Sharon Franklin: I feel frustrated that it takes me 16 hours to get 8 hours of work done because my executive function just isn’t what it used to be. How can I make it easier to focus and get my work done despite my executive function challenges?

• Recognize that executive function struggles often stem from digital distractions stealing focus and energy. Define your biggest offender so you can start reclaiming control.
• Realize your Facebook feed is mostly algorithmic noise, not genuine connection. Decide if that trade-off still serves your goals.
• Social media’s intermittent rewards mimic slot machines, designed to hook your attention, not connect you with friends. It is “the new cigarettes” that are detrimental to your health, together with “second hand screens.” 
• Ask yourself: “Would deleting your social media account reduce the quality of your social life?” Recognize that high quality relationships don't require social media connection to get updated.
• Reconnect offline instead of dopamine-driven feeds. Text small friend groups, plan meetups, or use direct updates 
• Be intentional in building rules, boundaries and guardrails. 
• Rule: Use Facebook for only 30 minutes at a specific time of your day.
• Boundary: Bookmark specific groups and events instead of defaulting to your news feed.
• Guardrail: Use Freedom to schedule specific windows to use apps on different devices.
• Shift from being a worker in the “attention factory” for free to consciously choosing where your time and attention go.

Useful Resources:

Freedom App

Cal Newport’s Book: Digital Minimalism

Becoming a ‘Digital Minimalist’ | with Cal Newport

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