How to (Executive) Function Flashcards
(158 cards)
What does John Steinbeck suggest about perfection in his quote?
You don’t have to be perfect; you can be good.
What recurring fantasy does the author experience when starting a new office space?
The fantasy of finally being organized.
What does the author hope to achieve each time they start a new school year?
To get it ‘right’ and be the person they’re supposed to be.
What items does the author fantasize about organizing?
- Backpack
- New binder
- Tabs
- Planner
- Folders
What realization does the author have about starting from scratch?
They’re not really starting from scratch; they’re bringing their habits, routines, and chaos.
Fill in the blank: The author believes that this time their space will be _______.
[perfect]
True or False: The author believes that their new office space will be free of their old habits.
False
What was the author’s experience with organizing systems as a child?
The author struggled to maintain organization despite learning how to set up folders and organize materials. Crumpled homework and clutter were common.
What recurring issue did the author face with organizing systems in adulthood?
The author frequently celebrated new beginnings with organizing systems, which would quickly fall apart due to forgetfulness, distraction, or life events.
List some reasons why the author’s organizing systems broke down.
- Forgot to use it
- Forgot how to use it
- Lost it
- Got bored of it
- Forgot it existed
- Put it in a Very Important Place and couldn’t find it
- Promised to update it later
- Got distracted
- Broke phone and hadn’t backed it up
- Accidentally deleted the app
- Couldn’t remember password
- Couldn’t afford it anymore
- Life happened
What was the trade-off the author experienced while trying to stay organized?
The author could maintain organization only as long as life didn’t happen, leading to a restrictive lifestyle.
True or False: The author found joy in being organized.
False. The author felt that the need to be organized was a way to gain control in an uncontrollable life.
Fill in the blank: The author’s experience with organization included _______ that were often protected obsessively.
[systems]
What was the author’s perspective on the purpose of being organized?
The purpose was to make life easier, but the author’s approach often made life feel more restrictive.
What did the author compare the organization of colored pencils to?
The author felt that organizing colored pencils by color was one of the few things holding back chaos.
What did the author learn about their need to be organized?
The need to be organized was a way to gain some semblance of control in a life that felt outside their control.
List some consequences when the author’s organizing systems fell apart.
- My stuff became disorganized
- My time management failed
- My relationships suffered
- My finances were mismanaged
What is executive function (EF)?
A set of top-down cognitive processes that help us self-regulate, plan, prioritize, and sustain effort toward long-term goals
Executive function is likened to the CEO of the brain.
Which part of the brain is responsible for executive functions?
Prefrontal cortex
This area is crucial for the development of executive functions.
At what age does the executive function system typically finish developing?
By age twenty-five
This is the last part of the brain to develop in most individuals.
True or False: The struggles associated with ADHD are solely due to inattention.
False
ADHD struggles are more broadly due to executive function impairment.
What are some skills that rely on executive function?
- Managing a career
- Making good decisions
- Paying bills on time
- Driving safely
These skills are often challenging for individuals with ADHD.
Fill in the blank: Executive function helps us ______, prioritize, and sustain effort toward long-term goals.
self-regulate
What is the impact of disorganization on executive function?
It creates a snowball effect that hinders the ability to function effectively
Disorganization can lead to difficulty in finding items and managing time.