Are you a tax professional drowning in a sea of emails, phone calls, and client demands? Do you find yourself working late into the night, sacrificing your personal life for the sake of your practice? Well, it’s time to put on your life jacket and swim to the shore of sanity.
Today, we’re going to talk about the secret world of setting boundaries – the knight in shining armor you didn’t know you needed!
The Golden Rule of Boundaries
Let’s start with a powerful phrase that might just change your life. This is a footnote in my email signature that I put in about a decade ago. Read it and pause for a moment to grasp the freeing possibility this will have on you and your tax practice:
“Please note effective immediately, I will only be checking email and returning phone calls between 11am-1pm and/or 4-6pm. If you need an immediate response, please call the office or email team@yourtaxfirmname.com and see if my staff can answer your question, otherwise, I will respond to you during these times. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”
Doesn’t that just sound like music to your ears? It’s like telling the tax code, “Not today, Satan!” But in a more professional way, of course.
Why Boundaries Are Your New Best Friend
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But won’t my clients revolt? Won’t they think I’m slacking off?” Let me stop you right there, my friend. Setting boundaries isn’t about being lazy; it’s about being smart. It’s like putting up a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your office door, except it’s for your entire life. By setting clear boundaries, you’re not just preserving your sanity; you’re actually boosting your productivity and efficiency. It’s like giving your brain a VIP pass to the “Focus Zone.” When you’re not constantly interrupted by the ping of emails or the ring of phone calls, you can dive deep into complex tax issues (or any other big project you need to do) without coming up for air every five minutes.
The Productivity Paradox
Here’s a mind-bender for you: by being less available, you actually become more productive. I know, it sounds crazier than trying to explain the alternative minimum tax to your grandmother. But trust me, it works. When you set specific times for communication, you’re creating uninterrupted blocks of time to tackle your most important tasks. It’s like having a “No Tax Troubles Allowed” force field around you. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you’re not playing email ping-pong all day.
The Client Education Game
Now, I can hear some of you muttering, “But my clients expect me to be available 24/7!” Yeah, I think that is your expectation. Why would you want to be available 24/7. Is your doctor, dentist or attorney available for you 24/7? I think not! Well, it’s time to change the game, my friends. Think of it as a fun little exercise in client education. When you set boundaries, you’re actually teaching your clients to respect your time. It’s like training a puppy, but with less treats and more professional courtesy. You’ll find that most clients will adapt quickly, especially when they see the high-quality work you produce during your focused time.
The Work-Life Balance Jackpot
Let’s face it, we didn’t become tax professionals for the glamorous lifestyle (although those calculator watches are pretty snazzy). But that doesn’t mean we should sacrifice our personal lives on the altar of tax returns with your blood, sweat and tears. By setting boundaries, you’re reclaiming your right to a life outside of work. Imagine being able to have dinner with your family without your phone buzzing every two minutes with “urgent” client questions, being able to enjoy you weekend doing the things you love doing, or just simply reading a book, gardening or woodworking. It’s like winning the work-life balance lottery!
The Bottom Line
So, my tax-savvy friends, it’s time to embrace the power of boundaries. Post that communication schedule, stick to it, and watch as your productivity soars and your stress levels plummet. Remember, a happy tax professional is an efficient tax professional. Who knows? With all that extra time and energy, you might even find yourself looking forward to tax season. Okay, let’s not get carried away. But at least you’ll be facing it with a smile on your face and a spring in your step. I know your family will appreciate this.
Now go forth and set those boundaries! Your future, less-stressed self will thank you.
Here’s to a better tax season and a brighter future for your tax practice!
If you want to know more consider joining the Tax Resolution Academy® by clicking this link
I hope this helps.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us.
I would love to hear your thoughts, challenges, and successes in writing your very own book.
Have a GREAT day,
Cordially,
Dan
Dan Henn, CPA, CTR™
Co-Founder, Tax Resolution Academy®
Managing Member
Tax Pro Academy, LLC
P.S. Want to learn more about the Tax Resolution Academy®, go to https://community.taxresolutionacademy.com.
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