You probably started your practice to secure freedom and success—so why does it feel so relentless?
Running your own accounting practice can be rewarding. That’s something I often hear from accountants I interview for the Accountants’ Success Secrets Podcast. Especially those who see success as something other than just ‘getting bigger.’
For them, success isn’t about constant growth. It’s about:
✔ Enjoying the work they do.
✔ Earning enough (without endless stress).
✔ Choosing their hours.
✔ Working with clients they actually like.
✔ Getting paid what they’re worth.
Some got there through trial and error. Others say they were ‘lucky.’ Many credit a mentor, a coach, or a guiding influence along the way.
When accountants book a call with me I tend to hear a different story. Some are struggling, others have a moderately successful practice but…
❌ They feel like they’re constantly chasing their tail.
❌ They’ve fallen out of love with their work.
❌ They just need enough new good clients to feel comfortable again.
Over the years I have concluded that the difference between those who are struggling and those who are thriving isn’t a matter of just working harder. Doing more of what’s not working isn’t much help. If you want things to be different, you need to do different things yourself. The right things, that will help you secure the success you want.
It’s different for everyone. No two mentoring conversations are the same. But there are some fundamentals that everyone needs to get right. Nail these, and you’ll feel more in control, more confident, and less overwhelmed.
Some of the accountants I speak with can go off and make these changes themselves. And some prefer the idea of the ongoing support and encouragement they trust I will provide.
1. Get things done—without drowning in them
The most successful accountants don’t just work harder; they work smarter. If your to-do list feels endless, it’s time to take control:
🔹 Be ruthless—ditch distractions and focus on what actually moves the needle.
🔹 Set clear, specific goals—and track them so you don’t lose momentum.
🔹 Block out time to work ‘on’ the practice (and protect it like a client or mentoring meeting).
🔹 Automate repetitive tasks—your time is too valuable to waste.
If you’re always ‘busy’ but not making progress, something needs to change.
2. Build your self-confidence
Self-confidence or self-belief isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’ – it’s the foundation of a strong practice. The way you see yourself affects everything, from pricing to handling difficult clients. Strengthen it by:
🔹 Recognising your wins—however small (they all count).
🔹 Surrounding yourself with supporters, not drainers.
🔹 Challenging negative self-talk (would you speak to a friend that way?).
🔹 Setting boundaries—especially with clients who don’t respect your time.
The more you back yourself, the more your practice will thrive. And if you need help seeing what’s possible? Let’s talk.
NB: Beware the Dunning-Kruger effect. This is what happens when you don’t know enough to realise what you don’t know! Excessive self-confidence is dangerous as it results in you over-estimating your abilities and knowledge. This can lead to costly mistakes, negligence claims and huge amounts of rectification time. Some of my more successful (and outwardly confident) clients still like to use me as a sounding board to sense check big decisions.
3. Make time for yourself
I’ve never spoken with an accountant who started their own practice to work longer hours for less freedom. So I’m sure you didn’t do that either. If that’s how it feels though, it’s time to reset the balance:
🔹 Set (and stick to) clear working hours—your personal time is valuable.
🔹 Book personal time into your calendar, not just ‘when work allows.’
🔹 Review your client list – are they the right ones for the business you want?
🔹 Say ‘no’ more often. It opens the door to better opportunities.
Your business shouldn’t be draining you. If it is, let’s fix that.
Time to take stock
Pause. Reflect. Try even one of these ideas—and see what shifts.
Because running your own practice should be fulfilling, not just relentless.
And if you’d like support, encouragement and guidance to refine, reshape, or re-energise your firm (without chasing growth for growth’s sake), let’s talk.
