EXECUTIVE FUNCTION #2 - COMPLETING TASKS & ACHIEVING GOALS

Some students have trouble starting assignments and projects, but other students have trouble finishing them. Not all experts agree that task completion is an executive functioning

skill, but some do, and I would have to agree. I especially like what the Smart but Scattered Kids website calls it: “Goal Directed Persistence.” I suspect that one of the main reasons that gifted students struggle so much with this trait is because, well, they haven’t had to struggle a lot. Persistence is like a muscle that you work and develop. If your homework has never been difficult or has rarely taken you more than 15 minutes to complete it’s very likely that you have never had to put forth much effort, experience frustration, or overcome obstacles – so this muscle is underdeveloped. How do you learn to do this?

The first thing you might want to do is set goals. Do you want to improve the score on your next math quiz? Do you want to turn in your assignments a day early next week so that you can have a day off? Are you working on completing all of your assignments? Sometimes completion is THE goal, and that’s fine.

Now envision the outcome you want to see. Do you see a 92% on your math quiz? Is your English instructor writing you a note on the improvements in turning in assignments on time? Are your parents taking you for ice cream because your work is complete?

Next, identify obstacles for completing the project or reaching the goal. Lack of time in your schedule? Too many distractions? Is the work difficult and you need help? When you get frustrated do you say, “It’s too hard!” and give up?

Now that you’ve thought about the roadblocks, create a plan for addressing them. If time management is the problem, visit Ms. Nan during her office hours on Thursdays to work through strategies. If you are easily distracted, review your digital distractions handout (also on the website) to review tips you can practice, or talk to your family about creating a better work environment. If you need help with the content, talk to your instructor or go to help session to speak with a tutor.

If you get easily frustrated and it makes you want to give up, remember – you can’t do this YET. Yet is a big deal. You’re still learning, but if you keep at it you’re likely to get where you need to go. Sometimes you just need to take a short break and come back to whatever is causing you problems; sometimes you need to move on to the next step or assignment and come back to the part that is difficult later. If you’re still stuck, remember to reach out for help.

Remember not to try to do too much at once. This is likely to lead you to feeling overwhelmed and more likely to quit. And keep track of what you’re attempting to do and when you’re successful. It will help you to look back and see what works and what doesn’t; it also lets you see that you can complete tasks and reach goals.

It always helps to share what you are trying to do with others. Letting someone know what you’re attempting is a great way to hold yourself accountable and follow through. If you’re sharing this with your family, you might want to also think about a reward system. Finished the math homework? There’s a bonus half hour of funny YouTube videos. Wrote your English essay? Video chat with your best friend. Whatever works for you, find a way to acknowledge that you set a goal, persisted, and completed the task. That’s one well-developed muscle you’ve got!

Until next time,

Ms. Nan

alankazdin.com/developing-persistence/

healthskills.wordpress.com/coping-skills/task-persistence/

medium.com/@jackiegerstein/helping-learners-develop-persistence-moving-beyond-i-cant-do-this-7920f6981359