Organizing Tasks with Executive Dysfunction: Tips and Strategies

If you have executive dysfunction (also called executive function disorder), you may experience difficulty in organizing tasks and completing them on time. Executive dysfunction is a condition that affects your ability to plan, prioritize, and execute tasks, and it can make it hard to manage your daily life. While it’s possible for anyone to struggle with executive dysfunction, it is often found in conjunction with neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD and autism.

If you need someone in your corner join my Facebook group, Executive Function Support for Women. I will be your cheerleader.

Photo byShannyn Schroeder

Understanding Executive Dysfunction

If you have Executive Dysfunction/Executive Function Disorder (EFD), you may have difficulty with tasks that involve planning, organization, time management, and prioritizing. EFD is a neurological condition that affects the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is responsible for these functions.

People with EFD may struggle to complete tasks on time, forget important details, and have difficulty starting or finishing projects. They may also have trouble with impulse control, emotional regulation, and working memory.

EFD can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, brain injury, or developmental disorders such as ADHD. It can also be a result of chronic stress, lack of sleep, or poor nutrition. That’s why as a new mom you have what we call “mom brain.” Your executive function skills are weakened because you’re not getting enough sleep.

It’s important to note that having EFD does not mean that you are lazy or unmotivated. It’s a real condition that can have a significant impact on your daily life. However, with proper support and strategies, you can learn to manage your symptoms and be successful.

When I talk about executive functioning, I’m referring to all of these skills as a set. You might not struggle with all of the skills. In fact, you might be really good at some, and horrible at others. It’s important for you to figure out your strengths and weaknesses so you you can build strategies that will work for you.

Prioritizing and Planning Tasks

In order to stay on top of the tasks you have, you need to know what the tasks are. Obvious, right? But if you aren’t in the habit of writing down your tasks, you won’t have a handle on how to manage them. The first step in organizing tasks to to know what all of them are.

The simplest way to keep track of tasks is with a basic to-do list. For people who haven’t had success with planners, I suggest starting here. Make a habit of sitting down each day and making a list of the tasks you need to do. You might need to make a master list of ALL the things you need to accomplish and then split items off that long list every day to create your daily to-do list.

The Role of Planners

If you’ve been around me for any length of time you know that I’m a huge proponent of using a planner. I truly believe that everyone should be using some kind of planner. As your life changes, your planner might have to change too. Don’t get stuck in a cycle of always buying a bunch of planners and never using them. Explore and experiment, but consider the types of things you need to keep track of and how you like to see things.

Regardless of the type of planner you choose, make sure it has features that will help you stay organized. This may include sections for to-do lists, calendars, and reminders. You can also use your planner to set goals and track your progress.

Planners don’t have to be just for your daily slog of work. They can help you track and monitor everything in your life so you can reach the goals you set.

Planners can be a valuable tool for people with EFD. They can help you keep track of important dates, deadlines, and appointments. When choosing a planner, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Some people prefer paper planners, while others prefer digital planners.

Setting Priorities

If you have executive dysfunction, setting priorities is crucial. Without prioritizing tasks, you treat all tasks equally, and you won’t know where to start. Prioritization is part of organizing tasks — it tells you which tasks should be done first.

You need to identify which tasks are most important and need to be completed first. One way to do this is to create a to-do list and rank the tasks in order of importance. You can use a numbering system or color-coding to make it easier to identify which tasks are the most pressing.

There are many ways you can choose to prioritize your tasks. The key is to find a method that clicks with your brain. For some people, the Eisenhower matrix works because you consider the urgency and importance of each task. However, some people can’t distinguish what’s really important. For them, they might need to look at the consequences for not completing the task. The tasks with the most severe consequences should get done first.

Remember, the key to prioritizing and planning tasks is to find a system that works for you. Experiment with different methods and tools until you find the ones that help you stay organized and on track.

Want to learn more about executive functioning? Take my FREE course.

Organizational Systems and Tools

Digital Applications

Digital applications can be an effective tool for those with Executive Function Disorder (EFD) to manage their tasks and stay organized. These apps offer a range of features, including reminders, calendars, and to-do lists, that can help you keep track of your daily tasks and responsibilities. Some popular apps for organizing tasks include Trello, Asana, and Todoist.

Trello allows you to create boards (like a digital Kanban board), lists, and cards to organize your tasks. You can add due dates, labels, and attachments to your cards, and move them between lists as you complete them. Asana is a more complex app that offers project management tools, team collaboration, and integrations with other applications. Todoist is a simple to-do list app that allows you to create tasks, set due dates, and prioritize them.

Physical Organization Aids

Physical organization aids can be beneficial for people with EFD who prefer tangible tools to stay organized. These aids can include planners, calendars, and whiteboards. Planners are are fabulous because they come in various sizes and formats, such as daily, weekly, and monthly. You can find the one that best suits your needs (or you can even create one).

Calendars are another physical organization aid that can help you keep track of important dates and events. They can be hung on a wall or placed on a desk. Calendars aren’t quite as versatile because you don’t carry them with you, so things that should be recorded are sometimes missed. But they can be great for visualizing long-term projects.

Whiteboards are a versatile physical organization aid that can be used to create to-do lists, calendars, and reminders. They can be hung on a wall or placed on a desk, and you can use dry erase markers to write and erase your tasks. A whiteboard can also be used to create a physical Kanban board.

It’s important to find the system that works best for you and to use it consistently. By using these tools, you can reduce stress and increase productivity in your daily life.

Time Management Techniques

Using Timers and Alarms

One effective way to manage your time is to use timers and alarms. Set a timer for a specific amount of time to work on a task, then take a break when the timer goes off. This can help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. You can also use alarms to remind you of important deadlines or appointments.

Creating Effective Schedules

Creating a schedule can help you stay organized and manage your time more effectively. Start by listing all of your tasks and activities for the day or week. Then, prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. Next, assign specific times for each task on your schedule. Be sure to include breaks and downtime as well.

To make your schedule more effective, consider the following tips:

• Break larger tasks into smaller steps. The smaller, the better. It keeps you from being overwhelmed.
• Schedule your most difficult tasks during your peak productivity times. For many people this is first thing in the morning, but you need to know what your best time is.
• Build in some flexibility for unexpected events or delays. Life is gonna life — plan for the unexpected.
• Review and adjust your schedule regularly to ensure it’s working for you Things change. While routine and consistency are good, sometimes you need to change things up. Don’t be too rigid.

Did you know I have a membership for women who want to improve their executive function skills? Check it out here.

Maintaining Focus and Attention

Minimizing Distractions

When you have Executive Dysfunction, it can be challenging to maintain focus and attention on tasks. Distractions can easily pull you away from what you need to do, making it difficult to stay on track. Here are some ways to minimize distractions:

• Find a quiet space: If possible, work in a quiet space where there are minimal distractions. This could be a separate room, a library, or a coffee shop with noise-canceling headphones.
• Turn off notifications: Notifications from social media, email, and other apps can be a constant source of distraction. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer so that you can focus on your tasks without interruptions.
• Use a timer: Set a timer for a specific amount of time, such as 30 minutes, and work on your task until the timer goes off. This can help you stay focused and motivated.

Focus-Enhancing Techniques

In addition to minimizing distractions, there are techniques you can use to enhance your focus and attention:

• Break tasks into smaller chunks: Large tasks can be overwhelming and difficult to focus on. Break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks, and focus on one chunk at a time.
• Use visual aids: Visual aids such as diagrams, mind maps, and flowcharts can help you stay focused and organized. They can also make complex tasks easier to understand.
• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment. It can help you stay focused on your tasks and reduce distractions. Try taking a few deep breaths before starting a task and focusing on your breathing for a few minutes.

Organizing tasks so that you can be efficient and effective in your work and life isn’t something that is intuitive. It’s something you learn to do. If you struggle with executive dysfunction, you have a steeper learning curve, but you can learn to do this. You just need to experiment to find the tools and strategies that work with your brain. Then you implement them to keep yourself on track. You can do this. Be patient and remember –it’s a process. Focus on progress.