"The executive functions are a set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one's resources in order to achieve a goal. It is an umbrella term for the neurologically-based skills involving mental control and self-regulation."

What does this mean?

Executive functioning serves as the "command and control" center of the brain.  Executive functioning skills can be viewed as the "conductor" of all cognitive skills as they help manage life tasks.  

List of Executive Functions

1. Inhibition - Inhibition is the opposite of impulsivity.  It is the ability to control your impulses/to stop one own's behavior at the appropriate time.  
2. Shift - The ability to move freely/ transition from one situation to another and to think flexibly in order to respond appropriately to the situation.
3. Emotional Control - The ability to control emotional responses through rational thoughts.   
4. Initiation - The ability to begin a task/activity and to independently generate ideas, responses, or problem-solving strategies.
5. Working Memory - The capacity to remember information for the purpose of completing a task. 
6. Planning- The ability to organize current and future-oriented tasks.
7. Organization of Materials - The ability to impose order on work, play, and storage spaces.  
8. Self-Monitoring - The ability to monitor one's own performance and to measure it against what is expected.  

Resources