Accounting Professionals: It’s Time to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

It’s easy to get comfortable in accounting. We build routines, rely on systems we know, and stick to what works…because it does work. But the truth is, growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. The moments that move us forward often start with a little bit of discomfort and a whole lot of courage.

Over the past few years, I’ve learned that every time I’ve taken a leap, whether it was attending a new conference, going back to school, or applying for something that scared me, it’s opened doors I never expected. So, if you’ve been playing it safe lately, this is your sign: it’s time to step out of your comfort zone. 

Here are a few ways to start. 

Attend that conference 

Conferences are one of the best (and easiest!) ways to get uncomfortable in all the right ways. You might be thinking, “I don’t have time,” or “I won’t know anyone,” or “It costs too much,” but that’s exactly why you should go…to invest in yourself! 

Choose one that fits where you are, or where you want to be. It could be an accounting conference like Scaling New Heights or QuickBooks Connect that helps you grow professionally, or maybe it's something more niche, like an event aimed at your target clients. If you always go to the same conference, try out a different one— different topics, different people, different places. Either way, you'll walk away with new ideas, fresh energy, and maybe even a few new friends. 

When you’re there, don’t just sit in the sessions, explore the expo floor! Talk to the app partners. Ask questions about tools you’ve never used before. These are the kinds of real-world conversations that can completely change how you approach your work. And even if your process or tool works for you, there could be a better way to do it. You just might have to get uncomfortable. 

And if you really want to step out of your comfort zone? Submit a proposal to present. I know, it's intimidating. But sharing what you know with others is one of the best ways to grow your confidence and your reputation. Whether it’s a 10-minute lightning talk or a full session, your experience has value. You never know who in the audience needs to hear exactly what you’ve learned. 

Dive into professional development 

Another way to stretch yourself is through ongoing learning. I’m a huge believer that we never stop being students. The world of accounting and technology changes so fast, especially with AI tools and automation reshaping what we do every day, that professional development isn’t optional anymore. 

If there’s an area you’ve been curious about, dive in. Take a course. Attend a webinar. Get certified in something that challenges you. Maybe it’s AI in accounting, maybe it’s data analytics, maybe it's leadership training. Whatever it is, invest in yourself! 

For me, going back to school to pursue my Master of Science in Accounting was one of the biggest steps I’ve taken outside my comfort zone in years. I’d been out of the classroom for a long time, and the idea of writing papers and studying again was intimidating. But you know what? It’s been completely worth it. It’s helped me see the bigger picture of how all the pieces of accounting fit together and opened up new possibilities for my career. 

You don’t have to enroll in a full degree program to push yourself, though. Sometimes the most impactful learning happens in small steps—like trying a new tool, earning a certification, or even watching a training video that inspires you to change how you work. And there are so many opportunities for us, through podcasts, YouTube videos, app demos and events, plus more! 

Apply for that award 

Okay, let’s talk about something that makes almost everyone uncomfortable—putting yourself out there for recognition. 

Impostor syndrome is real. It whispers, “You’re not ready,” or “There are people who know more than you.” But here’s the truth: if you care about your work, if you show up for your clients, and if you’re constantly learning and improving, you deserve to be recognized. 

There are so many incredible awards in our industry, from the Top 50 CAS Practice Awards, Top Advisors, to niche recognitions for bookkeepers, app partners, and firm owners. Pick one, and submit your application. Tell your story. Highlight your wins, your challenges, and how you’ve helped your clients succeed. 

I’ll be honest, this didn’t come easy for me. 2025 was the first year I was recognized as a Top 100 ProAdvisor, but it wasn’t the first time I applied. I had to try and try again. Each time I put my name out there, it gave me a little more confidence and reminded me that growth comes from effort, not perfection. Plus, it helped me recognize the day-to-day work I am doing, and how much I have accomplished. 

So, if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines thinking, “Maybe next year,” make this the year. The worst that can happen is you learn more about what you bring to the table…and the best that can happen? You get to celebrate a huge professional milestone! 

Offer a new service 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about this industry, it’s that our clients’ needs are always evolving, and we have the power to evolve right along with them. 

Offering a new service is another great way to push yourself and your business forward. It doesn’t have to be a complete overhaul. Sometimes it’s as simple as adding an advisory component to your current offerings or focusing on a specific niche. 

Advisory services are in high demand right now because businesses want more than reports, they want insights. Or maybe you’ve noticed a lot of your clients struggling with sales tax (it happens to the best of them). Becoming the person who helps them navigate that can be a total game-changer. 

If you work with eCommerce clients, like I do, you know there’s no shortage of challenges: multiple sales platforms, complex payment processors, inventory management, tax thresholds… the list goes on. Building services around those pain points isn’t just smart, it’s strategic. 

Start by asking your clients what’s keeping them up at night. Then build solutions around that. Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t always mean doing something brand new, it can mean doing something familiar in a new way that brings more value. 

The reward for being uncomfortable 

Stepping out of your comfort zone doesn’t always feel great in the moment. Sometimes it feels awkward, uncertain, or even scary. But the growth that comes from it? That’s where the magic happens. 

When you push yourself—whether it’s attending that first conference, diving into new training, applying for an award, or adding a new service—you build confidence, skill, and momentum. You open yourself up to new opportunities and connections that can completely change the direction of your career or your business. 

So, take the leap. Sign up for that event. Enroll in that class. Write the award application. Try that new idea. The first step is the hardest, but it’s also the one that will take you the farthest. 

Because outside of your comfort zone? That’s where the good stuff happens.