Teen Exec Question of the Week

September 30, 2025

You’re halfway through carving your pumpkin when you realize you forgot one of the tools you need, and everyone else is already making progress. Which executive functioning skill will help you the most in that moment?

A
Planning — making a better checklist so this doesn’t happen next time
B
Organization — arranging what you have so you can work more efficiently
C
Flexibility — finding another way to keep going, like borrowing a tool or adjusting your approach
D
Time management — cutting your design short so you can finish faster
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Best Response: C

Explanation: Flexibility means adapting when things don’t go as planned. In this case, being able to borrow a tool, adjust your design, or find another workaround lets you keep moving forward instead of getting stuck. That skill matters in pumpkin carving, and it matters just as much in bigger projects where surprises always come up.

Let’s look at the other options:

  • A. Planning would have helped you avoid the situation in the first place, but once you’re already carving, planning can’t solve the immediate problem.
  • B. Organization might make your workspace neater, but it won’t replace the tool you forgot. Without flexibility, you’re still stuck.
  • D. Time management may sound helpful, but rushing through your design or cutting it short usually means a weaker end result.

Takeaway: Planning and organization matter, but flexibility is what saves you in the moment. It’s the ability to adjust, adapt, and still finish strong when things don’t go according to plan.

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