What is Executive Functioning?

If you are open to growth, you can’t help but succeed.

Dr. Christopher Kaufman states, “Executive skills are those elements of cognition that allow for the self-regulation and self-direction of our day-to-day and longer term functioning.” 

But what exactly does that mean and what is executive functioning? 

Here’s a quick translation: Our brain needs to be aware of how it works in order to exhibit control over our thoughts and feelings and in order to get things done. And this is also a helpful definition of executive functioning. 

Experts further divide executive functioning into the metacognitive strand and the social-emotional regulation strand. In other words, our thinking brain and our feeling brain. 

Many people are surprised to learn that we have a feeling brain that thinks not a thinking brain that feels, according to my mentor, Marydee Sklar, the founder of the Sklar Method.

Trained in the Sklar Method, my work with students and individuals centers around strengthening executive functioning skills that may still be underdeveloped. I do this by organizing backpacks, notebooks, papers, and computer files. I also work on time management, tracking daily and long term projects, planning ahead for projects and essays, and effectively preparing for tests. My goal is to empower individuals by helping them learn how to self-assess, build self-confidence, and develop a mindful practice that helps them pay better attention, so they can be deliberate and present. 

Not everyone knows what executive functioning is when they come to see me—they just know they need help. Those who are successful embrace these new approaches and are willing and active participants in the process of working toward self-empowerment. 

It’s my goal to invite individuals to rewrite the negative messaging they may have received over the years. My mantra is: It’s not you, it’s your brain. Your brain can grow and learn at any age.

I want both kids and adults to believe they’re able to exit the black hole of disorganization. 

I want to help them dispel the myth that they’re simply lazy.

Instead, I want to help them create a self-directed path so they independently sit down, get their work done, and ultimately feel great about all they can initiate and complete.