Inhibitory Controls
What are inhibitory controls?
Inhibitory Controls are the brain’s ability to choose what to pay attention to and what to ignore. Our brains are constantly selecting what is relevant or not. Focus is limited, so our brains are constantly shifting that focus based on our inhibitory controls. You may see this when choosing the “right” music to listen to (which one is least distracting?), to choosing the right environment to work in.
What do inhibitory control challenges look like?
- Lack of focus
- Distraction
- Daydreaming
- Difficulty completing tasks
- Shifting between a lot of tasks
- Fidgeting
What are some strategies to help with inhibitory control challenges?
- Changing your environment
- Identifying & Limiting distractions
- Structuring breaks
- Understanding your inhibitory control limits and stamina
How can coaching help with inhibitory control challenges?
- Increased awareness and metacognition
- Identification of Inhibitory Control challenges
- Development of strategies particular to your strengths
- Assessing effectiveness of strategies
