Summer often comes with a different rhythm — lighter work schedules, vacations, and more open time. 🌞 It’s also a powerful opportunity to step back and strengthen the executive function skills that keep you organized, focused, and moving forward. By tuning up these key areas now, you can build serious momentum before the fall busy season arrives.
Here’s a deeper look at 5 executive function skills you can work on — and simple ways to get started:
1. Planning and Prioritization 🗓️
What It Is
The ability to set goals, figure out the steps to achieve them, and organize tasks based on importance and deadlines.
Why It’s Important
Effective planning helps you manage competing responsibilities, avoid feeling overwhelmed, and accomplish long-term goals more smoothly.
General Strategies
- Break larger projects into smaller, actionable steps.
- Set weekly top 3 priorities and review them regularly.
- Use tools like project boards, planners, or apps to stay organized.
Examples to Try
- Create a simple project plan for a home or work task this summer.
- List your top 3 goals for the week each Monday morning.
- Use a sticky note system to track short-term tasks.
2. Time Management ⏳
What It Is
The ability to allocate your time wisely, estimate task durations, and balance your schedule effectively.
Why It’s Important
Good time management minimizes last-minute rushes, increases productivity, and ensures space for personal priorities alongside work demands.
General Strategies
- Use time-blocking to organize work and personal tasks.
- Set alarms to create natural transitions between activities.
- Build in breaks to maintain energy and focus.
Examples to Try
- Block 2 hours for a focused work project before noon each day.
- Set a 45-minute focus timer for deep work, followed by a 10-minute break.
- Use calendar holds for errands, workouts, and social time.
3. Task Initiation 🚀
What It Is
The ability to begin tasks without unnecessary procrastination or avoidance.
Why It’s Important
Getting started quickly builds momentum, reduces dread, and keeps projects moving forward instead of stalled.
General Strategies
- Use a “just start” mindset — focus on the first 5 minutes only.
- Create external cues like reminders or visible prompts.
- Build routines that include natural task initiation points.
Examples to Try
- Set a 10-minute “starter” timer before tackling administrative work.
- Lay out gym clothes by the door to prompt workout initiation.
- Begin mornings with a short, structured task like reviewing a checklist.
4. Organization 🗂️
What It Is
The ability to keep both physical and digital environments structured and manageable.
Why It’s Important
Staying organized saves time, lowers stress, and makes it easier to stay productive and meet responsibilities.
General Strategies
- Declutter regularly (physical spaces, inboxes, files).
- Use consistent naming systems for folders and documents.
- Establish simple, repeatable organization routines.
Examples to Try
- Spend 15 minutes clearing your desk every Friday.
- Organize digital folders by project or category.
- Streamline your to-do list into daily and weekly sections.
5. Self-Monitoring 🔍
What It Is
The ability to assess your progress, recognize when changes are needed, and adjust your strategies over time.
Why It’s Important
Self-monitoring helps you stay accountable, avoid repeating mistakes, and celebrate growth.
General Strategies
- Conduct weekly reviews of wins, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Track progress on goals using simple visual tools.
- Ask for feedback on your workflow or results when appropriate.
Examples to Try
- Use a habit tracker to monitor key goals over the summer.
- Reflect each Friday: “What worked well? What do I want to change?”
- Meet with a mentor or coach once mid-summer to review progress.
Build Your Own Summer Tune-Up Plan
Fill in your goals below!
| Executive Function Skill | Goal for Summer | Action Plan | How I’ll Track Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning and Prioritization | |||
| Time Management | |||
| Task Initiation | |||
| Organization | |||
| Self-Monitoring |
Sample Tune-Up Plan Example
| Executive Function Skill | Goal for Summer | Action Plan | How I’ll Track Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning and Prioritization | Launch side project by August. | Map out project steps with deadlines on a calendar. | Weekly check-in on task progress. |
| Time Management | Spend no more than 1 hour per day on email. | Use a 30-minute timer twice daily for email checks. | Track email time daily for a week. |
| Task Initiation | Start morning tasks by 9 AM. | Prepare task list the night before with first task highlighted. | Track mornings successfully started on time. |
| Organization | Declutter office space before Labor Day. | Block 30 minutes twice a week for decluttering sessions. | Take weekly photos to monitor progress. |
| Self-Monitoring | Stay aware of progress on fitness goal. | Log workouts after each session using an app. | Review workout log weekly. |
Set Yourself Up for Fall Success
Summer growth lays the foundation for fall achievements. If you’re ready to sharpen your executive functions and reach your next set of goals, we’re here to support you!
Start Your Growth Plan today! 🚀
