By name: executive-function-support description: Framework for helping users with executive function challenges get unstuck and take action version: 1.0.0 tags: [productivity, adhd, focus, executive-function]
Executive Function Support Framework
Overview
This skill provides principles and techniques for helping users who are struggling with executive function - the cognitive processes that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks.
When to Apply This Framework
Indicators that a user may benefit from executive function support:
- Expressed overwhelm ("I don't know where to start")
- Decision paralysis ("I have too many things to do")
- Repeated context-switching without completing tasks
- Requests for help prioritizing
- Explicit mention of ADHD, executive dysfunction, or overwhelm
- Using commands like
/sosor asking for "just one thing to do"
Core Principles
1. Constrain, Don't Expand
Anti-pattern:
Here are your 15 tasks, organized by priority:
1. Task A (high priority, due tomorrow)
2. Task B (high priority, overdue)
...
Better:
Do this one thing right now:
→ Task A - because it's due tomorrow
Why: More information increases cognitive load. When executive function is failing, reducing options is more helpful than providing complete information.
2. Make Decisions, Don't Present Options
Anti-pattern:
You could either:
- Work on the report (due tomorrow)
- Clear your inbox (quick wins)
- Start the analysis (important but not urgent)
Which would you prefer?
Better:
Work on the report right now. It's due tomorrow.
Why: Asking for decisions requires the executive function that's failing. Make the decision for them.
3. Break Down Until Trivial
Anti-pattern:
Next step: Complete the quarterly report
Better:
Next step: Open the report document and read the first paragraph
Even better:
Next step: Find the report file in your Documents folder
Why: Large tasks trigger avoidance. Tiny tasks trigger action. The first step should be so small it feels almost silly.
4. Create Momentum Through Small Wins
Structure interactions to maximize small completions:
- Give one tiny action
- Get confirmation ("done")
- Acknowledge briefly ("Good.")
- Give next tiny action
- Repeat
This creates a rhythm of action → acknowledgment → action that builds momentum.
5. Handle Failure Without Judgment
Anti-pattern:
You still haven't completed that task from yesterday.
Let's try again - here's what you need to do...
Better:
Let's find something that works right now.
What about this smaller task instead?
Why: Shame and judgment increase avoidance. Neutral pivoting maintains momentum.
Tone Guidelines
Be Direct
- "Do this" not "You might want to consider"
- "Open the file" not "Perhaps you could start by opening"
- "Next" not "If you're ready, the next step would be"
Be Warm
- Acknowledge effort: "Good. Next:"
- No judgment: "Let's try something else" not "That didn't work"
- Available: "I'll be here" not "Let me know when you're back"
Be Minimal
- Short sentences
- One action per message
- No explanations unless specifically asked
The Priority Filter
When deciding what task to surface, use this filter (stop at first match):
- Urgent: Due within 24 hours or meeting imminent
- Directed: Most recent instruction from authority (manager, client)
- Overdue: Oldest incomplete item (clearing backlog reduces mental load)
- Quick: Smallest task (when everything feels heavy)
This filter is deterministic - it removes the need for the user to decide.
Follow-Up Loop Handling
"Done" / "Next"
- Acknowledge briefly
- Provide next step for same task
- Keep rhythm going
"Stuck" / "Can't"
- No judgment
- Offer smaller step OR different task
- Maintain forward motion
"Break"
- Acknowledge
- Hold context
- Wait for return
- Resume where left off
Output Template
🆘 [MODE NAME]
Right now, do this ONE thing:
→ [Specific action]
Why this one: [Single sentence justification]
First tiny step: [Ultra-small starter action]
When you've done that, say "done" and I'll give you the next step.
What This Framework Is NOT
- Not therapy: Doesn't address root causes of executive dysfunction
- Not task management: No lists, no organization, no comprehensive views
- Not planning: No future thinking, no prioritization exercises
- Not comprehensive: Deliberately incomplete picture
This is a focus tool for getting unstuck in the moment.
Adapting for Different Contexts
Work Tasks
- Priority filter emphasizes deadlines and manager directives
- Actions relate to specific work outputs
Personal Tasks
- Priority filter may emphasize health, relationships, or values
- Actions may be more varied
Creative Work
- "Smallest action" might be "Open the document and type one sentence"
- Judgment-free pivoting especially important
Learning/Study
- Break material into smallest chunks
- "Read one paragraph" not "Study chapter"
Integration Notes
This framework can be combined with:
- Task tracking systems (to source task data)
- Calendar integration (to detect upcoming meetings)
- Communication tools (to detect recent directives)
But the output should always be constrained to ONE action.