Executives Need Functioning Too

executive functioning: a set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one's resources in order to achieve a goal. It is an umbrella term for the neurologically-based skills involving mental control and self-regulation.

Executive functioning is quite a hot topic within my field right now. Or should I say... ways to help people who are executively malfunctioning is quite a hot topic within my field right now.

I am being trained to implement interventions, teach strategies and work with students to help them get organized, stay on-track, keep focused, manage their schedule, complete their assignments, and accomplish their goals.

Yes. I DO realize how ironic this is.

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In order to avoid being the stereotypical "psychologist who went into the field because she needs mental help," I need to become better at handling my affairs.

One of the first concepts we learn/teach in conquering our executive function difficulties is that those people who actually write out their goals and keep track of their progress are so much more likely to accomplish them. Even if you aren't an A-type personality... to do lists work. In effect, this blog is that first step for me to get back in touch with the things I want out of life... and the following posts will be a way to progress monitor myself.

I attempted this once, using the site 43 Things, and did a pretty good job for a while. But when I actually moved to Boston to start grad school, I started compromising my personal goals for my educational goals.

So here we go. It's time for the pendulum to swing back.

Personal Goals:

To reclaim my creativity. To kick start that art fart who used to be my identity. To use the passion I have for my chosen career path and apply it to all the other important aspects of my life.

Let's micromanage this:

1) To incorporate more physical activity into my daily lifestyle.

• Kickball 1x week
• Dance Classes 2x month
• Bowling 1x month
• Running 2x week
• On Demand/Netflix workouts: 3x week

2) To step out of my comfort zone with cooking food for myself.

• New recipe 1x week
• New Salad 1x week
• Fish/Seafood 2x week
• New alcoholic drink 1x month

3) To spend more time on music.

• Write song lyrics 1x week
• Download free Starbucks/itunes 1x week
• Sing in the shower 5x week
• Make playlists for car rides 1x month
• Swap mixes with others 1x every other month

4) To indulge in romantic gestures with, not only that boy I am obsessed with, but myself.

• Wine 2x month
• Poetry 2x month
• Love Songs 2x month
• Candle-Lit Anything 2x month
• Love Notes 2x month
• Dinner Out (and the pub does NOT count) 2x month
• Breakfast in Bed 1x month

I would say wish me luck... but I don't need luck. I need you all to hound my ass and make sure I actually update this blog more than once every 3 months.

Holler!