3 Key Reasons EF Even MATTERS!

Hey, what’s up, compassionate and proactive parents, teachers, therapists, grandparents—anybody who’s here to learn how to support students with executive function challenges.

In this video, I’m going to tell you three reasons why executive function matters.

Executive function, as you probably know, is how the prefrontal cortex—the frontal lobe, the front third of our brain—works. All of us have a prefrontal cortex. All of us have executive function. This part of the brain helps us execute—it helps us get things done.

Whether it’s playing video games, cleaning our backpack or bedroom, getting a job, filling out a job application, doing homework, hanging out with friends, or texting somebody—any task requires executive function. Whether it’s a big task, like getting a driver’s license (which is really a series of smaller tasks), or a small task, like putting socks away, executive function is involved.

This front part of the brain helps us plan, organize, prioritize, focus, and concentrate. There are many different aspects that experts talk about in the executive function world. I personally talk about 13 executive functions, but different experts define it in different ways.

So that’s what executive function is.

Now, I told you I’m going to give you three reasons why executive function matters so much. But before that, I want to share the overarching reason.

Executive function matters because it’s a quality-of-life issue.

I always say this because it truly impacts our quality of life. This is no joke—this is very serious. Kids and adults who struggle with executive function can experience significant challenges that affect how they live their lives.

So that’s the big umbrella: quality of life.

Now, what are the three reasons executive function matters?

Reason number one: more freedom.
Reason number two: more fun.
Reason number three: more purpose.

Here’s what that means.

When we have strong enough executive function skills to get important things done, we have more freedom. We’re not limiting our choices in life. When executive function is a struggle, it can limit our options—our future possibilities, opportunities, and financial stability.

Freedom means having choices. It means being able to live the way we want, with more opportunities and possibilities for the future.

Number two: more fun.

When executive function improves, our quality of life improves—and that includes having more fun. Enjoying life matters. But more broadly, this also means better emotional wellness and mental health.

We experience less stress, less frustration, and fewer negative emotions like anxiety, disappointment, and depression. And we experience more positive emotions—joy, peace, laughter, playfulness. That’s a huge part of life.

Executive function directly impacts that.

And finally, number three: more purpose.

Having fun is great, but what’s even more important—for you, for me, for our kids—is having a sense of purpose. Life feels more fulfilling, meaningful, and aligned.

We’re able to live based on our strengths, build on our interests, and pursue what matters most to us.

That’s purpose.

My name is Seth Perler. I’m an executive function coach. I wear a lot of hats in the executive function world.

You can find me at executivefunctionsummit.com—that’s my summit for parents—and at sethperler.com, where I have freebies. You can also find me here on YouTube and on podcasts.

Again, three reasons executive function matters:
The overarching reason is quality of life.
The three specific reasons are more freedom, more fun, and more purpose.

If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up, leave a comment below, and share it with someone.

I’d love to hear from you—why do you think executive function matters? When you or your child has stronger executive function, what improves in your quality of life? And when it’s a struggle, what concerns you most?

Have a fantastic day.

Again, my name is Seth. You can find me at sethperler.com.

Go connect with your kiddo, and take care.