Habits are our brain's way of switching off when we encounter a familiar setting or situation to preserve energy and act efficiently. They take over automatically without you even noticing, and dictate large parts your daily routine and work life.

A habit is formed when you perform an action consistently in a particular context. That context becomes a cue, which subconsciously triggers the action turning it into a habit. With that in mind, forming positive habits is essential to being an effective Executive Assistant - here are four to work on.

Developing good habits is essential to succeeding as an executive assistant.

1. Make time to organise

As an Executive Assistant, it's your job to anticipate your Executive's needs, organise their days and make their jobs easier. If you don't have your ducks in a row, it's difficult to organise someone else, so it's essential that you take 10 or 15 minutes at the start of every day to plan and get prepared. Do this well and you'll be twice as efficient.

2. Think in segments

Every time you get distracted from a task, it takes your brain a few minutes to fully refocus. If you're flitting back and forth between different to-dos, this means you'll work slower and be less productive. Segment your work into chunks of similar tasks so that you can stay focused for as long as possible.

3. Keep up with the calendar

Busy executives live by their calendars. One of the most important habits of successful Executive Assistants is to stay in tune with your executive's schedule in order to anticipate their needs - this means knowing and organising their calendar essential.

At the start of the day, as part of your planning, it pays to familiarise yourself with the calendar so that you can always be one step ahead.

4. Take a break

Work can be stressful for Executive Assistants, so it's essential you don't let it get on top of you. Remember to always take regular breaks regardless of how busy you are. If you're feeling overwhelmed and panicky at any point, take 15 to do something relaxing that you enjoy like a quick walk or grabbing a coffee.

As important as it is to develop good organisational habits, it's essential that you take care of yourself too. If you need a helping hand developing better habits become a member of the Executive Assistants Network and gain access to support, resources and expert advice.