Life can be messy. It’s full of dreams we’re chasing, goals we’re trying to crush, and hurdles that
seem to pop up out of nowhere. Whether you’re working on your career, your health, or just
trying to grow as a person, it’s easy to lose track of why you started when things get tough.
That’s why we need anchors. They’re the things that keep us steady when the chaos hits,
reminding us why we started in the first place.
What Are Anchors?
Anchors are those little (or big) things in life that help us stay connected to what really matters.
They’re like mental or emotional lifelines that pull us back when we’re drifting too far off course.
Maybe it’s a quote that inspires you, a memory that brings you peace, or a person who believes
in you when you forget to believe in yourself.
The world we live in is constantly shifting—it’s noisy, fast-paced, and full of distractions. Without
something to keep us grounded, it’s easy to feel like we’re just spinning in circles. Anchors
remind us we’re not just going through the motions; we’re working toward something
meaningful. They give us purpose and stability, especially when things feel overwhelming.
My Anchors: My Kids and the Life I Want to Build
For me, my biggest anchors are my kids. Being their mom is my “why.” Everything I do—from
long hours at work to juggling a million roles—is for them. Their laughter, their little victories, and
even their wild curiosity light a fire in me that keeps me going. It’s not just about making sure
they have a roof over their heads or food on the table (though that’s important, too). It’s about
raising them to be strong, kind, and ready to take on the world.
Another anchor for me is the life I want to create for both of us. Life as a doctor, coach, author,
and mom is no walk in the park. Some days, I’m so overwhelmed I want to cry. But the vision of
a life where we’re all happy, secure, and fulfilled pushes me to keep going. It reminds me that
the sacrifices I’m making now are building something beautiful for the future.
When the chaos of life pulls me in too many directions, these anchors are what bring me back.
They remind me why I’m working so hard and help me push through when I feel like giving up.
How Pictures Keep Me Grounded
One thing that really helps me stay focused is having physical reminders in my
space—especially pictures. My home office is full of photos of my family and images that
represent the dreams I’m chasing. They’re not just decorations—they’re daily reminders of
what’s at stake.
When I’m sitting at my desk, drowning in emails or trying to hit a deadline, I glance at those
photos and feel a renewed sense of purpose. They’re like a little nudge that says, “Hey,
remember why you’re doing this?” Instead of getting stuck in the stress of the moment, I’m
reminded of the bigger picture.
We all get bogged down by endless to-do lists and the grind of daily life. For me, these photos
are a reset button. They help me pause, take a deep breath, and refocus on what truly matters.
How to Create Your Own Anchors
Anchors are personal—what works for one person might not work for someone else. The key is
to figure out what truly motivates you. What gets you out of bed in the morning? What keeps
you going, even on the hardest days?
Once you figure that out, you can start building your own anchors. Here are a few ideas to try:
1. Photos and Vision Boards: Keep photos of your loved ones or images that represent
your goals where you can see them every day. A vision board is another fun way to map
out your dreams visually.
2. Journaling: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and motivations. On tough days, revisit
those pages to remind yourself why you started. Journaling can also help you celebrate
small wins and see how far you’ve come.
3. Meaningful Objects: Maybe it’s a piece of jewelry, a token from a loved one, or
something small that reminds you of your journey. These objects can serve as
touchstones when you need to reconnect with your purpose.
4. Positive Affirmations: Simple phrases like “I am capable” or “Every step I take brings
me closer to my dreams” can work wonders when you’re feeling lost.
5. Supportive People: Surround yourself with people who lift you up—whether it’s friends,
family, or mentors. Sometimes your anchor can be as simple as a loved one saying,
“You’ve got this.”
Why Anchors Matter
Anchors aren’t just about keeping us focused—they’re about giving us strength. When life gets
messy (and it always does), they help us keep going. They remind us of the big picture when
we’re stuck in the weeds and give us that little boost of confidence when we need it most.
More than that, anchors build resilience. Life will never go perfectly to plan—there will always be
struggles and detours. But with strong anchors, you can find the strength to keep going, even
when the odds feel stacked against you.
Staying Grounded in the Chaos
At the end of the day, anchors are about staying connected to what matters most. They remind
us of our purpose and keep us grounded when life feels like it’s spinning out of control.
For me, my kids and the vision of a better life keep me steady. Every step I take, no matter how
hard, is for them and for the future we’re building together.
Whatever your anchors are—whether it’s family, a dream, or a simple quote that inspires
you—hold onto them. Lean on them when things get hard, and use them to remind yourself that
you’re not just working for today—you’re building something meaningful for tomorrow. Life might
be messy, but with the right anchors, you’ll always find your way.
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