Executive Function and Dyslexia: Why It Matters

When I first heard the phrase “executive function,” I thought it sounded like something only CEOs had to worry about. The reality is, it is something all of us use every day. For dyslexic people, though, it can feel like the part of your brain that is supposed to keep you organised and focused is off having a coffee break right when you need it most.

For me, one of the biggest challenges has always been word recall. I can be mid-sentence, talking about bookkeeping, something I know inside out, and suddenly the word I need just is not there. When it is a business term, that can feel embarrassing, like I am not showing my professionalism. But the truth is, this is not laziness or forgetfulness, it is executive function at play.

Executive function is basically the brain’s “manager.” It helps us plan, remember, focus, and regulate ourselves. When you are dyslexic, that manager sometimes struggles, which can affect both work and home life.

Working Memory

Working memory is like the brain’s sticky note. For me, it does not always stick for long. As a bookkeeper, I often need to hold numbers in my head. I have learned not to overload myself. Instead, I copy and paste figures, use split screens on my laptop, or work with dual monitors at home. These strategies stop my working memory from getting drained too quickly.

I also plan before I start and review once I finish. Breaking tasks into steps gives my brain less to juggle, and I find I get through the day with more energy left.

Organisation and Deadlines

People assume dyslexic people cannot be organised. That is not true, but it does take effort. Earlier in my career as an office manager, I had to build strict systems. Now, organisation is second nature.

One tool I rely on is my colour-coded Microsoft Calendar. Work, personal life, and wellbeing each have their own colours so I can see at a glance what is coming up. I also use Asana for tasks and Toggl for tracking how long work really takes. I will be honest, I am still not great at estimating time, but tracking has helped me learn patterns.

Deadlines can be stressful, so I use “buffers.” If something is due on the 19th, I aim for the 12th. With clients, I often give a slightly longer timescale than I know I need, which removes pressure.

Task Switching and Focus

Task switching used to exhaust me. In office jobs, I would be interrupted constantly by calls, emails, and people at my desk. By the end of the day, I was shattered.

Back then, I used mini-breaks to reset, making coffee, tidying, or walking around. Now, as my own boss, I time-block my diary. I do not jump on every email as it comes in. I work in chunks, and I try to line up my hardest “red” tasks at the time of day when my brain is freshest.

I use a red, amber, green system for tasks. Red means high brain power, amber is medium, green is lighter. Spreading these out through my day keeps my energy balanced.

Emotional Regulation

This is one of the hardest areas for me. When things do not go to plan, my emotions can run high. Frustration, anxiety, and even rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) often play a part.

I live with anxiety every day, and while medication helps, organisation is my main coping tool. If I plan ahead and give myself space, I can manage emotional triggers better. When my anxiety is lower, I am better at reflecting kindness back to myself, especially after giving that same compassion to others.

Self-Monitoring

Self-monitoring is about checking your own progress. In my bookkeeping, I double-check and cross-check figures, using checklists and processes I have built over time.

It is not about being perfect. It is about knowing where mistakes can slip in and having safety nets. A little extra review time saves me stress later on.

Flexible Thinking

Change used to throw me completely. A client request at the last minute, tech breaking down, or family life interrupting my work would all leave me flustered.

Now, I try to reframe. Being my own boss means I can re-jig things when I need to. If I do not have the brain power for a red task, I move it. If the weather is cooler, I take the dogs out for a lunchtime walk and come back refreshed.

Finishing What I Start

Housework is where I stall. I can start tidying with the best of intentions and end up procrastinating halfway through. At home, finishing can be hard.

At work, though, I am different. The dopamine hit of sending a piece of work off to a client drives me to finish strong. I almost treat it like a sprint to the finish line.

Myth-Busting Moment

For years, I thought executive function struggles meant I was not trying hard enough. But late diagnosis taught me something huge, it is not laziness, it is not a lack of intelligence, and it is not carelessness. It is the way my brain works.

That realisation was life-changing. Suddenly, all the strategies I had built were not signs of weakness, they were smart adaptations.

Motivation That Keeps Me Going

Motivation looks different for everyone. For me, it is simple, I love what I do, I want to provide for my family, and I will never go back to being employed. Running my own business gives me freedom, and that is reason enough to push through the tough days.

Support That Helps

I have built strategies over years, but I have not done it all alone. Coaching and mentoring can make a huge difference. I would recommend both Kirstie Heap and Jo Rees for support.

Therapy also plays a role in managing emotional regulation, and it is an area I am exploring more.

And through Dyslexia Desk, I support business owners who need help with admin, organisation, and systems. Sometimes the best strategy is simply not having to do it all on your own.

Closing

Executive function is not easy. For dyslexic people, it can make everyday life and business feel like climbing uphill. But strategies, support, and community make a difference.

You do not have to face it alone. With the right tools and understanding, you can find ways to make your brain work with you, not against you.

And if this blog has resonated, keep an eye out, at the end of September we will be sharing a free downloadable resource packed with practical tips to support your executive function every day.

You have got this.