Today I want to discuss something that every accountant needs to understand, whether you’re in public or private accounting – why your brain does NOT want you to advance in your accounting career.  I think this is incredibly important to understand if you want to grow professionally or if you just want to continue being an accountant.

Think about it – have you ever considered advancing in your accounting career or possibly going out on your own, only to have it feel like an uphill battle? It turns out, our brains play a bigger role in that struggle than we realize.

As accountants, we’re all about professional growth and chasing those financial milestones, but our brains have a funny way of prioritizing safety over ambition. They’re wired to keep us in our comfort zones, even if that means missing out on opportunities for success.

For example, that stable job with the familiar routine? Our brains love it because it screams safety. But when it comes to exploring new career paths or diving into entrepreneurship, suddenly our brains are like, “Whoa!  Slow down!”

The truth is that the fear of the unknown and the potential for discomfort can outweigh the allure of financial gain and personal fulfillment. In other words, it’s like our brains are putting the brakes on our ambitions without us even realizing it.

Thankfully, there are strategies we can use to coax our brains into embracing change and taking calculated risks. By understanding how our brains work, we can bridge the gap between having career goals and actually achieving them.

Today I’m going to explain why our brains sometimes resist our plans and dreams for our accounting careers, and more importantly, how we can overcome those obstacles to reach our full potential.

The Comfort Zone Trap

Now, let’s talk about something every accountant knows pretty well: the comfort zone trap. Our comfort zone is where routines, habits, and things that are familiar create a sense of security. 

While comfort zones are helpful to have, they can be both a blessing and a curse.

In our line of work, sticking to what we know feels like second nature. As accountants, we often gravitate towards well-established procedures, familiar software, or routine tasks. 

However, there’s a fine line between a stable routine and stagnation. 

The truth is that our primitive brain, the part of the brain we’ve had since humans lived in caves, is wired for familiarity and resistance to change.  Think about it – to those early humans, familiarity often meant safety, and change could signal potential threats. 

So, what does that have to do with being an accountant in the 21st century?  Well, in the context of accounting careers, this primitive part of our brain is still running our lives 80 – 90% of the time.  

Understanding how your primitive brain works gives you an awareness and the ability to recognize the subtle and not so subtle ways your brain may resist stepping beyond the familiar, even when it’s in your best interest.

For example, take technology. I know I might be dating myself, but even though we’ve come a long way from 12-column paper and Lotus 1-2-3, our primitive brain is not comfortable with embracing new software.  

In fact, my brain threw a temper tantrum when we had to learn CCH Engagement after our firm merged with a larger firm.  My brain was so used to using the programs that were familiar to me, that it had me feeling constantly annoyed or frustrated whenever I had to utilize any new software.

And besides technology, if you want to grow and take on more of a leadership role, stepping into a managerial role means venturing beyond our comfort zone, and that can be downright scary to your accountant brain. I’ve seen it with clients time and time again—wanting to advance, but being held back by that nagging voice in their heads.

Maybe you’ve had thoughts like, “I don’t know about this.  You should probably stay where you are.”  That’s the primitive brain wanting you to stay in your comfort zone.

Plus, there’s also the processes we use to get our work done.  Sure, our tried-and-tested methods might feel like old friends, but they could be holding us back from greater efficiency and productivity.

I’ve actually spoken to many accountants who will argue for their limitations, all because that’s familiar to their accountant brain.  What I mean when I say, “Accountants will argue for their limitations” is that we hold onto what’s familiar, even if it’s unhelpful.

For example, I explained to an accountant on a consult call that I could teach him how to work less and get more done.  He was working 60 – 70 hours a week and I shared that I could teach him how to better manage his time so that he could get more done in less time.

You would think that would be a good thing for him to hear, but not to his accountant brain.  His brain said, “It’s probably a gimmick.  The only way I can do what I do is to work the hours I’ve always worked.”

The issue was that the hours he was working were unsustainable, but his primitive brain didn’t care.  It only cared about sticking with what’s familiar, even if what was familiar was unhelpful.

So what’s the good news? Once we recognize the comfort zone for what it is, we can start making moves to break free. 

It’s all about seeing what your brain is doing and being willing to step outside that cozy, but often unhelpful bubble it’s created.  Trust me, the rewards are worth it.

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Fear of Failure

Now that you know a little bit more about why it’s so easy to fall into the comfort zone trap, I want to talk about a common hurdle in our accounting careers: the fear of failure. It’s like this invisible barrier that holds us back from reaching our full potential. 

But thankfully, we can totally conquer it.

In our line of work, where accuracy and precision is everything, the pressure to get things right can feel suffocating. Whether it’s stressing over financial reports or feeling anxious about misinterpreting regulations, that fear of messing something up is always lurking in the background.

Why is that?  Well, once again it’s the way your primitive brain is wired to steer clear of anything that seems like danger. 

The issue is that there are A LOT of things that our brain believes is dangerous, including failure.  The fear of failure triggers all sorts of alarms, making us hesitant to take risks, even when those risks could lead to major career wins.

Again, when humans lived in caves, we stayed safe in our caves, fearing the rustling of a bush because it could be a saber-toothed tiger waiting to pounce on us.  Back then, avoiding risks was a survival tactic. 

Fast forward to today, and that fear of failure still has a tight grip on us.  Even an email from a difficult client can create the same level of fear as when we used rocks as weapons.

Thankfully, there are ways to outsmart this ancient survival instinct:

Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Instead of seeing challenges as roadblocks, think of them as opportunities to learn and improve. This shift in mindset helps reshape how you view failure and allows you to see it as a natural part of the learning process.

Setting Realistic Goals:  Break down your career goals into smaller, achievable steps. This approach makes the journey less overwhelming and reduces the fear of failure. Celebrate your successes along the way, building confidence in your abilities.

Learning from Mistakes:  Mistakes are a part of any profession, even in accounting. Treat them as learning experiences. When a mistake happens, take the time to understand what went wrong, learn from it, and use that knowledge to do better next time.

Seeking Mentorship and Guidance:  Connect with experienced mentors and coaches who can offer insights and advice. Sharing your concerns about the fear of failure with someone who has been there can provide valuable support. Learning from others’ experiences can be a powerful tool for your own growth.

When dealing with a fear of failure, it’s all about flipping the script your primitive, fear-based brain has and seeing setbacks as stepping stones to move you forward.

Imposter Syndrome

Despite the fact that as accountants, we are smart people doing smart things, there’s something we have in common with many other accountants – imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is that feeling of self-doubt that often creeps in, despite our intelligence, skills, and accomplishments. In fact, it doesn’t matter how many letters you have after your last name or what title your business card has, imposter syndrome happens to most of us.

If you’ve experienced imposter syndrome, there’s no shame.

Most of my coaching clients come to me to work on imposter syndrome.  Despite everyone around them singing their praises or being impressed by their resume, there’s that voice in their head whispering, “You’re not as good as they think you are” or “Someone’s going to figure out that you don’t know as much as they believe you do.”

When it comes to imposter syndrome, once again, we have to blame it on our brains, specifically the fact that they are wired to focus on the negatives, even when we’ve got a laundry list of successes. 

For example, maybe you graduated with an impressive GPA or you passed the CPA exam.  But instead of feeling proud, there’s this nagging thought that maybe it was just luck, or worse, that you’re not as smart as everyone thinks.

But here’s the thing: it’s not just you. Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon, especially in fields like accounting where there’s a high expectation of excellence.

And while it can feel isolating, knowing that you’re not alone can be surprisingly comforting.

So how do we combat this sneaky impostor syndrome? Here are a few strategies that should help silence that doubting voice:

First off, you have to begin to challenge those negative thoughts. Instead of dwelling on what your brain perceives as weaknesses, focus on your strengths and accomplishments. 

For example, if you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not cut out for this role,” you have to counter it with specific examples of times when you’ve done well in similar situations.  Don’t assume your thoughts are facts, because they’re not.

They’re actually optional sentences in your brain that you have 100% control over.

The second suggestion is to celebrate your wins, big and small. Whether it’s completing a challenging task or receiving praise from a colleague, take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. 

Keeping a record of these successes serves as a tangible reminder of your capabilities and can help boost your confidence when self-doubt creeps in.  Your brain will always look for proof of what you believe, so start thinking better thoughts about yourself and have the proof ready.

The third suggestion, like I said before, is to seek out mentors and coaches who can offer constructive feedback and support. Connecting with experienced professionals who understand the challenges of the accounting profession can provide valuable insights and reassurance. 

For example, as I say at the end of each podcast episode, if you’re struggling with any aspect of being an accountant, you can always schedule a quick call with me for guidance.  I’ve been at this for over 30 years, so I can help you gain perspective and confidence in your abilities.

The fourth suggestion is to prioritize continuous learning and skill development. The accounting profession is always changing, so try to stay as up-to-date as you can on industry trends and advancements.

For example, taking CPE classes, workshops, or webinars will help to enhance your knowledge and your skills.  This will not only boost your confidence but also reinforces your competence in your field.

And the fifth and final suggestion if you’re dealing with imposter syndrome is to build a supportive professional network. Surround yourself with colleagues who understand the pressures and challenges of the accounting world and who can offer encouragement and advice. 

For example, whether it’s in person or virtually, participating in discussions and sharing experiences with peers can help normalize feelings of impostor syndrome and provide a sense of camaraderie and support.  The truth is that you’re not the only one experiencing imposter syndrome.

Hopefully you can see that by implementing these strategies and challenging the negative thoughts associated with impostor syndrome, you can begin to create a stronger sense of self-confidence and a more accurate perception of your abilities. 

Again, you’re not alone in experiencing these feelings, but there’s also something you can do about them so that they’re no longer holding you back.

Becoming a Smarter Accountant: Managing Your Brain So You Can Advance In Your Accounting Career

In my book, “The Smarter Accountant,” I explained all about the importance of brain management for accountants.  Managing your brain is much simpler than you think and involves understanding and intentionally choosing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to override your primitive brain’s resistance to change.  

Basically, this means recognizing when your primitive brain is getting in the way and knowing what to do about it.  Let me give you some real-life examples to illustrate how managing your brain can transform your accounting career. 

One of my clients had difficulty with new accounting technologies. Every time her firm introduced something new, her brain went into panic mode, just like mine did. But after becoming a Smarter Accountant, she took proactive steps to enroll in training programs and understand the technology better. 

By conquering her brain’s initial resistance to change, she not only mastered the new technologies but also became a go-to resource within her firm.  By understanding her brain better, it opened doors for career advancement she never thought possible.

I worked with another coaching client who faced setbacks early in his career, leading to a lot of self-doubt. Working for a mid-sized firm that provided very little training, he found himself making more mistakes than he was comfortable with. 

Thankfully, after completing the 6-week Smarter Accountant Program, he changed how he saw new challenges. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes, he saw them as chances to learn and grow. 

By being open to feedback and always learning, he overcame imposter syndrome and got a promotion he thought he couldn’t reach.

Hopefully, these stories show how important it is to manage your brain as an accountant. The truth is that when your brain is on your side, it makes reaching your career goals easier and more satisfying, no matter what those goals are.

Well, that’s what I have for you.  Thank you for joining me as I discussed why your brain doesn’t want you to advance in your accounting career and what to do about it.  I hope you’ve gained valuable insights and practical tools.

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

You are NOT meant to have a successful accounting career without support.  You worked hard to become an accountant; it’s time to make it easier to be one.

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.