Unlock Your Brain's Full Potential: The Fascinating Truth About Left and Right
Have you ever wondered what's really happening inside that remarkable brain of yours? Forget everything you thought you knew about being "left-brained" or "right-brained"—the reality is far more exciting and empowering! As a neuropsychologist, I'm thrilled to share the mind-blowing truth about how your brain actually works and how this knowledge can transform your understanding of your own unique cognitive gifts.
When I use the term "cognitive," I'm referring to all the mental processes involved in thinking, learning, and understanding the world around you. This includes how you pay attention, remember information, solve problems, use language, make decisions, and process visual information. Your cognitive abilities are essentially the mental tools you use every day to navigate life!
Your Brain: The Ultimate Collaboration
Think of your brain as an incredibly advanced system—not a collection of isolated parts, but a network where billions of brain cells work together through complex, fast-moving connections. Your brain isn’t split into competing sides; rather, the left and right hemispheres are collaborative partners in the thinking process.
The left hemisphere plays a strong role in language, logical reasoning, and sequential thinking. It’s especially active when you're writing, solving problems step by step, or following detailed instructions.
The right hemisphere, on the other hand, supports spatial understanding, emotional awareness, and broader, more intuitive thinking. It helps you pick up on nonverbal cues, navigate space, and appreciate creative experiences like music and art.
Importantly, these two sides don’t function separately—they communicate constantly, working together to support your daily thinking and decision-making. This integrated brain activity allows for both detailed focus and creative insight in everything you do.
Understand Your Own Thinking Style
Even though your whole brain works together, most people develop certain thinking habits that feel more natural to them. These habits aren’t limits—they’re shaped by things like your genes, experiences, and how you’ve learned over time.
For example, you might be someone who’s good with words—you enjoy writing, explaining ideas clearly, or thinking in logical steps. Or you might be more of a visual thinker—you see patterns quickly, understand big ideas at once, or picture things clearly in your mind.
These thinking styles are part of what make you unique. They affect how you learn, solve problems, and interact with others. Knowing your natural style can help you use your strengths—and also explore new ways of thinking to keep your brain growing.
The Power of Using Your Whole Brain
Some of the most well-known thinkers in history used both logic and creativity to do amazing things. Leonardo da Vinci was skilled in both science and art. Albert Einstein used math and also imagined his ideas with pictures in his mind. Maya Angelou combined strong messages with emotional, creative writing.
Using both sides of your brain—thinking clearly and creatively—can help in many parts of life:
A surgeon uses facts and also quick decision-making.
A teacher explains things step by step and also finds creative ways to help students learn.
A business owner looks at data and also senses new ideas.
A parent keeps a routine but also responds with care to their child’s needs.
And this ability isn’t just for famous people—you have it too.
How Your Brain Can Keep Growing
One of the most important discoveries in brain science is neuroplasticity. This means your brain can change and grow throughout your life based on what you do and learn.
If you're better with words, you can still improve your ability to think in pictures by drawing ideas, visualizing things, or doing more creative activities. If you're more visual, you can improve your language and logic by writing, organizing ideas, or learning step-by-step.
When you try new ways of thinking, you're not just learning—you’re building new brain pathways. This helps your brain stay strong and flexible over time.
Embrace Your Full Thinking Potential
By learning how your brain works best—and also trying new ways of thinking—you can enjoy more ways to learn, solve problems, and connect with the world. This kind of flexible thinking can make everyday life feel more meaningful.
About the Author: Dr. Susan Borgaro is a Clinical Neuropsychologist specializing in memory assessment and cognitive enhancement strategies. With over 25 years of experience working with patients across the lifespan, Dr. Borgaro brings both clinical expertise and practical insights to help people optimize their cognitive functioning. www.nasarizona.com