Teen Exec Question of the Week

August 12, 2025

You’re in charge of organizing a school fundraiser, but your to-do list is overflowing. What’s the best first step?

Start with the easiest task to feel productive
Tackle the most time-consuming task first
Wait until inspiration strikes
List all tasks, estimate time, and sort them by priority
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Best Response: D

Explanation: Planning is a core executive function—it helps you manage time, focus on high-impact actions, and avoid getting lost in the chaos. By listing every task, estimating how long each will take, and ranking them by priority or deadline, you create a clear roadmap. This makes it easier to spot critical items, delegate if needed, and keep momentum without forgetting important steps.

Let’s look at the other options: A: Knocking out an easy task can feel good, but it can also delay work on more important items—a common procrastination trap. B: Diving straight into the longest task can leave less time for urgent or high-priority ones. C: Waiting for motivation puts the schedule at risk and increases the chance of last-minute stress.

Takeaway: When your workload feels overwhelming, don’t just do something—plan first. A short investment in organizing your approach can save hours and reduce stress later.