Executive Dysfunction: How to Manage Life When Your Brain Has Other Plans!

Does this sound familiar?

You have 10 things to do, but your brain is stuck on buffering. You KNOW the dishes won’t wash themselves, but you’re bingeing TikToks about productivity hacks instead. Welcome to the joyride of executive dysfunction—a VIP perk of neurodivergence. Today, let’s unpack why starting is so hard and how to sneak past your brain’s “Do Not Enter” sign.

Here’s the thing: executive dysfunction isn’t laziness.

It’s like trying to drive a car that refuses to shift out of neutral. Your brain wants to act, but it’s missing the spark to get moving. The fix? Beat the system with productivity tips for executive dysfunction:

1. Micro-Steps:
   Forget the whole task. Can you just put on gloves to start the dishes? Often, doing Step 1 triggers momentum.

2. Body Doubling:
   Bring in a friend (real or virtual) to keep you company while you work. Just their presence can help bypass procrastination.

3. Time-Twisting Tools:
   Apps like Focusmate or an aestheticly pleasing Pomodoro timer work wonders for keeping you on track.

4. Forgive and Reset:
   Can’t start today? That’s okay. Try again tomorrow. Self-compassion is productivity’s secret sauce.

Remember, executive dysfunction isn’t about being bad at life. It’s about needing the right tools to thrive. Start with the tiniest action today—even if it’s just closing this email with a little smile. You’ve got this.

Xo,

Ashleigh