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Life’s curveballs sometimes disrupt our routines—my recent shoulder surgery was one such challenge. As someone deeply immersed in studying and applying executive function skills, I found myself leaning on the very tools I teach others to navigate the recovery process. It wasn’t easy, but it reminded me just how essential executive function skills are for overcoming life’s hurdles. Emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and planning became my lifelines, helping me manage short-term frustrations and stay focused on my long-term goal: reclaiming my mobility and independence.
Emotional regulation became a daily battle. The emotional turbulence of recovery—guilt over needing help, frustration with disrupted routines, and disappointment when I had to say “no” to my son—weighed heavily on me. At times, I felt I was falling short as a father and husband. Each time these feelings surfaced, I had to pause and remind myself that this discomfort was temporary.
One of the toughest challenges was stepping away from physical activities like running and mountain biking, which have long been cornerstones of my mental health. Missing these activities disrupted my rhythm, but I’ve learned to reframe the situation. Instead of focusing on the immediate disappointment, I reminded myself that resting now was an investment in the future. Emotional regulation helped me see my choices as acts of self-care, not failure. By acknowledging my feelings without letting them take control, I stayed grounded in my recovery journey.
During recovery, even the simplest tasks required creative problem-solving. Brushing my teeth, tying my shoes, and even eating a meal became puzzles I had to solve. For someone who thrives on efficiency, this was particularly humbling. I had to rethink routines I’d taken for granted, embracing new approaches that often felt clumsy and slow.
Sleep became one of the biggest hurdles. I couldn’t lie flat due to my sling, so I had to sleep propped up, which was anything but comfortable. Each night tested my patience as I adjusted to this new reality. This experience underscored the critical link between sleep and executive function—rest is essential for recharging our brain and making sound decisions. Cognitive flexibility allowed me to adapt to these changes, however frustrating they were, and focus on the bigger picture.
Recovery demanded careful planning and organization. Between physical therapy exercises, medication schedules, and follow-up appointments, my calendar became my best friend. I set alarms to remind myself to ice my shoulder, made sure I completed my daily exercises, and focused on fueling my body with nutritious foods to aid recovery.
Even small tasks required thoughtful preparation. For example, I quickly realized I needed to prepare meals in advance—chopping vegetables with one hand proved slow and messy. Similarly, packing a bag for outings meant anticipating every possible need—snacks, medications, ice packs—and ensuring I didn’t forget anything. While tedious, these acts of planning gave me a sense of control and stability in an otherwise unpredictable time.
This journey taught me the power of short-term pain for long-term gain. Every frustrating moment—whether fumbling with a fork or sitting out of a family activity—was an investment in a future where I could fully participate in life again. Recovery was as much about building mental resilience as it was about regaining physical strength.
This principle applies far beyond surgery or injury. Whether it’s a student struggling with a challenging assignment, a parent juggling competing demands, or anyone facing a personal setback, the lesson is universal: growth often requires discomfort. By pushing through the hard moments and relying on executive function skills, we emerge stronger on the other side.
Reflecting on this experience, I see parallels to the work I do every day. Just as I leaned on emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and planning to navigate my recovery, these same skills empower neurodivergent learners and their families to overcome challenges. Managing time, adapting to new strategies, and staying calm under pressure are the foundations of success for anyone, regardless of their circumstances.
This experience taught me that small, deliberate choices lead to meaningful change. It reinforced that discomfort is not the enemy—it’s often the pathway to growth. Most importantly, it reminded me that while the journey may be frustrating, the reward of reclaiming your life is always worth the effort.
If you’re facing a tough season, take heart. Lean on your skills, embrace the discomfort, and remember: every small step forward is a step toward something better.