Table of Contents
The material in Section I lays a foundation of knowledge about ADHD, the executive functions, and how to make the most of your abilities. Section II contains a series of exercises for each of the executive functions that work you through a step by step process to identify your struggles and then target the most effective strategies.
Introduction: Executive Functions Explain It All
Section I: SETTING THE STAGE
Introduction: We Live in a Complicated World
Knowing Is Easier than Doing
Ch. 1. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS
The Executive Functions Develop Over Time
Summaries of the Executive Functions
Response Inhibition: It Starts with Stopping
Neurology and Psychology
Ch. 2. PEAK MENTAL PERFORMANCE: MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT YOU’VE GOT
Your Best Brain
A Vicious Cycle (Actually Two)
Some Treatments Help
Externalized Executive Functions
Ch. 3. REALITY-BASED MOTIVATION
We Can Tilt the Odds of Success
Build Strong Self-Esteem
Approach Challenges
Approach Challenges Like a Scientist
The Magic Threshold
What If…
Checking Back In
Ch. 4. WORK AS A TEAM
You’re in This Together
Work at It
Section II: MAKE YOUR LIFE BETTER
Introduction: Get Down to Business
A Recipe for Success
Where to Begin?
Different Areas, Same Exercises
Ch. 5. RESPONSE INHIBITION: IT STARTS WITH STOPPING
Fundamental Strategies Improve Response Inhibition
Fundamental Strategies for Inattention
Fundamental Strategies for Hyperactivity
Fundamental Strategies for Impulsivity
The Stage is Set
Ch. 6. WORKING MEMORY: THE BRAIN’S RAM
What Working Memory Is
Identify Your Struggles
Identify Your Strategies
Apply Your Strategies
Fine-tune Your Approach
Ch. 7. SENSE OF TIME: IT CAN’T BE 5:00 ALREADY!
What the Sense of Time Is
Identify Your Struggles
Identify Your Strategies
Apply Your Strategies
Fine-tune Your Approach
Ch. 8. PROSPECTIVE MEMORY: REMEMBERING TO REMEMBER
What Prospective Memory Is
Identify Your Struggles
Identify Your Strategies
Apply Your Strategies
Fine-tune Your Approach
Ch. 9. EMOTIONAL SELF-CONTROL: HAVING FEELINGS WITHOUT ACTING ON THEM
What Emotional Control Is
Identify Your Struggles
Identify Your Strategies
Apply Your Strategies
Fine-tune Your Approach
Ch. 10. SELF-ACTIVATION: STARTING THEN FINISHING
What Self-Activation Is
Identify Your Struggles
Identify Your Strategies
Apply Your Strategies
Fine-tune Your Approach
Ch. 11. HINDSIGHT AND FORETHOUGHT: USING THE PAST AND FUTURE TO GUIDE THE PRESENT
What Hindsight and Forethought Is
Identify Your Struggles
Identify Your Strategies
Apply Your Strategies
Fine-tune Your Approach
Ch. 12. STRIVE FOR PERSISTENCE, NOT PERFECTION
This Is Important Stuff
