Your Bucket List and Mental Health
At The Bucket List Accountant, we are all about helping you tick all the things off your bucket list.
Part of this is ensuring that your business operates at its optimal level. If it is not then we help you implement practices that will allow you to step up to this level. One very important aspect of this is the good mental health of business owners. That is why R U OK day is so valuable to the small business community. It brings to the forefront the importance of mental health and the importance for business owners to look after their mental health.
Stressful times
Since March 2022, in Victoria especially, it has been a tough time to be in business. Constant lockdowns and staffing issues have put an enormous strain on business owners and their families. As an accountant for small businesses, I was seeing first hand the toll that was being taken on people. I was taking phone call after phone call from clients, worrying about their business, that many had spent years building up.
We are out of Covid now (well sort of), but the pressures are still there for small business owners. Staff shortages are now a big issue, together with the rising cost of living.
Support each other
Now is the time to support each other. In my opinion, we have become extremely disconnected during the last two and a half years. It is now time to break out. Be observant of those around you. If you see someone who seems to be struggling, take the time to ask – Are you OK? And more importantly, take the time to listen. And I mean really listen. It can be an awkward conversation, but you need to own the awkwardness and help out. Sometimes all it might take is for someone to feel that they are really being listened to. R U OK talks about using the following 4 steps that could change a life:
1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage Action
4. Check In
Seeking help is not a weakness
At times in the past, I have struggled with my own mental health. Battling my own negative thoughts, facing massive anxiety and losing sleep wondering if it will ever be ok. At the start of Covid when things were really tough a friend reached out purely coincidently. They had become a mind mentor at Quality Mind and asked if I would like to do the program. It was a six month program that completely changed my outlook on life. Sure there were awkward moments, and bloody vulnerable moments, but boy it was healing. Thanks to Leigh I now have tools that I can use to help me when I am starting to feel overwhelmed.
One life
We are constantly reminded about how short life can be. At The Bucket List Accountant, we are determined to help people tick as many things off their bucket lists as possible. Good mental health is extremely important to help achieve this. A strong mind and a strong body will help you overcome anything that life throws at you.
If you are struggling please reach out to someone. If you want to talk to a complete stranger, my number is 0409 422 595. I am not sure how I can help, but I promise that I will listen. Let’s tackle this together.
David Patterson - Director The Bucket List Accountant
