The Binder Breakthrough

📖 Story Introduction:

In the early days of my coaching career, I worked with a student who was really struggling with disorganization. Wanting to help, I immediately suggested a binder system.

His mother overheard our conversation, went out, and purchased the binder. When I introduced it to him in our next session, he became extremely upset—so upset that we had to restart the entire session from scratch.

I quickly realized this wasn’t just about organization…This was about Cognitive Flexibility.

🤔 What is Cognitive Flexibility?

Cognitive flexibility is the ability to think in different ways and adapt to new situations. It allows us to shift between different rules within the same task or transition smoothly between entirely different tasks. For example, a student may have a set afternoon routine, but if an unexpected event—like a doctor’s appointment—comes up, they must adjust to a new schedule. This skill is essential for managing change, problem-solving, and handling life’s unpredictable moments with confidence.

🫷🏻 What happened next?

What I learned from this experience changed the way I approach coaching forever.

Through our work on cognitive flexibility—his ability to shift perspectives, adapt to new information, and approach problems in different ways—he gradually became more open to trying new strategies. By the time August arrived, I asked what organizational system he planned to use for the new school year, and without hesitation, he said, that binder. When I asked him to clarify, he replied, you know, the one you had my mom buy—the one that zippered. He was ready.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: before addressing a student’s advanced executive functions, we often need to support their foundational ones first. Cognitive flexibility is a crucial executive function skill that allows students to step outside rigid thinking, consider alternatives, and adapt to new strategies. By strengthening this skill, we empower students to take ownership of their learning and problem-solving.

As educators and coaches, it’s a reminder that growth takes time, and sometimes, the best solutions aren’t about what we introduce, but when a student is ready to receive them.