I have heard that in Canada, there are only three seasons.

Last winter.

This winter.

Next winter.

In other locales, there is

tourist season

bow-hunting season

ski season.

For CPAs, there's tax season.

It seems like it runs almost all year these days.

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And everyone knows tax season is "always busy."

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Here is how the thought, "tax season is always busy," might play out in a mental model.

(Listen to episode #193 if this tool is new to you.)

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Circumstance: specific dates on calendar

Thought: "Tax season is going to be super-busy; that’s just how it is!"

Feeling: overwhelmed, avoidant, paralyzed

Action: do not locate capacity limit in advance; say yes when your gut says to say no; attempt to complete too much in a short time frame; multi-task, allow interruptions; don't prioritize work or organize steps or thinking, spin in confusion or indecision about what to do next, procrastinate, resign self to working long hours.

Result: tax season is super-busy

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Unlike perpetual Canadian winter :) it need not be this way.

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An alternate model –

Circumstance: specific dates on calendar

Thought options: I am open to learning how to get a handle on tax season; I am getting a handle on tax season; I have a handle on tax season;

Feeling: confident / in charge / sense of agency / determined

Action: plan capacity; calendar time proactively so it is optimally used; do not over-schedule; plan "focus time" for when your brain is at its best; turn off all notifications on your phone and desktop; set boundaries and respect them; take breaks to stay fresh, eat well, sleep well

Result: tax season is well-handled

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Thoughts show up in results.

Thoughts create results.

Want to say goodbye to grinding and hello to manageable?
Watch this space for a big announcement coming in October…