Strategizing Solutions

Category: Executive Functioning

  • Understanding Executive Function Skills

    Understanding Executive Function Skills

    Assessing executive abilities in both yourself and your child is an important exercise that offers insights into shared strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas where differences may arise. Executive skills are essential cognitive capabilities that encompass planning, organizing, time management, sustained attention, cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and more.

    There are numerous free assessments available online to evaluate your Executive Function strengths and weaknesses. Here are a couple of assessments that I find valuable. They all are created by Dr. Peg Dawson and Dr. Richard Guare, esteemed authors of the book Smart But Scattered. I highly recommend exploring this book, as it is a fantastic resource for understanding and improving executive function skills. Remember, even the most organized among us could use a little help navigating the chaos of life!

  • The 3-Minute Rule: Your Secret Weapon Against Procrastination

    The 3-Minute Rule: Your Secret Weapon Against Procrastination

    Be honest—how many times have you ignored that one tiny task (like replying to a short email) only to find it haunting you later like a ghost in your inbox? Or maybe you let a sink cup sit there long enough to start its own ecosystem? Those little jobs might seem harmless, but when they pile up, they’re like gremlins: small, annoying, and multiplying when you’re not looking.

    Enter: The 3-Minute Rule.

    What Is the 3-Minute Rule?

    The 3-Minute Rule is basically a productivity hack disguised as common sense. It goes like this: if a task takes three minutes or less, do it immediately. No bargaining, no “I’ll do it later,” no dramatic sighing while scrolling on your phone. Just do it.

    Examples?

    • Reply to that two-sentence email.
    • Toss the junk mail in the trash.
    • Rinse the dish (instead of building a leaning tower of cereal bowls).
    • Pay the bill that takes less time than checking Instagram.

    It’s not about rushing through life—it’s about stopping the small stuff from turning into a mountain of stress. Think of it as housekeeping for your brain.

    Why Does It Work?

    1. Prevents Overwhelm: You never let the molehills turn into mountains.
    2. Quick Wins: Tiny victories feel good—like checking something off your list instantly.
    3. Builds Momentum: Completing something small gives you the push to tackle bigger tasks.
    4. Reduces Mental Clutter: Fewer “ugh, I still need to do that” thoughts bouncing around in your head.

    Basically, any moment that might otherwise be wasted can turn into a productivity booster.

    Reflect and Adjust

    Ask yourself:

    • What little tasks am I actually doing right away?
    • Which ones am I still pushing off (and why)?
    • How can I tweak my routine so the 3-Minute Rule feels natural instead of forced?

    Final Thoughts

    The 3-Minute Rule isn’t about speed—it’s about strategy. Every quick task you finish clears out mental clutter and saves you from future chaos. Try it for a week, and you might be surprised how much lighter your brain (and your to-do list) feels.

    Remember: if it takes less time than scrolling TikTok, just get it done.

    Leave a comment

  • The Fantastical World of Task Initiation: Unleash Your Inner Superhero!

    The Fantastical World of Task Initiation: Unleash Your Inner Superhero!

    Greetings, esteemed parents and grown-ups! Join us on a whimsical journey as we explore the magical realm of task initiation, sprinkled with humor and a hint of wisdom. Get ready to unleash your inner superhero and dive into the art of starting tasks with flair!

    Decoding the Mystery of Task Initiation

    Task initiation is like possessing a superpower that propels you into action without hesitation. It’s all about vanquishing the arch-nemesis known as procrastination and charging into tasks, even when the siren song of Netflix beckons. This skill is more precious than a unicorn in a field of rainbows because, let’s be real, life is a never-ending parade of chores and tasks that require our attention, whether we like it or not.

    A Playful Peek at Task Initiation

    Spotting task initiation skills is as tricky as finding Waldo in a crowd, mainly because it often masquerades as just doing what you’re “supposed” to do! Let’s add a splash of humor to this serious topic with a few examples of what task initiation can look like in action:

    • Diving into an assignment in class at warp speed after receiving instructions.
    • Tidying up your room like a stealthy ninja, without needing a battle cry to get started.
    • Conquering a daunting test or quiz, even if your confidence is wobbling like a Jell-O mold.

    Outrageously Fun Tactics to Turbocharge Task Initiation at Home

    For all you aspiring superheroes (yes, parents and families, we’re looking at you!), here are some uproariously effective activities to supercharge your task initiation skills at home:

    • Craft a chore and homework schedule (and stick to it like your favorite superhero sticks to their moral code).
    • Pump up the excitement with pre-workout exercise or sports antics with your trusty sidekick.
    • Create a daily chore checklist to bring order to the chaos of everyday life.
    • Set the stage with a timer that adds a thrilling countdown to work time, complete with dramatic flair.
    • Embrace the power of working in short bursts and rewarding yourselves with well-deserved breaks (even superheroes need to refuel).
    • Shower yourselves with incentives once you’ve triumphed over a set of tasks (check out our free reward list for some epic ideas).
    • Engage in the rocket ship countdown method (3… 2… 1… blast off into action!).
    • Join forces to tackle challenging tasks together, like a dynamic duo cleaning a room or embarking on a heroic homework mission.

    There you have it, brave souls! Let your task initiation superhero shine bright, don your metaphorical cape, and conquer those chores and responsibilities with a side-splitting sense of humor. Remember, with great power comes great… well, you know the rest. Onward to task initiation triumph!

  • Hello World!

    Hello World!

    Hey everyone, and welcome to my little corner of the internet – where I am all about making education, ADHD, and Executive Functioning a breeze (well, as breezy as they can be)!

    I’ve been rocking the classroom for over 25 years, teaching Social Studies to some seriously awesome middle schoolers at an AWESOME Central Ohio middle School. But wait, there’s more! When the school day ends, I switch gears and become an Executive Function Coach, helping students and families conquer the chaos and master the art of getting stuff done.

    But let me rewind a bit. My journey into the world of ADHD and Executive Functioning started with a little family adventure. Yep, you guessed it – my own kiddo hit some speed bumps along the way. Cue the learning curve! Through all the ups and downs, I’ve gained some serious insights into what it’s like to navigate ADHD and Executive Functioning hurdles.

    Now, here’s where the fun kicks in. I’ve made it my mission to dive headfirst into learning and growing right alongside my students and fellow parents. From earning certificates to nerding out at professional development events, I’m all about adding some extra sparkle to my teaching toolkit.

    So, why this blog? Well, I’m all about creating a space where we can swap stories, share tips, and maybe even share a few laughs about the wild ride that is tackling ADHD and Executive Functioning challenges. Because let’s be real – a little laughter goes a long way when you’re juggling school, work, and everything in between!

    Thanks for joining me on this adventure! Together, let’s turn those everyday hurdles into triumphs – one blog post at a time. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!