“No pressure, but everything depends on this.”
That line—paraphrased from one of my favorite comedies, What’s Up, Doc? (starring Ryan O’Neal and Barbra Streisand)—perfectly captures how many of us feel about Executive Functioning (EF) skills. In the movie, O’Neal’s character is awkward and endearing, while his fiancée, Miss Eunice Burns (Madeline Kahn), is bossy and rigid. She knows the success of an upcoming meeting could make or break his research career.
Well… when it comes to EF skills, everything does depend on them. And for gifted and distractible folks, that can feel daunting—because EF skills often lag behind intellectual ability. But don’t worry: learning them can actually be fun.
Why Executive Functioning Skills Can Be Hard for Gifted and Distractible People
Gifted individuals often notice more details and make deeper connections. This means their “slower processing speed” isn’t about being slow—it’s about taking in and analyzing more data. Imagine a computer with a ton of tabs open: it’s processing a lot, so it takes longer.
Perfectionism also gets in the way. When you want everything to be just right, it can be hard to even start.
And that strong sense of justice? It can derail priorities. A student might fixate on how unfair an assignment feels or get lost perfecting one slide instead of finishing the project.
Why EF Skills Matter
We often think of EF skills as “getting organized” or “getting stuff done,” and that’s true—but they’re so much more.
EF skills shape how we prioritize, communicate, and engage socially. They help us decide how to answer a question, whom to look at, and when to take turns in a conversation. No wonder social skills are often challenging for gifted and distractible people—social interaction is 100% EF-driven.
So how do we build EF skills without it feeling like a chore? By leaning into passions and making it fun.
Finding the FUN
Twice-exceptional learners thrive when something feels meaningful. Context and purpose matter. Think about how easily you can hyperfocus on a topic you love—and how quickly your focus evaporates for something boring.
Let’s use that spark to strengthen EF skills.
Passions in Practice
📚 For Readers
If you (or your child) love to read, reverse-engineer your favorite stories. How are they structured? What happens from chapter to chapter? You’re practicing organization—one of the core EF skills.
You can also organize your bookshelf: by author, title, or even color. Flexing those organizational muscles helps build transferable EF habits.
🎭 For Performers or Public Speakers
Try the “Peanut Butter and Jelly” game. One person gives step-by-step directions; the other follows them literally. The first time, hilarity ensues (“Put peanut butter on the bread”—splat!). The second time, the “caller” realizes the importance of breaking tasks into clear, specific steps.
This practice strengthens planning and sequencing skills—the same ones used in writing, presenting, and organizing ideas.
✈️ For Planners
Plan a (real or pretend) vacation! Tailor the task to learning styles:
- Auditory learners: brainstorm destinations with a partner.
- Visual learners: create a timeline or itinerary.
- Kinesthetic learners: gather travel items—sunscreen, sunglasses, hats.
Discuss logistics: time of year, budget, pet care, packing, and subscriptions. Every step builds EF muscles like foresight, flexibility, and organization.
The Takeaway
EF skills can be tough for gifted and distractible people, but they’re teachable—and even enjoyable—when tied to passions and interests. Whether through reading, music, games, or travel, you can strengthen EF skills in meaningful, engaging ways.
So go ahead—put the FUN back in Executive Functioning!
Author: Julie F. Skolnick M.A., J.D.
Julie Skolnick, M.A., J.D., is the Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, through which she passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, and collaborates with and advises educators and professionals on bringing out the best and raising self-confidence in their students and clients.
