“Why Do Small Tasks Feel So Big?”: Executive Dysfunction in Real Life
Have you ever stared at a sink full of dishes or an unread email and felt completely overwhelmed? You’re not lazy—and you’re not alone. What you're experiencing could be executive dysfunction, a common but often misunderstood challenge affecting how we plan, prioritize, and complete tasks.
Executive dysfunction is especially common in individuals with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other neurodivergent conditions. It makes e... more“Why Do Small Tasks Feel So Big?”: Executive Dysfunction in Real Life
Have you ever stared at a sink full of dishes or an unread email and felt completely overwhelmed? You’re not lazy—and you’re not alone. What you're experiencing could be executive dysfunction, a common but often misunderstood challenge affecting how we plan, prioritize, and complete tasks.
Executive dysfunction is especially common in individuals with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other neurodivergent conditions. It makes everyday tasks like replying to a message, tidying a room, or even getting out of bed feel disproportionately difficult. These tasks aren’t big—but to your brain, they feel massive, tangled in invisible weight.
This isn’t about willpower. It’s about how the brain processes motivation, focus, and energy. When executive function is impaired, the mental steps needed to start and finish tasks don’t come naturally. You may know what to do but can’t bridge the gap to actually doing it.
If this sounds familiar, be kind to yourself. Break tasks into micro-steps, use timers, and seek environments that reduce overwhelm. Most importantly, know that support—from therapists, tools, or even online communities—can make a big difference. Small wins matter. You’re not failing; your brain is asking for a different kind of care.
Rafael Achacoso, is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Washington, D.C., specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and depression. He provides compassionate, stigma-free care, especially for young professionals and the LGBTQ+ community, helping individuals understand and manage executive dysfunction with practical strategies and supportive therapy.
Small wins matter. You’re not failing—your brain just needs a different kind of care.
