Why executive functioning challenges are not character flaws — and what actually helps. If you’ve ever heard yourself say (or think), “They’re so smart — if they just tried harder…” you’re not alone. Parents and educators are constantly trying to make sense of why capable students struggle to start assignments, follow through, or stay motivated. The explanation we often land on is laziness . But here’s the truth: most students who look unmotivated are actually struggling wit

Every January, students (and parents) start fresh with the best intentions. “I’m going to stay organized.”“I’ll stop procrastinating.”“I’ll actually use my planner this time.” And then… life happens. School gets busy. Motivation dips. Old habits creep back in. Suddenly, those goals feel harder to keep up with, even though the desire to do better is still there. Here’s the good news: this isn’t a motivation problem — it’s a brain-development problem. And once we understand the

The start of a new year often brings a sense of possibility — a chance to reset, reflect, and begin again. For students and families, January is also a natural pause point: the first semester is over, grades are in, and routines (or lack of them) are impossible to ignore. If systems fell apart during the fall, you’re not alone. Executive functioning skills — like planning, organization, time management, emotional regulation, and task initiation — are skills , not personality

As the semester winds down and winter sets in, many students hit what we like to call the winter slump . Energy drops, motivation feels harder to access, and even students who started the year strong may find themselves procrastinating, zoning out, or feeling overwhelmed by everything left to do. This isn’t laziness — and it’s not a lack of ability. It’s often an executive functioning challenge , amplified by fatigue, shorter days, and a packed academic schedule. The good new

The holidays are magical… and messy. Between travel, family gatherings, disrupted sleep schedules, and the constant “Wait, what day is it?”, even the most organized students (and parents!) can feel thrown off. Routines you’ve worked hard to build suddenly disappear, and it’s easy for stress to sneak in. But here’s the good news: you can stay grounded — even when life gets chaotic. With a little planning and a lot of flexibility, students can enjoy the season and stay on tra

Big emotions are a normal part of being human — especially for kids and teens. Whether it’s frustration during homework, disappointment after a tough game, or the sudden surge of excitement that makes it hard to sit still, emotions show up fast. But for many students, what comes after the emotion is what matters most. That moment between feeling and reacting — the pause — is one of the most powerful executive function (EF) skills a student can learn. At Just Start LA, we see

At Just Start LA, we believe mistakes are one of the most powerful teachers students have. But for many kids, especially those who hold themselves to high standards or have experienced frustration in school, mistakes can feel discouraging — sometimes even shameful. The truth is, every successful learner develops the ability to reflect , adjust , and grow from their experiences. This process — known as metacognition — is the foundation of resilience and lifelong learning. Her

When most people think about ADHD, the first thing that comes to mind is difficulty paying attention . While that’s part of the picture, it’s far from the whole story. ADHD impacts a range of executive functioning (EF) skills — like planning, regulating emotions, and managing motivation — that are essential for success in school, work, and everyday life. Let’s unpack what ADHD and executive dysfunction really look like: Beyond Attention: The Executive Functioning Lens Executi

The syllabus drops, and suddenly you see it: a major project or paper due at the end of the semester. For many students, the thought of a...

When people hear the term executive functioning , it can sound abstract or overly technical. But really, executive functioning (EF) is...

The first few weeks of school bring excitement, fresh starts, and new routines. But once the dust settles, many students quickly feel the...

Want to know the real secret to school success? It’s not just intelligence. It’s executive functioning — the behind-the-scenes brain...

Summer was fun. Maybe even a little too fun — sleep schedules got weird, routines vanished, and structure? What structure? That’s totally...

Before jumping into back-to-school prep, now is the perfect time for students (and families) to reflect on the previous year. Guide readers through a simple “look back to leap forward” exercise, asking questions like: What helped you stay on top of things last year? What habits or routines didn’t serve you? When were you most proud of yourself? What’s one change you want to make this year?