You read that right.

Despite seeing studies linking obesity with fast food, we believe that it won’t make you fat.

Do you know what makes you fat?

Y-O-U.

You make yourself fat. Blaming fast food when you start gaining weight is a victim mentality–that you have been wronged by others. In this case, the fast food makers and advertisers.

But look at this:

How many people saw the newest burger commercial? How many drove to the fast-food restaurant to buy it? How many ate it? How many gained weight?

Did everybody who did get plumper?

Maybe.

Did everybody stay plump for the rest of their lives?

We didn’t think so.

Then why blame fast food?

Whose idea is it to drive all the way to the big M? Whose idea is it to munch on fries and burger every chance they get? Whose idea is it not to burn the calories?

That’s right. You know the answer.

Fast food and accounting

Now taking the same principle and applying it to accounting, think about what creates your problem.

Do you stay overtime because your client hands in documents late? Whose idea is it to work with him anyway?

Do you spend most of your time on manual tasks that could have been automated? Whose idea is it to stick with a system that does little in automation when technology offers you with a more convenient option?

Do you have to compromise your ethical standards because your client told you so? Who said you can keep on working with or for the same person day in, day out?

What we’re saying is…

Don’t get us wrong. We’re not blaming YOU for everything. We know there are uncontrollable areas in our life, and that’s a given. But there are some parts you can change like managing yourself and who you work with. Know which ones to control and ones to let go.

Don’t like late submissions from your clients? Explain it to him/her from the outset–not when you’re ten years in the relationship, and you’re so pissed off about it.

Don’t like manipulating records to avoid paying taxes? Politely tell them no. Here’s how you can do that.

Hate spending hours on taxes? Automate it. Systems like Oojeema feature BIR forms that are updated as you go. At the end of the period, you only have to generate the file.

You see, there are things you can do to make your life as an accountant and human being easier. All you have to do is start with the right mindset, get the right tools, and surround yourself with like-minded people. Life is already hard. Don’t complicate it even further.

Remember: fast food won’t make you fat if you don’t let it. Accounting won’t be that hard if you choose to simplify it.