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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/
128 Episodes
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Did you know that when your brain is in survival mode, your best thinking shuts down? In this week’s Smarter in 5 Minutes episode, I’m explaining why stress hijacks your focus, creativity, and logic—and how to reset your brain when everything feels overwhelming. Just 5 minutes. One powerful shift to get your clarity back.
Have you ever sat down to get work done… and somehow, nothing gets done? Do you start one thing, then bounce to something else, then wonder how an hour disappeared — and not in a good way? You’re not alone — and you’re definitely not broken. In this week’s episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I’m talking about something that a lot of accountants deal with but rarely talk about: why the symptoms of ADHD — or something that feels a whole lot like it — can be so much louder in the accounting world. I’m not here to diagnose anyone. But I am here to help you understand why procrastination, time blindness, overwhelm, forgetfulness, and even emotional burnout are so common among accountants — and what’s actually going on behind the scenes in your brain. If you’ve ever felt like you “used to be more organized” or wonder, “Why can’t I focus like I used to?” — this episode might shine a light. This episode is especially for you if: You feel like you’re always behind, even when you’re working nonstop You’ve secretly wondered if you might have ADHD You’re tired of pushing yourself harder and want a better way to get things done You’re curious about how coaching — and a tool like The Model — could actually help your brain work with you, not against you There’s nothing wrong with you. But there might be something wrong with how your work expects your brain to operate. Listen in and let’s talk about it — because the more you understand, the less personal and stressful it all feels. 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
“I’ll do it later” sounds harmless—but it’s often your brain’s way of dodging discomfort. In this week’s Smarter in 5 Minutes episode, I’m unpacking why your lower brain reaches for that phrase, what it’s trying to avoid, and how to take back control of your follow-through. Just 5 minutes. One smart shift.
Have you ever ended the day wondering, “Why am I so tired when I barely got anything done?” Do you feel like you’re constantly switching between tasks and still can’t keep up? Does your to-do list keep growing no matter how hard you work? If so, you’re not alone—and this week’s podcast episode is going to make your day feel a whole lot lighter. In this episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I’m breaking down what a brain-friendly workflow actually looks like—and why most of us were never taught how to set one up. You’ll learn how your workflow might be quietly draining your energy, keeping your brain stuck in decision fatigue, and making you feel like you’re always behind (even when you’re not). We’ll talk about what a smarter workflow really is—and the small changes that can help you get more done, feel less scattered, and stop wasting energy trying to “power through” your day. This episode is especially for you if: You’re constantly asking yourself, “What was I doing again?” You get to the end of the day and feel like your brain is fried You’ve tried all the apps and still feel overwhelmed You’re tired of working harder and want things to feel easier This one is packed with insights that your accountant brain will thank you for—so don’t miss 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
Ever feel mentally scattered—even on days you’re checking things off? In this week’s Smarter in 5 Minutes episode, I’m sharing why your brain holds onto unfinished tasks (even small ones), and how to create a sense of closure that frees up your mental energy. Just 5 minutes. One powerful shift.
Have you ever looked back and thought, “Why didn’t I do that differently?” Have you ever felt like your career doesn’t quite feel the way you hoped it would—but you can’t put your finger on why? You’re not alone. This week on The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I’m opening up about the top 5 career mistakes I’ve made in my 35+ years as an accountant—and why I hope you don’t make them too. These aren’t mistakes like missing deadlines or forgetting to reply to an email. These are the sneaky, brain-driven habits that feel smart at the time...but quietly lead to burnout, frustration, and a career that doesn’t feel fulfilling. This episode is especially for you if: You feel like you're doing all the “right” things but still aren’t satisfied You’re stuck in the cycle of overworking and people-pleasing You’ve never really defined what “enough” or “success” means to you You’re wondering if your career path is really working for your life If any of that sounds familiar, I promise this episode will give you a new perspective—and a lot of relief. 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 had that “I’m so behind” feeling? It’s more than just a thought—it’s a trap your brain falls into that makes everything feel harder. In this week’s Smarter in 5 Minutes episode, I’m sharing how to break the behind spiral and take back control of your time and focus—without adding more pressure. Just 5 minutes. One calming shift you can use today.
Have you ever found yourself explaining, defending, or replaying a conversation in your head—just because someone got you all wrong? Like, “How could they think that about me?” Or, “If I could just explain it better, they’d understand.” Or maybe you’ve asked yourself, “Why does this bother me so much?” If you’ve ever been stuck in that loop, you are not alone. In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a powerful mindset shift that I truly believe every accountant needs to hear. It’s about learning to let go of the need to be understood—and finding the freedom that comes with not fixing how others see you. This episode is especially for you if: You often feel misunderstood or judged by others You replay conversations in your head long after they’ve happened You spend too much energy trying to “clear things up” or make others see your side You’re ready to stop letting someone else’s opinion affect how you feel at work—or at home This is one of the most freeing shifts I teach. And if you’ve been holding onto other people’s opinions for too long, this episode might 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 your day feels heavier than it should… your brain might be running a quiet thought in the background that’s making everything harder. In this week’s Smarter in 5 Minutes episode, I’m sharing how to catch that thought in action—and how to shift it so you can move forward with more clarity and less mental weight. Just 5 minutes. One small shift. Big impact.
Have you ever had a perfectly good morning… until your brain threw a worry your way? Maybe it was something small—an email, a thought like “I’m already behind,” or “I can’t mess this up.” And suddenly, everything just felt heavier. Why does that happen? Why do some thoughts hit so hard and throw us off track before the day has even begun? And more importantly—what can we do about it? This week on The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I’m introducing something that has completely changed the way I manage my mind—the 4 N Process. It’s a simple yet powerful way to shift your perspective when your thoughts start spinning. And once you learn how to use it, you’ll never look at your thinking the same way again. This process has helped me personally through everything from work stress to navigating cancer treatment. I don’t say that lightly—it’s that impactful. This episode is especially for you if: You find yourself overthinking things that shouldn’t take up so much mental space You’ve ever felt like your thoughts are running the show You want to feel more in control, without forcing positivity or pretending everything’s fine You’re tired of spiraling and want a gentler, smarter way to get back on track Your brain might be loud—but you don’t have to believe everything it says. Tune in to learn how to take your power back, one thought at a time. 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 said yes to something you didn’t really have time for… just to avoid feeling guilty—you’re not alone. In this week’s Smarter in 5 Minutes episode, I’m sharing a simple, smarter way to say no that protects your time without sounding rude or unhelpful. It’s one sentence that gives your brain space to pause—so you can respond instead of react.
Have you ever looked around at other accountants and thought, "How are they doing it all without losing their minds?" Do you ever feel like you’re working non-stop but still falling behind? Or wonder why, no matter how many hours you put in, you still feel like it’s not enough? If you’ve nodded “yes” to any of that, then this week’s episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast is one you don’t want to miss. It’s called “5 Things Smarter Accountants Do Differently”—and it’s packed with the mindset shifts and subtle habits that can completely change how your day feels (without changing your workload). Here’s the truth: most of us were never taught how to manage our minds. We were taught tax law, debits and credits, and how to meet deadlines. But no one pulled us aside and said, “Here’s how to manage stress, stop spinning, and stay in control—even on your busiest days.” In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes practices that has helped many accountants stop feeling so stressed, overwhelmed, and reactive all the time. This episode is especially for you if: You’re tired of always feeling like you’re playing catch-up You want to stop second-guessing yourself and start thinking more clearly You’re curious what it actually means to manage your mind like a Smarter Accountant You’ve tried everything to feel better—planners, apps, organizing systems—and still feel stuck I can’t wait for you to hear this one—because I know what it’s like to feel like you’re doing everything right and still wondering why it’s not working. This episode might be the missing piece. 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
Consider this: "I don’t have time” might feel like a fact—but what if it’s really a red flag? In this week’s Smarter in 5 Minutes episode, I’m sharing why that phrase usually isn’t about your calendar… it’s about your brain. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, mentally maxed out, or stuck in default mode, this 5-minute episode is for you. A small mindset shift could help you move from overwhelm to clarity—fast.
Have you ever looked up at the end of the day and thought, “Where did all the time go?” You were busy—maybe nonstop—but somehow it still feels like you didn’t get enough done. The to-do list is still long, the inbox is still full, and you’re still feeling behind. So what gives? If you’ve been trying to do all the right things—wake up early, block your time, check off your list—but it’s still not working, it might be time for a different approach. This week on the podcast, I’m sharing 7 Time Management Strategies for Improved Productivity—not generic tips, but strategies that actually work with your accountant brain instead of against it. Plus, you’ll hear the story of a coaching client who went from feeling totally depleted and scattered to feeling calm, focused, and in charge of her schedule again (even during tax season). This episode is especially for you if: You end most days feeling behind, even after working long hours You keep trying new time tools, but nothing seems to stick You feel like you’re reacting all day instead of moving forward with intention You’re tired of spinning your wheels and want a better way to manage your time If you’ve been wondering, “Why am I still so exhausted and behind when I’m working so hard?”—this episode is for you. And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn to have easier, and more successful balanced accounting careers. 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
Note: If you’re enjoying The Smarter Accountant Podcast, you’re going to love the new weekly Smarter in 5 Minutes episodes. In this week’s short episode, I’m talking about something every accountant deals with—tasks that never seem to get done. If you keep moving things from one day to the next, it’s probably not the task itself that’s the problem—it’s how you feel about doing it. In just 5 minutes, I’ll share the real reason this keeps happening and one powerful question to stop the cycle.
When’s the last time you really looked at your calendar—not just to check what’s next, but to read between the lines? Is it packed from morning to night? Is it filled with meetings and tasks for everyone else? Or is it mostly blank… and somehow still stressful? Here’s something you may not have thought about: Your calendar isn’t just a tool—it’s a reflection. It quietly shows what you’re prioritizing, where your boundaries are (or aren’t), and how your brain is managing time. This week on The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I’m sharing an episode that might just shift the way you see your calendar—and yourself. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what I see when I peek at a client’s calendar… and how what’s showing up there is directly tied to how they think, how they feel, and why they’re either overworked or falling behind. This episode is especially for you if: You feel like you’re always working, but never caught up You don’t have time for what matters—and you’re not sure why Your calendar constantly changes, and so do your priorities You suspect something needs to change, but don’t know where to start I promise, it will help you see your calendar in a whole new way. And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn to have easier, and more successful balanced accounting careers. 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
In this Smarter in 5 Minutes episode, I’m sharing one powerful sentence that can help you stop overthinking in its tracks. If your brain tends to replay conversations, second-guess decisions, or spiral before deadlines, this short episode is for you. Just one simple mindset shift—less stress, more focus.
Have you ever started the day with a plan, only to end up wondering where the time went? Do you ever feel like you’re working nonstop but still falling behind? Are you tired of feeling like you’re busy all day but not making real progress? If so, you’re going to want to listen to this week’s episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast. In this episode, How Smarter Accountants Turn Chaos Into Clarity, I’m sharing why working harder isn’t the answer when your day feels out of control. You’ll learn what’s really happening in your brain when you’re stuck in reaction mode—and more importantly, how smarter accountants think differently to stay focused, even when the chaos hits. This episode is especially for you if: You constantly feel like you’re multitasking but not finishing anything You end most days exhausted but unsure what you actually accomplished You find yourself reacting to emails and requests all day long You wish you had more time for deep, meaningful work You are tired of thinking “this is just how accounting is” There’s a smarter way to work—and it’s not about doing more. It’s about thinking differently and taking back control of your time. And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn to have easier, and more successful balanced accounting careers. 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 sat down with a plan for the day, only to wonder by lunchtime, "Where did all my time go?" Have you ever thought a task would take an hour, and somehow it swallowed your whole afternoon? Or maybe you keep feeling like this will be the week you catch up... only to find yourself even more behind? If so, you're going to love this week's episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast: "When Your Time Management Math Isn't Math-ing." In this episode, I’m digging into why your time management plans often look great on paper but fall apart in real life—and why it’s not your fault. Spoiler: It’s not about needing to work harder or be more disciplined. This episode is especially for you if: You always feel like you’re running out of time, no matter how hard you work. You plan your days and weeks carefully but still carry unfinished work into the next day. You’re tired of feeling like you're "bad at time management" and want to finally understand what’s really going on. You’re ready to work with your brain instead of fighting it every step of the way. I hope you’ll give it a listen—you deserve to feel in control of your time again. You’re already smart. Let’s help your time management math finally make sense. And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn to have easier, and more successful balanced accounting careers. 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 said yes to something and instantly regretted it? Do you feel guilty when you try to set a boundary—or worry what people will think? Have you ever wondered how some accountants seem to protect their time without upsetting anyone? If you’ve ever struggled to say no, you are definitely not alone. And if you're tired of feeling pulled in a million different directions, I recorded this week's podcast episode just for you. In this new episode of The Smarter Accountant Podcast, I’m talking about how smarter accountants protect their time and energy—without feeling guilty or selfish. You work too hard to let your time be controlled by everything and everyone around you. It’s time to start making decisions that serve you—and the people and work that matter most. This episode is especially for you if: You feel like you’re always the “go-to” person for last-minute requests You constantly battle guilt when trying to say no You wish you could protect your time without damaging relationships or opportunities You know you need better boundaries but aren’t sure where to start If any of that sounds familiar, you won't want to miss this one. I’ll show you how saying no more often can actually make you a better, Smarter Accountant. And thank you for being a part of this community. Let's all learn to have easier, and more successful balanced accounting careers. 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
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