Self-control, flexible thinking and working memory, these set of mental abilities are what we call Executive functions. These skills are used in our everyday life to learn, work and manage. 

We can describe the executive function as the brain's management system since we use them as a tool for setting goals and getting things done.

In this article, we will present the different types of executive functions, their impact and finally how to improve them.

These functions play such an important role, in operation solo or in conjunction with one another, to monitor goal-driven behaviours. 

• The main areas of executive function are :
• Working memory: Short-term memory, also known as primary or active memory, is the capacity to store a small amount of information in the mind and keep it readily available for a short period of time.
• Cognitive flexibility: Also known as flexible thinking, which means the ability to switch from a mental task to another or to think about numerous things at the same time.
• Inhibitory control: It’s the ability to restrain impulses and desires, so you can engage in an appropriate behaviours.
• Attention control: It’s the capacity to focus and concentrate on something specific in our surroundings

We rely on the executive functions to do our everyday tasks, and we give you for example:

• Analyzing information
• Being able to focus on something
• Keeping track of your behaviours
• Making plans
• Managing behaviour
• Managing your time
• Paying attention
• Regulating emotions
• Remembering important details
• Self-regulation
• Staying organized

• Executive functions have a very critical role in our ability to function properly. The moment we start having issues with these skills, we will face many obstacles in different areas of our life, such as school, work, and interpersonal relationships.

            In this context, we present the various struggles that a person may face. 

• Organizing, prioritizing, and initiating tasks
• Focusing, maintaining, and shifting attention
• Regulating alertness, sustaining effort, and processing speed
• Monitoring and self-regulating action
• Managing frustrations and regulating emotions
• 
  
• The question now is how to improve these functions?

The best way to change a behaviour is to be completely aware of it first, in this case here are some strategies that can support this task:

• Taking baby steps and breaking tasks into small steps to increase productivity and reach the final goal.
• Create a to-do list for things that need to be done.
• Take breaks in between tasks and enjoy your favorite activities
• make a plan for how you think to be done 
• In case you are very forgetful, use a calendar to remind yourself with the activities and tasks in the long run.
• CBT, behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy: this helps to replace the negative behaviors with positive ones, and even helps to regulate feeling and manage them even better.

And finally, we advise you to be more self-aware of this matter since it has major impacts on all areas of life, reason to be taken seriously for a better performance.