Executive functioning v.s. Efficient thinking

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I've been trying to wrap my brain around executive function issues.

One thing I've noticed is that I have a particular (peculiar?) state of mind that feels very fluid and efficient. Unfortunately, this state of mind does not synchronize very well with the highly structured, technologically oriented, globalized, economically integrated society I live in. Colloquially, my brain doesn't operate on a 9 to 5 schedule. A great deal of my stress comes from this tension between my "best mental states" and this 21st century culture that I find myself living in.

Note that I say best mental state not because there is actually any objective measure of "best" but because that state is where I feel the least anxiety and stress and the most contentment, even peace of mind.

I suspect that at least part of what is called an executive function deficit is my capacity for dealing with this society is simply not what this society wants it to be.

It would appear that I must find a balance between what this culture expects and values versus what I prefer.

I also suspect that I do have some attentional deficits that might be covered under the executive function rubrics. I would like to see culturally neutral descriptions and research of this. Though I suppose true culturally neutral research into such things is impossible.

Hmm, think I know what you mean.

My problem seems to revolve around integrating and communicating my internal mind behaviour with that of the outside world, and the structures therein. My inner world is fluid and smooth and beautiful and self connective in a way that isn't compatible with the external realm.

I still try, but for the most part, I just have so much stuff in here that I'd love to be able to share that remains unsharable.

But then, maybe everyone feels this way.

I keep a running to-do list in a small notebook that is always with me. When I am in the state you describe (which some writers call "flow") then I grab the list and do stuff. When I am not, then I just do the minimum necessary for the moment, and don't push myself to achieve.

I think one thing that distinguishes executive dysfunction from societal expectations is that people with ED can't do things they WANT to do, for themselves and in their own time, which is even more frustrating than not being able to do what others expect of you in their timeframe.

It really no different than ADHD so there are a ton of resources for you to read. The good news is that this can also be managed with medication.

Here are a couple of good sites...

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/8382.html

http://www.chadd.org/AM/Template.cfm?Se ... For_Adults

I have this issue enough that I have to live my life via checklists.

As the OP said, it is impossible to remove the variable of "culture", so the question isn't an answerable one.

However, I would disagree with the assertion that it is 21st century life which makes things so hard. The existence of things like 24-hour pharmacies, 3rd shift jobs, telecommuting, self-paced study courses, online shopping, on-demand movies, and the like make it better for people who have unusual body clocks to live now than in any previous century.

Me as well.

I also understand the thing about there being times when everything just goes perfectly. I don't know what it is about that, but I know that like... even among autistic people who have never spoken in their lives, once in a blue moon they'll say a totally clear and appropriate sentence, then go back to saying nothing. And it's not a choice for people like that either. But something like that seems to happen for all of us, regardless of what ability is in question, whether EF stuff or something else entirely. Sometimes things just work in a way they never do otherwise, and it's perfect until it ends.