Week Two: Protecting Your Energy, Embracing the Little Things, and Growing Boldly
May 30–June 5, 2025
Week two of the Assistant Challenge brought some powerful realizations. From spontaneous chats to boundaries and brave questions, this week invited me to take small—but meaningful—steps toward being more intentional, empowered, and connected in my role.
Day 6: Spontaneous Lunch
There wasn’t time for a proper lunch break today—but the heart of this challenge still landed. As an introvert, I often keep my head down, but I recognize the quiet power of casual connection. I’m holding onto the suggested conversation starters for future moments—a hallway chat, a coffee break, or even a spontaneous Teams call. Every interaction is a chance to understand the people I support just a little more.
Day 7: Little Things Matter
This was such a validating reminder. The routine tasks we often overlook—scheduling, formatting, following up—are actually the foundation of trust and excellence. This challenge reframed the “small stuff” as vital, and reminded me that every detail I handle with care helps leadership shine. It deepens my pride in the work that often happens behind the scenes.
Day 8: Just Say No
Today, I practiced saying “No” with grace. It was a boundary-setting moment that reminded me how empowering it is to protect my time and capacity. Each respectful decline allows me to say “Yes” more meaningfully elsewhere. This challenge helped reframe “No” not as a rejection, but as a form of self-leadership.
Day 9: Deal with Interruptions
Interruptions are a constant challenge—especially when your job is to be available. But I took steps today to regain control: updated notification settings, blocked focus time, and added a status message to reduce the pressure to reply instantly. These shifts, though small, gave me space to do deeper work and think more clearly. My takeaway? Focus is a leadership tool worth fiercely protecting.
Day 10: Ask Your Executive This Question
Whew. This challenge hit me in the gut—in a good way. Asking my executive directly for feedback on how I’m doing feels incredibly vulnerable. I haven’t done it yet, but I’m sitting with it. I know discomfort often signals growth, and when I’m ready, I want to ask that question with courage and openness. The potential to learn, improve, and grow stronger in partnership is worth it.
Final Thoughts:
This week wasn’t about grand gestures—it was about daily courage. Whether it was setting a boundary, sparking a hallway chat, or simply rethinking a routine task, each challenge invited me to lead from where I am. And that’s exactly what I plan to keep doing.
On to week three!
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