Why do planning, time management, and productivity feel so hard even when you know what needs to be done? In this episode, we break down practical executive functioning skills that support follow through.

In this episode, Dr. Roxy Riefkohl-Cook and Dr. Stephanie Ellis explore advanced executive functioning skills related to prioritizing, planning, organization, time management, and monitoring progress. The conversation focuses on why productivity often breaks down and how small, practical adjustments can make goals easier to reach.

Topics include how to set priorities based on values, realistic planning strategies, common thinking traps like the planning fallacy and task completion bias, and ways to reduce wasted effort. The episode also covers tools for organizing materials, managing time and attention, handling procrastination, and knowing when emotions are interfering with efficiency.

Throughout the discussion, the focus remains on responsibility without shame, customization over comparison, and building systems that work with your brain rather than against it.

Subscribe for more conversations on mental wellness, executive functioning, and practical strategies for daily life. Questions can be sent to richthoughtspoorjokes@gmail.com.

Rich Thoughts, Poor Jokes, is brought to you by Compass Coaching. At Compass Coaching, we specialize in executive coaching by collaborating with you on your goals, giving you reliable information, skills development practice opportunities, goal-oriented behavioral strategies, and help in tailoring these skills to your specific situation. We offer both topic-specific, empirically-based programs for businesses, organizations, and companies, all built on cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused principles.

Learn more and connect with us at www.compasscoachingforlife.net

Why is it so hard to get started, stay regulated, or slow yourself down in the moment?

In this episode, Dr. Roxy Riefkohl-Cook and Dr. Stephanie Ellis focus on three executive functioning skills that shape everyday behavior: activation, emotional regulation, and behavioral self control. Together, they explore why starting tasks can feel so difficult, how emotions can take up more space than we expect, and what happens when reactions move faster than intention.

The conversation looks at common patterns like procrastination, urgency driven motivation, overwhelm, impulsive responses, and difficulty pausing before acting. You will hear why both self criticism and self indulgence tend to make these struggles worse, and how responsibility without shame creates more room for change.

Practical strategies include aligning tasks with values, borrowing structure from others, using visual focus to initiate work, creating space to edit responses, and building systems that support both present self and future self.

This episode continues the Executive Functioning series and leads into the final discussion, where more advanced skills and integration will be covered.

Subscribe to follow the full series and send your questions to richthoughtspoorjokes@gmail.com.

Rich Thoughts, Poor Jokes, is brought to you by Compass Coaching. At Compass Coaching, we specialize in executive coaching by collaborating with you on your goals, giving you reliable information, skills development practice opportunities, goal-oriented behavioral strategies, and help in tailoring these skills to your specific situation. We offer both topic-specific, empirically-based programs for businesses, organizations, and companies, all built on cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused principles.

Learn more and connect with us at www.compasscoachingforlife.net

Episode 2 of our four part series on executive functioning. Why is it so hard to remember things, stay focused, or follow through even when you care?

In this episode, Dr. Roxy Riefkohl-Cook and Dr. Stephanie Ellis take a closer look at three core executive functioning skills: memory, focus, and mental effort. Together, they explore how working memory actually functions, why multitasking strains the brain, and what really affects our ability to stay alert and engaged.

The conversation covers common frustrations like forgetfulness, distraction, and difficulty finishing tasks, and explains why shame and self criticism tend to make these problems worse. You will also hear practical ways to support your brain, including reducing cognitive overload, using timers intentionally, and customizing strategies based on how you actually function rather than how you think you should.

This episode builds on the foundation from Part 1 and prepares listeners for the next discussion in the series, where additional executive functioning skills will be explored.

Rich Thoughts, Poor Jokes, is brought to you by Compass Coaching. At Compass Coaching, we specialize in executive coaching by collaborating with you on your goals, giving you reliable information, skills development practice opportunities, goal-oriented behavioral strategies, and help in tailoring these skills to your specific situation. We offer both topic-specific, empirically-based programs for businesses, organizations, and companies, all built on cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused principles.

Learn more and connect with us at www.compasscoachingforlife.net