This introductory episode launches our comprehensive series on executive function skills, explaining why traditional productivity methods often fall short and how understanding these fundamental brain skills can transform your daily life.

What Are Executive Functions?

• Set of mental skills that help us set and achieve goals
• Include time management, organization, impulse control
• Impact both small daily tasks (getting out of bed, daily routines) and larger goals
• When not working well, even simple tasks feel harder

The Three Main Points

1. Understanding Executive Functions
   • Tools your brain uses to set and achieve goals
   • Essential for both simple daily tasks and complex projects
   • Impact everything from morning routines to long-term planning
2. Beyond Willpower
   • Common misconception: struggling means lacking motivation
   • Real issue: gap in executive function skills + unhelpful mindset
   • Example: Task initiation isn’t about laziness – it’s a learnable skill
3. Series Structure
   • Will cover all 14 executive function skills
   • Topics include:
     • Time management
     • Emotional control
     • Organization
     • Task initiation
     • Working memory

Real-Life Example: Time Blindness

• Personal experience with chronic lateness
• Discovery that shower routine took 45-60 minutes due to:
  • Lack of routine
  • Decision fatigue
  • No structured approach
• Solution: Simplified routine reduced time to 10-15 minutes
• Key insight: Many avoided tasks actually take much less time than perceived

The Mindset Component

• Beliefs impact ability to implement changes
• Example: “I’m bad at time management” creates stress and avoidance
• Shifting to “I can learn to manage time” enables actual improvement
• Skills + mindset = lasting change

Coming Up Next

• Deep dive into time management and awareness
• Understanding ADHD brains and time perception
• Practical strategies for better time management

Resources Mentioned

• Upcoming masterclass for personalized executive function system
• Series will include all 14 executive function skills
• Free Resources: https://learntothrivewithadhd.com/freeresources/
• Website: https://www.learntothrivewithadhd.com/
• LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/learntothrivewithadhd
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learntothrivewithadhd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learntothrivewithadhd/

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