Why Executive Function Isn’t Solved by a “Simple Strategy”

When people struggle with executive function — skills like organizing, planning, starting tasks, or following through — it can feel tempting to hope for one clear, simple solution. The idea of a “hack” or a single strategy that will finally unlock productivity is appealing. If only there were a calendar, an app, or a checklist that could make everything fall into place.

But here’s the truth: if it were that simple, you would have already done it. Most people who struggle with executive function know what they “should” be doing. They may already have planners, reminders, or to-do lists, yet those tools remain unused or overwhelming. The challenge isn’t a lack of knowledge — it’s that executive function is deeply layered and complex.

Executive Function Is More Than Strategy

From an occupational therapy and psychotherapeutic perspective, executive function doesn’t exist in isolation. It is woven into how we see ourselves, how we feel in the moment, and the environment we’re operating in. A strategy on its own may not work unless the underlying layers are also supported. Some of these layers include:

• Sense of identity — The way you see yourself shapes your approach to tasks. If you carry a story of being “lazy” or “unmotivated,” it’s harder to build momentum. Therapy often involves reshaping this narrative into one that is more compassionate and realistic.

• Self-esteem — Believing in your ability to succeed impacts your willingness to even try. Low self-esteem can make new strategies feel pointless before they’re even attempted.

• The inner critic — Many people live with a harsh internal voice that judges every mistake. This critic drains energy, increases shame, and makes task initiation much harder.

• Emotional regulation — Stress, frustration, or self-doubt can override planning systems in the brain. When emotions feel overwhelming, even the most well-designed strategy can fall apart.

This doesn’t mean strategies don’t matter. They absolutely do — but they need to be paired with support for these deeper layers. Without that foundation, a tool may only create more frustration when it doesn’t “stick.”

A Compassionate Approach

Instead of searching for one perfect solution, it’s often more helpful to take a gradual, layered approach:

• Build awareness of your emotions and practice self-regulation skills.

• Work on self-talk and notice when your inner critic is in charge.

• Strengthen routines slowly, celebrating small wins rather than aiming for overnight change.

• Choose strategies that fit your identity and values, not just what worked for someone else.

As an occupational therapist/psychotherapist, my role is to help clients experiment with both the external tools (like planners, checklists, or reminders) and the internal supports (like regulation skills, self-compassion, and identity work). Together, these create a stronger foundation for lasting change.

The Bigger Picture

Executive function is not a problem to be “fixed” with a single code or hack. It is part of a complex human experience that includes emotions, history, environment, and self-perception. When we treat it with compassion and respect its complexity, we move away from shame and toward sustainable progress.

So if you’ve tried “simple strategies” and they didn’t work — please know this doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you are human, and the work ahead is about layering supports that honour both your strengths and your challenges. Change is possible, but it takes patience, self-kindness, and a willingness to work on the deeper foundations of executive function.