Executive Functions Series: Unlock the Power of Organization for Life Success
Hi I am Liz Delaney, a therapist passionate about helping people understand how their brains work so they can thrive. Welcome to the first post in my executive function series. Today we explore organization, what it really is, why it matters, and how to build it especially if you have ADHD.
What Is Organization as an Executive Function
Organization is more than neat desks and color coded planners. It is an executive function, a mental ability that helps you create order from chaos. You arrange your thoughts, keep track of your belongings, decide what is most important, and follow a plan step by step. This skill supports turning intentions into action.
Why Organization Often Feels Hard with ADHD
For people with ADHD, organization can feel like trying to hold water. It slips through no matter how tight you grip. This is not about laziness or lack of motivation, but about how the ADHD brain processes information and priorities.
What Poor Organization Looks Like
Common experiences of organizational struggle include frequently losing items like keys or papers, juggling multiple unfinished to do lists, and feeling stuck before you even start. Trying to get organized can feel overwhelming and paralyzing. You spend more time searching or reshuffling than actually doing.
Strategies to Boost Organization
These brain friendly approaches can help.
Creating consistent homes for items
Assign habitual places for everyday objects like keys, backpacks, or chargers. This reduces lost item stress and prevents decision fatigue.
Externalizing thoughts and reminders
Take information out of your head and put it somewhere you can see. Use one main system, such as a planner or a digital app, so everything is in one place. Add sticky notes for quick reminders or use a whiteboard for a big-picture view. The goal is to lighten the load on your working memory. Choose the format that works best for you. For some people, a digital system is easier because there is less risk of losing it and it is always with you.
Using visual organization systems
Clear bins, color-coded folders, and open shelving make it easier to see what you need right away. For many people, especially those with ADHD, out of sight often means out of mind. If items are hidden in drawers or opaque containers, your brain might forget they exist. Keeping things visible reduces mental clutter and helps you stay on track.
Starting small and focused
Tackle one area at a time such as your desk or your bag. Avoid trying to do everything at once because this prevents overwhelm.
Building simple routines
Try a five minute end of day tidy session or a weekly check in. These small rituals support consistency even on tough days.
Body doubling or parallel working
Working alongside another person, even virtually, can spark motivation and reduce procrastination.
Final Thoughts
Organization is not just about neatness. It is about reducing stress, creating clarity, and helping the brain work better. When organization feels difficult, it is not a personal failing but a signal of a brain needing the right tools. Once you build strategies that suit your unique brain, you can feel more grounded and capable.
In the next blog post I will explore Impulse Control, what makes it tricky, and practical ways to strengthen it. I can’t wait to dive in together.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment (4th ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
Mahone, E. M., & Denckla, M. B. (2017). Executive function in children with ADHD. In Executive Function and Child Development (pp. 69–96).
Willcutt, E. G., Doyle, A. E., Nigg, J. T., Faraone, S. V., & Pennington, B. F. (2005). Validity of the executive function theory of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analytic review. Biological Psychiatry, 57(11), 1336–1346.
Zelazo, P. D., & Carlson, S. M. (2012). Hot and cool executive function in childhood and adolescence: Development and plasticity. Child Development Perspectives, 6(4), 354–360.
If you’re considering working with a therapist in Denver, Rocky Mountain Relational Therapy serves Denver and surrounding communities including Alta Vista Area, Arvada Plaza Area, Scenic Heights, Lamar Heights, Allendale Area, Rainbow Ridge, Club Crest, Highlands, Northwest Arvada, Wheat Ridge. The first step is to schedule a free initial consultation; that way you can get a feel for us and decide whether we’re best placed to help you. Simply visit our booking page to schedule your consultation.