Executive Function Deep Dive: Metacognition
What if the real problem isn’t your attention - but your awareness?
In this episode, we unpack the often-overlooked executive function called metacognition: the ability to notice your own thinking while it’s happening. For ADHD brains, this function doesn’t always show up on time.
And when it lags, everything else goes sideways. We’ll explore why delayed self-awareness creates patterns of impulsivity, emotional reactivity, and decision fatigue, and how that lag affects not just productivity, but confidence, leadership, and relationships.
You’ll learn:
- What metacognition actually is (and what it isn’t)
- Why ADHD disrupts this skill in real time, but sharpens it in reflection
- How late insight warps self-trust and creates reputation gaps
- Practical ways to build real-time awareness without constant self-monitoring or shame
- Why “trying harder” doesn’t work and what to design instead
This is about catching yourself before you’re in clean-up mode. And it starts with seeing your mind clearly, while it’s still moving.
Ready to get more specific about your particular flavour of ADHD?
Check out the Executive Function Inventory. - Where are you right now on each of the 12 executive functions. An inventory that identifies which EFs are challenges (that need to be bolstered), adaptive (you've built accommodations for yourself), and strengths (to leverage to support your challenges. If you know, you can be intentional. https://www.mineelachand.com/adhd-adults-efi
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