For years, tax season meant a 60-hour workweek cycle, believing it was the only path to maintaining profitability. And it wasn’t just my time that suffered; stress levels soared, my health and my personal life took a hit. But with the 40 Hour Firm approach everything changed.
One of the first lessons I learned in working with hundreds of firms over 25 plus years is that more hours don’t equate to better results. was that more hours don’t equate to better results—quite the opposite. By focusing on high-value clients and streamlining workflow, we can reclaim time and reduced chaos. The Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, plays a big role in this transformation. Shifting energy toward the 20% of activities that brought 80% of the results, allows us to maximize output without the long hours.
The most surprising part of this? Profitability doesn’t just stay the same—it improves. Cutting down on time-consuming, low-value work helps focus on what really matters for my practice. The myth that you need to work 60+ hours a week to succeed can finally be shattered.
Transitioning to a 40-hour workweek is not just about changing schedules; it’s a mindset shift. We must learn to set boundaries, say no to work that doesn’t fit the firm’s strategic goals, and prioritize well-being without guilt.
If you find yourself dreading tax season’s approach, remember: It’s possible to achieve a balanced, profitable practice. It starts with changing how you work, not how much you work.
If you want to go from a 60 hour to a 40-hour work week, the first step is to schedule a call here.
All the best,
Shannon
