How your brain's executive function works -- and how to improve it | Sabine Doebel

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📚 Main Topics

Understanding Executive Function
- Definition and importance in daily life.
- Role in controlling thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve goals.
Common Misconceptions
- The rise of brain-training apps and their limited effectiveness.
- The misconception that executive function can be improved in isolation from real-world contexts.
The Role of Context
- How context influences the use of executive function.
- Examples from research, including the "dimensional change card sort" and the marshmallow test.
Practical Applications
- Strategies to improve executive function in various contexts.
- Importance of motivation and peer influence.

Executive function is crucial for everyday decision-making and goal achievement.
Brain-training methods are not effective for broad improvements in executive function.
Context significantly impacts how we utilize executive function, as demonstrated in research studies.
Surrounding oneself with supportive peers can enhance motivation and executive function performance.

To improve executive function, focus on the context in which it is applied rather than seeking quick fixes.
Develop strategies tailored to specific situations to enhance executive function.
Recognize the influence of social dynamics and motivation on executive function.
Embrace the idea of "knowing oneself" to better understand how context shapes behavior and decision-making.