Every time we perform an executive task we dip into our will power tank. Click here to be reminded what tasks are executive in nature. The use of executive functioning reduces the pool of will power temporarily. What drains the will power tank? Inhibiting impulses, self-restraint, self-management, self-organization, problem solving, self-motivation, other long difficult tasks, stress, alcohol, drugs. What can fill it back up?

REFUEL THE WILL POWER TANK:

 Make the reward greater. The pay-off emotionally higher or more positive.

“It has to be done tonight, and if its gets done, I’ll make sure we get to go to the dollar store tomorrow after school.”

 Statements of encouragement and capability

Pep Talk. Say, “I can do this!” Encourage others to say, “You can do this.”

 Put 10 minutes breaks very often. Section them between tasks requiring willpower.

Break up tasks with breaks. For kids a good ratio is 10 minutes of work, 3 minutes of break. For adults, 30 minutes work and 10 minute break.

 3+ minutes of relaxation or meditation

Stop using the executive system for a while.

 Visualizing and talking about future rewards before or during task.

“It’s going to be so nice to have this done, we can talk a walk and watch a show after I finish.”

 Have a regular Exercise Program. Exercise is important to help them function executively and recharges their ability to function at top level.

Don’t take away recess, don’t expect homework to happen right after draining school, instead send them outside for physical play or a break.

 Sugar in the blood stream is blood glucose in the brain. It is correlated with executive functioning.

Sip Lemonade, Gatorade for long tasks, tests, assignments, and difficult chores. Sugar in fluid form, sipped.

Learning to manage and refuel your will power is a lifestyle. You can start by paying better attention to when you crash, give in, and zone out. Practicing meditation is another skill that needs daily attention, and needs extra work before being effective with minimal effort. Seeing a counseling can help you have someone to which you must account, who can help with encouraging and improving other skills like meditation and statements of self-efficacy.

*Ideas from Dr. Russell Barkley specific for those with executive functioning disorders.