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If the end of the year makes you think about what you didn’t finish, what you forgot, or what felt hard—you’re not alone. This is extra common for kids who are super bright but also deal with executive functioning challenges (the “getting-stuff-done” brain skills) or shaky self-confidence. The good news: you can train your brain to notice your progress, not just your struggles. And that kind of noticing builds real confidence. Want a checklist to start off the new year right? Download this free PDF activity list:
At Camp Sequoia, we talk a lot about skill-building through practice: routines, coaching, and support that help kids do things that used to feel out of reach. You don’t need a perfect year to be proud—you just need evidence that you kept growing. Let’s collect that evidence.
Why Reflection Helps Your Brain (Kid-Friendly)
Think of your brain like a video editor. If you don’t give it instructions, it might accidentally make a “blooper reel” of awkward moments and mistakes. Reflection is how you tell your brain: “Hey—save the highlights too.”
When you remember what you worked on, what you tried, and what helped, you build something powerful: a track record. That track record is confidence—the calm kind that says, “I’ve handled hard things before, so I can handle the next hard thing.”
This matters even more for twice-exceptional (2e) kids—kids who have strong abilities in some areas and real challenges in others (like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dysgraphia, anxiety, or learning differences). Sometimes strengths and struggles can hide each other, which can make kids feel misunderstood. Reflection helps you build a clearer story about who you are: capable, learning, and still growing.
Step 1: Count “Wins That Count” (Even Small Wins)
Some wins are obvious—an award, a great grade, making a team. But many wins are quiet. For kids building executive functioning or confidence, quiet wins are often the most important ones.
Here are wins that absolutely count:
- I tried something new (even if it felt weird at first).
- I did something hard while nervous.
- I started a task without waiting for the “perfect mood.”
- I asked for help instead of hiding.
- I used a strategy when I felt stuck or upset (breathing, break, movement, talking to someone).
- I repaired a friendship problem (apologized, explained, tried again).
- I finished something I usually avoid.
If you did any of these even once, you’re not “behind.” You’re practicing the exact skills that grow over time.
Step 2: Do a 3-minute “Growth Scan”
If reflection feels overwhelming, keep it tiny. Set a timer for 3 minutes and do this:
- Pick 3 moments from the year (like 3 scenes from a movie).
- For each moment, answer: What was hard? What did I do about it? What helped?
- Write one sentence that proves your growth.
Example growth sentence: “I still don’t love big projects, but I’m better at breaking them into steps and asking for help sooner.”
Step 3: Build an “Evidence Jar” for confidence
Confidence grows faster when you collect proof. Make an Evidence Jar (a real jar, envelope, or notes app) and save tiny pieces of proof like:
- a photo of something you completed
- a screenshot of a kind message or compliment
- a note that says: “I tried ___ even though I was nervous”
- a list of tools that helped (timer, checklist, a routine, a supportive person)
On a tough day, your Evidence Jar reminds your brain: “We have receipts.”
Step 4: Use “Training Wheels,” Not Willpower (EF Strategies that Actually Help)
Executive functioning is not a ‘try harder’ problem. It’s a ‘what support makes this easier’ problem. Many 2e kids can do big thinking, but the small steps—starting, organizing, switching tasks—can be the hardest part.
Try these training wheels:
- Checklists: so your brain doesn’t have to remember everything.
- Timers: work 10 minutes, break 2 minutes (then repeat).
- Body doubling: doing work near someone else quietly.
- Step cards: write the next 3 steps only (not 30).
- A launch pad: one place for backpack, shoes, charger, keys, and water bottle.
- Transition cues: a 5-minute warning, a countdown, or a visual timer.
These supports don’t mean you’re weak. They mean you’re smart enough to use tools—like wearing a helmet when learning to ride a bike.
Step 5: Make a Gentle Goal for 2026 (and keep it from exploding by February)
The end of the calendar year is a natural time to set goals for 2026. That can be awesome—if your goals fit your real life and your real brain.
A good goal is: Small + Specific + Supported
- Small: you can start this week.
• Specific: you can describe what you’ll do.
• Supported: you know who/what will help.
Examples:
• “On school nights, I’ll use a 5-minute timer to start homework.”
• “Once a week, I’ll practice one conversation starter.”
• “Every Sunday evening, I’ll do a 10-minute backpack reset with a checklist.”
Add an ‘If-Then’ plan (a secret weapon)
Pick one obstacle and plan for it ahead of time:
• If I feel stuck, then I will do the first tiny step for 2 minutes.
• If I forget, then I will use a reminder on my phone/watch.
• If I get frustrated, then I will take a short break and come back with help.
The most important part: celebrate the growth you already earned
Goals point you forward—but celebration anchors you. If you skip celebration, your brain learns: “Nothing is ever enough.” If you celebrate growth, your brain learns: “Effort works. Tools help. I can improve.”
Celebration doesn’t have to be big. It can be: telling someone one proud moment, choosing a small reward, making a mini photo collage, writing yourself a note, or doing a favorite activity. The point is to pause and say, “That mattered.”
Then use that feeling as your springboard. The best confidence for 2026 isn’t pretending you’re perfect—it’s knowing you’re improving.