BAS Statement Lodgement Help in Warrnambool: Ticking Compliance Off Your Bucket List

What if your quarterly BAS wasn't a looming deadline but a GPS for your next trip down the Great Ocean Road? It's common to feel a sense of dread when GST and payroll reporting cycles roll around, especially when you'd rather be enjoying the Shipwreck Coast. You've likely spent late nights worrying about ATO penalties or wondering if your figures are actually correct. Securing expert BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool is the first step toward reclaiming that lost time and mental energy.

I promise to show you how to transform these mandatory tasks into a strategic engine for your lifestyle. By the end of this article, you'll understand how financial clarity can fund your personal goals and provide the peace of mind needed to truly switch off. We'll look at why 65% of small businesses struggle with cash flow and how professional lodgement keeps you compliant while you tick items off your bucket list. It's time to stop letting paperwork dictate your schedule and start using your numbers to fuel your passion.

The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to reframe your quarterly obligations from a stressful chore into a powerful "pulse check" that ensures your business is funding your dream lifestyle.

• Understand the essential ATO requirements for GST and PAYG withholding to keep your Warrnambool business compliant and moving forward with confidence.

• Discover how professional BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool can streamline your reporting process and alleviate the fear of missing critical deadlines.

• Implement high-impact strategies, such as cloud accounting and tax buffers, to eliminate end-of-quarter panic and maintain healthy cash flow.

• Partner with a mentor who looks beyond the numbers to help you tick items off your bucket list through strategic financial management and purposeful coaching.

The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

Table of Contents

• Taming the BAS Beast: Why Professional Help Matters in Warrnambool

• Understanding BAS Lodgement: The ATO Essentials for Victoria

• The Bucket List Difference: Why Your BAS is a Pulse Check for Your Dreams

• A Stress-Free Lodgement Strategy for Warrnambool Business Owners

• Partnering with a Mentor: BAS Help That Supports Your Journey

Taming the BAS Beast: Why Professional Help Matters in Warrnambool

You started your business to chase a passion, not to become a full-time bookkeeper. Running a business in Warrnambool should be about the freedom to enjoy our stunning coastline and vibrant community, not drowning in paperwork. Every three months, the same cloud of anxiety creeps in for many local entrepreneurs. The quarterly reporting cycle often feels like a hurdle standing between you and your next big life goal. If you find yourself searching for BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool, you're likely feeling the weight of Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements. Professional support isn't just about avoiding a fine; it's about reclaiming your Saturday mornings at the Lake Pertobe markets.

The Real Purpose of Your BAS

At its core, your Business Activity Statement is the primary bridge between your small business and the ATO. It serves as a consolidated summary of your Goods and Services Tax (GST), Pay As You Go (PAYG) instalments, and other essential tax obligations. Understanding What is a Business Activity Statement? helps demystify the process for many owners who feel intimidated by the jargon. A BAS is a vital financial health check for regional businesses that ensures you stay on track for your long-term dreams. It provides a clear snapshot of where your money is going and what you truly owe, preventing nasty surprises during tax season.

Common BAS Struggles for Local Small Businesses

Warrnambool's economy relies heavily on tourism and retail, which brings unique challenges. During the peak summer months, a retail shop on Liebig Street might see a 35% spike in transactions compared to the quiet winter weeks. This seasonal volatility makes managing cash flow for GST payments incredibly difficult. Local tradies often face similar hurdles, as they balance 10-hour days on-site with the need for meticulous record-keeping at night. In 2023, the ATO increased the failure to lodge penalty to A$313 per 28-day period, making mistakes more expensive than ever. Missing a single quarterly deadline can derail your 90-day plan for personal growth, leading to unnecessary stress and financial strain.

The hidden costs of "DIY" lodgement go far beyond the numbers on a screen. Research suggests that Australian small business owners can spend over 80 hours a year on tax compliance. That is time you could spend with your family or finally ticking a major item off your bucket list. By seeking BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool, you eliminate the risk of missed deductions that could cost you thousands of dollars. Professional guidance shifts your focus from the dusty back office to the sun-drenched beachfront. It gives you the confidence to lead your business with purpose and passion while someone else handles the technical heavy lifting.

Taking control of your business means knowing when to ask for a guide. You don't have to navigate the complexities of tax law alone. When you partner with an expert who understands the local South-West Victorian landscape, you're not just buying compliance. You're buying the freedom to live the life you've always imagined. Let the experts handle the "beast" so you can get back to the journey of building a fulfilling life and a thriving business.

The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

Understanding BAS Lodgement: The ATO Essentials for Victoria

Are you ready to stop worrying about paperwork and start focusing on your next big adventure? Managing your Business Activity Statement (BAS) shouldn't feel like an anchor holding your Warrnambool business back from its true potential. It's actually a roadmap for your cash flow. The ATO sees compliance as a baseline, but we see it as the foundation for your freedom. For the 2024-25 financial year, the ATO has increased its focus on small business tax debt, which reached A$34 billion in recent reports. Staying ahead isn't just about avoiding fines; it's about keeping your journey on track.

Your BAS typically bundles three major components into one lodgement. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is the most common, followed by Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding for employees, and PAYG instalments, which are prepayments toward your end-of-year income tax. Most small businesses with a turnover under A$10 million choose the cash accounting method. This means you only report GST when money actually changes hands, which often helps with cash flow while you're chasing epic dreams. If you use accrual accounting, you report GST based on the invoice date, regardless of when the client pays you. Choosing the right method is a critical step in your business journey.

Deadlines are non-negotiable for the ATO. For quarterly lodgers, the dates are usually the 28th of October, February, April, and July. Missing these can result in "Failure to Lodge" penalties, which start at A$313 per 28-day period. If you feel overwhelmed, seeking BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool can give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

GST and Payroll: The Big Two

Correctly tracking GST on sales versus GST on business purchases is the heartbeat of a healthy business. You must keep valid tax invoices for any purchase over A$82.50 (including GST) to claim credits. For Warrnambool employers, Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phase 2 is now the mandatory standard. This system sends payroll data to the ATO every time you pay your team. We recommend reconciling your bank accounts at least weekly. This simple habit ensures your data is clean before the quarter ends, leaving you more time to live the life of your dreams.

Lodgement Methods and Timelines

You can lodge your BAS online using MyGovID and the ATO Business Portal, or you can use a registered BAS or Tax Agent. Following ATO lodgement essentials ensures you meet the legal requirements, but working with an agent offers a strategic advantage. Registered agents generally receive an automatic four-week extension for most quarterly BAS lodgements. This extra time can be a lifesaver when life gets busy. For specific questions about your unique situation, you can browse the The Bucket List Accountant FAQs to find quick answers. If you want to stop the guesswork and start achieving your goals, getting professional accounting support is the first step toward true financial freedom. Our BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool is designed to empower you, not just tick a box for the government.

The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

The Bucket List Difference: Why Your BAS is a Pulse Check for Your Dreams

Most business owners in Warrnambool view the quarterly tax cycle as a looming shadow. It feels like a repetitive chore that pulls you away from the work you actually love. We invite you to flip that script. Think of your quarterly figures as a vital pulse check for your biggest aspirations. Are you building the life you imagined when you first opened your doors, or has the business become an all-consuming machine? When you seek BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool, you aren't just paying a professional to tick boxes for the government. You're hiring a guide to help you read the map of your own future.

Recent surveys indicate that 42% of small business owners feel significant stress regarding their tax obligations. This fear usually stems from a lack of clarity. When you don't know your numbers, you can't make confident decisions. Minimising tax is a fine goal, but it's only 50% of the battle. The real victory is maximising your personal freedom. We use the lodgement process to look deep into the engine of your business. If the numbers show a healthy profit, we talk about how to use that surplus to fund your next adventure. If the numbers are tight, we don't panic. We use that data to empower you, making the necessary pivots to get back on track before the next quarter ends.

Accounting for a Fulfilling Life

Financial clarity is the bridge between "I wish" and "I am." Perhaps you want to take a 14-day break to explore the Great Ocean Road or finally book those international flights you've been eyeing for years. You can't do that if you're guessing about your bank balance. A 2023 report by ASIC found that cash flow issues were a contributing factor in 52% of small business insolvencies. We prevent you from becoming a statistic by connecting your BAS to your real-world cash flow. A clean, accurate statement allows you to see exactly what's available for your "life" fund. Your business should serve your life, not the other way around.

Following the ATO guidelines on BAS lodgement ensures you stay on the right side of the law, but our process goes further. We look at the money flowing through your accounts as the fuel for your journey. When the numbers are organised, the fear disappears. You stop worrying about "what if" and start planning "when."

Moving Beyond "Just Compliance"

Traditional accounting firms often spend 100% of their time looking at the past. They tell you what happened six months ago, which is about as useful as looking in the rearview mirror while trying to drive forward. We believe a quarterly BAS is the perfect companion to a 90-day plan. This rhythm allows you to adjust your sails four times a year. Industry benchmarks suggest that businesses using structured 90-day planning cycles see a 20% increase in goal attainment compared to those that don't. It's about moving from a state of reaction to a state of purpose.

Are you curious about how your current business structure supports your lifestyle? You can take the Bucket List Scorecard today to see where you stand. It takes less than 2 minutes and provides a clear picture of your progress. By securing BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool that focuses on your future, you turn a mandatory task into a strategic advantage. We're here to help you stop chasing paperwork and start chasing epic dreams.

The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

A Stress-Free Lodgement Strategy for Warrnambool Business Owners

Does the thought of a quarterly deadline make your heart race? It shouldn't. Your business is meant to be the engine that powers your life's adventures, not a source of constant anxiety. If you feel like your "to-do" list is drowning out your "bucket list," it is time to change your approach. Managing your tax obligations should be a seamless part of your journey, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. By following a structured strategy, you can reclaim your time and move toward your goals with total confidence.

Choosing the Right Cloud Tools

Digital record-keeping is no longer just a helpful suggestion; it is a firm ATO requirement. Under the "Digital First" strategy, 100% of GST-registered businesses are expected to keep electronic records. Implementing cloud accounting software like Xero, MYOB, or QuickBooks is the first step toward freedom. These platforms allow you to automate your bank feeds, which can reduce manual data entry by up to 80%. This means fewer hours spent at a desk and more hours spent chasing your epic dreams. We regularly provide BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool locals rely on to get these systems running perfectly from day one.

• Step 1: Go Cloud. Connect your bank accounts to Xero or MYOB so every transaction is captured in real-time.

• Step 2: Create a Tax Buffer. Open a separate business savings account. Every time a customer pays an invoice, transfer 10% of that amount into this account immediately. This simple habit ensures the cash is ready when the ATO comes calling, preventing end-of-quarter panic.

• Step 3: The Dream and Review Session. Once a month, set aside 60 minutes to review your numbers. Don't just look at the tax you owe; look at your profit in relation to your 90-day plans. Are you on track to tick that next item off your bucket list?

• Step 4: Outsource the Technicalities. You didn't start your business to become a professional bookkeeper. Handing over the final review and lodgement to a mentor who understands your "Why" ensures compliance while you focus on growth.

Local Support for Local Success

Warrnambool has a unique business landscape. From the seasonal shifts in our local tourism sector to the specific needs of our agricultural community, having an accountant who lives and breathes the same air is a massive advantage. When you work with a local expert, you aren't just getting a tax agent; you are getting a partner who understands the challenges of the 3280 postcode. Accessing professional BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool ensures that your documents are prepared with precision, allowing your accountant to work their magic efficiently and find every possible way to legally minimise your tax.

Are you ready to stop worrying about deadlines and start living with more purpose? Our mission is to prove there is so much more to life than just staying compliant. We help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. To see how we can streamline your processes and help you achieve a more fulfilling life, visit our Work With Me page and let's start your journey today.

The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

Partnering with a Mentor: BAS Help That Supports Your Journey

Accounting often feels like a heavy weight, especially when deadlines loom and the paperwork piles up on your desk. Most business owners in South West Victoria view their quarterly obligations as a stressful hurdle rather than a stepping stone. However, when you secure BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool through a mentor-led approach, the entire perspective shifts. It stops being about avoiding a penalty and starts being about building the life you actually want to lead. We don't just look at the past three months; we look at where you want to be in the next three years.

The Bucket List Accountant doesn't just process numbers; we bridge the gap between technical BAS expertise and life-changing coaching. We've found that roughly 85% of small business owners feel overwhelmed by their financial "to-do" list at some point during the financial year. By combining 30 years of accounting experience with a focus on personal goals, we turn that overwhelm into a clear 90-day action plan. We've seen firsthand how sound financial management allows a local tradie to finally take that month-long fishing trip or a retail owner to step back and spend Fridays with their grandkids. When you have BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool that focuses on your "why," the compliance work becomes a tool for empowerment.

About David and the Mission

David Patterson founded this practice with a clear realization: there's so much more to life than just minimising tax. With over 30 years in the industry, David has seen every type of business struggle and success. His mentor-led approach is designed to remove the fear of the ATO once and for all. He believes your business should be a tool for freedom, not a cage that keeps you from your passions. By focusing on "Bucket List" living, David helps you align your profit with your personal purpose. He makes sure every dollar earned serves a specific dream, proving that accounting can be aspirational rather than just a legal necessity.

Moving away from a "dry" accounting relationship is often the biggest relief our clients experience. You aren't just a file number or a set of spreadsheets here. You won't get a cold, formal report that makes no sense to the average person. Instead, you get a partner who celebrates your wins and understands your struggles. There's no greater joy for our team than seeing a client hit a financial milestone that translates into a personal achievement. Whether it's paying off a mortgage early or funding a dream wedding, those are the metrics that truly matter. We've helped hundreds of locals move from a business that's all-consuming to one that provides genuine freedom and joy.

Ready to Tick Something Off Your List?

It's time to stop worrying about your lodgements and start focusing on your future. We offer a no-obligation strategy call where we dive deep into your business and your life goals. This isn't just about the numbers; it's about your journey. You can find us right here in Liebig Street, Warrnambool, or we can connect virtually if you're located elsewhere in Victoria. We're ready to help you take that first step toward a more fulfilling life. It's your journey; let's make sure your business supports it. Stop viewing your BAS as a chore and start seeing it as a roadmap to your dreams.

Book your strategy call with David today and let's start ticking things off your list together.

The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

Turn Your Compliance Into Your Competitive Advantage

Your BAS shouldn't be a source of dread that keeps you up at night. It's actually a vital pulse check on your business health and a stepping stone toward the life you've always imagined. By outsourcing the heavy lifting, you're not just staying compliant with the ATO; you're reclaiming hours of your life to spend with family or finally book that trip. Professional management ensures your cash flow remains steady while you focus on what you're actually passionate about.

David brings over 30 years of accounting and business advisory experience to the table, using a unique "Bucket List" framework that transforms grand dreams into manageable 90 day plans. We've spent decades proudly supporting the Warrnambool small business community, ensuring local legends have the financial freedom to grow. When you choose professional BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool business owners trust, you're choosing a mentor who understands that your success is measured by more than just a tax return. Let's stop letting paperwork dictate your schedule and start making your dreams a priority today.

Ready to turn your BAS into a tool for freedom? Book a consultation with David today.

The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a professional to lodge my BAS in Warrnambool?

You aren't legally required to hire a pro, but roughly 70% of Australian small businesses use a registered agent to ensure their figures are spot on. Getting BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool ensures you stay compliant with the ATO while freeing up your precious time. Instead of drowning in spreadsheets, you can focus on your life goals. We help you move from stress to freedom by handling every technical detail.

What happens if I miss the BAS lodgement deadline?

Missing the deadline usually results in a Failure to Lodge penalty from the ATO. As of 2024, this penalty is A$313 for every 28 days the statement is overdue, reaching a maximum of A$1,565 for small entities. We believe your journey shouldn't be stalled by avoidable fines. Let's get your records sorted so you can keep your hard-earned money for your next bucket list adventure instead of paying penalties.

How much does BAS lodgement help typically cost for a small business?

Professional fees for BAS preparation in regional Victoria typically range from A$150 to A$450 per quarter depending on your transaction volume. This investment is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it brings to your household. When you outsource this task, you're buying back 4 to 6 hours of your time every three months. That's time you could spend chasing your epic dreams with your family.

Can I claim the cost of my accountant as a tax deduction?

Yes, you can claim the full cost of managing your tax affairs as a deduction on your next income tax return. Section 25-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 allows businesses to deduct fees paid to registered tax agents for BAS and tax work. This means the government effectively subsidizes your path to financial freedom. It's a smart way to minimize tax while ensuring your business stays on the right track.

What is the difference between a BAS and a Tax Return?

A BAS reports your GST, PAYG withholding, and other taxes frequently, while a Tax Return is an annual summary of your total income and expenses. Think of the BAS as a quarterly check-in on your business cash flow. The annual tax return is the final map of your financial year. Both are essential tools we use to help you build the life you've always wanted by maintaining total financial clarity.

How can I make my BAS preparation faster and easier each quarter?

Switching to cloud accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks can reduce your manual data entry by up to 80% through automated bank feeds. Using digital tools makes BAS statement lodgement help Warrnambool a breeze because your data stays organized in real-time. We'll show you how to set up these systems. It's the first step toward taking control of your business rather than letting the paperwork consume your life.

Does The Bucket List Accountant help with back-dated or overdue BAS statements?

We specialize in helping business owners catch up on multiple years of overdue lodgements to clear the path for their future. David has helped clients resolve over 5 years of missing statements through a focused 90-day plan. Don't let the fear of the past stop you from moving forward today. We'll work with the ATO on your behalf to minimize penalties and get you back to ticking things off your bucket list.

The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.

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Disclaimer

“The information on this website is general in nature and is provided for information purposes only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice. You should obtain specific, independent advice relevant to your circumstances.”

The Dangerous Lie We Tell Ourselves About “Later”

I recently listened to a conversation between Chris Williamson and Stephen Bartlett, and one idea landed like a punch to the chest.

Not because it was new.
But because it was painfully familiar.

They talked about something called the deferred life hypothesis — the idea that real life hasn’t started yet. That what we’re living now is just the warm-up. The grind. The holding pattern.

And if you’re a business owner, this lie probably sounds like your inner voice.

“Once the business is more profitable…”
“Once things settle down…”
“Once this tough year is over…”
“Once the kids are older…”

Then life begins. But here’s the uncomfortable truth. For most people, later never arrives.

You Can Do Anything — But Not Everything

One of the most powerful points in the conversation was this:

You can change anything you want. But you cannot change everything at once.

This is where most business owners go wrong.

January rolls around and suddenly the list looks like this:

• Grow revenue

• Fix cash flow

• Work less

• Get fitter

• Be more present

• Spend more time with family

• Take a proper holiday

• Finally enjoy the business

It’s the buffet-plate problem. You load everything on, assuming your capacity will magically expand to cope. It won’t. It never does. In business — and in life — to pick something up, you must put something down.

Yet almost nobody plans for subtraction.

We plan to add:

• More goals

• More habits

• More effort

• More pressure

Without ever asking:

What needs to stop?

The Real Cost of “Just One More Year”

Here’s where this hits hardest for me as an accountant who’s worked with business owners for over three decades.

I’ve seen people build successful businesses…and quietly sacrifice their health, their relationships, and their joy along the way.

Not intentionally.
Not dramatically.

Just subtly. One “busy year” at a time.

Stephen Bartlett said something that should make every business owner pause:

“Stop whipping yourself into submission thinking happiness sits on the other side of the next set of goals.”

Because if happiness didn’t arrive after the last milestone… Why are you so certain it will arrive after the next one?

This is the trap of deferred living.

You tell yourself:

“I’ll enjoy it when things calm down.”

But business never truly calms down. Problems don’t disappear — they rotate.

Problems are not a bug of life. They are a feature.

So if your happiness is waiting for a problem-free version of life… you’re waiting for something that doesn’t exist.

If Your Life Was a Movie…

One question from the podcast stuck with me:

If your life was a movie, what would the audience be screaming at the screen telling you to do?

Leave the job.
Fix the business.
Stop chasing validation.
Go home earlier.
Put the phone down.
Book the trip.
Have the conversation.

The scary part? You already know the answer. Most people do.

They’re just too busy, too tired, or too afraid to act on it.

The Bucket List Isn’t a Reward — It’s a Compass

This is where I’ll be blunt.

Your bucket list is not something you earn after success. It’s something you use to define what success actually means.

If your business is profitable but your life feels permanently “on hold”, then the business is not working for you — you’re working for it.

The goal is not to stop striving. It’s to stop postponing life.

Ask yourself:

• What would have to change this year for me to look back and say, “That was a good chapter”?

• What am I currently doing that 85-year-old me would be furious about?

• What am I holding hostage until “later”?

Because later is not guaranteed.

But now is available.

Final Thought

You don’t need another year of heroic effort. You need fewer goals, clearer priorities, and the courage to stop delaying what matters.

Your life is not a rehearsal.
This chapter counts.

If this resonates uncomfortably — good. That discomfort is honesty knocking.

And it’s worth answering.

Don’t Just Exist – Live Life to the Fullest

Vietnam Trip with my Wife

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On 26 November 2005, my mum passed away.  She was 56 years old.  I am the same age now as my Mum was when she was first diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, a Gastro Intestinal Stromal Tumour. 

Two weeks ago, my wife and I went on a two week holiday to Vietnam and had an absolutely fantastic time. At the time of writing this we have been back for a week and the above has been on my mind every day since getting back.

Why am I telling you this? Like many of us, I have realised that I had become a bit complacent in relation to my life and what I am doing. I was in the “groove” of the day to day. The problem with this is that those days turn into weeks, those weeks into months and those months into years.  Suddenly you look back and 2 or 3 years have gone past and you are wondering what you have done with the time. Does this sound familiar?

The great Oscar Wilde once said – “To live is the rarest thing in the world.  Most people exist, that is all”

We shouldn’t need a death or the trigger of being the same age as someone who is diagnosed to “scare us” into living life. We are all on this planet for a short amount of time, and we should all be making the most of it.

There are a lot of things I want to do in life before my time is up. The biggest problem is that none of us know when our time is up.  We should be living every day to the fullest and making plans to tick all the things off our bucket list.  Forget the phrase “one day”. Start planning now to do all the things you want to do – don’t wait.

I have re-written my bucket list and prioritised the things that are really important to me and my family. I have done a lot in my life, but there is a lot still to do and I am not getting any younger.

Don’t wait for bad news to start living. Start living now, stop to smell the roses, travel, love and do all those crazy things you want to do. I never asked my mum, but I can guarantee there were things she wished she had done. Please don’t be that person!

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David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant

I had a Panic Attack

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Most weekday mornings I will get to work anywhere between 7.00am and 8.00am.  It has become my routine that this is the time to go to work.  It is almost robotic.  In fact, I feel uncomfortable and it is like I am turning up to work late if I get there after 8.00am. The other morning was different though.

Last Monday morning I didn’t get to work until 10.30am. So what I hear you say.  There is nothing wrong with that.  For me, the reason why I didn’t get there until 10.30am is what is interesting.

I woke up at my normal time and straight away my heart was racing.  I had an anxious feeling that I couldn’t explain.  There was nothing specific going through my mind, but I felt as if the world was closing in around me.  I felt so overwhelmed, even though I was thinking of nothing in particular.  I didn’t want to get out of bed.  I said to my wife that I wasn’t feeling well and that I was going to stay in bed for a little while. I don’t think I had ever felt this way before.  My heart was racing, I felt overwhelmed about nothing and about everything at the same time, and I didn’t want to get out of bed to go to work.

I was having a mild panic attack!!

I don’t think I have ever had one of these before.  The complete sense of not wanting to go to work because of the overwhelming sense of dread that something bad was going to happen.  Somehow I managed to drag myself out of bed and get to work.  And guess what?  Nothing bad happened at all.  It turned out to be a normal day. There were challenges during the day, there always is.  But there was nothing that I couldn’t handle.

I have made some immediate changes to my lifestyle following that morning.  At the time of writing I have stopped drinking alcohol and I have reignited my fitness campaign.  I have also started meditating again first thing in the morning.  So far these things are helping to clear my mind and focus on the tasks at hand.

I am not a medical expert, and I am not trying to say that panic attacks or anxiety are an easy fix.  I understand that it can be debilitating and I also understand that mine was very mild.

My point in writing this is to say, that this is not uncommon.  I have spoken to a few people about what I experienced and they all said the same thing.  “You would not believe the number of people that have said the same thing to me.”  At the time I was having the attack I felt alone and isolated.  I found some comfort to know that I wasn’t alone, and was also surprised with the level of support when I spoke to others about it.

Please don’t feel like you are alone.  Please don’t feel like no-one is out there.  Reach out to your loved ones.  If you want, reach out to me.  I will listen and offer any support I can give.  It is nothing to be ashamed of.  Learn techniques that work for you to help overcome the anxiety.

Life can be tough.  You are not supposed to be on top of everything all the time. Give yourself a break, you are doing a great job.  And please don’t keep it to yourself.

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David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant

What is a Bucket List and Why have one?

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We hear all the time this concept of a bucket list.  You might hear someone say “That is on my bucket list” when they see a picture of a destination or an adventure.  But what is a bucket list?  And more importantly, why should you have one?

In it’s rawest form, a Bucket List is nothing more than a list of things that you would like to achieve in your life.  This may include travel, it may include learning new things or it may be experiencing new things.

It is also important that your Bucket List becomes a list in real life.  Write the things that you want to do in your life down on a piece of paper. Studies have shown that you are more likely to achieve your bucket list items once they are written down and shared with family and friends. There is something magical about taking these thoughts out of your head and putting them on a piece of paper that starts the journey towards making them a reality.

A Bucket List, however, is so much more than just a list of things you want to do in your life.  This second part of what a Bucket List is is the reason why you should start ticking the items off as soon as you are able. Your Bucket List is a creator of memories.

Memories that will last a lifetime. In February this year, my wife and I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney. It is something we had both wanted to do for a while, and in February we did it! The memory of us standing on top of the bridge with our arms flung wide open and a huge smile on our faces will stay with me until the day I die. I know in years to come when I am talking about the experience with someone who hasn’t done it, my eyes will light up and I will be taken back to that exact time. I am smiling now just thinking about it.

The earlier you do these things, the longer memories you will have. I did a sky dive when I was 18 years old (slightly older than 18 now) and can still remember the adrenaline of leaning out of that plane and jumping out. The sensation of free falling, and the sense of peace when the parachute opened, and we glided down to earth. I also remember the less than smooth landing but hey it was all part of the experience.

In my opinion, memories and experiences are so much more important than possessions, and this is what a Bucket List will give you. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t got a Bucket List yet, start one now. Sit down and start writing the things that you want to do that will create memories that will last a lifetime.  I promise you that you won’t regret it!!

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David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant

What Does Success Look Like For You?

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I was talking to a client the other day about their end of year financials and I asked the client about how he thought the business had gone for the year.  His response was that the business had not performed as well as he would like.  He also mentioned that he had joined a group coaching team specific to his industry.  I asked him how it was going and the response really stuck out to me.  “They are telling me for my business to be successful I need to grow and hire more people, and I don’t think I want to do that!” – Interesting

This got me thinking about two things.  One, how does a coach advise you if they don’t really know what it is you are trying to achieve?  And two, what does success look like?  No doubt we have all seen the ads scattered over social media – fast cars, big boats, money scattered all over the bed, and someone standing in front of a Rolls Royce, with what we are supposed to believe is their private jet in the background.

Is that all that success is about?  Is it all about the money you accumulate and the assets you acquire?  At times it feels like we are pushed by outside influences, to pursue these as the ultimate definition of success.  But there has to be more!!

What success looks like is different for all of us.  Firstly I think it is important for us to stop worrying about whether other people think we are successful or not.  Their metrics for success will be vastly different to yours.  Have you thought about what success looks like for you?  When you put the business apron on the hook for the last time and look back, what will make it feel like you have been successful?

For me success looks like this.  I want to be able to take advantage of opportunities that arise that interest me, which will include financial opportunities.  I want to be able to spend time with my family and friends.  I want to be working with people who excite me.  I want to have helped others achieve the goals and dreams that they have.  I want to be able to stop and enjoy the moment, without stressing about what else needs to be done.

What does success look like for you? 

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David Patterson - Director The Bucket list Accountant