I made comments recently on people becoming time-poor. I attended a presentation recently where I was reminded of the importance of making time for yourself. It is during this time that you review your successes and shortcomings. While your successes provide a boost for your ego, your greatest satisfaction comes when you reflect on what you have done wrong, learn from the experience, and change. I find that my best work comes from when I have time to think, time to collect my thoughts and energy. I escape on my bike or on a trek. I find me, I find energy, and I find inspiration. I hope each of you do likewise in your own way. When you take this time for yourself, it is when you are most open to change and new ideas. You listen, you hear and you grow. So much for words of wisdom. A president’s role covers a lot!

I recently had the privilege of attending the Tasmanian State Convention and the state council monthly meeting. The convention and team work were impressive. Tasmania may have our smallest membership base, but the convention achieved the highest attendance rate of any state as a percentage of state-based membership. There is a small group of hard working members guiding CPE that is relevant for Tasmania’s Tax Institute membership. Well done.

On a final note, our national convention is in Hobart on 26 to 28 March 2014 — don’t miss it. The program looks excellent, and you can’t beat Tasmania as a place to visit.

Stephen Westaway

Stephen Westaway is President of the National Council at The Tax Institute.

The Tax Institute is Australia's leading professional association in tax. Its 13,000 members include tax agents, accountants and lawyers as well as tax practitioners in corporations, government and academia.