Discover your strengths, spot your blind spots, and work smarter with my new self-assessment tool (free download inside!)

Hope this week finds you organized, energized, and ready for a fresh win. I’ve been deep in the weeds testing something that’s made a huge difference in my own productivity—so much so that I turned it into a free download for you. If you’ve ever wondered why some weeks feel effortless and others feel like a slog, this edition is for you.

Mindset Shift

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had 1:1 conversations with colleagues who reminded me that everyone wants to do more and do their best work—but not everyone understands why they can’t seem to “just do it.”

A few real-life examples:

* “I wish I had your motivation.” This led to a conversation about how motivation isn’t the issue—discipline is.

* “I don’t even know where to start this project.” We dug into whether the real problem was lack of clarity, focus, or difficulty with task initiation.

* “I get so many requests all day! I can’t even be sure I’m not missing some.” When I asked if they had a system for capturing and prioritizing requests, it hadn’t even occurred to them.

All of these are executive functioning challenges. Yet, how many people even know what executive functioning is? Luckily, I’m writing a book on this very subject. Here’s a sneak peek:

Executive function is your brain’s “command center”—the set of cognitive skills that allow you to get sh*t done, even when life is messy or unpredictable. Imagine it as your internal project manager: it keeps you organized, helps you prioritize, and ensures you follow through, whether you’re running a household, building a business, or just trying to make it through Monday without losing your keys (again).

I first encountered executive functioning when my oldest daughter was diagnosed with autism. As a parent, I dove into research—and realized that the skills I’d developed supporting C-suite executives and running businesses were rooted in executive function, even if I didn’t have the language for it. My organizational skills, high IQ, and decades of observation all pointed to one thing: I know how to get sh*t done.

Reflection Prompt

What’s one belief about productivity you’re ready to let go of?

(Mine: That I have to “feel like it” to get things done. Discipline > motivation, every time.)

Framework in Focus

This week’s framework: Executive Function.

Think of it as your brain’s operating system—managing focus, planning, flexibility, and emotional regulation. In my experience leading teams and organizing chaos, the most productive people weren’t the busiest—they were the most self-aware about how their brains work.

How do you become self-aware? Simple: diagnosis.

Just like a doctor or a mechanic, you need to run a few tests. That’s why I created the Executive Function Self-Assessment—a tool designed to help you quickly identify your strengths and areas for growth. It’s simple, private, and takes just minutes.

Action Step

If you’re ready to figure out what your executive function strengths and weaknesses are, here’s all you have to do:

* Step 1: Download my free Executive Function Self Assessment (link here).

* Print or open it in your favorite PDF app (Goodnotes on iPad, Remarkable, etc.).

* Take 5 minutes to answer honestly.

* Review your results—spot your strengths and pick one area to tweak this week.

Productive AF Challenge:

Download the Executive Function Self Assessment, pick your lowest-scoring area, and try one new strategy to support it (I’ll start to share my favorite hacks in next week’s edition!).

Reflection

Were you surprised by any of your results? Are you willing to share your results with our readers? Are there specific challenges you face that we can prioritize discussing strategies for?

Reply or leave a comment to begin the conversation!

Real AF Wins

I recently administered the Self-Assessment to a friend. He always thought he was “unorganized,” but scored highest in Organization & Planning. His lowest score? Emotional Regulation & Impulse Control—which made perfect sense when he reflected on his productivity struggles. Just knowing this gave him a new perspective and a clear starting point for improvement.

When you understand how your brain works, you can find the right solutions—and double down on your natural strengths.

Tools & Resources

The first and best tool for this week is the Executive Functioning Self-Assessment. In order to get it into the hands of as many people as possible, I’ve made it a free download, accessible through this link.

I’m excited to announce my upcoming e-book, “Executive Function Unlocked: The Get Your Sh*t Together Playbook.” This is your practical guide to mastering executive function—packed with stories, science, and real-world frameworks to help you ditch overwhelm and get things done, no matter what life throws at you.

Want to be a beta reader? I’m looking for a small group to preview the book, provide feedback, and get their names in the acknowledgments. If you’re interested in a free advance copy, reply or leave a comment ASAP—spots are limited!

Stay tuned for more resources, infographics, and the official launch date. Make sure you’re subscribed, and follow along on socials for updates:

* 📷Instagram

* 🔵Facebook

* 🎶TikTok

* 🔖Substack

Look Ahead

Thanks for making progress with me! Over the next few weeks, I’ll break down the main pillars of executive functioning and what they say about the way your brain works, what challenges they can create for you, and what strategies you can implement to retrain your brain or work around those challenges.

Have a question or want to see a specific productivity topic? Just reply—I read every message.

With clarity, intention, and a dash of AF energy,

Jenn

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P.S.

What’s your biggest productivity struggle right now? Let me know—I might feature solutions in a future issue!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itsjennfast.substack.com