We’re heading for a New Year and for many that means goal setting for the year ahead.
What goals are you going to be setting yourself as we move into 2020? There is something psychological about starting a new decade that could make more people evaluate their lives in greater depth. Many will be asking the questions – ‘Am I happy? What am I doing with my life? Is there something better out there?’
This is especially true for accountants. The beginning of the calendar year is always a challenging time as they deal with clients and the online tax deadline. Regardless of whether you work for an accountancy practice or for yourself, it’s never going to be a quiet time of year.
However, there are ways of dealing with those challenges. For me, even though I know I am in the middle of my busiest period, I still insist on turning off the phone over Christmas and devoting my time purely to my family. I have set that boundary as I want to spend Christmas with my family and friends, rather than dealing with client enquiries. How am I able to do that? I set clear boundaries with clients before and after the Christmas period to manage the work flow. All the tax returns get done in time but I do it on my terms.
Goal setting is different for everyone. For some they will be striving for financial reward but for others it can be less tangible goals. In order to determine what is important to you, you should ask yourself what is the lifestyle you dream of. Is your overall happiness more important than additional money in the bank a higher salary might give you?
It is fascinating to know what motivates people, so how about answering this question:
Which would you prefer?
- A 4 day working week but a reduced salary
- A higher salary
There is a myth, especially amongst women, that you can have it all; a glittering career, a household that runs smoothly, well-adjusted and happy children, enough time in the week for you. We read about it online and see examples of people who seem to be achieving it on social media but is it really achievable for the normal working person? Or should we actually be more honest with each other? Yes, you might have got the kids to school on time but the house is a mess…Yes, you might have worked a 40 hour week but you haven’t had a proper conversation with your spouse…Yes, you might have a fancy new car but you’re struggling to make ends meet every month.
If we were all a little bit more honest then we would probably admit we were living in reality not an Instagram-ready dream. That tends to mean you need to compromise. In the end, the truth is most of us can’t ‘have it all’ unless we’re millionaires and have a team of people behind us. However, what we can do is decide what the most important things in our lives are and aim to achieve those.
Work life has a profound effect on home life. If you’re working in an environment you’re not enjoying, for a company you don’t believe in and for people you don’t respect, chances are you’re not happy. And if you’re not happy, chances are that’s affecting your home life and everyone who lives with you.
So, as you reflect on this year and look forward to next, ask yourself honest questions about what will make you happier at work. If you’re an accountant working for a practice and desire more freedom, a less cut-throat environment, the chance to choose your own clients and a better work-life balance, then consider becoming a Grass & Holm franchisee.
Having built a successful accountancy practice from scratch in just a few years, I’m looking to help other highly talented, customer focused accountants in 2020 start up on their own, just with fewer obstacles and all the support they need.
We offer:
- A practice that is set up and ready to go
- Freedom to run your own business
- Support and training
- A strong brand Marketing and client attraction
- Compliance reviews and guidance
- A brand that cares about you, your clients and your business
Sound interesting? Sound like something you’ll want to pursue in 2020?
To find out more give me a call on 07835 832160, but remember don’t call over Christmas as the phone will be turned off! It’s all about choice and boundaries…Happy Christmas
Are you considering becoming a franchisee?
Download your free copy of our guide now. It covers everything you need to know about what it takes to set up a business on your own, and what you can expect from the Grass and Holm Associates Franchise model.
