Being a CPA today is nothing like it was even a decade ago. With artificial intelligence and automation reshaping our profession, it’s easy to feel like we’re caught in an influx of change. But this transformation isn’t just about technology. It’s an opportunity to redefine what success looks like for us professionally and personally.

The Old Way Isn’t Cutting It

Remember when success meant burning the midnight oil, sacrificing weekends, and being available 24/7? That’s not sustainable. And frankly, it’s not necessary anymore. AI is taking over the grunt work, freeing us to focus on what matters.

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We risk burning out or becoming obsolete if we don’t change our approach. So, what’s the alternative?

A New Blueprint for Success

It’s time to ditch the idea that we need to compartmentalize our lives. Work, family, hobbies, health—they’re all interconnected. When one thrives, they all benefit. When one suffers, we feel it across the board.

Unlike the outdated concept of work-life balance, which implies a constant juggling act, work-life harmony® recognizes that our professional and personal lives are deeply intertwined. It’s about creating a life where all elements work together rather than competing for our time and energy.

Here are some ideas to start creating a life where all these elements work together:

Embrace the AI sidekick: Stop fighting against automation. Instead, see it as your sidekick, handling the tedious tasks while you focus on high-level strategy and building relationships.
Cultivate your human edge: In a world of algorithms, your ability to connect, empathize, and provide nuanced advice is gold. Invest time in developing these skills. They’re what will set you apart in the AI era.
Bring your whole self to work: Love photography? Use those visual skills to present financial data in compelling ways. Passionate about fitness? Help clients understand the parallels between financial and physical health.
Redefine availability: Being available 24/7 doesn’t make you a better CPA. It makes you a tired, cranky one. Set boundaries, communicate them clearly, and stick to them. Your clients will respect you more for it.
Prioritize learning, not just doing: Set aside time each week to learn something new—whether it’s related to accounting or not. A broad knowledge base makes you a more interesting person and a more valuable advisor.

Implementing Work-Life Harmony in Your Day-to-Day

Achieving work-life harmony isn’t about making drastic changes overnight. It’s about small, consistent steps that add up over time. Here are some practical ways to start:

Morning rituals: Start your day with activities that center you. This could be meditation, exercise, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Beginning your day intentionally sets a positive tone for everything that follows.
Time blocking: Instead of multitasking, try dedicating specific blocks to different tasks or areas of your life. You might have a block for deep work, another for client calls, and another for family time or personal hobbies.
Regular check-ins: Schedule time each week to reflect on your feelings about different areas of your life. Are you feeling fulfilled in your work? Are you making time for meaningful relationships? These check-ins help you stay aligned with your values and adjust course as needed.
Integrate physical well-being: Don’t separate “work time” from “exercise time.” Take walking meetings, use a standing desk, or do quick stretches between tasks. Your physical health impacts your mental clarity and overall performance.
Leverage technology mindfully: Use apps and tools to streamline your workflow, but be intentional about it. Choose technologies that save you time and mental energy, not those that add to your cognitive load.

The Payoff

When you start integrating these ideas, something remarkable happens. Work becomes more enjoyable because it’s aligned with your values and interests. You have more energy for your personal life because you’re not constantly drained from work. Your professional and personal relationships deepen because you’re more present and engaged. Ironically, you become more successful in the traditional sense, too.

Clients notice the difference. They appreciate working with a CPA who’s not just technically competent but also well-rounded, insightful, and genuinely invested in their success. This leads to stronger client relationships, more referrals, and a more thriving practice.

A Challenge for You

Pick one area of your life where you feel out of sync. Maybe you’re missing family dinners or let a hobby fall by the wayside. This week, make one small change to restore that area to harmony with the rest of your life.

It might feel uncomfortable at first. Change usually does. But stick with it. What you’re doing is creating a new blueprint for success that works for you, not against you.

Remember, in this new era of accounting, your unique blend of skills, experiences, and perspectives is your superpower. Use it.

The future of accounting isn’t about who can crunch numbers the fastest. It’s about who can provide clients with the most insightful, holistic guidance. By redefining success on your terms, you’re positioning yourself as that trusted advisor.

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Amy Vetter, CPA, CGMA, CITP, MBA, is an accomplished c-suite executive and board member with deep experience in cloud technology and transformation, creating go-to-market (GTM) strategies to scale businesses nationally and internationally. Amy has held multiple roles in Fortune 500, startup, small company rapid growth, and is a serial entrepreneur.