TED Talks Daily How your brain's executive function works -- and how to improve it | Sabine Doebel
Jul 30, 2020
Sabine Doebel, a cognitive scientist specializing in child development, delves into the nuances of executive function—our brain's critical skill for planning and self-control. She illuminates how this function can be enhanced to help break bad habits and achieve personal goals. Sharing personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the impact of context and peer influence on our cognitive abilities. With practical strategies and insights, Doebel offers valuable tips for improving everyday decision-making and emotional regulation.
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Executive Function Explained
- Executive function is the conscious control of thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve goals.
- Lapses in executive function explain everyday mistakes like pouring orange juice on cereal.
Benefits of Strong Executive Function
- Executive function predicts positive outcomes like social skills, academic achievement, and health.
- It also correlates with financial success and avoiding legal trouble.
Improving Executive Function
- Brain training apps don't broadly improve executive function because they lack real-world context.
- To improve, focus on real-life situations and motivations.