Account /əˈkaʊnt/
a record of money paid to or by a person or business ; an arrangement to keep money at a bank or pay bills later;
a description or explanation of something that has happened
Well, as a past student reminded me recently, time flies – even if it’s the only thing that can right now. My accountant also reminds me the tax year has ended and I need to get my affairs in order. It’s time for accounting once again. Another year’s gone by and such milestones encourage us to reflect on progress in whatever ways we measure success. Time calling us to account, perhaps.
It’s been a busy two weeks with a few new students and new projects on the horizon. Planning and preparation are time consuming but necessary, whether it’s keeping on top of the accounts, researching internship opportunities, planning classes, devising or adapting teaching materials, all of which have occupied me of late. On top of this I’ve been spending time in workshops or with my head in a book making sure I’m up-to-date. I may not account for every minute, but every minute counts. Every unpaid hour pays its way, but not straight away, providing the basis for continuing improvements to what I do – ultimately achieving better service and better business.
By all accounts this is the same for every small business, and on no account am I suggesting it’s any more difficult for me than for any other entrepreneur. It helps, though, to remind myself that when I’m being productive but not earning it’s still a step in the right direction. Each account in the blog you’re reading is meant as just such a reminder, helping to keep me motivated and moving forward.
Ultimately, in everything I do as educator and entrepreneur, my aim is to give a good account of myself, to do whatever I can for those that come to me for guidance. In time, we’re all accountable for what we do, for decisions we make and steps we take towards our goals, but sometimes we need a little help along the way. Then it’s up to us to make that help count.
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