15 days to grind.

On the evening of April Fools’ Day, several of us were still in the office, wrapping up tax returns and putting the finishing touches on our new space.

Lately, it’s been a grind.

I’ve been getting in around 7:00 AM and leaving close to 10:00 PM. Sure, there are breaks for lunch and a few coffee refuels (non-negotiable), but for the most part, it’s been 15-hour days focused on serving our clients, strategy, tax returns, and everything in between.

So today’s blog? Short and to the point.

Because right now, execution matters more than elegance.

The Rally

What’s been most impressive isn’t the hours, it’s the rally.

And when I say “team,” I don’t just mean the people on payroll.

My oldest daughter, Ashley, who isn’t even part of the company, was in the office helping decorate until 10 PM. My wife, Sarah (aka, Monica in Lost at CEO), built a countdown chain for the next 15 days.

Yes…like Christmas.

But instead of gifts, each link has a note, and sometimes a lottery ticket.

Now, I used to buy one lottery ticket at a very different time in my life. Usually it was an indicator that I was bored, stuck, or looking for an escape.

This? This is different.

This is hard work, but meaningful work.

And I’ve genuinely enjoyed watching this team show up, step up, and push through.

I’m incredibly proud of them.

When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Let’s be real, we’re not exactly where we wanted to be.

We lost a key person unexpectedly.

That stung.

There was even a moment this week where I wasn’t at my best, frustrated, wondering why things didn’t go according to plan. (A signed new accountant waited three weeks to tell us they are staying at their current job. Ouch!)

But here’s the truth:

If someone isn’t committed to you, you shouldn’t be committed to them.

And sometimes what feels like a setback is actually a blessing.

The 10 PM Fist Bump

One night this week, Zach and I left the office at 10 PM.

Actually, I had to convince him to leave. He’s been known to push it to midnight.

As we walked out, we gave each other a quick fist bump.

No speech. No big moments.

Just a simple message:

We’re working hard… and we’re getting it done.

That’s the rally.

How to Keep Moving When You’re in the Grind

Busy seasons have a way of creating fog.

You look at your list and think, Where do I even start?

Here’s what I’ve found works:

1. Create clear actions.
Don’t overthink it. Define the next task and complete it. Momentum beats perfection.

2. End the day with a win.
Even one completed task creates a sense of progress and that matters.

3. Take notes as you go.
You won’t fix everything in the moment. Capture ideas for improvement and revisit them later.

4. Show appreciation, constantly.
People are going above and beyond. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. (So do a few meals and small surprises, even if they’re “not tax-deductible.” New tax rule.)

5. Stay even-keeled when things go sideways.
Because they will. Especially now. Do your best to respond thoughtfully, not react.

6. Keep a finish line in sight.
For us, it’s April 15.

No, the work won’t be completely done, but it’s a milestone. And right after that?

We’re taking four days off.

Because recovery is part of the strategy.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t the long-term vision.

I don’t want a culture built on 15-hour days.

But I do want a culture where people step up when it matters because they care.

And that’s exactly what I’m seeing right now.

Final Thought

To our team, thank you.

You’re showing what it looks like to rally, to care, and to deliver when it counts.

To our clients, we appreciate your trust. We’re giving everything we have to support you now and long after April 15.

And to anyone else in the middle of your own “15-day grind”…

Keep going.

You’re closer than you think.