Approaches to reduce switching field distribution in energy assisted magnetic storage devices involve first and second exchange coupled magnetic elements. The first magnetic elements have anisotropy, Hk1, volume, V1 and the second magnetic elements are magnetically exchange coupled to the first magnetic elements and have anisotropy Hk2, and volume V2. The thermal stability of the exchange coupled magnetic elements is greater than about 60 kBT at a storage temperature of about 300 K. The magnetic switching field distribution, SFD, of the exchange coupled magnetic elements is less than about 200% at a predetermined magnetic switching field and a predetermined assisting switching energy.