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The Smarter Accountant Podcast
The Smarter Accountant Podcast
Author: Dawn Goldberg, CPA
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Welcome to The Smarter Accountant Podcast, a unique podcast for CPAs and accountants who are ready to take their careers, businesses and lives to the next level. This is the podcast where brain science meets accounting, revolutionizing the way you approach your professional and personal growth.
We believe that success in accounting goes beyond numbers and spreadsheets—it's about understanding your unique accountant brain and leveraging that knowledge to achieve extraordinary results.
Are you ready? Let's go.
https://thesmarteraccountant.com/
We believe that success in accounting goes beyond numbers and spreadsheets—it's about understanding your unique accountant brain and leveraging that knowledge to achieve extraordinary results.
Are you ready? Let's go.
https://thesmarteraccountant.com/
149 Episodes
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Have you ever felt like no matter how hard you work, things in your accounting career never seem to get easier? Do you start the day with the best intentions… only to end it wondering where all your time went? Do you ever catch yourself thinking, "If I could just work harder, maybe I could finally get ahead"—but the harder you work, the heavier it feels? You're not alone. Most accountants I work with feel like they're spinning their wheels, constantly reacting to emails, deadlines, and client demands without ever feeling fully in control. But what if the answer isn't about working harder… it's about thinking differently? In this week's episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I'm sharing something unexpected: how a few ideas from quantum physics can actually make your accounting career easier. I'll break down four simple concepts and show you how these tiny shifts in the way you think can change how your day feels and how much you get done. These aren't theories you'll have to memorize. They're practical, brain-friendly ways to reduce stress, stay focused, and make accounting feel a little lighter—without working longer hours or adding yet another app or tool to your routine. This episode is especially for you if: You feel like you're constantly working but not making real progress Your stress levels spike the moment another "urgent" email lands You're exhausted from reacting to everyone else's priorities You want to work smarter—not harder—and have more control over your day If you've ever wished accounting could feel easier, this episode is for you. Because sometimes, all it takes is one small shift to change everything. You can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
"If I can't do it perfectly, I won't do it at all." Sound familiar? That's your brain's survival wiring at work. When something feels challenging or uncertain, your lower brain wants simplicity: do it all or do nothing. The problem is, that shortcut keeps you stuck and makes progress harder than it has to be. In this week's Smarter in 5 Minutes, I'm sharing why your brain defaults to all-or-nothing thinking—and one simple shift that helps you move forward, even when things feel overwhelming. Listen now — it's just 5 minutes.
Have you ever had one of those days where you wonder, "Why am I still doing this?" Have you questioned if accounting is really the right path for you? Or felt like you're drowning in deadlines, doubts, and demands — and secretly imagined what it would be like to walk away? If you nodded even slightly, this week's episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast is one you need to hear. In this honest, no-fluff episode, I'm unpacking the thoughts most accountants are afraid to admit — from constant overwhelm and work-life imbalance to imposter syndrome and burnout. More importantly, I'll show you why these feelings don't mean something is wrong with you — and what you can start doing differently. This episode is especially for you if: ✅ You've ever said, "I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this." ✅ You feel like accounting is taking more than it's giving. ✅ You're constantly overwhelmed, stressed, or second-guessing yourself. ✅ You're questioning whether the work you do is still meaningful. ✅ You wonder if there's a better way to stay in the profession without burning out. Whether you're thinking of quitting or just feeling stuck, this episode will help you see what's really going on — and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. You've worked too hard to keep feeling this stressed. Let's talk about what to do when you're ready for something better. You can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
Have you ever opened a big project, stared at it… and done nothing? That "freeze" isn't laziness—it's your brain trying to protect you. When your lower brain senses uncertainty, it flips into survival mode, making the task feel bigger and scarier than it actually is. The good news is that you can break the cycle with one simple shift. In this week's Smarter in 5 Minutes, I'm sharing why your brain reacts this way and an easy way to create momentum when you feel stuck. Listen now — it's just 5 minutes.
Have you ever had a day where you were working nonstop… but still felt like you didn't actually get anywhere? Or maybe you were checking emails, jumping between tasks, and reacting to everything coming at you—only to end the day feeling completely drained? If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. And there's a simple reason why it keeps happening. This week's episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast is all about a check-in has the power to shift how you work, how you respond, and how you lead your entire day. This episode is especially for you if: You feel like your to-do list controls you You react to emails or interruptions without thinking You feel behind, even after a full day of work You want to feel more in control of your day—but don't know where to start If any of that hits home, this episode will help you see things differently—and start leading from a much smarter place. You can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
If you've ever tried to fix overwhelm by working more, you already know…it doesn't work for long. Because no matter how many hours you put in, you can't get traction if your mind is scattered, stressed, or exhausted. The real bottleneck isn't your calendar—it's your mental load. In this week's Smarter in 5 Minutes, I explain why more effort isn't the answer, and how a clearer mind can make the same tasks feel lighter, faster, and more doable. Listen in — it's just 5 minutes.
Have you ever looked around and wondered, "How are they so confident… and why don't I feel that way?" Do you ever catch yourself thinking, "If I just had more experience… more praise… or fewer mistakes, then I'd feel confident"? You're not the only one. This week's episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast flips that thinking on its head. Because confidence doesn't come from your job, your boss, or your circumstances—it comes from your brain. And the best part is that you don't need to change anything around you to feel more confident. In this episode, I'm sharing five practical ways to build real, steady confidence from the inside out—ways that actually work for accountants like us. This episode is especially for you if: • You second-guess yourself, even when others think you're doing great • You wait for things to feel "perfect" before speaking up or taking action • You quietly compare yourself to coworkers and always come up short • You want to feel more confident without working harder to earn it It's one of the most important conversations I've had on the podcast—and I can't wait for you to hear it. You can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
Your brain is built for short-term comfort, not long-term results. That's why answering emails feels easier than working on the big project. But here's the good news: you can train your brain to focus on what matters most. In this week's Smarter in 5 Minutes, I'm sharing why your brain defaults to "right now" decisions—and one simple daily question that shifts you toward long-term gains. Listen now — it's only 5 minutes.
Have you ever looked at your calendar and thought, "There's no way I can get all this done"? Or maybe you've noticed that no matter how much you plan, your days still feel rushed and messy? You're not alone. A lot of accountants rely on their calendars to stay organized, but here's the problem—most of us were never actually taught how to use them in a way that truly works. Instead, we pick a system, fill it up, and hope for the best. The truth is, a full calendar doesn't always mean you're being productive. In fact, the way you're using it might be the very thing that's holding you back. That's why in this week's episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I'm breaking down the Top Calendar Mistakes That Are Holding You Back. You'll see how small, brain-based shifts in how you plan your time can make a huge difference in how much you get done—and how you feel while doing it. This episode is especially for you if: • You often overschedule and still end the day behind • You move the same task from one day to the next without completing it • Your calendar feels more like a wish list than a reliable plan • You're busy all day but don't feel like you've accomplished anything • You feel stressed or overwhelmed every time you look at your schedule Your calendar should be a tool that supports you, not something that adds more stress. This episode will help you see where things are going wrong—and how to start turning your calendar into a system that actually works for you. You can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
Overthinking feels like preparation. Like if you just keep analyzing, replaying, or worrying, you'll eventually find the "right" answer. But here's the truth: overthinking is your brain's way of avoiding uncertainty. It feels safe, but it keeps you stuck in a loop that drains energy without creating progress. In this week's Smarter in 5 Minutes, I'm breaking down why your brain convinces you overthinking is helpful—and the simple shift that actually creates momentum.
Have you ever signed up for a CPE course just because it was free? Or filled your calendar with webinars, telling yourself it was the "smart" thing to do—when deep down, you were actually avoiding something else? You're not the only one. This week on The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I'm talking about something that doesn't get discussed nearly enough: how continuing education can become a sneaky form of avoidance—and why it's keeping so many accountants stuck. Sure, we all need the credits. And of course, learning is valuable. But if you've ever wondered why all the learning still doesn't make you feel more confident, more capable, or more in control—this episode explains why. What Most Accountants Get Wrong About Continuing Education is one of those episodes that might challenge the way you think—but in the best possible way. This episode is especially for you if: You've ever said, "Once I finish this course, then I'll feel ready. You keep chasing certifications but still struggle with confidence. You've taken tons of CPE but don't feel like you're moving forward. You're tired of checking boxes and want real growth that actually sticks. You're curious if there's a smarter, more intentional way to learn and lead. Here's to growing on purpose—not just collecting certificates. You can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
Ever notice how at the end of a long day, even the smallest email feels like a fire drill? That's not you being dramatic—it's your brain on low fuel. When mental energy is depleted, the part of your brain that helps you prioritize goes offline. What's left is the primitive brain, which sees everything as urgent. That's why you wind up reacting instead of deciding, and ending the day more scattered than focused. The smarter move? Learn how to reset your brain in under a minute so you can see clearly what actually matters.
Have you ever had to work with someone who just makes everything harder? Maybe a team member who doesn't follow through… A client who pushes your buttons… Or even a coworker who always seems to have an attitude? You try to stay calm. You try to be professional. But inside, you're thinking, Why is this so hard? Why won't they just do what they're supposed to do? If any of that sounds familiar, you're going to want to listen to this week's episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast. You'll hear why managing people gets so frustrating, what your brain is doing behind the scenes, and how to take back control—even if nothing around you changes. This episode is especially for you if: You feel drained by certain people at work You've been blaming yourself (or someone else) and it's not helping You want to manage your team—or your clients—with less stress You're open to a smarter way that puts you back in charge of how you show up I promise—it's not about changing others. It's about finally understanding what you can control… and what happens when you do. You can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
Ever feel like you're being super productive when you're bouncing between emails, client calls, and spreadsheets? Here's the catch: your brain isn't multitasking—it's task-switching. Each switch drains your working memory and scatters your focus. The result? More mistakes, less clarity, and the feeling that you worked all day without real progress. In this week's Smarter in 5 Minutes, I'm sharing what multitasking actually does to your brain—and a simple 5-minute way to protect your focus.
Have you ever found yourself thinking, "Why can't I just get it together?" Like no matter how hard you try, you're still behind—and maybe it's your fault? You're not lazy. You're not broken. And you're definitely not alone. But when everything feels overwhelming, it's easy to blame yourself first. That' why this week's episode is one I really want you to hear. This episode is especially for you if: You always feel behind, even on your busiest days You beat yourself up when something falls through the cracks You think you need more motivation to fix your time management You're stuck reacting instead of planning You've ever thought, "I should be better at this by now" This episode will explain what's really going on in your brain when things still feel hard, even when you're doing everything you can. You can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
Ever notice how you end up doing small, easy tasks instead of the important ones? It's not procrastination—it's brain wiring. Your brain is built to conserve energy, so it automatically looks for the path of least resistance. That's why email feels more tempting than starting a complex project. But here's the problem: when your brain keeps choosing easy, progress stalls and frustration builds. In this week's Smarter in 5 Minutes, I'm sharing why your brain defaults to easy—and how planning for hard in advance lets you finally follow through on the work that matters.
Have you ever been told to "just keep your head down and do good work"—and everything will work out? Did you follow that advice… only to find yourself stuck, overlooked, or wondering why no one seems to notice how hard you're working? If so, you're definitely not alone. This week on The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I'm sharing the worst career advice I ever got—and what it wound up costing me. It's the kind of advice that sounds smart on the surface, especially for accountants. But when you dig a little deeper, you realize how it could be quietly holding you back. Here's the truth: Being the hardest worker in the room doesn't always get you ahead. Sometimes, it just makes you the most exhausted. This episode is especially for you if: You've ever wondered why others get ahead while you're still waiting to be noticed You feel like your work speaks for itself, but no one seems to hear it You want more opportunities but feel uncomfortable putting yourself out there You've ever thought, "Why doesn't anyone see how hard I'm working?" If any of that hits home, you're going to want to hear this one. ou can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
Have you ever said "yes" and instantly wish you hadn't? It's not a willpower problem—it's brain wiring. Your brain is designed to avoid social rejection, and saying yes feels safer than risking disapproval. But that "safe" choice can lead to resentment, burnout, and overwhelm. In this week's Smarter in 5 Minutes, I'm sharing why your brain does this on autopilot—and how to catch it before you commit to something you'll regret.
Do you ever start the day with a plan—but by the end of it, you haven't done anything you intended to? Are you the go-to person for solving problems, answering questions, and picking up slack… even when you're already stretched too thin? If so, you're going to want to listen to this week's episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast — "5 Boundaries Every Accountant Needs to Set." Most accountants are reliable, helpful, and dedicated. But without realizing it, we often put ourselves at the bottom of the list. That leads to stress, resentment, overwork—and burnout that creeps in slowly. This episode is especially for you if: You say "yes" too often—even when you want to say no You feel like work is bleeding into every part of your life You're constantly reacting to everyone else's priorities You're exhausted but still feel guilty taking a break You want more control, but don't know where to start The bottom line is, you don't need to change your job—you just need to change what you allow. You can read the full show notes HERE You can take the 5-minute Smarter Accountant Quiz HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant Podcast Guide HERE You can download The Smarter Accountant's Cheat Sheet For Better Time Management HERE
Fun Fact: If your brain keeps telling you to "just check email one more time," there's a reason. In this week's Smarter in 5 Minutes episode, I'm explaining why your brain gets hooked on email—even when it's not urgent—and how to break the loop without guilt or stress. Just 5 minutes. One smarter redirect.





