Each of these functions will have an impact on our ability to create and sustain change. There will be significant overlap of many functions that translate into action, but having an awareness of where you have strengths and weaknesses means that coaching can be tailored to meet the deficit.

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Executive function deficit tends to be associated with neurodiversity, however research in this area is constantly evolving, and many individuals will have executive function deficits without necessarily fitting into a prescribed diagnostic box. Some loss of executive function will happen with trauma and overwhelming or protracted stress. When we are in a state of stress or high emotion, the brain networks managing this will override the executive function networks, and we start behaving in a reactive way rather than a thoughtful responsive way. Our reflex brain may respond to stress in 3 different ways which most of us are familiar with – Flight, Flight or Freeze. Each of those will look very different in how we behave in response to stress:

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Fight – becoming defensive or angry.

Flight – avoiding something.

Freeze – unable to process what is happening.

A further 3 responses less commonly known are:

Flood – release of emotions by bursting into tears or fits of laughter at inappropriate moments.

Fawn – taking on lots of responsibilities as an unconscious strategy of control in order to feel safe.

Fatigue – feeling very tired and wanting to sleep in response to stress.

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It is important to understand your own response to stress, working with the elements above to help with issues such as procrastination, overwhelm, self-doubt and inability to sustain change.

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Additionally, some of your diet and lifestyle choices may be impacting your executive function skills. Part of improving your health and wellness goals would be to build the habits that support executive brain function.