What is executive function?

Executive functions are a set of mental skills that help us manage ourselves to reach goals. They include:

• Working memory: holding information in mind while using it.
• Inhibition: stopping an impulse or ignoring a distraction.
• Cognitive flexibility: switching between tasks or changing a plan.
• Planning and organising: breaking goals into steps and putting them in order.
• Starting and keeping going: beginning a task and sticking with it.
• Time management: sensing and using time well.

Everyone’s executive functions vary from day to day, with sleep, stress and health. Differences in executive function are a central feature of ADHD, which is why people with ADHD often describe trouble starting tasks, keeping track of time, or remembering what they meant to do, even when they understand exactly what needs doing.

How tools can help

The useful idea is to move some of this work outside your head, so you don’t have to rely on memory and willpower:

• Capture thoughts the moment they appear, instead of trying to remember them.
• Make time visible with a timeline and timers.
• Shrink the first step so starting takes less effort.
• Use cues, such as when-then plans, so the situation does the remembering.
• Show less at once, so choosing what’s next is easier.

In Thendoo: these ideas shape the whole app: quick capture with ⌘K or Ctrl K, the Today timeline, two-minute first steps in focus sessions, when-then habits, and ADHD mode, which shows at most three items per list.