When I work with people who struggle with executive functioning deficits during Seeing My Time sessions, I am keenly aware of what they are asking of themselves. By working with me, they are taking a leap – a big leap of faith – to even begin to hope that they can get better at handling their time, their commitments, the daily demands of life. It is huge for them to take the little steps to begin to change.
It is not easy to change. Change requires persistent use of metacognition (thinking about your thinking) and to to become more aware of your choices. You have to change your choices and habits. In essence, you have to change how you see yourself—who you are. That is a lot to ask of yourself.
Some people grapple with the issue of changing their self-identity. Others find the inner motivation more easily. This week I was so impressed with a 40’s something gentleman with ADHD. He has returned to college to pursue a new career. He’s really working hard at practicing using the external tools I teach him in Seeing My Time. He is learning to support his brain to get things done in order to reach his personal goals.
When I complimented him on his willingness to be so engaged in the process he said, “If not now, when?
I applaud his courage to not let his executive dysfunction stop him. Follow his lead and change your choices, support your brain to get things done.
If not now, When?
Marydee Sklar is the president of Executive Functioning Success and the creator of the Seeing My Time Program® and the Set Up Success and Seeing My Time® planners. She is an educator and author of three books on executive functions, as well as a trainer and speaker. Marydee has more than twenty-five years of experience working with students and adults with executive function challenges.
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