5 Signs Your Executive Functioning Skills Are Holding You Back

Ever feel like you’re doing so much but still not getting anywhere? You start the day with good intentions — maybe you’ll finally tackle that project, clean your apartment, or answer those emails — but somehow it all feels harder than it should.

If that sounds familiar, your executive functioning skills might be working against you. These are the mental tools your brain uses to plan, stay organized, manage time, and follow through. When they’re a little out of sync, everyday life can start to feel like a constant uphill climb, and that’s where executive skills coaching for adults can help you get back on track.

5 Signs Your Executive Functioning Is Holding You Back

Here are five signs from an executive functioning coach that your executive functioning skills might be holding you back — and what you can do about it.

1. You’re Always Rushing, Even When You Start on Time

You plan to leave early, but somehow end up sprinting to class or showing up to work meetings breathless. You meant to start your assignment days ago, but it’s suddenly midnight the night before it’s due.

Why it happens: This is a sign of weak time management and planning skills. It’s not that you don’t care — your brain just struggles to estimate how long things will take or when to start.

Try this: Before you begin, guess how long a task will take — then actually time it. You’ll start training your brain to develop a more realistic sense of time.

2. You Don’t Know Where to Start (So You Don’t Start at All)

You sit down to work, but suddenly feel paralyzed by everything you could do. You check your phone, scroll for a bit, and then feel guilty for not getting anything done.

Why it happens: This is often a prioritization issue — when everything feels equally urgent, your brain can’t decide what comes first.

Try this: Each day, pick your “Top 3.” What are the three things that will actually make a difference today? Start there and let the rest wait.

3. You Have Great Ideas… but Following Through Is Hard

You get really excited about a new idea — starting a podcast, going to the gym, learning a language — but a few weeks later, the motivation fades.

Why it happens: This points to challenges with task initiation and sustained attention. You’re great at starting, but struggle to keep the momentum going once the excitement wears off.

Try this: Shrink the goal. Instead of “start a podcast,” make your next step “write down 3 episode ideas.” Small wins create momentum that keeps you going.

4. You Lose Track of Stuff — or Forget What You Were Doing

Your keys, your laptop charger, your password to that one account… they all seem to disappear exactly when you need them. Or you start doing one thing, get distracted, and totally forget what you were doing five minutes later.

Why it happens: This comes from weak working memory and organization skills. Your brain can only hold so much at once before things start to drop.

Try this: Make your environment do the remembering for you — use the same spot for essentials, set reminders in your phone, and write things down before you forget them.

5. You’re Mentally Exhausted All the Time

Even when you’re not doing much, your brain feels tired. You’re constantly trying to catch up, and it feels like life requires way too much energy.

Why it happens: When executive functioning skills are out of sync, your brain works extra hard just to manage daily life. That’s not laziness — that’s mental overload.

Try this: Give your brain breaks that actually help — step away from screens, go outside, move your body, or take five minutes to breathe.

You’re Not Broken — You Just Need Better Tools

Struggling with executive functioning doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated. It means your brain’s “management system” needs a little support — and that’s something you can absolutely work on.

Building executive functioning skills is a process, not a personality change. Whether you start using better planning systems, build routines that stick, or work with a coach or therapist at Finding Focus Therapy, you can make life feel more manageable and less chaotic.

You don’t need to “get it together.” You just need tools that work for your brain — not against it.

Feeling Stuck and Overwhelmed? Reclaim Control with Executive Functioning Skills Coaching in Boulder, CO

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, executive functioning skills coaching for adults in Boulder, CO can help you find the structure and clarity you’ve been missing. With the right support, you can learn how to plan, follow through, and feel confident in your ability to manage everyday life. Connect with Finding Focus Therapy today to take the first step toward feeling capable, organized, and in control again. Follow these three simple steps to get started:

1. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if executive skills coaching is right for you

2. Begin working with supportive executive functioning coach, Liz Morrison

3. Start feeling confident in managing everyday life!

Additional Services Offered at Finding Focus Therapy

At Finding Focus Therapy, I provide executive functioning coaching for adults, young adults, and parents who want to feel more organized, focused, and in control of their daily routines. Together, we develop practical strategies to manage time, stay on top of tasks, and make decisions confidently without feeling overwhelmed. For parents, coaching emphasizes balancing personal needs with family responsibilities, while adults and young adults gain support in navigating work, relationships, and personal goals with greater clarity.

While strengthening executive functioning skills is key, the ultimate goal is to create lasting, positive changes that impact all areas of life. In a supportive, nonjudgmental space, we work to reduce stress, overcome obstacles, and build the habits and mindset that foster focus and self-confidence. You can also find additional tips and strategies on my blog.

About The Author

Liz Morrison, LCSW, is the founder of Finding Focus Therapy in Boulder, CO. With more than ten years of experience in therapy, Liz specializes in supporting parents and young adults in strengthening their executive functioning skills so that everyday life feels more manageable. She knows the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal well-being personally, and she brings that understanding into every session. Her approach combines practical strategies with compassionate guidance, helping clients build clarity, balance, and confidence amid life’s demands.

Beyond one-on-one coaching and therapy, Liz also leads workshops and seminars for schools, businesses, and community organizations. Her sessions focus on actionable skills like stress management, work-life balance, and effective communication, designed to be interactive and immediately useful. Whether she’s partnering with parents navigating overwhelming responsibilities or supporting young adults through transitions, Liz is dedicated to helping clients face life with greater focus, calm, and purpose.