What is Executive Function?

At its core, executive functioning helps you get things done. These are the skills that allow you to plan, monitor, and execute tasks. They also support you in juggling between the tasks you're working on.

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For example, completing a homework assignment, work assignment, or household task requires you first to think about all the steps the task requires (plan), begin working on those tasks (execute), monitor how well you're doing and whether you'll accomplish the task on time (monitor), continue your steady progress (execute), and finally, dot your i's and cross your t's on the finishing touches (execute). What seems like a simple thing at first — it's just one assignment! — actually turns out to be the accumulation of multiple steps.

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Some recent studies have shown that executive functioning actually predicts work and academic success better than IQ!

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Executive functioning's importance in all areas of our lives cannot be overstated. It's the difference between having a dream and accomplishing that dream. It's the difference between feeling trapped in an unfulfilling life and living the life you want to live. 

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If you're curious to learn more, read about the 12 executive functioning skills. Or take a deeper dive into the biology, development, and more of executive functioning!

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