One of the biggest struggles executive assistants report to me is mastering effective time management. Let’s face it: your days are chaotic. You’re pulled in a million different directions, and many of you have multiple leaders to support. Deadlines press down on you, distractions steal valuable time, and there never seems to be quite enough hours in the day to get it all done! I know what you’re up against.

There is no process, no to-do list, no time tracking trick that will help you until you begin your day with a positive frame of mind. That’s right: attitude is everything. Starting each day with confidence, positivity, and passion for progress often equates to a successful day. If your body and mind are in sync, you may surprise yourself with what you can accomplish in a day.

The world around us is in a state of pandemonium. The threat of Coronavirus has highlighted our greatest fears and worst nightmares. Its tentacles have a firm chokehold on the economy, and basic infrastructures are grinding to a halt. Times like these remind us of an old concept developed during the Cold War era, VUCA. VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It’s an acronymized way of saying, “Buckle up. It’s a crazy world out there.”

Executive assistants, however, are probably more prepared than most to deal with crises of all kinds. Here are our suggestions for continuing to navigate and remaining calm through difficult times: