Twice Exceptionality and the giftedness of Neurodivergent minds. Brilliant but Forgetful? Why Some Minds Excel at Complexity but Struggle with Basic Tasks

If you routinely misplace your wallet, yet can deconstruct complex ideas with ease. Many bright, creative minds are optimised for depth and novelty rather than repetition and routine. In everyday life, that can look like forgetting appointments, skipping small steps in a process, or losing track of time, while, in the very same week, producing sophisticated analyses, original insights, or elegant problem-solving. Psychology recognises this as a common, non-pathological pattern: attention and memory systems allocate resources toward what the brain deems meaningful or stimulating, and they conserve effort on low-salience details. The result is a genuine strength in big-picture reasoning alongside uneven performance on mundane tasks.

This article explains that contrast in clear terms. First, it outlines the distinct roles of executive functions (which support planning and detail management) and higher-order reasoning (which supports abstraction and synthesis). Then it explores why some minds naturally prioritise complexity over routine, what advantages come with that profile, where the friction shows up day to day, and practical supports that reduce that friction without dulling creativity. The aim is respectful reframing: understanding your cognitive style so you can design your life around it—and let your strengths lead.

The Brain’s Dual Systems

Human thought is not governed by a single, uniform process. Instead, it relies on a set of interdependent systems that manage very different kinds of tasks. Two of the most relevant are executive function and working memory, and abstract reasoning and complex thought. Executive function and working memory are largely coordinated by the prefrontal cortex, the “manager” of the brain. This system allows us to hold information temporarily while using it to guide action — for example, remembering a phone number long enough to dial it, or keeping track of multiple steps in a recipe (Baddeley, 2012). It is also the system responsible for planning, organising, and sustaining attention to daily details such as paying bills on time or following through on errands. When executive functioning is efficient, routines feel natural and order is maintained; when it is weaker, everyday can feel slippery and prone to error (Diamond, 2013).

In contrast, abstract reasoning and complex thought engage a broader network that includes not only the prefrontal cortex but also the parietal lobes and the so-called default mode network, which becomes active when we engage in reflection, imagination, or high-level analysis (Buckner, Andrews-Hanna, & Schacter, 2008). This is the system that allows people to analyse ideas critically, recognise patterns across domains, or develop new solutions to difficult problems. It is less about holding small details in mind and more about connecting concepts in novel ways. These two systems are complementary but not always balanced. Research shows that individuals can excel in big-picture reasoning while simultaneously struggling with everyday organisational demands (Burgess & Stuss, 2017). It reflects how the brain prioritises different tasks. A person who forgets where they left their keys but can eloquently unravel a complex philosophical argument is demonstrating strength in one system while being less efficient in another.

Why This Pattern Happens

If executive function and abstract reasoning are distinct systems, why do some people show extraordinary strength in one while struggling with the other? Psychology and neuroscience suggest that this comes down to cognitive trade-offs: the brain is constantly deciding how to allocate its limited attentional and memory resources.

Everyday tasks such as remembering appointments or sorting laundry are considered low-salience activities by the attentional system. They rely heavily on the brain’s dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and demand sustained focus on repetition and order (Miller & Cuttler, 2003). By contrast, activities that involve novelty, complexity, or high personal meaning recruit broader networks including the frontoparietal control system and the default mode network (Beaty et al., 2016). These networks are optimised for associative thinking, creative generation, and the synthesis of ideas — functions that can overshadow or “outcompete” attention to routine details.

This tendency is especially visible in individuals who are neurodivergent. People with ADHD, for example, often show variability in executive attention: they may underperform on repetitive, unstimulating tasks but excel when challenged with high-interest or high-complexity problems (Castellanos & Proal, 2012). Similarly, individuals on the autism spectrum often demonstrate unique strengths in pattern recognition and systemising abilities, while experiencing greater difficulty with flexible task switching and everyday organisation (Pellicano, 2012). Even among the intellectually gifted, research consistently finds a profile of “asynchronous development,” where advanced reasoning coexists with uneven attention to routine (Silverman, 2018).

In practical terms, this means that forgetting a grocery list while simultaneously producing a sophisticated argument is predictable. The brain is prioritising depth and novelty over repetition and predictability, channelling energy into what it perceives as most meaningful, and this allocation is part of what allows some minds to innovate, analyse, and create at levels that go beyond the ordinary.

The Strengths of This Cognitive Style

What often looks like inconsistency from the outside — being brilliant in one area and forgetful in another — is, in fact, a sign of a distinct cognitive strength profile. When attention and memory systems are tilted toward novelty and complexity, they produce advantages that can be powerful in both intellectual and creative domains. One of the most evident benefits is creativity. Brains that are less anchored to routine details are often more flexible in drawing connections across seemingly unrelated concepts. Neuroscientific studies show that creative thinking relies on dynamic interplay between the default mode network, which generates ideas, and the executive control network, which evaluates and shapes them (Beaty et al., 2016). This makes individuals with strong abstract reasoning capacities more likely to generate original solutions and unconventional insights.

Another strength is innovation in problem-solving. Research on divergent thinking — the ability to produce multiple solutions to a single problem — consistently finds that people who show variability in executive attention often excel when faced with complex, open-ended challenges (Runco & Acar, 2012). This capacity allows for adaptive thinking in environments that are uncertain, rapidly changing, or that demand creative leaps rather than routine execution.

A third advantage is depth of insight. Because these minds gravitate toward high-salience, meaningful information, they often show advanced abilities in analysing systems, identifying patterns, and synthesising knowledge across domains. In fact, studies of gifted populations highlight that uneven executive functioning frequently coexists with exceptional reasoning abilities, a profile sometimes referred to as “twice exceptional” when coupled with ADHD or learning differences (Silverman, 2018). This depth-oriented thinking can make the difference between incremental improvements and breakthroughs in fields ranging from the sciences to the arts. History also offers countless examples of such profiles. Albert Einstein described himself as absent-minded in daily affairs but possessed extraordinary depth in theoretical reasoning. Similarly, many writers, inventors, and scientists have reported struggling with routine organisation while excelling in original thought. While anecdotal, these accounts align closely with modern research: the very attentional systems that sometimes falter on the mundane can enable profound creativity and intellectual achievement.

The Challenges

While the strengths of this cognitive style are clear, it also brings practical challenges. The same attentional systems that privilege novelty and complexity often leave routine, detail-oriented tasks under-supported. This can create difficulties that are frustrating in everyday life, even for highly capable individuals. One common challenge is forgetfulness in daily functioning. Research on executive function highlights that working memory and sustained attention are critical for remembering appointments, keeping track of belongings, and completing sequential tasks (Diamond, 2013). When this system is less efficient, even intelligent individuals may repeatedly misplace items or overlook small but important steps in routines.

Another difficulty is time management and deadlines. Studies on ADHD and related attention profiles show that variability in executive control is strongly linked to difficulties with organisation, prioritisation, and consistent task completion (Barkley, 2015). This can result in missed deadlines or a tendency to procrastinate on low-stimulation tasks, despite being fully capable of deep work in areas of interest.

The emotional impact of these challenges should not be underestimated. Many people with this profile experience self-criticism, shame, or frustration when others misinterpret their forgetfulness as laziness or lack of effort. Psychological research on self-concept in neurodivergent and gifted populations consistently notes that feeling “inconsistent” — brilliant in some areas but unreliable in others — can lead to stress, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem (Neihart, 1999). Importantly, these challenges reflect a difference in how attentional systems allocate resources. In fact, the same variability that causes struggles with the mundane also underpins the capacity for original thought and creative innovation. Recognising this duality allows for more compassionate self-understanding and more effective strategies for support.

Practical Supports for Everyday Life

For people whose minds excel in complexity but stumble on routine, the goal is to design supports that free up cognitive energy for what matters most. Research in psychology and neuroscience shows that when external systems are put in place, individuals with uneven executive functioning are better able to balance creativity with daily demands.

1. Externalise memoryInstead of relying solely on working memory, use tools such as smartphone reminders, digital calendars, or sticky notes. Cognitive off-loading — the act of moving information outside the brain into external storage — has been shown to significantly reduce cognitive load and improve follow-through on daily tasks (Risko & Gilbert, 2016).

2. Batch routine tasksEveryday chores can feel overwhelming when spread across the day. Grouping them into a single block — sometimes called “task batching” — reduces decision fatigue and helps the brain maintain focus (Peters & Büchel, 2010). For example, dedicating one “admin hour” each week to bills, emails, and errands can make them less disruptive.

3. Make rituals, not just routinesMundane tasks often lack intrinsic stimulation. By adding personal meaning — lighting a candle before cleaning, or pairing cooking with a favourite playlist — these tasks become more engaging. Research on habit formation suggests that when routines are tied to rewarding cues, adherence improves substantially (Wood & Rünger, 2016).

4. Schedule strategicallyProtect high-energy periods for deep thinking and creative work, while reserving low-energy times for repetitive chores. Studies of circadian rhythms show that aligning task type with energy level improves both efficiency and satisfaction (Schmidt et al., 2007).

5. Strengthen the foundationsAttention and memory are strongly influenced by sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Even modest improvements in these areas can increase cognitive consistency (Walker, 2017). For example, regular aerobic activity has been linked to enhanced executive function and working memory (Best, 2010).

6. Add accountabilityExternal accountability, whether through a trusted colleague, mentor, or coach, can provide structure without reducing autonomy. Evidence shows that social accountability improves goal completion by reinforcing commitment and motivation (Harkin et al., 2016).

Taken together, these strategies do not change how the brain is wired — they simply create an environment where everyday tasks are supported, leaving the mind free to pursue the complex reasoning and creativity it does best. 

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