Executive Functioning Deep Dive Part 2: Planning Skills

Jena Bus

Now that we’ve explored the foundational aspects of executive functioning in our previous post (Executive Functioning Deep Dive Part 1), it’s time to zoom in on one of the most essential and practical components: planning.

Whether you’re mapping out a major life transition, organizing a busy family schedule, or simply trying to remember to pick up groceries on your way home, planning is the executive functioning skill that makes it all possible. It’s the mental tool we use to set goals, anticipate future steps, strategize, and follow through with intention.

In this deep dive, we’ll unpack what the planning skill really involves, why it matters, what it looks like when it’s working well (or not so well), and how to support and strengthen it—for kids, teens, and adults alike.

What is the Planning Skill in Executive Functioning?

Planning is the ability to create a mental roadmap to reach a goal or complete a task. It involves identifying what needs to be done, breaking tasks into manageable steps, anticipating obstacles, estimating time and resources, and making decisions about priorities and sequencing.

This skill doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It often overlaps with organization, time management, working memory, and inhibition. If you’re strong in planning, chances are you’re also relatively good at structuring your day, keeping deadlines in mind, and managing distractions.

But when the planning skill is underdeveloped or impaired, life can quickly become chaotic. Tasks may be started without a clear direction, deadlines are missed, and goals may feel overwhelming or unattainable.

Why Planning Matters

Planning is at the heart of goal-directed behavior—a hallmark of healthy executive functioning. It allows us to:

  • Set realistic goals and make actionable steps toward them
  • Prioritize tasks based on importance and deadlines
  • Anticipate challenges and create back-up plans
  • Manage time and energy effectively
  • Make progress in both personal and professional areas of life

Without strong planning skills, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming. For example, writing a school paper, preparing a presentation, or organizing a birthday party all require advanced planning. A breakdown in this skill can lead to procrastination, last-minute stress, and poor outcomes.

What Struggles with Planning Look Like

When someone struggles with planning, it often shows up as:

  • Trouble starting tasks because the steps feel unclear
  • Jumping into activities without thinking them through
  • Underestimating how long something will take
  • Forgetting important steps or skipping them altogether
  • Feeling overwhelmed by tasks that require multiple stages
  • Missing deadlines or failing to complete projects

These challenges can affect academic performance, workplace productivity, and even everyday life—like managing household chores or coordinating family activities.

In children and teens, weak planning skills might look like:

  • Incomplete homework assignments
  • Difficulty studying for long-term projects or tests
  • Trouble keeping a backpack or locker organized
  • Forgetting sports gear, permission slips, or other essentials

In adults, it may present as:

  • Chronic lateness or missed appointments
  • Difficulty achieving long-term career goals
  • Procrastination or avoidance of complex tasks
  • Feeling constantly overwhelmed or disorganized

Building and Strengthening Planning Skills

The good news? Planning is a skill—and like any skill, it can be taught, practiced, and improved over time.

1. Use Visual Tools

Tools like planners, checklists, calendars, whiteboards, and digital planning apps (like Trello or Google Calendar) can help externalize planning. For younger children, picture schedules and visual task charts are incredibly effective.

2. Break It Down

Teach how to break large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, instead of saying “write your essay,” help outline the steps: choose a topic, research, write an outline, draft, revise, and submit.

3. Backward Planning

Also known as backward mapping, this strategy involves starting at the goal and working backward to figure out what steps are needed and when they should be completed. This is especially helpful for projects with deadlines.

4. Model the Process

Children and teens benefit greatly from watching adults model planning out loud. Narrate your thinking: “Okay, I want to have dinner ready by 6 p.m. That means I need to start cooking at 5 p.m., and before that I need to grocery shop…”

5. Set SMART Goals

Encourage goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This makes the planning process clearer and more concrete.

6. Use Timers and Alarms

Help individuals stay on track with time-based reminders. Timers can support both initiating a task and managing how long to spend on it.

7. Practice Planning Games and Activities

Board games like “Rush Hour,” strategy-based games like “Settlers of Catan,” and apps designed for executive functioning can help children and teens build planning skills in fun, low-stakes environments.

When to Seek Extra Support

If planning struggles significantly impact daily functioning, academic or job performance, or emotional well-being, it might be time to seek support. Occupational therapists, executive functioning coaches, and therapists specialize in helping individuals build these cognitive skills.

A neuropsychological evaluation can also provide insights into how executive functioning is impacting overall life skills and offer tailored recommendations.

Final Thoughts: Planning is a Lifelong Skill

Planning isn’t just about sticky notes and to-do lists—it’s about creating a structured path through an often unpredictable world. It enables us to take abstract goals and turn them into achievable realities. Whether you’re helping a child learn to manage their homework or striving to meet personal or professional goals yourself, building the planning skill is one of the most powerful investments you can make.

With awareness, intentional practice, and the right tools, anyone can improve their planning abilities—and in turn, unlock greater independence, success, and confidence in everyday life.