At its simplest, "executive functioning" is our brain’s Chief Organizational Officer. It determines schedules, allots an appropriate amount of time for tasks, sets goals and plans, follows through on commitments and manages time effectively. When this area is impaired, it may be challenging to handle daily responsibilities, adapt to changes and live a productive life. Executive functioning has nothing to do with IQ or how much a person knows, but rather how someone can take what they know and put it into action. Impairments with executive functioning can make day-to-day life challenging. There is a disconnect between what the person knows and what they can accomplish. Someone with executive function challenges may experience difficulty with any of the following areas.