Increase Cognitive Control: Build Better Habits

Planning, time management, organization, and self-control—are essential to increase cognitive control. This shows up in success in work, school, relationships, and life. But these skills don’t always come naturally, especially during adolescence, when the brain is still developing. These executive functioning skills can improve with intentional practice and support.

How to increase cognitive control habits?

If you can boost your cognitive skills that allow individuals to manage thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve goals – everything becomes clearer and easier. It allows you to use your working memory to easily hold and use information in the short term.

• Inhibitory Control: Resisting impulses and staying focused.
• Cognitive Flexibility: Adapting to new situations and solving problems.
• Initiate Tasks: Being able to get started and avoid procrastination.
• Prioritize: Accurately identifying the highest priority tasks and acting accordingly.

When cognitive control is strong, people can complete assignments on time, remember commitments, and manage stress. When it’s weak, they may struggle with procrastination, forgetfulness, or emotional outbursts. The skills learned will propel them to jobs with more responsibility and higher wages in the working world.

The Importance of Building Better Habits

Habits form the foundation for success. Small, consistent actions build more control with responsibilities and reduce overwhelm. By linking habit-building with an increase in cognitive control, you’re getting tools to thrive—not just in school but in all areas of life.

Steps to Build Better Habits

1. Start Small and Specific

Try to focus on one habit at a time. For example:

• Too broad: “Be more organized.”
• Specific: “Put homework in the same folder every day.”

Celebrating and noting small wins and taking small steps towards larger-scale goals can lead to bigger changes over time. For adults, it can be a daily work task that must be completed by a certain time for instance. Consistency is key!

2. Create a Routine

Habits are formed best when they’re part of a predictable routine. Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes:

• Study time
• Chores or other commitments
• Relaxation and sleep
• Time with friends

Using a planner or digital app can help them visualize and prioritize tasks to make sure they make space for all the things they want to do and have to do. Sometimes you’re going to make time for the fun things you want to do anyway—often at the expense of the less enjoyable tasks.  Instead of denying yourself a fun time, just schedule it first! Get it over with so you can focus on your real journey.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Goals achieved? Acknowledge it! Positive reinforcement boosts motivation and encourages consistency. Your increase in cognitive control takes time – be patient.

4. Address Challenges Without Judgment

When you struggle, focus on coming up with solutions rather than playing ‘the blame game.’ Bring it back to the basics like “to-do” lists and phone reminders.

Mistakes are opportunities for growth, and you’re not going to land on a system that works the first time. Get comfortable with trial-and-error and give yourself some grace!

The Role of Brain Training in Strengthening Executive Functioning

While building habits is essential, some teens may need additional support to increase cognitive control skills – often termed executive functioning skills. That’s where LearningRx can help.

Our brain training programs are designed to target and improve the cognitive skills that underlie executive functioning. By working with a personal brain trainer, you can develop skills like focus, working memory, and problem-solving—leading to stronger processing and greater confidence!*

One of the first steps is to find out  the reasons you or your child might be struggling. Our cognitive assessment is a helpful starting point to answer the question of WHY people struggle—rather than just providing constant workarounds for weaknesses. Call us at 970-672-2020 or use the button below to start your assessment with LearningRx Fort Collins.

*Results may vary.