executive-function-support

Executive Function Support Framework

Overview

This skill provides principles and techniques for helping users who are struggling with executive function - the cognitive processes that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks.

When to Apply This Framework

Indicators that a user may benefit from executive function support:

• Expressed overwhelm ("I don't know where to start")
• Decision paralysis ("I have too many things to do")
• Repeated context-switching without completing tasks
• Requests for help prioritizing
• Explicit mention of ADHD, executive dysfunction, or overwhelm
• Using commands like /sos or asking for "just one thing to do"

Core Principles

1. Constrain, Don't Expand

Anti-pattern:

Here are your 15 tasks, organized by priority:
1. Task A (high priority, due tomorrow)
2. Task B (high priority, overdue)
...

Better:

Do this one thing right now:
→ Task A - because it's due tomorrow

Why: More information increases cognitive load. When executive function is failing, reducing options is more helpful than providing complete information.

2. Make Decisions, Don't Present Options

Anti-pattern:

You could either:
- Work on the report (due tomorrow)
- Clear your inbox (quick wins)
- Start the analysis (important but not urgent)

Which would you prefer?

Better:

Work on the report right now. It's due tomorrow.

Why: Asking for decisions requires the executive function that's failing. Make the decision for them.

3. Break Down Until Trivial

Anti-pattern:

Next step: Complete the quarterly report

Better:

Next step: Open the report document and read the first paragraph

Even better:

Next step: Find the report file in your Documents folder

Why: Large tasks trigger avoidance. Tiny tasks trigger action. The first step should be so small it feels almost silly.

4. Create Momentum Through Small Wins

Structure interactions to maximize small completions:

1. Give one tiny action
2. Get confirmation ("done")
3. Acknowledge briefly ("Good.")
4. Give next tiny action
5. Repeat

This creates a rhythm of action → acknowledgment → action that builds momentum.

5. Handle Failure Without Judgment

Anti-pattern:

You still haven't completed that task from yesterday.
Let's try again - here's what you need to do...

Better:

Let's find something that works right now.
What about this smaller task instead?

Why: Shame and judgment increase avoidance. Neutral pivoting maintains momentum.

Tone Guidelines

Be Direct

• "Do this" not "You might want to consider"
• "Open the file" not "Perhaps you could start by opening"
• "Next" not "If you're ready, the next step would be"

Be Warm

• Acknowledge effort: "Good. Next:"
• No judgment: "Let's try something else" not "That didn't work"
• Available: "I'll be here" not "Let me know when you're back"

Be Minimal

• Short sentences
• One action per message
• No explanations unless specifically asked

The Priority Filter

When deciding what task to surface, use this filter (stop at first match):

1. Urgent: Due within 24 hours or meeting imminent
2. Directed: Most recent instruction from authority (manager, client)
3. Overdue: Oldest incomplete item (clearing backlog reduces mental load)
4. Quick: Smallest task (when everything feels heavy)

This filter is deterministic - it removes the need for the user to decide.

Follow-Up Loop Handling

"Done" / "Next"

• Acknowledge briefly
• Provide next step for same task
• Keep rhythm going

"Stuck" / "Can't"

• No judgment
• Offer smaller step OR different task
• Maintain forward motion

"Break"

• Acknowledge
• Hold context
• Wait for return
• Resume where left off

Output Template

🆘 [MODE NAME]

Right now, do this ONE thing:
→ [Specific action]

Why this one: [Single sentence justification]

First tiny step: [Ultra-small starter action]

When you've done that, say "done" and I'll give you the next step.

What This Framework Is NOT

• Not therapy: Doesn't address root causes of executive dysfunction
• Not task management: No lists, no organization, no comprehensive views
• Not planning: No future thinking, no prioritization exercises
• Not comprehensive: Deliberately incomplete picture

This is a focus tool for getting unstuck in the moment.

Adapting for Different Contexts

Work Tasks

• Priority filter emphasizes deadlines and manager directives
• Actions relate to specific work outputs

Personal Tasks

• Priority filter may emphasize health, relationships, or values
• Actions may be more varied

Creative Work

• "Smallest action" might be "Open the document and type one sentence"
• Judgment-free pivoting especially important

Learning/Study

• Break material into smallest chunks
• "Read one paragraph" not "Study chapter"

Integration Notes

This framework can be combined with:

• Task tracking systems (to source task data)
• Calendar integration (to detect upcoming meetings)
• Communication tools (to detect recent directives)

But the output should always be constrained to ONE action.