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:
Trust Is Built From the Inside Out
When we talk about trust in our profession, we usually think about our clients or the integrity of the work we do. And that's appropriate. CPAs have long been recognized as one of the most trusted professions, and that's something worth protecting. But lately, I've...
Undervalued Essential Skills
When you hear people talk about the future of the accounting profession, how do you feel? Excited? Uneasy? Anxious? Many believe the future will look much like the past, with a few adjustments along the way. Others expect significant disruption. Whatever the future...
You Can’t Calm the River, But You Can Lead Through It
“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence – it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” – Peter Drucker There’s a temptation for leaders to believe our job is to eliminate uncertainty. If we could just create the perfect plan, answer every question,...
