Voices

Sure you're busy, but what are you doing?

IMGCAP(1)] It’s an accepted fact of life that we’re all very busy, especially a working professional who wants to succeed. But what exactly are you busy doing? I don’t mean what specifically are you doing, I’m sure you could answer that. What I really wonder is, have you taken the time to define where you’re headed, what you’re hoping to accomplish? Are you doing those things that will help you get there? I’d like to share a story with you about a group of accountants who answered these two questions, and the results they experienced.

A couple of weeks ago I facilitated a firm retreat for a group of mostly two to five partner firms. I give these folks a lot of credit for taking two days (plus travel) out of their busy schedules to stop working “in” their practice, and spend two days working “on” it. The retreat was built around two simple questions: What do you want your firm to look like (services, target clients, size, etc.) and how will you get there? Two simple questions that produced an amazing outcome for everyone.

Amazing, not because they each left with a clear vision and a plan to accomplish it, that was to be expected. The amazing part was the palpable energy, enthusiasm, and motivation that every participant experienced as they embarked upon their journey to building the practices they really wanted.

When our actions have a purpose, a direction, what we do is much more rewarding and engaging. When that purpose is aligned with what is important to us, it can be invigorating. Why not take a few minutes right now to answer the question, “What do I want to accomplish?” “What do I need to do (or not do) for that to happen?”

Think about this until you have some clarity. It’s important. I have observed that people who have a direction and a plan, and then pursue it, seem to get a lot more out of life in so many ways.

One more thing. Personally, I’m not a big believer in having all of life planned out, and then trying to control all the elements to make sure we achieve our goals. Life’s not that neat. It sort of unfolds in its own way. The most successful who are on this journey have goals and work toward them, while also allowing for life to happen as it does. Somehow, they work “life” into their plans, which often serves their ultimate aims. At the very least, it makes for an interesting journey!What are your thoughts?

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM ACCOUNTING TODAY