Welcome to Day 1
Motivation, Procrastination, and Task Initiation Mini-Course
Start with a Scan
Right now, motivation is being talked about everywhere. When work isn’t getting done, the explanation is often simple and familiar: “They just aren’t motivated.”
But that framing skips an important step.
Motivation is not a behavior problem. And executive function support doesn’t start with strategies. It starts with how we read what the brain is telling us.
You now have access to two sets of cards selected from our comprehensive executive function deck: Three Framing Cards and Two Scans.
Keep in mind: the cards and scans don’t tell you what to do. They help you decide what to focus on first.
That’s why the first thing I’m sharing is not a scan and not a tool to fix anything.
It’s a way of looking. These cards explain:
What executive function really is (and isn’t)
How to interpret what you notice without jumping to conclusions
Why scores, behaviors, and effort all need context
How to use this information without creating pressure
These scans are designed to help educators start more accurate conversations about executive function.
They’re not assessments or diagnoses, nor do they give final answers.
Many educators use these scans at the beginning of an EF conversation to help name:
Where effort is present but momentum breaks down
Where starting feels heavier than it appears
Where strengths and challenges may be coexisting
Framing Cards
Scan Cards
If you choose to use one of the scans now, here’s how I recommend approaching it:
Start with one scan
Base responses on recent classroom or learning observations
Read the results descriptively, not as conclusions
Use the scan to frame the conversation, not to decide next steps yet
A quick note for orientation…
Everything you’re accessing in this series comes from a larger professional toolset I use in my own work with students and educators. The full toolkit covers all ten executive functions, and throughout this series, you’re seeing how two of them—task initiation and procrastination—are explored in depth.
The cards and workbook pages you’ll see are real tools, not samples, and many educators choose to keep using them beyond this series. You’re not expected to purchase anything, and this sequence is designed to stand on its own.
I’m sharing these pieces so you can experience how I think about executive function before deciding how to continue your journey to Mastering Executive Function.
Want to complete your E.F. card deck?
Purchase the physical deck
We created the Pre-Frontal Power Up to turn the science of EF into real-world support, including:
✅ A physical 60+ card deck covering 10 Executive Functions
✅ 4 card types per EF (Frontal Scan, definition, EF in the wild, practical tip)
✅ 16 cards focused on helping educators assess their students’ E.F. strengths and challenges
Unlock the Full Deck, Workbook, and Bonus Videos
The Pre-Frontal Power Up Bundle is a complete Executive Function resource suite:
✅ A physical 60+ card deck covering 10 Executive Functions
✅ Digital Power Up Deck for easy screenshares
✅ Digital & Physical Companion Workbook with exercises, implementation ideas, and educator guides
✅ Exclusive training videos
What was your takeaway from today?
Maybe you learned a thing or two about motivation, procrastination, and task initiation. Or maybe you realized Executive Function is so much more nuanced and personal than you previously thought.
Send me your reflections, I’d love to know! Crista@connectedpathwaysacademy.com
Either way, I want to challenge you to find a way to apply what you’ve learned with a student in your life. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow when I’ll share more resources to guide you on your journey to Mastering Executive Function!