

Strategy 3: Organize and Streamline Your Workflow

For this strategy it’s important to set up a system for organizing your emails and managing the information that doesn’t belong in your inbox. A well-organized inbox makes it easier to find what you need and helps you stay on top of tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s how to do it:

Create Folders or Tags: Set up folders or tags in your email client to categorize your emails. For example, you might have folders for clients, ongoing projects, or important documents. As emails come in, file them away in the appropriate folder, so your inbox stays clean and organized.  I use Outlook and have my email folders set up by client.  I sort my inbox by the “From” tab and swipe all the emails related to that client into their appropriate folder.  I also have a folder labeled “#TBD” for the most important things I need to focus on, this way nothing gets lost. 

Use Other Tools for Non-Email Tasks: If you’re currently using your inbox to store reminders, documents, or to-do lists, it’s time to find a better system. Apps like Trello, Asana, or even a simple notes app are better suited for managing these tasks. By keeping non-email tasks out of your inbox, you’ll reduce clutter and make it easier to stay organized.

Schedule Regular Clean-Ups: Set aside some time, like an hour on Fridays, to declutter your inbox and tidy up your folders. This helps prevent your inbox from becoming overwhelming again and keeps your email management system running smoothly. For example, at the end of the year I go into each client’s email folder, sort by date, and delete anything over 7 years old.

Strategy 4: Set Up an Email Autoresponder

The last powerful strategy to take control of your inbox is to set up an email autoresponder. This tool can automatically let people know when they can expect a response from you, allowing you to stick to your email schedule without feeling pressured to reply immediately.

Here’s why this is important: In our always-on culture, there’s often an expectation of immediate responses to emails. But this constant pressure can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. By using an autoresponder, you set clear boundaries for yourself and others, making it easier to focus on deep work without interruptions.

An autoresponder message might look something like this:

“Thank you for your email. To be as productive and efficient as possible, I check emails at (specific times during the day). I will get back to you within (specific amount of time like 24 hours) if a response is necessary. Thank you for your understanding.”

This message does a few important things:

It Sets Expectations: By letting people know when you’ll respond, you reduce the pressure to reply instantly. This gives you the space to focus on your work during non-email times.

It Closes The Loop: One of the biggest struggles that people deal with is not being sure that their email was received or will be addressed.  The autoresponder message closes the loop in the sender’s brain letting them know that it was received and will be addressed within a specific amount of time, allowing for less anxiety.

It Reinforces Your Boundaries: Establishing and communicating clear boundaries helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevents email from taking over your day.  You need to learn how to take back control of your time and attention.

You might be thinking that setting up an autoresponder feels like a small step, but it can have a big impact on how you manage your time and energy. By letting others know that you’re committed to a more focused and efficient way of working, you’ll find it easier to stick to your new email habits and take back control of your inbox.

The bottom line is that by implementing these strategies, you’ll start to see a real difference in how you manage your emails. Your inbox will feel more manageable, and you’ll have more mental energy to devote to the tasks that really matter. 

The key is that taking control of your inbox is not just about clearing out emails—it’s about taking back control of your time and your focus.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Getting Control Of Her Inbox

As I said before, one of the on-demand mini-trainings I have in The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program deals with email management.  Every coaching client has told me it was one of the most helpful trainings they’ve ever learned.

For example, one of my coaching clients was feeling completely overwhelmed by her inbox. She used to dread opening her email every morning, knowing that she’d be greeted by hundreds of unread messages, most of which weren’t even important.

The constant ping of new emails throughout the day kept her on edge, and she found herself reacting to every notification, no matter how trivial. This constant interruption made it nearly impossible for her to focus on her work, and by the end of the day, she felt drained and unproductive.

During our coaching sessions, we started by identifying the habits that were causing her inbox stress. She realized she was checking her email dozens of times a day, subscribing to newsletters she never read, and using her inbox as a dumping ground for reminders and documents.

We worked together to create a plan: she set up specific times to check her email, started unsubscribing from anything that wasn’t essential, and organized her emails with folders and tags.

We also added an autoresponder to let people know when they could expect a reply, which took a huge weight off her shoulders.

A few weeks later, the difference was night and day. She no longer felt the constant pressure to respond immediately, and her inbox was cleaner and more organized.

She told me how freeing it was to know that she could focus on her tasks without being distracted by every new email. Her productivity improved, and she even found she had more energy at the end of the day.

The best part? She regained a sense of control over her work and her time, which reduced her stress and made her much happier in her job. It was a powerful transformation that all started with getting control of her inbox.

I hope you can see that although taking control of your inbox might seem like a small change, it can have a big impact on your productivity and peace of mind. By implementing these strategies, you’ll not only reduce stress but also free up valuable time to focus on what really matters.

Remember, your inbox is a tool—don’t let it control you. Take charge, and watch how much easier your workday becomes.

Let’s wrap up with a key takeaway and a simple question to help you apply what you’ve learned.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that your inbox should be a tool that helps you get things done, not something that stresses you out or takes over your day. When you manage your email with intention, you can actually free up time and energy for the things that matter most.

This week, try asking yourself, “Is my inbox helping me stay productive, or is it running the show?” It’s such a simple question, but it really makes you pause and think. 

Are you in control, or are you just reacting—checking notifications, getting stuck in emails that don’t even matter, or rereading the same ones because you’re not sure what to do with them?

The beauty of this question is that it helps you spot where your inbox might be getting in the way. Once you see it, you can start making changes, like setting specific times to check your email or unsubscribing from stuff you don’t need. 

The goal is to take charge of how you handle email so it works for you—not the other way around. You deserve to feel in control of your time, not overwhelmed by your inbox!

Well, that’s what I have for you today! Thank you so much for joining me as we talked about the email inbox makeover every accountant needs. My hope is that you’ve picked up at least one thing you can start using right away.

Remember, you worked hard to become an accountant—it’s time to make it easier to be one.

If you’re feeling stuck or struggling with any part of being an accountant, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can book a free session with me at www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar. Let’s tackle what’s holding you back and get you on the path to feeling more confident and in control.

Also, have you taken The Smarter Accountant Quiz yet? Head over to www.thesmarteraccountant.com and find out what’s been getting in the way of you having success without the struggle. It’s the perfect starting point for becoming a Smarter Accountant.

And finally, if you’ve enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to share it with other accountants. The more we spread the word, the closer we get to changing the narrative of what it means to thrive in this profession.

And don’t forget – the truth is that you’re already smart, but this podcast will show you how to be smarter.

Have you ever felt like your identity is more tied to your work than anything else in your life? If so, you’re not alone. In a demanding field like accounting, it’s easy for the lines between who you are and what you do to blur.

For many accountants, work isn’t just a job—it’s a massive part of how we see ourselves. And while dedication to your profession is something to be proud of, there’s a fine line between commitment and something called work martyrdom.

Work martyrdom happens when your dedication crosses over into sacrificing your well-being, relationships, and happiness just to get the job done. It’s when working harder, longer, and with fewer boundaries feels like a badge of honor—a badge that’s tough to take off.

In the accounting world, with its tight deadlines and high stakes, it’s easy to fall into this trap. Work becomes not just what you do, but how you define yourself.

But here’s the truth: while work martyrdom might seem like it’s helping you get ahead, it’s often doing the opposite. The more you tie your identity to staying late, skipping vacations, and taking on more, the more you risk burnout, stress, and even resentment.

And it’s not just your career that suffers—work martyrdom spills over into every area of your life. It can feel like running a marathon without taking care of yourself. You might cross the finish line, but at what cost?

So, now that we’ve laid the groundwork for what work martyrdom is, let’s talk about why it’s such a problem—especially for accountants. What’s really going on when we fall into this trap, and why does it feel so hard to avoid?

Why Work Martyrdom Is a Problem For Accountants

At its core, it’s when working long hours, taking on extra tasks, and pushing yourself to the brink starts to feel like the “right” thing to do—like it’s the only way to be a good accountant.

Maybe you’ve found yourself staying late every night, checking emails during family dinners, or even feeling guilty for taking a vacation. Sound familiar? That’s the slippery slope into work martyrdom.

But here’s the thing—this isn’t just about working hard. It’s a mindset, and it’s one that’s deeply ingrained in our profession. 

In accounting, there’s this unspoken expectation that you should always be available, always be working, and always be pushing yourself to do more. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking, If I work harder, I’ll be more successful.

And honestly? A lot of this isn’t even your fault. Our society loves to glorify people who seem to have an endless capacity for hard work. 

Think about it: how often is the person who stays the latest or skips vacations seen as the most dedicated? It’s almost like overworking becomes a badge of honor.

In many accounting firms and companies, this gets rewarded. People who sacrifice their personal lives to work longer hours often get promotions, praise, or even more responsibility. 

And when you see that happening around you, it’s easy to think that’s what you have to do to succeed. But this is where it starts to go wrong.

Work martyrdom can seem like the answer, but it has some serious consequences—ones that can creep up on you before you even realize it. First and foremost, it takes a massive toll on your health. When you’re constantly pushing yourself without breaks, stress piles up, and so do physical problems. 

Things like insomnia, headaches, or even high blood pressure can become part of your day-to-day life. You might feel exhausted all the time but still keep going because you believe you have to.

And let’s talk about what happens to your relationships. When you’re always working, there’s just no time left for the people who matter most. Little by little, that can lead to feelings of isolation—not just for you but for your loved ones, too. 

They might start to feel like they’re not as important as your job. And honestly, that disconnect can hurt in ways that are hard to fix later.

But here’s what really hits home for me: work martyrdom doesn’t even make you more productive. In fact, it does the opposite. When you’re burnt out, your focus and creativity tank. 

You start making mistakes, missing details, and feeling like you’re running on empty. All those late nights and extra hours? They don’t actually help you move forward. If anything, they hold you back.

What’s worse is that it doesn’t lead to the kind of career growth you’re hoping for. You might still feel stuck, wondering why all this effort isn’t paying off. It’s frustrating, and it’s exhausting. I’ve been there, and I know how easy it is to think, Maybe I just need to try harder. But that’s not the answer.

The truth is, work martyrdom doesn’t lead to the success or fulfillment you want. Instead, it creates a vicious cycle: you work harder, burn out, and end up feeling even more stuck. And it doesn’t just hurt your career—it spills over into every other part of your life.

This is why recognizing it is so important. Once you can see it for what it is, you can start making changes. You can take back control and find a healthier, more balanced way to succeed—both in your career and in your life. You deserve that.

The Brain Science Behind Work Martyrdom

Since this is the podcast that blends brain science with accounting, let’s take a closer look at what’s really going on in your brain when work martyrdom takes over. It’s not just about working hard—it’s about how your brain is wired to make you feel like you have to overwork. And honestly, some of it comes from instincts that have been with us forever.

Your brain’s number one job is to keep you safe and secure, and one of the ways it does this is by equating work with survival. Think about it—back in the day, survival meant working hard to gather food, find shelter, and protect yourself from danger. If you weren’t putting in the effort, you weren’t safe.

Fast forward to today, and while we’re not out hunting for food anymore, that same survival instinct is still there. Your brain sees your job as essential for providing security—for you and your family. 

So when you feel like you’re overworking, it’s not just a habit; it’s your brain quietly telling you, “Work harder—this is how we stay safe.”

But it doesn’t stop there. Your brain also has a built-in reward system that plays a huge role in why you might keep overworking. Every time you check something off your to-do list—whether it’s finishing a project, answering emails, or staying late to meet a deadline—your brain releases dopamine. 

You might know it as the “feel-good” hormone. It gives you that little hit of satisfaction and makes you want more of it.

Here’s how it works: you finish a task, your brain gives you a burst of dopamine, and you think, “That felt good—I should keep going.” The more you work, the more dopamine you get, and before you know it, you’re in a cycle of chasing those little rewards. 

It feels like progress, but it’s actually exhausting you. It’s like running on a hamster wheel—your brain keeps you going because it’s hooked on that next dopamine hit, even though you’re not really getting anywhere.

And then there’s fear and insecurity, which can be a major driver of work martyrdom. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not doing enough,” or “I’m not as good as everyone else,” you know exactly what I’m talking about. Those feelings can trigger your brain’s stress response, putting you into survival mode again.

When you’re in that mode, your brain pushes you to work harder, take on more, and prove yourself. It’s trying to protect you from failure or criticism, but in the process, it’s pushing you toward burnout. 

You might think, “If I just put in a few more hours, or take on that extra project, I’ll feel better about myself.” But here’s the problem: it never feels like enough. Instead, you’re just reinforcing the cycle—more work, more stress, and more exhaustion.

What’s tricky is that your brain doesn’t realize it’s working against you. It’s just doing what it’s wired to do—keep you safe, keep you motivated, and keep you pushing forward. But understanding these patterns is the first step to breaking free from them.

When you recognize that your brain is equating work with survival, chasing dopamine, and reacting to fear, you can start to interrupt those patterns. It’s not about blaming yourself or your brain—it’s about seeing what’s happening and choosing a different way forward.

The next step? Start paying attention to the signs of work martyrdom in your life. Once you can spot those patterns, you’ll be able to take back control before it spirals out of hand.

Signs of Work Martyrdom You Need to Pay Attention To

So how do you know if you’re slipping into work martyrdom? Sometimes it’s subtle—so subtle that it feels normal at first. But once you start noticing the patterns, it’s easier to recognize when work is taking over more than it should.

Let’s talk about a few common signs that might mean you’re on the path to becoming a work martyr.

One of the first red flags is feeling like you have to respond to emails immediately—no matter what time it is or what you’re doing. Maybe it’s late at night, you’re in the middle of a family dinner, or even on vacation, and you feel that itch to check your inbox and fire off a reply. 

Sound familiar? It’s as if not responding right away might cause the sky to fall or make people think you’re slacking.

I see this all the time with my coaching clients, and let me tell you—it’s exhausting. This habit might seem harmless, but it’s a clear sign that work is starting to run the show. You’re prioritizing your inbox over everything else, and that’s a key indicator of work martyrdom sneaking in.

Then there’s the fear of taking time off. Vacation days are there for a reason—they’re meant to help you recharge and maintain some balance. But if you find yourself hesitating to use them, or worse, letting them expire unused, that’s a problem.

Maybe you’re worried that taking time off will make you look less dedicated, or that everything at work will fall apart while you’re gone. This mindset is classic work martyr behavior. It’s like telling yourself that the office can’t survive without you, which only adds to your stress and makes stepping away feel impossible.

Another big sign? Struggling to delegate. If you’re constantly saying, “No one else can do it as well as I can,” you’re piling unnecessary stress onto your plate. 

Delegation isn’t just about lightening your load—it’s also about giving others the chance to grow. When you refuse to let go of tasks, you’re not protecting the quality of the work; you’re just making everything harder for yourself. And let’s be real—that’s not sustainable.

Now, let’s talk about something I know a lot of us do: constantly talking about how busy and stressed we are. If you find yourself saying, “I have so much on my plate,” or “I’m so overwhelmed,” more often than not, it might be your way of justifying those long hours and sacrifices. 

It’s like you’re trying to prove to yourself—and maybe others—that all this work is necessary. But this stress-talk isn’t helping. It’s actually a clear sign that work martyrdom is taking a toll on you.

I’ll share a quick story that I shared in my book “The Smarter Accountant”. One day, I was walking behind two accountants in my building. One said to the other, “Did you notice Joe’s car wasn’t in the parking lot last night?” The other replied, “Well, he must not be very good at what he does.”

That comment stopped me in my tracks. These two genuinely believed that being the last one in the office was a sign of being a good accountant. It’s the kind of mindset that feeds work martyrdom, and it’s so easy to fall into if you’re not careful.

Oh, and here’s one more sign to watch out for: resentment and isolation. When work martyrdom takes over, it’s common to start feeling frustrated with people who set boundaries. You might catch yourself judging others for leaving work on time, taking lunch breaks, or prioritizing their personal lives.

It can feel like you’re the only one truly committed, which creates a sense of isolation. Over time, this resentment builds up, leaving you disconnected from colleagues and more entrenched in the work martyr mindset.

Recognizing these signs is the first step to making a change. Once you can spot these patterns in yourself, you can start reclaiming your time and energy.

Now that we’ve uncovered what work martyrdom looks like, let’s talk about what you can do to stop it and create a more balanced, fulfilling life—both professionally and personally.

How to Stop Work Martyrdom

So, you’ve recognized some of the signs of work martyrdom in your life. Now what? The good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle forever. 

You can break free and create a healthier, more balanced way of working. It just takes a little self-awareness and a willingness to make some changes.

The first step is to really take a good, honest look at your work habits. Ask yourself, Why am I working the way I am? 

Are you staying late at the office because the work truly requires it, or is it because you feel like you should? Are you checking emails late at night because it’s urgent, or because you’re worried about how it might look if you don’t respond right away?

Being honest about what’s driving your behavior is huge. Maybe it’s fear—fear of not being good enough, fear of falling behind, or fear of being judged. If you can identify those feelings, you can start to understand them instead of letting them control you.

One of the most important things you can do is allow yourself to feel negative emotions without using overwork as a way to escape them. I know that sounds uncomfortable—no one wants to sit with feelings like anxiety, self-doubt, or insecurity. 

But here’s the thing: those feelings are temporary. They don’t define you, and they definitely don’t need to dictate your actions.

When you let yourself feel those emotions instead of avoiding them by diving into more work, you start to take their power away. Over time, this makes it much easier to step back and say, I don’t have to do more just to feel better.

Next up is setting boundaries. And yes, I know this can feel awkward at first, especially if you’re used to being “always on.” But boundaries are essential for your well-being. 

Start by deciding on clear work hours and sticking to them. Maybe you say, “After 6 p.m., I’m done for the day—no more emails, no more projects.”

You can also set boundaries for how you handle work on weekends or during vacations. Remember, time off isn’t just a nice idea; it’s necessary. Taking breaks recharges you, and that makes you more effective when you’re back at work.

Another big piece of this puzzle is managing your mind. A lot of work martyrdom is driven by thoughts that aren’t really serving you, like “I need to work harder to prove my value,” or “If I don’t do it all, no one else will.” These beliefs feel so real, but they’re often just stories we’ve told ourselves.

What if you challenged those thoughts? How?  By looking for evidence that success doesn’t have to mean sacrificing everything. 

Think about people you know—or maybe even your own experiences—where balance and boundaries didn’t get in the way of success. Shifting your mindset can be powerful, and it helps you make choices that actually support a more fulfilling life.

And here’s something important to keep in mind: this is a process. You’re not going to flip a switch and suddenly have it all figured out. And that’s okay. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time. Every little change you make adds up.

The more you practice self-awareness, allow yourself to feel your emotions, set boundaries, and challenge unhelpful beliefs, the closer you’ll get to a life that feels balanced and fulfilling—not just professionally, but personally, too.

The bottom line is that you don’t have to be a work martyr to be successful. In fact, letting go of that mindset will likely make you more successful. You’ll feel healthier, happier, and more productive, and your relationships will improve as well.

So, start today. Take that first step by reflecting on your work habits and asking yourself, What can I change to create a better balance in my life? Then commit to making those changes. You deserve a life that works for you, not one where work is all you have.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Letting Go Of Work Martyrdom

Before I share a coaching client’s story, let me just say that work martyrdom is one of the most common and sneakiest issues I help my clients with.  Like carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s undetectable and deadly unless you have a carbon monoxide detector.

That’s kind of what I consider myself – a detector of work martyrdom before it’s too late.

For example, I worked with a client who was a dedicated accountant, always working long hours and believing that staying late was the key to success. He was constantly at the office, often the first one in and the last one out. 

But despite all his hard work, he started feeling completely drained. His relationships were suffering, and he wasn’t as happy with his job as he thought he’d be.

When we first started working together, he told me he felt trapped. He couldn’t remember the last time he had dinner with his family without checking his phone, and he felt like he was failing—not just at work, but as a husband and father. 

The more he pushed himself at work, the further away he felt from the things and people that mattered most. He was exhausted, frustrated, and honestly, scared. He worried he might burn out completely but didn’t know how to stop.

When he finally set boundaries—like committing to family dinner without interruptions—it wasn’t just his work that improved. He said something I’ll never forget: ‘I didn’t realize how much life I was missing until I got some of it back.’ Seeing him rediscover joy in both his work and his personal life was a powerful reminder that success doesn’t mean sacrificing everything else.

The bottom line is that there’s no shame in admitting that you’re a work martyr, but there’s no reason to continue being one.  You deserve to take off the thorny martyr crown and have a balanced, happy life.

Let’s wrap up with a key takeaway and a simple question to help you apply what you’ve learned.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway is that work martyrdom might feel like the path to success, but in reality, it leads to burnout, strained relationships, and decreased productivity. It’s a cycle that can quietly take over your life, leaving you exhausted and feeling like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough. The good news is that you don’t have to stay stuck here.

Recognizing the signs and making small, intentional changes, like setting boundaries and managing your emotions, can help you break free. Remember, it’s not about overhauling your life overnight—it’s about taking small, meaningful steps that add up over time. 

Whether it’s deciding to log off at a certain time each day or learning to sit with uncomfortable emotions instead of diving into more work, these changes will create space for a healthier, more balanced life.

This week, take a moment to reflect and ask yourself, “Am I sacrificing my well-being and happiness for work? And if I am, what’s one small step I can take today to start reclaiming balance in my life?” 

Maybe it’s as simple as stepping away from your email during dinner or finally using a vacation day you’ve been putting off. The important thing is to start—because you deserve a life where success doesn’t come at the expense of your health and happiness.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed the issue with work martyrdom in the accounting profession.  I hope you’ve learned something that you can begin to apply in your career or in your personal life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I want to start this episode with sharing a story my mentor told us that really stuck. She’s one of the most successful businesswomen I know and she was the only woman in a multi-millionaire mastermind group.

So, when it was her turn to introduce herself, she said something that blew everyone away: she makes over 50 million dollars a year but only works three days a week. Naturally, the men in the room were speechless. You can imagine the curiosity—they all wanted to know her secret.

Her answer? It wasn’t about working harder or longer hours. She said, “I know the power of emotions and how important they are to running a successful business. Everything we do, or don’t do, is driven by how we feel.  If you’re not managing your emotions, you will not be as happy and successful as you could be.”

Now, don’t get too hung up on the whole 50-million-dollar thing—that’s not really the point. What’s important is how she’s managed to achieve so much by understanding her emotions and using them to her advantage. And honestly? That’s something anyone can do, no matter how much money you make or how many hours you work.

I wanted to share this with you because it highlights something we don’t talk about enough in accounting: emotions. We’re always told to be logical, stick to the numbers, and just get the job done. But have you ever stopped to think that ignoring your emotions might actually be holding you back?

I get it—talking about feelings might seem a little out of place in a profession where data and logic rule. But here’s the truth: whether you acknowledge them or not, you have emotions all day, every day, and those emotions are affecting you. 

For example, stress leads to procrastination, anxiety makes you double-check your work a thousand times, and those feelings don’t just disappear because we try to ignore them.

Here’s the thing – what if, instead of pushing those feelings aside, you learned to use them to your benefit? Your emotions are sending you signals, and when you tune in to them, they can actually help you be a better accountant, make smarter decisions, and feel less overwhelmed.

What if understanding your emotions could be the key to more happiness and success in your career?  I can tell you this – those men in that multi-millionaire mastermind became very interested in the secret behind the happiness and success of my mentor.

That’s why I want to talk about the thing most accountants ignore at a cost to themselves and explore what we can do to change that.

The Thing Most Accountants Ignore At A Cost To Themselves

Emotions are often pushed aside because, well, we’re taught that they don’t belong at work. A lot of accountants believe that feelings just get in the way and might even mess things up.

The unspoken rule is pretty straightforward: if you want to succeed, leave your emotions out of it. But here’s the thing—thinking like that can backfire more than you’d expect.

I totally get it. Accounting is all about being focused and objective. Your clients and your company rely on you for clear, unbiased information. But that laser focus on numbers and data has created this idea that emotions are a weakness. We end up learning to bury our feelings early on in our careers.

But here’s the real issue: ignoring your emotions doesn’t make them go away. They just get shoved aside and, over time, that can lead to even bigger problems.

One of the biggest dangers of ignoring your feelings is burnout. When you keep pushing down stress, frustration, or overwhelm, those emotions don’t disappear. They build up, and eventually, they’ll impact your health, your relationships, and your job satisfaction.

As we all know too well, burnout is a serious risk in accounting. There’s so much pressure to meet deadlines, juggle complex tasks, and keep clients happy. It’s a lot. 

And if you’re not acknowledging your emotions along the way, you can start to feel drained, unmotivated, and disconnected from your work. That’s when you begin to lose that sense of satisfaction, and it holds you back from reaching your full potential.

The truth? It’s tough to excel when you’re barely hanging on.

But that’s not the only problem. Ignoring your emotions can mess with your decision-making, too. We tend to think that by suppressing our feelings, we’re being more logical. 

But emotions actually play a big role in how we process information and make choices. When you don’t recognize what you’re feeling, those hidden emotions are still steering your decisions—whether you realize it or not.

For example, if you’re anxious about a project but refuse to admit it, that anxiety might make you second-guess yourself or avoid risks you should be taking. On the other hand, if you’re feeling overconfident but don’t acknowledge it, you might overlook important details or take on too much.

Either way, your emotions are still driving your decisions, even if you think you’re being completely logical.

The bottom line is, ignoring your feelings doesn’t help. It doesn’t make you a better accountant, and it can actually do the opposite—leading to burnout, poor decisions, and a general sense of dissatisfaction.

By paying attention to your emotions and understanding them, you can use them to make your work better, instead of letting them drag you down.

Since this is the podcast that blends brain science with accounting, I’m now going to talk about the brain science behind happy, successful accountants..

The Brain Science Behind Happy, Successful Accountants

Your brain isn’t just about logic and reasoning. It’s also responsible for how you feel about everything happening around you. Once you understand how your brain plays into your emotions, you’ll see why feelings are so powerful—and how you can actually use them to your advantage.

Let’s break it down simply: your brain handles emotions like a super-efficient computer. Every single thought you have sends a signal to your brain, and your brain responds with a feeling.

For example, imagine you’ve got an upcoming meeting with a challenging client. Your brain might view that as a threat, which could trigger feelings of anxiety or stress. On the flip side, when you think about finishing a big project, your brain might interpret it as a win, giving you a sense of pride or satisfaction.

What’s happening here is your brain is taking your thoughts—whether you are aware of them or not—and turning them into emotions. So, the truth is that your feelings aren’t random. They’re directly tied to what’s going on in your mind.

And here’s the important part: every emotion you feel is linked to a thought, even if it’s a split-second one.

Now, let’s dig a little deeper. Your brain is incredibly adaptable. One of its superpowers is its ability to form what we call “neural pathways.” Think of these like well-worn trails in your brain. The more you think a certain way or react to something, the stronger that trail becomes. Eventually, it becomes a go-to response for your brain.

For example, if you’re always stressed about deadlines, your brain has probably built a strong connection between deadlines and stress. So, the next time a deadline is looming, your brain automatically triggers those stress-related emotions because it’s used to going down that path.

This is why the same emotions tend to pop up in familiar situations, even when things aren’t exactly the same.

The good news is, once you understand how these pathways work, you can start to change those emotional habits. By becoming more aware of your thoughts and deliberately choosing different ones, you can start creating new pathways that lead to more positive, productive emotions.

One more thing to keep in mind—your brain loves efficiency. It’s wired to respond quickly based on past experiences. This can be helpful, but it can also mean your brain reacts before you’ve had a chance to fully process what’s going on. It’s like your brain is on autopilot, trying to protect you from stress or uncertainty.

But here’s the better news: by understanding this, you can interrupt those automatic responses and start taking control over how you feel and react.

The bottom line is, your brain plays a huge role in how you experience and manage your emotions. It processes your thoughts, builds patterns based on your experiences, and works to keep things running smoothly. But once you’re aware of how your brain operates, you can use that knowledge to get a handle on your emotions and make them work for you.

So here’s a quick tip you can try this week: every morning, take a few minutes to check in with yourself. Ask yourself, “How am I feeling? Am I stressed about something coming up? Nervous about a meeting?” 

Once you identify the emotion, ask yourself what thought is driving it. This simple practice will help you understand how your thoughts affect your feelings—and how to manage them better.

Now that we’ve unpacked how your brain handles emotions, let’s talk about how you can use this understanding to improve your work and your overall career in accounting.

Using The Secret Weapon 

My mission with this episode is to help every accountant rethink how they see emotions. Instead of treating them like obstacles, start thinking of them as tools. Emotions aren’t just random feelings; they’re signals, like little messengers giving you important information.

Once you get that, emotions can actually become a powerful asset—a secret weapon in your accounting career.

So again, at their core, emotions are physical reactions to your thoughts. When you think something, your brain sends signals through your body, creating the feelings we label as emotions.

For example, thinking “I’m not prepared for this” might make you feel nervous or tense, while thinking “I’ve got this” makes you feel calm and confident. These emotions are your body’s way of reacting to your thoughts, giving you real-time feedback on what’s happening in your head.

Why does this matter? Because once you realize emotions are tied directly to your thoughts, you get way more control over how you feel.

This understanding lets you use your emotions as a guide. Instead of seeing them as random or disruptive, you can start viewing them as valuable cues about how you’re handling whatever’s going on around you.

The real power comes from being aware of your emotions. When you’re tuned in to how you feel, you can make more thoughtful choices instead of just reacting automatically.

For example, let’s say you’re feeling uneasy before a big presentation. That’s a perfect opportunity to ask yourself why. What thoughts are behind that unease?

Maybe you’re worried about how the presentation will go or afraid you’ll forget something important. Once you identify those thoughts, you can address them—maybe by rehearsing more or reminding yourself of past presentations that went well.

In this way, your emotions become a tool to help you prepare and do your best.

Here are some simple steps to make the most of your emotions:

Step 1: Pinpoint the Emotion. Start by figuring out exactly what you’re feeling. Are you stressed, excited, frustrated? Naming the emotion brings clarity and helps you understand what’s really going on.

Step 2: Trace the Source. Once you’ve identified the emotion, ask yourself, “What thought is causing this feeling?” It might take some digging, but by linking your emotions to your thoughts, you can get a better understanding of what’s driving them.

Step 3: Leverage the Insight. Now that you know the thought behind the emotion, think about how you might shift your thinking. This isn’t about forcing yourself to be positive all the time, but choosing thoughts that support your goals. For instance, changing “This project is too much” to “I can break this down into smaller steps” can totally change how you approach it.

By looking at emotions as valuable feedback, you can use them to make better decisions and be more effective at work. Emotions aren’t just something you manage—they’re something you use.

When you understand and work with your emotions, you’re not just reacting to everything around you. You’re actually shaping how you experience life and how you respond to it.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Becoming a Happy, Successful Accountant

Let me share a story from one of my coaching clients. She was a Tax Manager who seemed successful on the outside but was struggling big time behind the scenes. She was constantly stressed and overwhelmed, especially with all the tight deadlines and pressure that come with her role.

Her way of dealing with it? She tried to push those feelings aside. She figured that as an accountant, emotions just weren’t part of the job. But that mindset led her straight to burnout. She was exhausted, unmotivated, and feeling totally stuck in her career.

When we started working together, we focused on changing how she viewed her emotions. Instead of treating them like obstacles, she began to see them as important signals that could actually guide her actions.

We worked on identifying what she was feeling and the thoughts behind those emotions. She realized that she was telling herself things like “I’m not capable” or “What if I fail?”—and those thoughts were driving her stress. By acknowledging those thoughts, she could start challenging them and replacing them with more helpful ones.

This simple shift made a huge difference. Instead of letting stress take over, she began to see it as a sign to manage her thoughts. Once she realized that paying attention to her emotions was the key to feeling happier and more successful, she could spot those unhelpful thoughts her brain was throwing at her and shift them.

As she started feeling better, she noticed her actions became more effective. Her stress levels dropped, and her confidence went up. She started taking on bigger responsibilities and making real progress in her career.

It wasn’t long before she broke free from the burnout cycle and regained her motivation. By learning to use her emotions as a tool, she was able to make better decisions and find more fulfillment in her work.

So, if you think emotions don’t belong in accounting, think again. If you want a career that’s not only sustainable but also makes you happy and successful, you need to pay attention to how you’re feeling.

This is the secret weapon no one else is talking about—but I am.

At the end of the day, emotions aren’t a weakness. They’re a huge part of what makes you both human and effective at your job. You already have the skills to be a great accountant, but mastering your emotional awareness is what’s going to take you to the next level.

Before we wrap up, let me leave you with this: Don’t underestimate the power of your emotions. They’re not something to push aside—they’re your body’s way of telling you what matters.

Start paying attention to how you feel, understand the thoughts behind those feelings, and use that awareness to guide your actions. When your emotions are aligned with your goals, you’ll start achieving more with less effort.

Remember, success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. And that starts with understanding yourself.

Now, let’s wrap this up with a key takeaway and a quick action step to help you start applying this today.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

Here’s the big takeaway: understanding and embracing your emotions can be a total game-changer for your success in accounting. Instead of ignoring or pushing your feelings aside (which, let’s be honest, we’ve all done), start recognizing them as valuable pieces of information. 

Your emotions are telling you something important—something that can guide your decisions, improve your performance, and ultimately help you feel happier and more fulfilled in your career.

Think of it this way: your emotions are like your internal GPS. If you pay attention to them, they can help you navigate challenging situations, figure out where you might need to adjust, and keep you on track toward your goals. But if you ignore them, you might end up feeling stuck, stressed, or like you’re constantly spinning your wheels.

So here’s your action step for this week: take a few minutes each day to check in with yourself. Ask, “How I am feeling right now and what thoughts are driving those feelings?” It could be stress, excitement, frustration—whatever comes up. Once you identify the emotions, dig a little deeper and figure out the thoughts behind them.

Maybe you’re stressed because you’re thinking, “I’ll never get this done in time.” Or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed because the thought, “I can’t handle all of this,” is running through your mind. Whatever it is, just notice it.

Then ask yourself, “How do I want to feel and what thoughts can I think on purpose to feel that way?”

By doing this simple check-in, you’ll start to see how much power your emotions have to help you, rather than hold you back. You’ll begin making decisions that feel more aligned with who you are and what you want to achieve, and you’ll notice that your work starts feeling a little easier, a little more manageable.

The more you practice this, the more you’ll see how understanding your emotions isn’t just something “nice” to do—it’s essential for working smarter, not harder. So give it a try this week and see how tuning into your emotions can shift the way you work, and also make you a happier accountant.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed the hidden secret behind happy, successful accountants.  I hope you’ve learned something that you can begin to apply in your career or in your personal life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have you ever taken one of those personality tests, like DISC, Myers-Briggs, or maybe the Enneagram? If you’re anything like me, you were probably a little curious about what it would say. Maybe you thought, “I’ll finally understand why I do the things I do.” 

Have you ever found yourself nodding along with the results, thinking, “That’s exactly me”? It felt good, didn’t it? It’s like being handed the manual for your life.

As accountants, many of us are drawn to understanding things in a clear, logical way. We want to know why we act the way we do, why we make the decisions we make, and how we can work smarter, not harder. Personality tests seem like a quick and easy way to get those answers. 

They give you a label—maybe you’re a “Type A,” an “Introvert,” or a “Cautious Thinker.” Whatever the label is, it feels like you finally have a way to explain yourself. It’s almost like having a road map that shows you where to go and what to avoid.

But have you ever wondered if these labels are really helping you, or are they just boxing you in?  At first, they might make you feel seen, like someone finally “gets” you. But after a while, you might start to wonder, “Is this all there is to me?” 

Maybe you’ve found yourself saying things like, “I’m just not good at that because I’m an introvert,” or “I could never do that because I’m too much of a perfectionist.” It’s easy to get boxed in by these labels, even though they’re meant to help you understand yourself better.

We all want to know more about ourselves, especially when we’re trying to make improvements in our lives and careers. Knowing how you think and operate can be helpful when you’re trying to get ahead, set boundaries, or even just manage your workload. 

But the question is, are these labels giving you clarity, or are they holding you back?

What if I told you that those personality test results, those labels, aren’t the final word on who you are? What if your personality isn’t as set in stone as you think? 

The truth is, you’re not stuck being one way just because a test said so. Your personality can evolve, grow, and change over time, just like the skills you’ve developed throughout your career.

The idea that we can change who we are may seem surprising, especially when we’ve been conditioned to believe that our personalities are fixed traits. But think about it—haven’t you already grown and changed over the years? 

Who you were when you first started your accounting career is probably different from who you are now. And that’s a good thing! Change isn’t something to fear; it’s something to embrace.

So, what if we started thinking about our personalities the same way? What if we looked at them as something we could shape, just like any other part of our lives? What if you could move beyond those labels and redefine who you are, both personally and professionally?

Today I want to show you that you’re the one in control of who you are and who you can become. The labels can guide you, but they don’t have to confine you. You have the power to grow, change, and redefine yourself whenever you choose.

Your Personality is Not Set in Stone

I want to share something with you that might change the way you see yourself: your personality isn’t something you’re born with and stuck with forever. It’s actually not set in stone at all.

In the book “Your Personality Isn’t Permanent” by Benjamin Hardy, PhD, he explains how personality tests can make it feel like you don’t have a choice about who you are. But that’s not true. 

Your personality isn’t fixed—it’s something you have control over. We humans have this amazing ability to be flexible and adapt to whatever life throws at us.

Dr. Hardy explains that our personalities are shaped by our experiences, choices, and the environments we’re in. So, who you are today isn’t necessarily who you’re going to be tomorrow, or even a few years from now.

Think about it: when you were a kid, you probably acted one way at school and a different way at home. Maybe you were super outgoing with your friends but more reserved around new people. As you grew up, those behaviors likely shifted based on what you experienced. 

For example, maybe you became more confident after leading a project in college or more cautious after going through something tough at work. These changes didn’t just happen randomly—they were influenced by what you went through and how you reacted.

Dr. Hardy’s research challenges the old idea that personality is something you’re born with and can’t change. Instead, he suggests that personality is more like clay—you can mold it and reshape it over time.

This is actually really freeing because it means you’re not stuck with the labels you or others have given you. If you’ve always seen yourself as “the shy one” or “the perfectionist,” that doesn’t mean you have to stay that way forever. You have the power to evolve.

But here’s the tricky part: once you take a personality test and get labeled as a certain type, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck in that mold. For example, if you’re told you’re an “Introvert,” you might avoid social situations because you believe they’ll exhaust you, even if a part of you is curious about trying new things. 

This is what’s called a “fixed mindset.” It’s the belief that your personality is set in stone and can’t be changed.

The problem with this mindset is that it can seriously limit your personal growth. If you believe you’re only capable of what your personality label suggests, you might avoid new challenges or experiences that could help you grow. 

For example, if a DISC test labels you as “Cautious,” you might hesitate to take on a leadership role, even if deep down you want to.

Here’s the good news: research shows that personality is a lot more flexible than we’ve been led to believe. A long-term study that followed people’s personalities over 63 years found that their personalities changed way more than the researchers expected.

This means that we’re all capable of change. Your personality is not set in stone—it’s a part of you that can grow and evolve. 

So, if there’s something about yourself you want to change—whether that’s becoming more outgoing, more confident, or more resilient—you absolutely can. It might take time and effort, but it’s possible.

The bottom line is this: instead of thinking about your personality as something permanent, start thinking of it as something you can shape and refine over time. Embrace the idea that you’re a work in progress, and that there’s always room for growth.

The Role of Your Brain in Shaping Personality

Now that we’ve talked about how your personality isn’t set in stone, let’s dive into what makes that possible—your brain. What’s amazing is that your brain is always changing and adapting based on your thoughts, experiences, and actions. This ability is called neuroplasticity, which is just a fancy way of saying that your brain can rewire itself.

Let me give you a real-life example. Imagine your brain like a city full of roads. Every time you have a thought or take an action, it’s like driving down a particular road. The more you use that road, the smoother and more familiar it becomes, kind of like a well-worn highway you’ve traveled a thousand times.

But here’s the cool part—if you decide to take a new route, your brain can actually start building a brand-new road. Over time, this new path can become just as strong as the old one, maybe even stronger.

For example, think about how you might have labeled yourself as “shy” or “cautious” in meetings. Every time you held back from sharing your thoughts, you were reinforcing that “quiet road” in your brain. But what if you decided you wanted to be more vocal and confident? 

By choosing to speak up, even if it feels uncomfortable at first, you start building a new road in your brain—the “confidence road.” The more you practice speaking up, the easier it becomes, and before you know it, that new behavior starts to feel natural.

I had a client who used to avoid speaking in team meetings because she thought of herself as too reserved. But once she decided to challenge that label, she started small—she made a goal to share just one thought in each meeting. It felt awkward at first, but over time, she became more comfortable. Eventually, her new “confidence road” was so strong that speaking up became second nature to her. That’s neuroplasticity at work.

So, when you think about reshaping your personality, remember—you have the power to build new roads in your brain that lead to the version of yourself you want to become.

Becoming the Architect of Your Personality

Let’s clear up a common misconception: that your “authentic self” is some fixed thing—like once you figure it out, that’s it, and you’re stuck with it forever. We hear things like, “Just be your authentic self,” but what does that actually mean, especially when you’re working in a fast-paced career like accounting?

Here’s the thing—if you’ve ever felt stuck trying to figure out who your “authentic self” is, you’re definitely not alone. I felt the same way earlier in my career. I used to think that because I was good at staying behind the scenes, that’s where I belonged. It felt like my role was set in stone. But the truth is, our authentic selves are not set in stone. They’re something we can shape, redefine, and evolve over time.

Think about who you were five or ten years ago. Do you feel like the same person? Probably not! Your experiences, whether it’s the challenges you faced during tax season or the wins you celebrated with passing the CPA exam, all helped shape the person you are today.

So, instead of feeling like there’s one version of yourself that’s locked in, what if you thought of yourself as a work in progress? Your authentic self isn’t something you “discover”—it’s something you create. You have the power to shape who you are, personally and professionally, by deciding which traits, habits, and behaviors you want to bring into your life

Overcoming Obstacles to Change

Let’s get real—changing anything about yourself, whether it’s how you approach your work or how you see yourself, is rarely smooth sailing. Even when you’re excited about becoming a better version of yourself, obstacles are going to pop up along the way.

But here’s the thing—those roadblocks don’t have to stop you. Once you recognize the challenges you’re facing, you can come up with ways to work through them and keep growing.

One of the biggest obstacles? Fear of change. It’s perfectly natural to feel nervous when you step into something unfamiliar. Our brains love comfort and predictability, even if those things are keeping us stuck in habits or routines that don’t serve us. 

You might wonder, “What if I fail?” or “What will other people think?” And that fear can make you hesitate or stay in your comfort zone.

Another challenge is self-doubt—that little voice in your head that makes you question whether you’re really capable of making a change. You might think, “Who am I to try this?” or “What if I’m not good enough?” 

Self-doubt is tricky because it can easily convince you to stay where you are, even if you know you need to grow.

And then there’s the issue of feeling overwhelmed. When you think about all the steps involved in making a big change, it can feel like too much. 

Whether you’re working on setting boundaries at work, taking on a leadership role, or making time for your personal life, it’s easy to get caught up in the sheer size of the task. You might not know where to start, and that can lead to procrastination or avoidance.

Don’t worry if this sounds tricky—I’ll walk you through it. The first step is to normalize them. It’s completely okay to feel scared, doubtful, or overwhelmed. Everyone goes through it. 

But instead of letting those feelings stop you, use them as signals to slow down and figure out what’s really going on. Fear and doubt often pop up when you’re about to do something important.

Next, focus on what’s within your control. You can’t control everything, but you can control your response. Break the change down into small, doable steps. 

If you’re overwhelmed, try focusing on just one thing you can do today. If self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself that everyone struggles at times. What matters is how you move through it.

It’s also important to give yourself permission to grow at your own pace. Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that comes with setbacks. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the small wins, and remind yourself that progress is what counts, not perfection.

Lastly, find a support system. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a coach like me, having people in your corner who believe in your growth can make all the difference. They can give you the encouragement you need when you’re feeling stuck and remind you of your potential when you’re doubting yourself.

The bottom line is that obstacles will show up, but they don’t have to derail your progress. Recognize them for what they are—challenges that you can work through. By breaking things down, staying patient with yourself, and surrounding yourself with support, you can keep pushing forward.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Showing That Your Personality Isn’t Permanent

Let me tell you about a client of mine—her story ties right into what we’ve been talking about in this episode.

When she first came to me, she felt completely stuck in her career. She’s a CPA, and while she was great at her job, she had always seen herself as the “quiet, behind-the-scenes” type. From a young age, she’d been labeled an introvert, and she genuinely believed that meant she wasn’t cut out for leadership roles.

In her mind, her personality didn’t align with being a leader, and that belief kept her from going after promotions or new opportunities at work.

When we started working together, we dove into that label. We talked about how personality isn’t fixed and how she actually had the power to redefine herself if she wanted to. We explored the concept of neuroplasticity—basically, the idea that by changing her thoughts and behaviors, she could reshape her personality over time.

At first, she was hesitant. It’s not easy to question a label you’ve lived with for so long—it felt like an unchangeable truth to her. But there was also this spark of excitement about what might be possible if she let herself grow.

So, we started small. She set manageable goals, like speaking up more in meetings. Even if it was just a quick comment or sharing an idea, those little moments added up. We worked on shifting her mindset, building her confidence by helping her practice visualizing herself as a confident, assertive leader.

And then something amazing happened. Fast forward a few months, and she wasn’t the same person who had felt stuck. She began taking on more visible projects at work. She even volunteered to lead a team for a new initiative.

Her colleagues started seeing her in a new light—not just as the quiet, reliable worker but as someone who could step up, take charge, and inspire others. The transformation wasn’t about her changing who she was at her core; it was about breaking free from those old labels and allowing herself to grow beyond them.

Today, she’s thriving in her leadership role. She’s confident in her ability to lead her team and tackle challenges that once seemed way out of reach.

I’m sharing this story because I want you to see that when you question those limiting labels and embrace the idea that your personality can change, real growth happens—both personally and professionally. She didn’t stop being herself; she just allowed herself to grow beyond the labels that had been holding her back.

So, if you’ve ever felt like your personality is limiting you, I hope this shows you that it doesn’t have to. Your personality isn’t permanent—unless you want it to be.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The big takeaway here is this: your personality isn’t something set in stone. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving part of who you are. When you understand that your personality can shift and grow based on the choices you make, the thoughts you think, and the actions you take, you realize that you have the power to shape who you are and who you want to become.

Sure, personality tests and labels can give you some insight into yourself, but they don’t have to define or limit you. You’re in control of your growth and transformation—you get to decide what direction you want to take.

Here’s something to think about this week: ask yourself, “What is one label or belief about myself that I’ve accepted as unchangeable, and how could I start challenging it today to open up new possibilities for my growth?”

Why is this question important? Because it helps you pinpoint those hidden beliefs or labels that may be holding you back without you even realizing it. 

Maybe you’ve always thought of yourself as “not a leader” or “bad at public speaking,” and that belief has stopped you from pursuing new opportunities. By questioning that label, you’re opening up the possibility that it’s not a permanent part of who you are—it’s just a story you’ve been telling yourself. 

Once you challenge that belief, you can start taking small steps to move beyond it and create new opportunities for growth.

Remember, the first step toward change is awareness, and this question helps you become aware of the labels that might be limiting you. From there, you can start breaking free and creating the version of yourself you truly want to be.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed why your personality isn’t permanent.  I hope you’ve learned something that you can begin to apply in your career or in your personal life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The reason I wanted to do this podcast episode is because I’ve been seeing a common thread with the accountants I speak to and have the privilege to coach in The Smarter Accountant 6-week Program.  Everyone seems to be feeling like they’re walking a tightrope. 

Balancing client expectations, meeting deadlines, and managing financial accuracy—it’s a lot to juggle, even on a good day. But what happens when things don’t go as planned? 

What if, on top of all your professional responsibilities, you’re hit with something unexpected, like a sudden economic downturn, a personal setback, a health scare, or a difficult situation with a client? 

Suddenly, that tightrope feels even narrower, and it’s easy to feel like you’re losing your balance.

Have you ever had one of those weeks where it seems like everything that could go wrong, does? Maybe a key client has an urgent request just as you’re about to wrap up for the day, or maybe you’ve been working on a project for hours, only to realize there’s a mistake that requires starting over. 

It’s in these moments that feeling overwhelmed becomes all too familiar. Your to-do list keeps growing, the pressure mounts, and you can’t help but wonder, “Am I the only one who feels like this?”

The truth is, you’re definitely not the only one. Many accountants, even those who seem to have it all together, experience these same feelings. 

When things start to unravel, it’s completely normal to feel like you’re on the verge of being overwhelmed. But here’s something important to remember: it’s okay to not feel okay. In fact, it’s a natural response to the challenges and uncertainties that come with our profession.

In a few minutes I’ll share my own experience with being okay when things aren’t, but just know that whether it’s something big or small, it’s completely normal to initially feel stressed and overwhelmed when things don’t go your way.

The question is, why do we feel like we need to have it all together, all the time?  Unfortunately, society often tells us that we should always be in control, especially in a field like accounting, where precision and reliability are key. 

But the reality is, life doesn’t always cooperate with our plans. There will be days when things don’t go as expected, and it’s in these moments that you might feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.

But what if, instead of trying to push through and pretend everything is fine, you allowed yourself to acknowledge that it’s okay to not be okay? What if you gave yourself permission to feel whatever it is you’re feeling, without judgment? 

In today’s episode I want to help you do just that. I’m going to talk about why it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed when things aren’t going your way and, more importantly, how you can handle these emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

The bottom line is that it’s okay if you’re not feeling your best right now. By the end of this episode, you’ll have some practical steps to help you navigate these tough times, allowing you to regain your balance and move forward.

Now that we’ve laid out the challenges, let’s talk about why it’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s okay to not always feel okay.

Why You Should Acknowledge That It’s Okay To Not Be Okay

In the world of accounting, there’s often an unspoken expectation that we should always have it together. Whether we’re working in a firm, working for a company, managing our own practice, or even just handling our day-to-day tasks, there’s this idea that accountants are supposed to be calm, collected, and in control. 

But let’s be honest—no one can be that way all the time. Life happens. Maybe you’re dealing with stress at home, or you could be facing challenges at work that feel overwhelming. 

It’s in these moments that you might feel the need to suppress your emotions, to push them down because showing them might be seen as a sign of weakness.

Think about it – have you ever caught yourself holding back tears or frustration because you didn’t want your colleagues or clients to think you couldn’t handle the pressure? This is a common experience, especially in professional settings where emotions are often viewed as something to be managed privately, behind closed doors. 

But here’s the thing: emotions are a natural part of being human. Suppressing them doesn’t make them go away; it just pushes them down until they eventually bubble up in other ways—sometimes when you least expect it.

So, why is it so important to acknowledge your emotions instead of suppressing them? Think about it this way: emotions are like signals from your brain, telling you that something needs your attention. 

If you ignore these signals, they don’t disappear—they just get louder. For example, if you’re feeling anxious about a project that’s not going as planned, ignoring that anxiety might cause it to grow, affecting not only your mental well-being but also your performance at work.

When you take the time to acknowledge how you’re feeling, you’re actually doing yourself a big favor. You’re giving yourself permission to be human, to experience the full range of emotions that come with life’s ups and downs. 

By recognizing and accepting your emotions, you can start to deal with them in a healthy way. This doesn’t mean you need to have a breakdown in the middle of a meeting, but it does mean allowing yourself to feel what you’re feeling, even if it’s just in a quiet moment to yourself.

For example, let’s say you’ve just received news that a major project you’ve been working on has hit a significant snag. Your first instinct might be to brush it off, put on a brave face, and keep going as if nothing happened. 

But what if, instead, you took a moment to acknowledge that you’re frustrated, disappointed, or even scared? What if you gave yourself a few minutes to just feel those emotions before deciding on your next steps? 

By doing so, you’re not only respecting your own emotional experience, but you’re also setting yourself up to handle the situation more effectively.

Acknowledging that it’s okay to not be okay is the first step in taking care of your mental and emotional well-being. It’s about giving yourself the space to be real with yourself, to understand that feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or upset doesn’t make you any less capable. 

In fact, it makes you more resilient, because you’re not just pushing through—you’re dealing with your emotions head-on, which is the first step toward moving forward in a healthier, more balanced way.

Once you start accepting that it’s okay to not be okay, the next step is to understand how your accountant brain processes those emotions. This awareness can change everything.

Understanding How Your Accountant Brain Processes Emotions

Have you ever noticed how quickly you can feel stressed or anxious, sometimes even before you’ve had time to really think about what’s happening? It’s like your brain and body are reacting automatically, and suddenly you’re feeling overwhelmed.

This is because your accountant brain processes emotions in a way that can feel automatic, but understanding how this works can help you handle those tough moments better.

Here’s the basic idea: every feeling you have comes from a thought in your brain. When something happens—like missing a deadline, having a tough conversation with a client, or dealing with a stressful commute—your brain reacts immediately. It starts creating thoughts about what’s happening, and these thoughts trigger chemicals in your body that create the physical feelings we know as emotions.

For example, if you think, “I’m not going to finish this project on time,” your brain releases stress hormones that might make your heart race or your muscles tense up.

This happens so fast that sometimes you don’t even realize what thoughts are running through your mind. And if you keep having the same thought over and over again, it can turn into a belief.

For instance, if you constantly think, “I’m always behind,” that thought can become a belief about yourself. Once you believe it, your brain starts looking for proof to back it up, kind of like a lawyer trying to prove a case.

This is called confirmation bias. If you believe you’re always behind or not good enough, your brain will focus on everything that supports that belief, filtering out anything positive. It’s like wearing glasses that only let you see the bad stuff.

For example, say you make a small mistake on a report. Instead of shrugging it off, your brain might use it as evidence that you’re not capable. You start thinking, “I always mess things up,” and soon, every challenge or mistake just adds to that belief. This can make even small problems feel huge and overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: your brain can also create helpful beliefs. The key is to pay attention to the thoughts driving your emotions and challenge them when they’re not helping you.

If you catch yourself thinking, “I’m always behind,” stop and ask yourself if that’s really true. Are you just focusing on the rushed moments while ignoring the times you met your deadlines?

By understanding how your brain processes emotions, you can start to break the cycle of negative thinking. Instead of letting your thoughts control you, you can take a step back and choose how you want to respond.

This doesn’t mean ignoring the real challenges you face. It just means recognizing that your thoughts are powerful. They shape your beliefs, your emotions, and how you experience the world.

When you’re aware of this, you can start making conscious choices that support your well-being, instead of letting automatic thoughts undermine you.

The Pitfall of Forcing Positivity

We’ve all heard things like “look on the bright side” or “stay positive” when we’re going through a hard time. While people usually mean well, these phrases can sometimes do more harm than good.

Have you ever tried to make yourself feel better when deep down you just weren’t ready? It often doesn’t work, and it can even make you feel worse.

Jumping too quickly to a positive mindset can backfire. When you’re dealing with a tough situation—whether it’s a mistake at work, a disagreement with a coworker, or something personal—your emotions are important signals. 

They need to be understood, not ignored. If you try to skip over your emotions and jump straight to feeling positive, it’s like putting a bandage on a wound without cleaning it. The wound might be covered, but it won’t heal properly.

This is called “toxic positivity.” It’s the idea that you should always stay positive, no matter how bad things are. But life isn’t always positive, and pretending it is can make you feel alone and misunderstood. It can also create conflict inside yourself.

Have you ever told yourself to “just get over it” or “focus on the good” when you were really upset? Did it work? Probably not. It often just makes things worse because now you feel bad about the situation and about not being able to stay positive.

Here’s an example. Imagine you’ve been working on a big project for weeks, and then it gets canceled. You’re frustrated, disappointed, and maybe even angry. Instead of allowing yourself to feel those emotions, you try to cheer yourself up by thinking, “It’s okay, something better will come along.” But deep down, you’re still upset, and trying to force yourself to feel positive only makes those negative feelings stronger.

Or maybe someone in your life tries to cheer you up when you’re going through a tough time, saying “stay positive” or “look on the bright side.” While they’re trying to help, it might make you feel like your emotions aren’t valid, like you’re not allowed to feel sad or upset. This can lead to feeling guilty for having those emotions, which only makes things worse.

The truth is, it’s important to fully feel your negative emotions. They’re a natural part of life, and trying to skip over them can actually make them more powerful. 

When you let yourself feel whatever you’re feeling—whether it’s sadness, anger, or frustration—you give those emotions the space to be processed and eventually fade away. It’s like letting a storm pass; the clouds might be heavy, but if you let them roll through, they’ll clear, and you’ll feel better afterward.

By acknowledging your emotions instead of forcing yourself to be positive, you’re being kind to yourself. You’re saying it’s okay to not be okay, and that’s an important message.

It’s okay to take your time, feel what you need to feel, and trust that when you’re ready, you’ll find your way to a positive mindset naturally. Forcing positivity might seem like the quickest way to feel better, but the real path to emotional well-being is to be honest with yourself, no matter what you’re feeling.

So, if forcing positivity isn’t the answer, what can you do instead? Let’s talk about some steps you can take when life isn’t going your way.

Steps to Take When Life Isn’t Going Your Way

When life throws unexpected challenges your way, it’s easy to feel like your emotions are in control. But by taking a few simple steps, you can regain balance and start feeling more in charge.

The first step is to identify what you’re feeling. This might sound simple, but in the rush of daily life, emotions often get lumped together as just “stress.” 

For example, if you’ve been feeling anxious and frustrated, take a moment to really think about it. Are you anxious or frustrated because of deadlines, or is it the fear of making a mistake that’s bothering you? Pinpointing the exact emotion helps you better understand what’s really going on.

Next, describe those emotions. Don’t just label them—dive into how they feel in your body. If you’re feeling anxious, notice if it’s causing tightness in your chest or butterflies in your stomach. 

Let’s say you’re working on a project and feeling overwhelmed. Instead of just saying, “I’m stressed,” think about how that stress feels. Is it making your heart race? By describing it, you’re bringing more awareness to your feelings.

Now, focus on these physical sensations. When you concentrate on how your body is reacting, you shift attention away from the negative thoughts causing the emotions. 

For example, instead of letting your mind spiral into worry about an upcoming deadline, you focus on how your body feels in the moment—maybe your shoulders are tense, or your breathing is shallow. By doing this, you detach from the stressful thoughts, making the emotion easier to manage.

After that, it’s time to accept your emotions. This step can be difficult, but it’s crucial. Accept that your emotions are valid and there for a reason. 

Maybe you’re feeling disappointed after a project didn’t go as planned. Instead of brushing off that disappointment, allow yourself to feel it without judgment. Emotions are like waves—you can’t stop them, but you can choose how you handle them. If you’re feeling upset, it’s okay to sit with that feeling for a bit.

Next, give yourself time to process. There’s no need to rush through your emotions. 

For example, if you’ve had a tough conversation with a client, it might take a few days to work through the frustration. That’s fine—there’s no deadline for emotional healing. Taking the time to fully process how you feel ensures that those emotions don’t linger and affect your mood later.

As you work through these steps, you’ll start to regain control. Once you’ve allowed yourself to feel and process an emotion, you can decide when it’s time to let go. 

Let’s say you’ve been disappointed about something for a few days. At some point, you might decide, “I’ve felt this long enough. I’m ready to move forward.” This isn’t about rushing through your feelings but consciously choosing when you’re ready to focus on something else.

Lastly, remember that processing emotions is about growth, not just getting through tough times. Every time you take the steps to understand and manage your feelings, you’re building resilience. 

For example, the next time you face a similar challenge, you’ll be better equipped to handle it without letting the emotions overwhelm you. So, I’ve talked a lot about the importance of processing emotions, but now I want to share my personal experience of how I applied these steps in my own life.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: My Story Of Being Okay When Things Aren’t

As I said before, life can throw some serious curveballs, and for me, that came with a recent cancer diagnosis. It was a moment that stopped me in my tracks, turning everything I thought was important on its head. 

Suddenly, all the work-related stresses and daily concerns seemed insignificant. The fear and uncertainty were overwhelming, but I knew I had to practice what I’ve been teaching my coaching clients about handling emotions when life doesn’t go as planned.

When I first got the news, I felt a wave of emotions—shock, fear, sadness. Instead of pushing those feelings away, I allowed myself to fully experience them. 

I cried when I needed to, I was scared when I thought of my family, and I didn’t shy away from any of it. This was my way of processing what was happening, rather than being paralyzed by it.

I made it a point to identify my core emotions daily. Some days it was fear, other days it was frustration, and occasionally, I felt a strange sense of calm. By acknowledging these emotions, I kept myself grounded. I wasn’t forcing positivity; I was being real with myself about how I felt.

Describing my emotions in detail helped me manage them better. When anxiety hit, I focused on how it felt physically—tightness in my chest, a knot in my stomach. By doing this, I could observe my emotions without letting them take over. It didn’t make the fear disappear, but it made it more manageable.

But, acceptance was key. Accepting my diagnosis and the emotions that came with it wasn’t easy, but it brought me a sense of peace. 

It wasn’t the kind of peace that comes from everything being okay, but from knowing it’s okay to not have all the answers. This acceptance gave me the strength to focus on what I could control—my mindset and my approach to each day.

As I processed my emotions, I started to regain control over my life. Some days, I needed to sit with my feelings, while other days, I was ready to take action. By processing rather than suppressing my emotions, I approached my situation with clarity and resilience.

This experience has reinforced what I’ve been sharing with you: it’s okay to not be okay. Life’s challenges are inevitable, but by acknowledging, processing, and accepting our emotions, we can navigate even the toughest situations with strength. 

If you’re going through a difficult time, remember—it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. By giving yourself the space to process those emotions, you’ll emerge stronger and more resilient.

As we wrap up, let’s go over the key takeaway and an action item you can implement the next time things don’t go as planned.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key to navigating tough times is to acknowledge and process your emotions rather than suppressing them. By allowing yourself to fully experience your feelings, you can regain control, build resilience, and move forward with clarity and strength. 

It’s okay to not be okay—what matters is how you handle those emotions and use them to grow.

For this week or in the future, when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, ask yourself: “Am I allowing myself to fully experience and process these emotions, or am I trying to push them aside?” 

Use this awareness to guide how you approach your emotions and the challenges you face.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed how to be okay when things aren’t.  I hope you’ve learned something that you can begin to apply, whether it’s at work or at home.

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

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

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

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

Finally, if you’ve found this podcast helpful, please spread the word to other accountants. The more we share this message, the more we can shift the narrative in the accounting profession.

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

I haven’t taught a masterclass in awhile because I’ve been dealing with chemo, but I recently started doing my monthly masterclasses for accountants and the first topic I decided to share is everything you need to know about to-do lists.

In today’s episode I want to share some of the information I taught in that masterclass and let you know that if you’re interested in upcoming masterclasses, I’ll be announcing them each month, so don’t worry.  I’ll be covering a lot of important topics for accountants like everything you need to know about procrastination, everything you need to know about time blocking, etc.

Before we dive in, if any of what I’m going to share resonates with you, and you’re ready to get more control over your time, I offer a free 30-minute Time Management Audit Zoom call. I’ll explain more later, but you can book your audit at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/time-audit/

Alright, now let’s dive into today’s topic.  I think we can all agree that to-do lists have become this universal tool we rely on to keep our lives in order, right? Whether you’re an accountant juggling client deadlines, a parent managing household tasks, or just someone trying to get through the day without dropping the ball, you’ve probably got some version of a to-do list. 

It might be on paper, on an app, on sticky notes, or even just floating around in your head.

The interesting thing is that there’s something about a to-do list that feels so reassuring. We believe we have this little map guiding us through the chaos, and every time we cross something off, we get that tiny rush of satisfaction. It feels productive—like we’re moving forward, one task at a time.

But here’s the thing—if you’ve ever found yourself with a never-ending list, feeling like no matter how much you check off, you’re still behind, you’re not alone. We’ve all had those days where the list just keeps growing, and at the end of it, you’re left wondering, ‘What did I really accomplish today?’

To-do lists are supposed to help us manage our time better, but often, they leave us feeling like we’re on a hamster wheel—busy, but not really getting anywhere. I’ve coached a lot of accountants who tell me that even though they’re crossing off tasks all day long, they still feel overwhelmed, stressed, and like they’re falling behind. So what’s going on?

Well, I’ve spent years studying time management, especially for professionals like us, and what I’ve come to realize is that to-do lists, while helpful in some ways, often give us a false sense of control. They trick us into thinking we’re managing our time well just because we’re crossing things off. 

But the real question is: are we crossing off the right things? Are we managing our time, or is our time managing us?

In this episode, I’m going to help you rethink how you approach your to-do list. I’m going to dive into why it might not be working the way you think it is, and how you can start making some changes that will actually help you feel more in control of your time.

Not Everything On Your List Is Yours To Do

Now, let’s talk about something that I see happening all the time, especially with accountants: the belief that everything on your to-do list is something you need to handle. If you’re anything like the accountants I coach, you might be nodding your head right now because it probably feels like no one else can do it quite like you can, right? It’s this idea that if you don’t do it, it won’t get done—or worse, it won’t get done correctly.

Here’s the truth: not everything on your list is yours to do. That might be a tough pill to swallow, especially if you’re used to being the go-to person for getting things done. But when we try to take on everything ourselves, what we’re really doing is setting ourselves up for overwhelm and burnout.

Think about it—how many things on your list could be done by someone else? Maybe it’s a colleague, a family member, or even your kids. The problem is, we often tell ourselves, ‘It’s just easier if I do it.’ Or we worry that if we delegate, we’ll still have to fix it later. And trust me, I get it. 

We’ve all been there, holding onto tasks that we don’t need to because we think it’ll save us time or stress. But what ends up happening? We get overloaded, frustrated, and burnt out.

The truth is that delegation is one of the hardest things to learn, but it’s also one of the most powerful. When you start letting go of things that don’t actually need your attention, you make room for the stuff that really matters—the work that only you can do. 

And I don’t just mean at work—I mean in your personal life, too. Whether it’s handing off a project at work or asking for help around the house, you don’t have to do everything.

Now it sounds easy to just address the fact that not everything on your to-do list is yours to do, but you’re probably going to face some obstacles, especially from your own brain. Here’s what you need to know about why this happens and the challenges you might encounter:

Your brain loves routine and familiarity: Your brain finds comfort in doing things the way they’ve always been done. When you think about delegating or handing off tasks, it feels unfamiliar and, therefore, risky. Your brain resists this change, preferring to stick with what’s comfortable—even if that comfort is causing you stress.

Fear of losing control: A lot of the time, you might hesitate to delegate because you’re worried the task won’t be done correctly. You think, ‘If I don’t do it, it won’t be done right.’ This need for control keeps you holding onto tasks that could be done by others, adding more pressure to your plate. But holding onto that control isn’t really helping; it’s just leading to more stress.

Guilt and the need to please: You might also feel guilty about handing tasks off, especially if you’re someone who’s used to taking on a lot. You worry about letting people down or not meeting their expectations. That guilt convinces you that taking on more is the right thing to do, even when it’s pushing you toward burnout.

Fear of change and uncertainty: Change is hard, and when you start delegating, it means you’re changing the way you manage your tasks. Your brain prefers the certainty of handling everything yourself, even if it’s overwhelming. It might tell you, ‘This is just the way it has to be,’ making it difficult to break free from the habit of doing too much.

So, the next time you look at your to-do list, I want you to ask yourself, ‘Is this something that only I can do?’ If the answer is no, then it’s time to consider delegating or eliminating it altogether. 

Remember, trying to handle everything on your own isn’t a sign of good time management—it’s a fast track to stress, overwhelm, and burnout. The more you can let go of tasks that aren’t truly yours, the more time and energy you’ll have for the things that matter most.

Your Brain Gets Automatically Overwhelmed By To-Do Lists

Let’s face it—just looking at a long to-do list can make you feel overwhelmed. It’s like the moment you sit down, glance at that never-ending list of tasks, and your brain immediately goes into panic mode. That’s not your imagination; there’s actually science behind why this happens.

When your brain sees a long list, it feels threatened, triggering a stress response. Instead of focusing, you freeze or avoid hard tasks. Your brain tries to protect you from stress but ends up causing procrastination instead.

I’m sure you’ve experienced this before—your list is full, you’re overwhelmed, and suddenly, you find yourself doing anything but the most important tasks. It’s like your brain is saying, ‘Let’s just focus on the easy stuff right now,’ even though deep down, you know it’s not what you need to be doing. That’s not a flaw in your character; that’s just how the brain works when it’s overwhelmed.

But here’s the thing: even though we know that long to-do lists overwhelm our brain, it’s still hard to break the habit of overloading ourselves. There are several reasons why it feels so challenging to manage that sense of overwhelm, and they’re all tied to how our brain works.

Your brain’s avoidance mechanism: Your brain naturally avoids discomfort, so when faced with a long list, it looks for easy distractions—like checking your phone. This keeps you in a cycle of procrastination instead of focusing on bigger tasks.

Fear of failure or perfectionism: For a lot of people, especially accountants, perfectionism plays a huge role in procrastination. Your brain might tell you, ‘If I can’t do it perfectly, I shouldn’t start at all.’ This fear of not doing something well enough leads to putting off tasks that feel too big or important, which only adds to your overwhelm.

Lack of clarity and overwhelm: When tasks on your list feel too vague or too large, your brain has no clear starting point. This lack of clarity increases the sense of overwhelm because you don’t know where to begin, and so, the default is to do nothing—or to stick to the smaller, easier tasks.

The instant gratification trap: Your brain loves quick wins. So, when faced with a hard or time-consuming task, it’s easy to gravitate toward things that give immediate satisfaction, like clearing your inbox or tidying up. It feels productive in the moment, but it’s actually a distraction from the tasks that move the needle forward.

Misjudging time and effort: Your brain often underestimates how much time a task will take, which leads to the belief that you can ‘do it later.’ The problem is that this misjudgment makes the task pile up, and when the deadline starts looming, the stress becomes overwhelming. This just adds fuel to the procrastination fire.

So, if you ever find yourself stuck, staring at your to-do list and feeling paralyzed, just remember—this is how your brain naturally reacts to overwhelm. The key isn’t to push through or do more; it’s about understanding how your brain works so you can stop feeling like you’re constantly fighting against it. 

Crossing Things Off Your To-Do List Is NOT Time Management

The third thing you need to know is that crossing things off your to-do list is NOT real time management. Sure, it feels good to check off tasks, but that doesn’t mean you’ve managed your time effectively

Here’s why: just getting things done doesn’t necessarily mean you’re making meaningful progress. Many people focus on easy or low-priority tasks just for that sense of accomplishment, but that leaves the high-impact work—the tasks that truly make you productive—untouched. 

As I mentioned earlier, it leads to the feeling of being busy, but not productive.

So, let’s get real—just because you’re crossing things off your to-do list doesn’t mean you’re managing your time. True time management goes way beyond checking boxes. It’s all about using your time intentionally and focusing on what really matters. Let’s break it down:

Effective Time Blocking: One of the biggest game-changers for managing your time is learning how to time block. Why? Because a to-do list is static—it doesn’t tell you when to do each task. Without time blocking, you’re left guessing when to tackle your work, which can lead to a lot of wasted time. Time blocking, on the other hand, means deciding in advance when each task will happen, making sure your day is efficient. I like to explain it to my clients as making ‘reservations’ on your calendar, ensuring you don’t get overbooked.

Dealing with Procrastination: To-do lists don’t help when it comes to procrastination. They just sit there, waiting for you to get things done, but they don’t address the mental roadblocks that hold you back—things like fear or lack of motivation. That’s why it’s so easy to keep pushing the hard tasks to ‘tomorrow,’ while the real work keeps piling up.

Prioritizing: Another big piece of time management is learning how to prioritize. The problem with lists is that they don’t help you figure out what’s most important. On paper, everything looks equally urgent, and that’s just how your brain works—it sees everything on the list as needing attention right now. The result? You spend too much time on the low-priority stuff, leaving the high-impact work undone. Without clear priorities, you end up wasting effort.

Handling Interruptions: To-do lists can’t adapt when life throws you interruptions, and let’s face it, that happens all the time. When things come up unexpectedly, your list doesn’t shift with you, and you end up feeling like you’re falling behind. Effective time management means having the flexibility and tools to handle those interruptions while still staying focused on what’s most important.

Guaranteeing Follow-Through: It’s one thing to have a list of tasks, but it’s another thing to actually follow through on them. To-do lists might make you feel productive, but they don’t guarantee that the most important work gets done. You can spend hours checking off the smaller tasks and still avoid the big ones. Without a system in place that holds you accountable, it’s easy to stay busy but never truly productive.

Delegating When Necessary: As I mentioned earlier, part of managing your time well is knowing when to delegate. A to-do list doesn’t help you figure out which tasks are yours to handle and which ones can be passed off. It gives the illusion that everything is equally important, but that’s not true. When you try to do it all yourself, you end up overwhelmed. Delegating frees up your time for the tasks that really matter and helps you manage your energy better.

Setting and Sticking to Boundaries: Time management isn’t just about getting things done—it’s also about protecting your time. A list doesn’t help you set boundaries with your time, and when you’re only relying on that, it’s easy for other people’s demands to creep into your day. Effective time management is about setting limits and sticking to them.

Email Management: Finally, we can’t talk about time management without mentioning email, especially for accountants. A to-do list doesn’t account for the massive time drain that is your inbox. Emails pile up and become just another overwhelming list to deal with, constantly distracting you from your most important work. You need strategies to handle your inbox efficiently so that it doesn’t take over your day.

The bottom line is this: crossing things off your to-do list might feel good, but it’s not real time management. Time management is about prioritizing, blocking your time, and following through on the work that matters most.

Not All Hours Are Created Equal

Okay, let’s talk about something that most of us tend to overlook when we’re trying to get through a long to-do list: not all hours are created equal. I think we’ve all had those days where we’re trying to push through a tough task, but it’s just not happening. It’s frustrating, right? You’re staring at your screen, willing yourself to get it done, but your brain is just not cooperating.

Here’s the thing—your energy, focus, and productivity levels aren’t the same throughout the day. Some hours, you’re energized and sharp, ready to tackle the big stuff. Other times, you’re dragging and can barely get through a simple email. But the problem with to-do lists is that they treat every task and every hour as if they’re exactly the same.

That’s why you end up scheduling complicated, high-energy tasks for times when you’re mentally drained, or you waste your best hours on low-priority tasks like clearing out your inbox. It’s not that you’re doing something wrong; it’s just that you’re not aligning your tasks with your natural energy levels. So, instead of focusing on when you’re doing the work, you’re just trying to power through your list, hour by hour. And we all know how that ends—frustration, burnout, and not much progress

Here are some of the issues that working off a to-do list creates with your time and energy:

Ignoring energy peaks and valleys: Most people plan their day as if their energy levels stay constant, but that’s not how our brains work. We all have natural peaks and valleys in our energy throughout the day. Ignoring this means you might be trying to tackle high-focus work during a low-energy period, which leads to stress and low-quality results.

Wasting peak hours on low-priority tasks: Without knowing when you’re at your best, it’s easy to waste your most productive hours on busywork—like responding to emails or handling administrative tasks. By the time you get around to the high-priority items, your energy is zapped. This is why it feels like you’re working hard but not getting the important stuff done.

Trying to push through mental fatigue: Your brain isn’t designed to be ‘on’ all the time. When you’re mentally drained, your focus drops, your decision-making suffers, and tasks take way longer than they should. Trying to power through when your brain is fatigued just ends up creating more stress and taking more time than necessary.

Overestimating your capacity: To-do lists can make it seem like you can get everything done if you just push a little harder. This mindset causes you to overestimate what you can realistically accomplish in a day. By the end, you feel exhausted and discouraged because you’re falling short of expectations that weren’t reasonable in the first place.

No built-in flexibility: To-do lists often lack flexibility for handling shifts in your energy levels. They assume you’ll have the same focus and drive at 4 p.m. as you did at 9 a.m., which just isn’t true. When you try to stick rigidly to a list that doesn’t account for these natural changes, you end up feeling like you’re constantly falling behind.

The bottom line? It’s not just what you’re doing—it’s when you’re doing it. The hours where you’re at your best are your most valuable asset, so they should be reserved for your highest-impact work. The goal isn’t to fill every hour with tasks; it’s to make sure you’re using your best hours for the work that really matters.

If You Don’t Know How to Manage Your Mind, You Don’t Know How to Manage Your Time

Now, this is the part that ties everything together. We’ve talked about delegating, managing overwhelm, knowing the difference between being busy and being productive, and understanding your energy levels. 

But here’s the thing—none of that really matters if you don’t know how to manage your mind. Because if you don’t know how to manage your mind, you don’t know how to manage your time.

Here’s why: everything you do, or don’t do, starts with a thought. Your thoughts create your feelings, and those feelings drive your actions. 

If your mind is full of thoughts like, ‘There’s too much to do,’ or ‘I’ll never get this all done,’ you’re going to feel overwhelmed, and that feeling will drive actions like procrastinating, avoiding tasks, or jumping from one thing to another without focus. 

The result? Your to-do list gets longer, your stress increases, and you feel like you’re constantly running behind.

So, the real key to mastering time management is mastering your mindset. If you can manage your thoughts, you can manage your feelings, and ultimately, you can manage your time. But, of course, there are obstacles to doing this—let’s talk about them.

Default negative thinking: Our brains are wired to focus on the negative. When you see your to-do list, your brain highlights what’s overwhelming, which leads to stress and keeps you stuck.

Hard to break old habits: Your brain likes familiarity, and once you’ve established a habit—like always thinking, ‘I don’t have enough time,’ or ‘I have to do everything myself’—it’s hard to break out of it. These thought patterns become automatic, and unless you actively work to change them, they’ll keep running in the background, controlling your actions and your time.

Getting busy instead of productive: When overwhelmed, it’s easier to focus on small, feel-good tasks rather than the ones that truly matter. But being busy doesn’t equal being productive, and without managing your mindset, you’ll keep falling into this cycle.

No lasting change: You’ve probably tried different time management techniques before, and maybe they worked for a while, but then you found yourself back in the same overwhelmed state. That’s because no matter how great a system is, if you don’t change the way you think, your brain will always revert to its old habits. Mindset is the key to making lasting changes in how you manage your time.

So, if you want to take control of your time, you have to start by taking control of your mind. The way you think about your time and your tasks directly affects how you handle them. Mastering your mindset is the real secret to effective time management—it’s the foundation that everything else builds on.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Getting A Better Handle On Time Management

Now, I know I’ve talked a lot about the ineffectiveness of to-do lists, but here’s the thing—you don’t want your brain cluttered like an overflowing closet of things to do. You want all those thoughts and tasks out of your head and onto paper. 

The truth is, your brain is for processing, not storing. So yes, a to-do list is helpful for getting those swirling thoughts organized. But that’s only step one. From there, you need to understand what real time management looks like.

So, if to-do lists aren’t as effective as we’ve been led to believe, then what is? That’s the big question, and it’s something I’ve been studying for years. It’s also why I created The Smarter Accountant Time Management Program—because I saw firsthand how shifting your approach to time management can completely transform how you handle your workload.

I’ve worked with a lot of accountants who were stuck in the same cycle—long to-do lists, constant stress, and never enough time. And I’ve seen how powerful it is when they learn to manage their minds, prioritize their time effectively, and focus on the tasks that matter most. Let me share a story about one of my coaching clients who made an incredible transformation.

This client, like many of you, was juggling a mountain of tasks every day. Her to-do list was endless, and she always felt like she was falling behind, no matter how much she got done. She was crossing things off but never really making progress on the bigger, high-impact work that would move her career forward. 

After working together, she learned how to manage her brain’s natural tendencies toward overwhelm and procrastination. She started using her time more intentionally—blocking out periods for focused work and learning to delegate what wasn’t hers to handle. Within a few weeks, she wasn’t just getting through her list—she was actually creating space for the kind of work that truly mattered.

And here’s the most powerful part—she wasn’t more ‘productive’ in the traditional sense. She wasn’t doing more things; she was just doing the right things at the right time, and that’s what made all the difference.

That all started with a Time Management Audit which I’ll discuss in a minute.  Now I want to share the key takeaway and action item for this week.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The biggest takeaway I want you to remember is this: to-do lists are NOT time management.  They’re a starting point to make sure things don’t fall through the cracks, but they are not effectively managing your time.

Time management is about focusing on what really matters, aligning your tasks with your energy, and learning to manage your mind so that you stay in control, not your list.

So, here’s your action item: this week, I want you to start paying attention to how you’re using your time. Take a look at your to-do list and ask yourself, ‘Am I doing the right things at the right time?’ If you find that you’re spending your best hours on low-impact tasks, it’s time to make a shift. Block off time for the important things and see how that changes your day.

And if you’re ready to take this to the next level, let me explain how a Time Management Audit can help you get clarity on exactly where your time is going and how to make those critical shifts to become a Smarter Accountant.  The truth is that time management is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, especially for accountants.

That’s why during your Time Management Audit, we’ll spend 30 minutes on a Zoom call diving into your current time management habits and uncover what’s really keeping you from being as productive as you’d like.

I’ll help you identify the key areas where you’re getting stuck, whether it’s prioritizing tasks, dealing with constant interruptions, procrastinating, or feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list. 

Again, since time management is not one size fits all for accountants, this call will give you personalized suggestions.  It’s all about giving you insight into your current habits and showing you how a few changes can lead to more control, less stress, and a more balanced approach to your work and life. 

If today’s episode hit home, let’s talk. Schedule a call, and I’ll help you go from stressed to smarter, with a time management system that works specifically for accountants. You can book your Time Management Audit at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/time-audit/

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed everything you need to know about to-do lists.  

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

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

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

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

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

Today, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics—time. It’s our most valuable asset, yet it’s often the thing we struggle most to manage.

As the months roll by and the calendar fills up, we’ve all felt that familiar knot in our stomachs. The closer we get to year-end reporting or tax season, the longer our to-do lists seem to get. Emails pile up, deadlines creep closer, and the stress keeps rising.

It almost feels like time is speeding up, doesn’t it? Before you know it, those critical deadlines are staring you in the face. Sound familiar?

For a lot of us, this is just part of the job—the pressure comes in waves throughout the year. But why does it always feel like there’s never enough time? Why does the stress build up like a pressure cooker ready to blow?

We’ve all been there—juggling clients, drowning in paperwork, and trying to handle what feels like a never-ending stream of emails. And let’s not forget about the constant interruptions—those phone calls, meetings, and last-minute requests that throw your whole day off course.

That’s just the reality of being an accountant, right? But that doesn’t make it any less overwhelming. Whether you’re gearing up for year-end, managing quarterly reports, or bracing for tax season, the demands of the job can leave you feeling stretched thin.

But what if managing all these demands could feel more balanced and less stressful? Imagine approaching your workday with a sense of calm and leaving the office feeling accomplished rather than exhausted.

How much more productive—and peaceful—would you be if you could cut down on that overwhelming feeling?

Here’s the good news: It’s not just a dream. Taking back control of your time is not only possible—it’s essential. And it can completely change how you experience your work as an accountant.

When you’re in charge of your time, you lower your stress and boost your productivity. You can start each day with a clear plan and end it feeling like you’ve truly made the most of your time.

To regain control and work smarter, not harder, it’s essential to first understand what’s causing the chaos. Let’s talk about one of the biggest contributors to overwhelm—information overload. 

The Overwhelm Of Information Overload

To take back control of your time, the first step is to figure out what’s been controlling it. Let’s pause for a second and think about just how much the world, especially the workplace, has changed.

If you’ve been an accountant for a while, like I have, you’ve probably noticed how different things are compared to a few decades ago. Back when I started at Deloitte in the early ’90s, we worked hard, but the pace was slower. The work environment wasn’t as chaotic, and distractions were minimal.

Of course, the job was still demanding, but it was a different kind of demand. We weren’t constantly juggling thousands of pieces of information all at once.

Between emails, text messages, Slack notifications, project management tools, social media updates—it feels like we’re trying to drink from a fire hose. No wonder so many accountants feel overwhelmed!

And one of the biggest signs of this overwhelm is the never-ending to-do list. Have you ever noticed how no matter how many tasks you check off, the list just keeps getting longer?

It’s like for every one thing you finish, two more pop up. And it’s not just on paper anymore. These to-do lists are everywhere—in your email, on sticky notes around your desk, in apps, and even floating around in your head.

Then there’s the email situation. Those overflowing inboxes make it feel like you’re drowning in unread messages, with new ones coming in faster than you can reply. And it’s not just work emails—there are newsletters, reminders, and all sorts of other things demanding your attention. It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly behind.

And let’s talk about reminders—both physical and digital. Sticky notes, phone notifications, calendar alerts—they’re everywhere. Instead of helping, they just add to the stress by constantly nudging you to get more done.

On top of all that, there’s the constant ping of digital notifications—your phone buzzing with a text, your computer chiming with a new email, or your watch vibrating with a reminder. These little distractions make it almost impossible to focus on what you’re doing, and getting back on track becomes a challenge.

So, what’s the result of all this? Confusion, frustration, and a whole lot of stress.

When you’re bombarded by information from so many places, it’s easy to feel scattered. You might find yourself jumping from one task to the next without making real progress—or worse, forgetting important details because your brain is juggling too much.

And this isn’t just something that affects you at work. When you’re overwhelmed all day, it’s hard to leave that stress behind when you clock out. It follows you home, making it tough to relax, enjoy time with your loved ones, or even get a good night’s sleep.

The bottom line is that this information overload is a huge source of stress for accountants today. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay that way.

You can take steps to manage all this information better, reduce the overwhelm, and take back control of your time—and your life.

The Power of Being Proactive

Let’s talk about the difference between being proactive and reactive, especially when it comes to accounting. It’s so easy to fall into a reactive mindset when you’re constantly dealing with deadlines, client demands, and the pressure to get everything done on time.

You might find yourself bouncing from one task to the next, just trying to keep up. When that happens, it’s easy to start thinking that the only way to handle the mountain of tasks in front of you is to work longer and harder.

But here’s the thing: more work doesn’t have to mean more stress.

When you’re in reactive mode, you’re letting everything around you—deadlines, last-minute requests—dictate how you spend your day. It can feel like you’re always just one step behind, trying to catch up.

The problem with this approach is that it often leads to burnout and that constant feeling of being overwhelmed. You might start to believe that there’s just not enough time in the day to get everything done, and that can be really frustrating.

But what if you could flip that around? What if you took a more proactive approach? Instead of letting the day’s demands control you, what if you could start planning ahead, setting your own deadlines, and deciding how to best use your time?

Being proactive means you’re the one in control of your schedule. You make intentional decisions about how to spend your time, instead of just reacting to whatever comes your way. It’s like being in the driver’s seat, steering your day instead of letting it steer you.

When you’re proactive, you’re not just responding to the demands of your job—you’re planning for them. You’re thinking ahead, which gives you time to focus on what really matters instead of feeling like you’re always racing against the clock.

The bottom line? By being proactive, you can lower your stress, boost your efficiency, and feel way more in control of both your work and your life.

Your Brain’s Role in Taking Back Control of Your Time

Let’s dive into the role your brain plays in all of this. The thing is, your brain is a powerful tool, but it doesn’t always work in your favor when it comes to managing time.

One of the biggest mistakes we make is using our brain like a storage unit—trying to keep track of all our tasks, deadlines, and information in our head. When your brain is overloaded with details, it’s no surprise that you start feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

The truth is, your brain wasn’t designed to hold onto all that information. It’s great at solving problems, analyzing data, and coming up with creative ideas—but it’s not so great at managing a long list of to-dos.

When you rely on your brain to remember everything, you’re not using it efficiently, and that’s when things start to slip through the cracks.

If you want to take back control of your time, you’ve got to start using your brain differently. This is where the more advanced part of your brain—what I like to call the “Supervising Parent”—comes in. This part of your brain is responsible for planning, decision-making, and self-control.

The Supervising Parent part of your brain helps you be more intentional and proactive with your time.

When you use this part of your brain to plan your day, you’re not just reacting to whatever comes your way. You’re making strategic decisions about how to handle your tasks in a way that helps you get more done while reducing stress.

This means setting priorities, breaking big projects into manageable steps, and scheduling your time in a way that actually works for you.

By understanding how your brain works, you can start using its strengths to your advantage and avoid its weaknesses. Instead of letting your brain get bogged down with too much information, you free it up to focus on what it does best: thinking critically and making smart decisions.

The bottom line is, learning to use your brain differently is the key to taking back control of your time and creating a more balanced, less stressful workday.

How to Use the Power of Being Proactive

Now that we’ve talked about why being proactive is so important and how your brain plays a role in managing your time, let’s get into some practical steps you can take to be more proactive.

The truth is, most accountants tend to be reactive, but being proactive is about making intentional decisions that help you stay ahead of the game—rather than always playing catch-up.

So, how do you do that? Let’s break it down into four simple steps.

Step 1: Make a Plan to Produce Specific Results – The first step to being proactive is making a plan that focuses on achieving specific results, not just staying busy. It’s easy to think that if you’re doing something, you’re being productive.

But here’s the reality: being busy doesn’t always mean being productive. If you’re just crossing tasks off your list without a clear goal, you might be spinning your wheels without really moving forward.

Instead, ask yourself what you want to accomplish by the end of the day, week, or month. What specific results are you aiming for? Once you know that, you can plan your tasks around those goals. This way, every task you complete brings you closer to where you want to be, and you’re not just filling your day with busywork.

Step 2: Make Your Own Deadlines – Deadlines are a big part of every accountant’s life, but they don’t always have to come from external sources. One of the best ways to be proactive is to set your own deadlines before the official ones.

When you do this, you give yourself some breathing room and reduce the stress of waiting until the last minute. By setting internal deadlines, you can break bigger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and tackle them one by one.

Not only does this help you stay on top of your workload, but it also gives you flexibility if something unexpected comes up. Plus, finishing tasks ahead of schedule can boost your confidence and make you feel more in control.

Step 3: Schedule Results on Your Calendar in Time Blocks – Once you’ve planned your results and set your deadlines, the next step is to schedule everything on your calendar in time blocks. This is where you can really take advantage of your brain’s strengths.

By scheduling specific tasks during the times of day when you’re most productive, you can work more efficiently and get more done in less time.

When you block time on your calendar, be realistic about how long tasks will take and don’t forget to include breaks and some downtime. It’s easy to underestimate how long things will take, so giving yourself a buffer helps prevent burnout.

Time-blocking also reduces decision fatigue because you’ve already decided when to do each task—now all you have to do is follow the plan.

Step 4: Follow the Plan – The last step is simple, but it’s where the real magic happens: follow the plan you’ve created. After you’ve taken the time to plan your results, set deadlines, and schedule your tasks, the key is to stick to it.

This is where being proactive pays off. By following the plan, you won’t have to make decisions on the fly all day, which saves you mental energy and keeps you on track.

Sticking to your plan also builds momentum. Every task you complete brings you closer to your goals, which motivates you to keep going. And because you’ve already prioritized and scheduled your time, you’re less likely to get distracted or derailed.

Remember, being proactive isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Even if things don’t go exactly as planned, having a proactive mindset and a clear plan helps you stay on course, no matter what bumps you hit along the way.

By using these steps, you’ll be able to take control of your time, reduce stress, and create a more balanced, productive workday.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

As you start embracing a more proactive approach to managing your time, it’s important to watch out for a few common pitfalls that can trip you up along the way. The good news? With a little awareness and the right strategies, you can easily avoid these traps and stay on track.

Let’s take a closer look at two of the most common challenges and how to handle them.

The Trap of “Not Enough Time” – One of the biggest obstacles to being proactive is believing there’s just not enough time in the day. We’ve all been there—swamped with work and deadlines looming, it can feel impossible to carve out time to plan.

You might think, “How can I possibly make time to plan when I’m barely keeping up with everything else?” It’s a valid concern, but here’s the thing: the idea that you don’t have time to plan is actually an illusion.

When you’re caught up in the hustle of your day, it can seem counterintuitive to stop and plan. But spending that time upfront can save you hours of stress and scrambling later.

Think of it like this: when you plan proactively, you’re creating a roadmap for your day or week. Instead of wasting time figuring out what to do next or dealing with last-minute surprises, you’ve already set a clear path that helps you move smoothly from one task to the next.

Yes, it might take a little extra effort at first to get into the habit, but the payoff is huge. You’ll find that being proactive actually helps you get more done in less time—and with way less stress.

So, the next time you catch yourself thinking, “I don’t have time to plan,” remind yourself that planning is what ultimately creates more time.

Overcoming Lower Brain Resistance – Another challenge you might face when trying to be more proactive is resistance from your own brain—specifically, the lower, more primitive part of it that I like to call The Toddler.

This part of your brain is designed to keep you safe and comfortable, which is great for survival—but not so great when you’re trying to create new habits. Your lower brain resists anything that feels like extra effort, especially if it’s new or unfamiliar.

You’ve probably felt this resistance before. It’s that little voice that says, “Do I really need to plan my day? Can’t I just wing it like I always do?” Or maybe it shows up as procrastination, where you keep putting off the very things that would help you get ahead.

This resistance is totally normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to give in to it.

The key to overcoming your lower brain’s resistance is to start small and build momentum. You don’t need to overhaul your whole routine overnight.

Instead, try adding proactive habits into your day little by little. Maybe you start by spending just 10 minutes each morning planning out your top priorities for the day. Or maybe you set a small goal, like planning one task ahead each day.

As you start to see the benefits—like getting more done and feeling less stressed—your lower brain will start to ease up. The resistance will fade as your new habits become second nature, and you’ll find it easier to stick to your proactive approach.

Remember, your lower brain (The Toddler) is just trying to protect you, but you are in control. By taking small steps and building up your proactive habits, you can train your brain to work with you, not against you.

Trust me, once you get your brain on board, you’ll be able to take back control of your time.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: From Overwhelmed To In Control

I’ve done a lot of work with accountants on better time management and have made a transformation in my own life, but let me share about one particular coaching client.

He came to me feeling constantly overwhelmed by his workload. No matter how hard he worked, he always felt like he was falling behind, reacting to deadlines rather than managing them.

Once he went through The Smarter Accountant Program and learned how to manage his brain, we then worked on how to better manage his time.  He learned that by setting aside one hour on Sunday and just 10 minutes each morning to plan his day, he could get more done in less time. 

Instead of waiting for external deadlines to push him into action, he started setting his own deadlines and prioritizing his tasks more effectively. It wasn’t easy at first, but soon he noticed a difference.

As he continued trying more proactive habits, he noticed that his stress levels dropped. He was no longer scrambling to keep up; instead, he was ahead of the game. 

His workdays became more manageable, and he even found himself leaving the office on time, feeling accomplished rather than drained.

I hope that this client’s story shows that small changes in how you manage your time can lead to big improvements in your professional and personal life.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key to reducing stress and improving efficiency as an accountant is in taking a proactive approach to managing your time. By planning ahead, setting your own deadlines, and using your brain strategically, you can regain control over your schedule and create a more balanced, less overwhelming workday.

Taking back control of your time means shifting from a reactive mindset to a proactive one, where you’re not just responding to external pressures but intentionally designing your day to work for you. It’s about making deliberate choices that prioritize what truly matters, professionally and personally.

This week ask yourself: “What’s one small, proactive change I can make today to take back control of my time and reduce the stress I’m feeling?”

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed taking back control of your time.  I hope you’ve learned something that you can begin to apply, whether it’s at work or at home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We all deal with problems, right? As accountants, we’re used to solving all kinds of issues for other people. But when it comes to our own lives, things can feel a little more overwhelming.

Have you ever had a problem that just seemed too big to handle? Maybe you didn’t know where to start, and it felt like it was never going to get better.

Now, imagine this: What if you could handle any problem—big or small—with a sense of calm and confidence? How much easier would things be if you knew exactly how to deal with whatever life throws your way?

Let’s be real—most of us have freaked out when we’re hit with a new problem. Our brains start spinning, we feel stressed, and suddenly it feels like the problem is impossible to solve.

But what if you didn’t panic? What if you could stay calm and focused, and actually think of better solutions? Imagine being able to see problems as something you can handle, not something that’s out to get you.

Think back to a time when you were doing something you really enjoyed—maybe a work project that lights you up or a hobby you love—and everything just clicked. Ideas flowed, and solutions came easily, right?

That’s the kind of mindset I want to help you tap into when facing any problem. When you approach things with an open mind and curiosity, you can unlock your brain’s full power.

But how do you get into that mindset more often?

Here’s the key: You need a plan. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get stuck, miss steps, or feel overwhelmed. A structured approach helps you stay organized and find solutions more easily.

Whether it’s a personal problem or something at work, knowing how to solve any issue with a clear plan makes life way easier—and a lot less stressful.

If you are ready to try a new way of solving your problems, let’s start with the best formula I’ve found for tackling any problem head-on.

The Formula Behind Every Solution

Have you ever noticed how some people just seem to handle life’s problems so easily, while others get stuck? It makes you wonder—what’s their secret?

Well, there’s actually a formula that can help you solve any problem, and it’s called “The Model.” If you’ve read my book, “The Smarter Accountant,” you might remember me talking about it in more detail. But basically, this formula is one of the best tools out there for solving any problem—big or small.

The reason The Model works so well is that it breaks things down into simple steps, helping you see how your thoughts and actions lead to your results. So, what is The Model, and how does it work?

The Model has 5 parts: Circumstances, Thoughts, Feelings, Actions, and Results. You can remember it as CTFAR.

Here’s a quick rundown of each part:

Circumstances: These are just the facts of any situation. They’re neutral, meaning they don’t have any feelings attached to them. Why does this matter? Because when you focus on the facts without mixing in your emotions, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed.

Thoughts: These are the stories you tell yourself about the circumstances. We all have tons of thoughts every day, and most of them run on autopilot. But here’s the thing: these thoughts change how we see things and affect what we do.

Feelings: These are the emotions that come from your thoughts. If you’ve ever noticed how your mood shifts depending on what you’re thinking, that’s what this is about. Once you understand the connection between your thoughts and feelings, you can start to manage them better.

Actions: This is where your feelings push you to do—or not do—certain things. So if you’re wondering why you act a certain way in different situations, it’s because of how you’re feeling in that moment.

Results: Finally, your actions create the results you see in your life. If you look at where you are right now, those results are tied to your thoughts, feelings, and actions.

When you understand The Model, it’s like having a map for your mind. It helps you take a step back, look at the situation clearly, and make changes to get better results.

So, how do you actually use this formula in real life? Let’s break it down. 

Getting Started With Solving Any Problem

Now that you know what The Model is, it’s time to actually use it. Understanding it is one thing, but the real magic happens when you apply it to your own life. So, how do you start solving your own problems?

First, you need to pick a problem. I know, that sounds easier said than done. But the trick is to choose one specific thing to focus on. It doesn’t have to be a huge problem; it could be something small that’s been bugging you.

Think about what’s been on your mind lately. Is there something stressing you out—maybe at work or at home? As accountants, we’re used to handling a lot at once, so I’m sure you have plenty to pick from!

Maybe it’s a deadline that’s getting close, a tough conversation you’ve been avoiding, or even something small like a messy room that’s been driving you nuts. Whatever it is, just pick one thing. Sometimes fixing the small stuff can make a big difference in how you feel overall.

Once you’ve picked your problem, it’s time to change how you think about it. Here’s something I ask my clients all the time: What if the problem isn’t the real issue? What if it’s how you’re thinking about the problem that’s making it feel worse?

Our brains can sometimes make things seem bigger or scarier, especially when we’re stressed. Have you ever noticed how a situation feels worse just because of how you’re thinking about it? When you step back and look at your thoughts, you can start to see the problem for what it really is—not just how it feels in the moment.

So, ask yourself: How am I thinking about this problem? Are my thoughts making it harder to solve? Am I focused on finding a solution or just stuck in the “this is a huge mess” mindset?

Once you’re aware of how you’re thinking, you can challenge those thoughts and change them. Instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, think about what you can do to make things better. You’d be surprised how much that simple shift can lead to new ideas and solutions you hadn’t thought of before.

In the end, getting started with solving problems is all about taking the first step and being willing to see things differently. So, pick your problem and in a few minutes I’ll explain how to approach it in a way that feels more manageable.

The Brain’s Role in Problem-Solving

Now that you’ve picked a problem to focus on, let’s talk about what’s really happening in your brain when you’re dealing with a challenge. Have you ever wondered why your brain seems to go into overdrive when a problem comes up?

Here’s what’s going on—your brain is actually wired for survival, not for solving modern-day problems. Way back when, our ancestors had to deal with life-or-death situations, so their brains learned to react fast—basically, fight or run away. Even though we’re not running from wild animals anymore, our brains still react the same way when we’re faced with a problem.

So, when something goes wrong, your brain might go into panic mode. You might feel your heart race, your stomach tighten, or your palms get sweaty. That’s your brain thinking it’s in survival mode, which makes it hard to think clearly or figure out what to do next.

But here’s the good news—it doesn’t have to be this way. Once you understand how your brain works, you can train it to handle problems better and stay calm.

Think of your brain as having two parts: the “panic” brain and the “problem-solving” brain. The panic brain reacts fast, but it’s not so good at coming up with smart solutions. That’s where the problem-solving brain comes in. This part of your brain helps you think clearly, make plans, and deal with problems calmly and creatively.

You’ve probably noticed this before—when you step away from a stressful situation, take a deep breath, or even sleep on it, suddenly the problem doesn’t seem as bad. That’s because your problem-solving brain finally got a chance to take over.

The best part? You can train your brain to switch from panic to problem-solving more often. With practice, you can start rewiring your brain to react differently. 

This is where tools like The Model really help. The Model shows you how your thoughts, feelings, actions, and results are connected, which helps you shift from feeling stressed to thinking strategically.

I’ll go over this more in a minute, but the next time you feel that panic setting in, remember—you have the power to switch gears. By taking a step back, calming down, and using tools like The Model, you can approach problems in a smarter, more creative way.

Just imagine how different things could be if you could regularly tap into that problem-solving part of your brain. It’s not about getting rid of problems; it’s about learning to handle them in a better way.

. 

Using The Formula To Rewire Your Brain for Better Problem-Solving

Here’s the exciting part—your brain can actually change! It has something called neuroplasticity, which means it can form new pathways and learn new ways of responding to problems. In other words, you can train your brain to handle problems better over time.

So, how do you start rewiring your brain for better problem-solving? It all begins with awareness. That’s where The Model comes in. By using The Model, you can understand why you’re thinking, feeling, and acting the way you are—and, more importantly, how to change it.

Now, let’s use The Model to tackle the problem you picked earlier.

Here’s how you can start:

Identify the Circumstances: Start by clearly figuring out the facts of the situation. What’s really happening with the problem you chose? Separate the facts from your opinions or feelings. When you focus on the neutral facts, it helps you see the problem for what it is—not as something your brain might be making bigger than it actually is.

Examine Your Thoughts: Once you know the facts, look at your thoughts about the problem. What are you telling yourself about it? Are these thoughts based on fear, negativity, or stress? By becoming aware of these thought patterns, you can start to question and change them.

Assess Your Feelings: Pay attention to how your thoughts about this problem are making you feel. Are you anxious, frustrated, or overwhelmed? It’s important to realize that your feelings come from your thoughts. This matters because those feelings will influence what you do next.

Analyze Your Actions: Your feelings drive your actions—or sometimes, keep you from taking any action at all. What are you doing (or not doing) because of how you’re feeling? When you understand this, you can see how your thoughts and feelings are influencing your behavior, and where you can make changes.

Evaluate Your Results: Finally, look at the results you’re getting with this problem. Are they what you want? If not, go back and look at your thoughts and feelings. When you change your thoughts, you’ll change how you feel and what you do—and that’s how you get different results.

By practicing this process with the problem you chose, you’ll start to rewire your brain to approach challenges in a new way. Instead of getting stuck in stress or negative thinking, you’ll develop a more solution-focused mindset.

Let’s take an example accountants can relate to:

Imagine the problem you picked is a tight deadline for a project. The fact is, the deadline is in two days. But your initial thought might be, “There’s no way I can finish this!” That thought makes you feel anxious and stressed. 

Because of those feelings, you may start procrastinating or distracting yourself, which makes the situation worse. The result? You’re scrambling at the last minute and might even miss the deadline.

But if you use The Model, you can shift your thinking. Instead of focusing on “I can’t do this,” you could think, “I’ll break this project into smaller steps and work through them one at a time.” 

That new thought can make you feel more confident and focused, which will lead you to take action, stick to your plan, and finish the project on time. The result? You meet the deadline without all the extra stress.

The bottom line is that the more you practice The Model with real problems like this, the better your brain gets at staying calm and finding solutions.

Gaining Control Over Problems

Let’s talk about some ways to get control over problems. When you’re dealing with challenges, it’s easy to get stuck in stress and negativity. But what if the real issue is the way you’re thinking about the problem?

One way to change how you see problems is to think about “rich people problems.” Imagine the kinds of problems wealthy people might have—like missing a nail appointment or getting a rip in their hot tub cover. These problems seem small, right? So why do we let small issues in our own lives feel so overwhelming?

The point of thinking about “rich people problems” isn’t to make fun of anyone’s struggles, but to help you put things into perspective. When you look at your own problems through this lens, you might realize that what you’re dealing with isn’t as big as it seems.

For example, my husband and I were watching the Olympics, and there was a commercial about a Paralympic athlete with no legs playing basketball. My husband turned to me and said, “That pain in my shoulder feels like a small problem right now. Look at what he deals with every day.”

By realizing that some of our problems are smaller than we think, you can start to focus on finding solutions instead of getting stuck in the problem.

Another way to get control over a problem is to ask yourself, “What would I suggest if someone else had this problem?” When we’re stuck in our own issues, our emotions can make it hard to think clearly. But when you imagine someone else in your situation, it’s easier to think more logically and come up with helpful solutions.

For example, let’s say you’re feeling stressed about having too much work. Now, imagine a friend comes to you with the same issue. You might suggest they break the work into smaller tasks, figure out what’s most important, or ask for help. By giving advice to someone else, you might find the same solution that works for you.

This technique works because it helps you step out of your emotions and think more clearly about how to solve the problem.

Another important tool is to pay attention to the questions you ask yourself. The questions you focus on shape how you see and deal with problems. If you’re asking yourself, “Why me?” or “Why is this happening?” you’ll probably feel stuck and helpless.

But if you ask yourself, “How can I make this easier?” or “What can I do to fix this?” you start focusing on solutions.

For example, if you’re swamped with deadlines and thinking, “Why does this always happen to me?” you’ll feel overwhelmed and stuck. But if you switch to asking, “How can I make this easier?” or “What steps can I take to get back on track?” you’ll start thinking about things like organizing your tasks or asking for help. This simple shift in questions helps you go from feeling helpless to taking action.

Another powerful technique is the “So What?” approach. This means asking yourself, “So what?” when something goes wrong to help you get perspective. It helps you decide if the problem is really worth all your energy. Often, you’ll realize the problem isn’t as big as you thought.

For example, let’s say you sent an email with a typo to a client. At first, you might feel embarrassed and think, “I messed up, this looks so bad!” But if you ask yourself, “So what? Is this really a big deal?” you might realize the typo doesn’t affect the main message, and it can be easily fixed with a follow-up email. The problem suddenly feels less important, and you save yourself from unnecessary stress.

Lastly, one of the best ways to gain control over problems is to separate facts from thoughts. Facts are objective and can be proven, while thoughts are your personal interpretation.

For example, if you think, “My boss is unfair,” that’s not a fact—it’s your opinion. A fact would be, “My boss gave me extra work this week.”

When you can separate facts from thoughts, you avoid extra stress and focus on what you can control. Once you realize your thoughts are shaping how you see the problem, you can start to change them. This allows you to approach the problem more logically.

The bottom line is, you have more control over your problems than you might think. By changing your thoughts, you change what the problem means to you.

If you see a problem as impossible, it’s going to feel that way. But if you see it as a chance to grow and learn, you’ll be more motivated to find solutions and work through it.

By shifting your focus from problems to solutions, changing your perspective, and questioning how important the issue is, you can change the way you handle challenges.

So, imagine this: What would it be like to face your problems with confidence and creativity, knowing you have the tools to solve them? The good news is, the power to change how you experience and deal with problems is already within you—it all starts with your mindset.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Learning To Solve Any Problem

I want to share how one of my clients learned how to solve any problem. Like many of you, this client often felt overwhelmed by the pressures of her job. She had a lot of client accounts to manage, and the financial issues she was dealing with seemed to pile up faster than she could handle them.

Whenever a problem came up, her first reaction was stress and frustration. She kept thinking things like, “Why does this always happen to me?” and “I’ll never get through this.” Focusing on the problems made her feel stuck in a cycle of anxiety, which hurt her ability to get her work done.

After we worked together in The Smarter Accountant Program, she started to see that solving problems could be much easier. By using The Model and shifting her mindset from focusing on problems to finding solutions, she started to see challenges as opportunities.

Instead of asking, “Why is everything going wrong?” she began asking herself, “What can I do to fix this?” or “How can I see this differently?” This simple change helped her go from feeling stressed and frustrated to feeling curious and open to new ideas.

For example, one time she found a mistake in a client’s report. Instead of panicking, she practiced separating the facts from her thoughts about the situation. This helped her calmly figure out the actual issue and create a plan to fix it, without letting her negative thoughts get in the way.

She also learned to ask, “So what?” to put things in perspective. This helped her realize that not every problem was a big deal, and she didn’t need to stress over every little thing.

The best part? She became more proactive and focused on solutions. This change didn’t just make her work life better—it also reduced her stress, which allowed her to enjoy her personal time more.

What she didn’t realize was how much her stress was affecting her at home, and how it was impacting her family. She even told me that her husband wanted to thank me for the program because he felt like he finally got his wife back.

So, as you can see, even though we all have to deal with problems, solving them can be easier than you think when you learn how to manage your brain along the way.

Key Takeaway and Action Item

The key takeaway from this episode is that solving problems isn’t just about using a specific technique—it’s about changing the way you think. By using tools like The Model and having a structured approach, you can shift from feeling stressed and anxious to finding creative solutions and growing from challenges.

Understanding how your brain works and practicing new ways of thinking helps you deal with problems more clearly and confidently. As an accountant, this skill is super important because it lets you handle both work and personal challenges with more strength and focus.

Remember, the power to change how you deal with problems is in your thoughts and mindset.

For this week, ask yourself: “What’s one specific problem I’d like to work on, and how can I use the techniques from this episode to come up with a plan to solve it?”

That’s all I have for you today, but before you go, I want you to think about one specific problem you’re dealing with right now—whether it’s at work or in your personal life. What would change if you could approach that problem with calm, confidence, and a clear plan?

Imagine how much easier things could be if you knew exactly how to solve it, step by step.

You’ve worked hard to become an accountant; now it’s time to make being one easier.

If you’re struggling with any aspect of your career, why not take the first step toward a smarter approach? Head over to www.thesmarteraccountant.com/calendar and book a free session with me. Let’s tackle those challenges together.

And don’t forget to check back each week as we move you from feeling stressed and overwhelmed to becoming a Smarter Accountant.

In the meantime, go to www.thesmarteraccountant.com and take The Smarter Accountant Quiz. You’ll discover whether you’ve been underutilizing your accountant brain and get a clear starting point for your transformation.

Also, if you’re finding value here, please spread the word to your fellow accountants. Together, we can shift how accountants think and work, changing the story of what’s possible in this profession.

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