1 min read“Slow Is Smooth, and Smooth Is Fast” – A CPA’s Guide to the Final Stretch
by Susan Stutzel | October 6, 2025 | Business, Leadership, Performance
That’s why the Navy SEALs’ mantra – “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast” – is more than battlefield wisdom. It’s a mindset shift we can adopt to thrive under pressure.
Why Refocusing Beats Rushing
- Precision matters. A missed deduction or misfiled form can trigger audits or penalties. Slowing down ensures accuracy.
- Smooth workflows save time. When your systems are clean and your team aligned, you move faster without chaos.
- Clients feel it. Calm, confident communication reassures clients. They trust you more when you’re deliberate, not frantic.
So use your checklists, take a deep breath, and give it one more look before filing.
October 15 isn’t just a finish line – it’s a proving ground. CPAs who embrace clarity over speed not only file better returns, they build stronger reputations. And when the dust settles, they’re the ones with fewer amendments, happier clients, and a team that’s still standing.
As the clock ticks, remember: “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” Refocus. You’ve got this. I believe in you!
Read Related Blogs:
The Professional Skills Advantage
For years, the accounting profession has focused on becoming more efficient. Don’t get me wrong, efficiency matters. Technology is helping us automate work, analyze information and do more in less time. But efficiency alone isn’t going to build the firms we want for...
Stop Giving It Away
Don’t you hate it when someone asks you a question, looking to get something for no charge? You know the answer to their question and you’d like to help. But you also feel taken advantage of. But you may not realize that you have done this to yourself for as long as...
Your Next Level Requires More Than Expertise
Success has a way of reinforcing what already works. You become known for your technical expertise, your ability to solve problems, your attention to detail, or simply your ability to get things done. Those skills create opportunities. They build your reputation. They...

