Executive functioning (EF) skills are the abilities in our brain that help us complete everyday tasks. These skills are like the air traffic controller of our brain; reminding us when to use our many available skills to accomplish our daily tasks efficiently and successfully. These skills include:
- Planning
- Organization
- Time management
- Metacognition
- Working memory
- Self-control
- Attention
- Flexibility
- Perseverance
This air controller tells us to focus and really listen while someone is talking (attention) while reminding us to get started when we have an assignment due at the end of class (task initiation). When our executive functioning skills are not performing optimally, we simply cannot perform at our best.