Standards stick when they are both internal and external. This episode teaches a simple habit: each morning send one concise message (30–60 seconds spoken or one sentence written) to a chosen person that names the single standard you will protect today. James explains why externalizing a standard makes you more likely to honor it without spectacle, how to pick the right recipient (consenting, relevant, nonjudgmental), and the exact language that stays calm, specific, and useful. You get three plug‑and‑play templates (partner/family, teammate/colleague, self‑check voice note), guidance on timing and format, and a seven‑day micro‑trial to test whether the Anchor Message increases presence, reduces negotiations, and strengthens reputation. Practical, low‑ego, and repeatable: the habit turns private standards into quiet signals that shape behavior without performance. End with a single reflective question and a calm invite to subscribe and try the Anchor Message tomorrow morning.