Start with the end in mind
“It’s easier to say ‘no’ when there’s a deeper ‘yes!’ burning inside.”
– Stephen Covey
If you’re running a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind - chasing deadlines, managing clients, and keeping the books balanced.
But what if this year looked different?
What if instead of working longer hours, you worked smarter, enjoyed more free time, and still achieved your financial goals?
As trusted Nelson accountants specialising in small business accounting, we’ve seen first-hand how powerful it can be to start with the end in mind. It’s a strategy that can transform both your business and your lifestyle.
Define Your End Goal
Ask yourself:
What do I want to achieve this year?
How do I want my life to look?
How much time do I want to spend working?
What will I do with my spare time?
How much income do I actually need?
Answering these questions gives you clarity. Traditional thinking says you should work hard now, and only enjoy life after you’ve “earned” it. But there’s another way.
Flip the Plan: Live the Life You Want Now
Instead of waiting until all the hard work is done, imagine fixing your working hours right now and starting the personal activities you’ve been putting off. This approach forces you to design a plan that is leaner, more efficient, and laser-focused on what really matters.
That means:
Working smarter, not harder
Eliminating distractions and low-value tasks
Saying “no” to work that doesn’t align with your priorities
Building systems that free up your time
Keep the main thing the main thing
Stephen Covey’s principle of “First things first” is especially powerful for small business owners. If your main goal is more time with family, financial freedom, or a healthier work-life balance, then these priorities must be non-negotiable.
When we work with clients on small business accounting in Nelson, we don’t just focus on the numbers - we focus on helping you structure your business so that your goals are achievable now, not someday in the future.
Your action plan for the year ahead
Before old habits creep back in, take time to map out your “end point” and align your business systems with that vision. Start living into the future you want, today.
Need help structuring your business for more time, more profit, and less stress?
Let’s go! We’ll help you plan smarter, optimise your systems, and keep the main thing as your main thing.
Contact us today to start building the business - and the life - you want.