I surely don’t have to tell any of you that we live in a world both professionally and personally that never stops. No matter where we are, or what we are doing, things are happening, and they’re happening at a quicker pace each and every day. In order for us to be thrive within this environment it is incredibly important to keep up with the pace. As a result, without much contemplation, we create a relationship between our brain and our body that functions without even thinking. Whether it’s preparing reports in the office, taking the kids to an activity, or even brushing our teeth, we are typically relying on that brain/body relationship. There is no doubt in my mind that having a solid level of brain/body functioning is critical for everyone to manage most tasks within their day. In essence, for most of us it is a healthy way of managing life’s responsibilities on a daily basis. I like to call this brain/body relationship the “autopilot mode” of brain functioning.
Unfortunately, we face moments daily that still do require our attention to be managed in the healthiest way possible. The current trend in helping people manage themselves in these situations is typically referred to as the act of mindfulness. In my work with clients I have utilized this approach, terming it “awareness mode”, and well I’m just not ready to give up my terminology. Being aware of ourselves and how we behave in critical situations can be the difference between success and failure. See, the bottom line is while most of life does go at a fast pace, when it comes to managing certain situations we have to be able to slow it down, in order to enter those moments in the utmost position for success. We need to be able to maximize the brain’s level of Executive Functioning so that all of our parts are able to come together and work as one! Below is the definition of Executive Functioning. For a more detailed example of Executive Functioning Characteristics, please take a look at the following page on our website https://www.ExecutiveFunctioning.Net/pyb/
Executive Functioning and self-regulation skills depend on three types of brain function: working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control. These functions are highly interrelated, and the successful application of executive function skills requires them to operate in coordination with each other.
As I typically do not like to get too psychobabbley, this definition essentially means that we need to be able to check in with ourselves so that we can assess our readiness to enter important situations. We need to be able to amongst other things become aware in that moment of our mood, what’s going on in the environment around us, our anxiety and fears, and of course what are we truly wanting to accomplish. Taking this moment in time, slowing down and assessing what is happening around and within us, enables adjustments to be made in our brain’s Executive Functioning that are critical, before transitioning back into autopilot mode.
I have found in my practice that sometimes people require reminders whether auditory or visual to remind them of the need for this level of awareness. Often my clients see the need for these reminders as a weakness. I believe it is quite the opposite. Whenever we take an honest look at within, and make an adjustment in order to put ourselves in a better position to be successful that my friends is a strength! I have had my clients set alerts on their phones, place sticky notes in their cars, or utilize individuals to help them shift when they are stuck.
My favorite way to help my clients improve their awareness is as basic as drawing a small dot on their hand. I tell my clients that while I would like to be with them during important moments in their lives, that’s just not possible. With that said, the dot is representative of their work with me. Just putting the dot on is a true moment of awareness, a moment where the individual recognizes the need to prepare. I request that my clients in that moment, decide what the dot will represent in the upcoming situation. The dot could represent speaking slower, making sure to make eye contact, run harder, am I transitioning from work to family mode, whatever the goal may be. The dot is not to be stared at, but during the situation will undoubtedly come into the individuals view. It is in that moment that we have the opportunity for awareness! This is where we take that split-second to assess how things are going and adjust if necessary. I have found with almost every client I work with, having this added potential for awareness, and making necessary adjustments in the moment translates directly into a higher level of success and happiness both on and off their professional “playing field”.
We’ve all heard it, sometimes the smallest changes can make the greatest differences of all. I have provided you with some thoughts and ideas that you will hopefully think about and implement. Utilizing a short term consultative approach, I would love the opportunity to create for you a personalized game plan to address your potential for increased success in managing your brain’s Executive Functioning. At ExecutiveFunctioning.Net we believe you’re worth it, do you?