Our brains are wonderfully complex. They are the center of the universe when it comes to how we think, feel, and behave. Our brains have two sides or hemispheres. Each side has regions that are responsible for all sorts of functions in the body, including our thinking, senses, movement, and behavior. Our brains also fully integrate with the systems in our body that help our heart to beat, blood to flow, and much more.
Most people are familiar with hand dominance. Humans tend to have one hand that is dominant and performs fine motor skills better than the other. Left of right handedness is nearly universal, though some people experience ambidexterity which is equal ability in both hands. Hand dominance begins in early childhood and becomes a permanent preference throughout life. Dominant brain theory suggests that in the same way people develop a dominant hand, they may also experience a dominant side of the brain.
Dominant brain theory focuses on the unique characteristics of each side of the brain. Our dominant side influences our strengths and indicates we’ll have an easier time with activities that occur in our dominant side of the brain. Take a look-
Right brain dominance is characterized by being creative. It’s typically more intuitive and visual. Sometimes called the analog brain, right brain dominance is characterized by-
- Imagination
- Intuition
- Rhythm
- Artistry
- Holistic thinking
- Reading non-verbal ques
- Daydreaming
Left brain dominance is characterized by logic. It’s typically more verbal and analytical. Sometimes called the digital brain, left brain dominance is characterized by-
- Verbal skills
- Language
- Mathematics
- Science
- Critical thinking
- Quick thinking
- Sequencing
Though the brain is divided into two parts, the parts rely on one another for complete functioning so in a sense, we aren’t completely operating in our right brain or left brain. The right brain/left brain theory is not scientifically proven, but there is anecdotal evidence that people may have a dominant side of the brain. If you find it easier to be creative than analytical, you could be considered right brained. If you love solving complex problems or working in structured ways, you may be left brain dominant.
Brain dominance theory can help determine strengths and weaknesses and identify the activities and skill sets that come easily for you. This in turn can be helpful choosing a career and even friendships and love interests. Here’s how-
Right brain dominant people tend to do well in careers like acting where empathy, creativity, and connecting emotionally are key. Therapists are often right brain dominant because they have keen discernment and intuition that help them connect and serve their clients.
Left brain dominant people tend to do well in math and science careers. Computer programmers tend to be detail oriented and able to solve complex problems. Attorneys have mastery over their emotions and are great investigators.
Understanding brain dominance can help you connect with other people. It can be a challenge for a highly emotive person to connect with a highly analytical person. Care to find common ground and understand how the other processes information can help.
Dominant brain theory is a good example of how strengths and weaknesses can be attributed to how we are wired. Some things just come easily when we are operating in our stronger side of the brain. Lean into those strengths and optimize them.
