When the Tools That Are Supposed to Help Become Another Thing to Manage
I have tried a lot of organizational systems over the years. And when I say a lot, I mean enough that I could probably open a small museum dedicated entirely to the different ways I’ve attempted to get my life together. Bullet journals. Notebooks. Planners. Sticky notes covering my desk and computer. A reminders app […]
Why “I’ll Do It Later” Is More Complicated Than It Sounds
I say “I’ll do it later” with an impressive amount of confidence for someone who has apparently never met Later Jill. Later Jill is very busy. She has the things Current Jill didn’t feel like doing, the things Morning Jill didn’t have time to do, and at least three things Yesterday Jill confidently handed over […]
The Weird Amount of Energy It Takes to Keep Track of “Almost Done”
I currently have several things that are almost done. This sounds like good news. It is not. Almost done means the hard part is finished. The document is written. The form is filled out. The email is drafted. The appointment has been researched. The laundry has made it through both the washer and the dryer. […]
When Your Environment Is Doing More Work Than You Realize
I have learned something about myself over the years. If I put something somewhere because I will definitely remember it? That item has entered another dimension. Apparently, my memory operates largely on the principle of: If I cannot see it, it has ceased to exist. This is why things end up by the front door. […]
Why Transitions Can Take More Energy Than the Things on Either Side
There are times when I genuinely don’t mind doing the thing I’m supposed to do. That’s what makes this so annoying. I don’t mind taking a shower. I don’t mind going to the grocery store. I don’t mind sitting down to work. I don’t even necessarily mind leaving the house. And yet, there are days […]
Why Knowing the Next Step Matters More Than Knowing the Whole Plan
I love a good plan. Color-coded calendar? Absolutely. Detailed list? Obviously. A beautifully organized system explaining exactly how I’m going to accomplish everything over the next three weeks? Look at me. Thriving. Now ask me what I’m supposed to do first. Suddenly we’re experiencing technical difficulties. There is something incredibly satisfying about knowing the whole […]
Sometimes You Don’t Know You’re Overwhelmed Until You Stop
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you’re doing fine? Busy, definitely. Maybe a little tired. But fine. You’re answering emails. Going to work. Making dinner. Remembering appointments. Having conversations. Handling whatever gets thrown at you. You’re functioning. And then Saturday morning comes. You don’t have anywhere you need to be. Nobody needs […]
Why Some Days the Same Task Feels Completely Different
There are days when I can sit down at my computer, knock out half my to-do list, answer emails, make appointments, run errands, figure out dinner, and somehow still have enough brainpower left to have an actual conversation at the end of the day. And then there are days when I stare at an email […]
Why We Sometimes Need to Say Things Out Loud to Think
Have you ever been trying to figure something out in your head for what feels like forever, only to finally say it out loud and immediately think: “Oh. There it is.” Suddenly, the thing that made absolutely no sense five seconds ago makes perfect sense. Or maybe you’re the person who sends a friend a […]
Executive Function Isn’t About Intelligence
One of the comments I heard most often while Gabe was growing up sounded like a compliment. “He’s so smart.” And he is. He’s curious. He notices details other people miss. He can have incredibly thoughtful conversations, especially about topics that interest him. When something clicks, it really clicks. But those same conversations often ended […]
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