​At any given time our brains are conducting a whole series of functions in tandem which allow us to organize, pay attention, remember, problem solve, and a whole long list of other tasks needed in life, school, and work.  For some, these processes work like a well oiled machine, and they spend little time preparing, adapting, or even thinking about changes in their day. They can see a task and immediately identify the correct set of doors inside their brains needed to open to seek out the information to complete their plan. For others, however, these processes aren't as smooth, and their brains sometimes mis-fire by opening wrong doors, finding different information, leading to distractions, increased confusion, disorganization, and/or exhaustion. Simply put, for some, a little more time learning about how their unique brain works is helpful, so that they know about the potential road blocks, detours, and mis-fires that may pop up. They can then practice and master their own set of skills and strategies for success.  

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Executive Functioning is a partnership of mental flexibility, working memory, and self-control.  As these processes all rely on each other, a deficit in one, can create a roadblock in all three. 

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WORKING MEMORY

• Is also known as short-term memory.  How long can information that has been given to you stay with you in a way that is useful to you?  Can you remember multi-step processes?  Are there tips you use to help you remember?

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SELF-CONTROL

• ​Is measured by the ability to block out distractions and focus on the task at hand. If there is something really enticing, how difficult is it to ignore that? If there are distractions, or noise, is it harder to focus?

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MENTAL FLEXIBILITY

• Can you see things in more than one way?  Can you use critical thinking to look at the relationship between two things in different ways?  Can you imagine something in a way that is not displayed? 

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A deficit in one of these areas can create a blockage in the partnership needed to organize one's thoughts, make a plan, schedule tasks,  execute steps, get re-routed, find new information etc etc. One difficulty can muddle a whole bunch of things.

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Over time, someone might feel insecure and less than when executive functioning fails. They may feel these deficits point to weaknesses in relationships, school, or work. Conflicts may occur, and procrastination, underachievement, and a tendency to give up are other symptoms. Oftentimes, this internalization of feelings of shame and guilt are so off the mark ~ it's just that traditional learning practices do not work for them.  They have the answers; they are just lost in misfires. 

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Learning what works for you can open a world of clarity and control. Are you ready?

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