An Executive Assistant’s Anchored Mindset
Understanding what your anchors are as an EA.
What does your morning look like?
If your morning goes perfectly and your plan never changes, fantastic. But this article may not be for you. As an Executive Assistant, staying flexible and having the ability to adapt is our norm. So, if your morning shifts quickly and change is normal, let’s dive in.
Most of the advice out there tells you to "stay flexible" or "adapt quickly." And even though that is correct, doesn’t mean it’s the only way you succeed. Because flexibility without structure makes you reactive and this may lead to small (and large) mistakes in the long run. When someone knows what their goal is, and builds the structure to reach it, they are able to pivot when needed. They are also able to recognize when not to change course.
This is what I like to call the Anchor Mindset.
The Purpose of the Anchor
When boats are on the water and the anchor is dropped, the boat doesn’t sit perfectly still while waiting to sail again. The boat drifts, only so far, until it’s held where it needs to stay. The anchor sets a limit for how far it can go. The boat still responds to the elements around it, such as the wind and current, but it doesn’t lose its direction.
For an EA, an anchor works the same way. When your day gets pulled in five (or 50) directions, your anchors are your non-negotiables. Define two internal non-negotiables you will not drift far from. These should be specific enough that when you are under pressure, you remember what your goal is.
Why Only Two?
Under pressure, the brain doesn't strategically sort through a list. The brain thrives on clear cut information that can be acted upon right away. When you have two anchors, they become accessible when you need them.
Some examples of what this looks like in practice:
"I communicate proactively, even when I don't have all the answers yet."
"I protect my executive's time because it's the most important resource in the room.”
"I solve problems before I surface them."
"I stay calm out loud, even when I'm not calm inside."
Notice that these are identity statements, not job responsibilities. They answer the question: who are you when your day goes sideways?
Finding Your Two
The right anchors need to be familiar to you and easy to access internally when you feel pressure start to rise. They don’t need to be inspirational or fancy. Remember, these are for you and your success, not a perfect quote for your desk.
Ask yourself:
When you've navigated a chaotic day well, what did you hold onto that made you conquer the hectic moments?
If a colleague described what makes you reliable, what two words or phrases would they use?
Write down what surfaces and then narrow it down to your two things that you'd commit to on a hard day.
What Changes When You Have Them
Having anchors doesn't prevent shuffling calendars and pressure filled moments. But they do change how you tackle pressure when your day turns upside down. This is where we shine as Executive Assistants, right?!
Instead of asking "oh no, what do I do?" you're asking "what does someone with my two anchors do here?"
Resilience for an EA is about providing structure and a sense of calm during a quick moving day. And your anchors will help you accomplish exactly that.
Your turn.
What are your two anchors?
And if you haven't named them yet, I’d love to work with you on identifying them.
👋 Hi, I'm Christi, your Performance Coach
🧠 I help Executive Assistants build their careers
🎤 I offer 1:1 support, classroom presentations, and speaking for groups & events that aspire to perform better
