Reward Accomplishments If You Break Your Habits

personal development Feb 01, 2025

We all have habits—some productive, some not so much. For CPAs and financial professionals, bad habits like procrastination, reactive problem-solving, or failing to update knowledge on tax laws can hinder growth. The key to improvement isn’t just breaking bad habits—it’s rewarding yourself when you succeed.

Why Rewards Matter

Changing habits isn’t just about willpower. The brain thrives on positive reinforcement. When you acknowledge and reward small wins, you’re more likely to stick to new behaviors.

Steps to Breaking Old Habits and Reinforcing New Ones

  1. Identify the Habit – What’s holding you back? Are you delaying tax research? Struggling to stay organized? Pinpoint the habit that needs to change.
  2. Set Small, Achievable Goals – Instead of vague resolutions, create clear goals like, “I’ll complete one retirement plan training module per week.”
  3. Track Progress – Use a journal, app, or checklist to monitor how often you follow through on your new habit.
  4. Reward Yourself – Whether it’s taking a break, enjoying your favorite coffee, or setting aside extra personal time, reinforcing positive changes makes them stick.
  5. Surround Yourself with Knowledge – Learning something new can be an effective way to replace old patterns. Our courses at IRAFlashcard help professionals master IRA-based retirement planning efficiently, turning knowledge into an advantage.

Breaking habits takes time, but with the right approach and consistent rewards, lasting change is possible.

Ready to build better habits and master tax research techniques?
Start with one of our specialized training programs designed to help you succeed.