Recently I was in a business meeting and someone was asked what was his aha moment? He stated that he identified a limited belief he was holding on to. That belief was stopping him for moving forward on his goal. At that moment the light bulb flashed in my mind. What limiting beliefs am I holding onto? Could that be holding me back? Now that spring is here – it’s time to remove the unwanted clutter from my mind.
For the last two years I have attempted to hire another CPA. I have not had any luck. My goal is to try it again; however, I am very hesitant. So why am I making this so hard? I suspect my limited beliefs are part of this.
My first step in letting go of my limiting beliefs is to identify them. It means stopping and listening to my own self talk. What am I telling myself that is stopping my progress? Here’s what I have heard: We don’t have enough work. Indeed and ZipRecruiter doesn’t work for me, the last time I posted the job I had three people apply – two didn’t even know was at a CPA was, the third hit a very bad spot in his life and just wanted a job. I can’t find qualified help. The job market for CPA’s favors the employee not the employer. The competition of qualified candidates is tough. I am concerned I won’t be able to trust them. Hiring now is not a good time. This is impossible. All of these beliefs fail to give me confidence. They give me excuses and prevent me from taking action that will move me forward.
The next step is to dig deeper and challenge my beliefs. Why is this so hard for me? Is my belief based on fact or am I making assumptions? What evidence do I have to support or refute this belief?
My facts – I have five people working at focus CPA who want to be here. Last time I hired someone for 20 hours a week, the job went full time immediately. Trust will come after one tax season; it has with the last two new hires. I had great success with Indeed for another position. I did hire a CPA and they have been here almost four years. For the last few positions, it has taken three attempts to hire the right person.
When I look at other areas of my life, I have changed a few of my beliefs over the years. I got to experience my bucket list of an African safari in luxury, when I thought I could never afford it. I paid for half my boy’s college, even though I didn’t know how I was going to do it. I have built up my retirement savings so I feel fairly secure as I look toward my retirement. I raised my boys to be two very great men that I am proud of. Maybe I can do it.
Next it is time for me to replace those limiting beliefs and the bad habits. To being stop the negative self-talk and keep looking at my facts. Then refine the job description, create a marketing plan and post the job. Like Henry Ford stated “whether you think you can, or think you can’t – you’re right.”
Mary Guldan-Lindstrom, CPA
