Lefties and righties (brains that is), we can all get along. I’m an extremely analytical person, always have been. A left-brainer, an INTJ. I love lists, numbers, spreadsheets and percentages. I choose logic over emotion for many life decisions. I married an analytical guy too, so we have a spreadsheet for (almost) everything, from buying a refrigerator to planning a vacation. Some of you are likely saying, well, that’s pathetic. But that’s us, we’re wired this way and it usually works out just fine.
Being analytical can be a problem for my personal style, because style is part organization and part creativity, part left brain and part right. In fact, some of my favorite blogs and instagrams are hosted by women oozing with creativity. (See Melanie, Suzanne, Anne, and many more). Sometimes they are artists as well as bloggers, and no doubt have a strong right-brain orientation. They see things to wear and style that I don’t see, and have wide-ranging imaginations. I do have a super-neat closet, though.
When I meet with fabulous artistic bloggers, we talk about this dichotomy. They are visual, full of ideas for color and shape. Some have said the challenge in social media was the writing; it doesn’t come easily. For me, the writing is easy and fun, and the outfits are harder.
“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.”
― Albert Einstein
I don’t feel like I have the ability to create fashion; maybe I’m wrong. I want to: I bought one of those books with the line drawings that you can design clothing around. They’re called croquis and they are a blast for doodling. I’m finding it a joy to draw and colorize wardrobe pieces I’d like to buy. So I’m learning where my creative talents lie, rely on them, and try to s-t-r-e-t-c-h my imagination.
There aren’t special virtues in being either more analytical or more creative. Use both sides to expand your perspectives. If you’re interested in being more double-brained, there are exercises that stimulate both sides of the brain. Juggling, using your non-dominant hand to brush your teeth, playing a musical instrument are all effective.
“Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all is a form of planning.”
― Gloria Steinem
What about you? Are you among the lefties or righties or a happy middle, with both analytical and creative skills? Do you design clothing and outfits in your head, or on paper? Or are you more like me, who has to see it elsewhere first? Isn’t it grand that we’re all different?
Stay fabulous and safe, wash and wash and wash, xo
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I love those sketches, Patti! And your chart diagram of where to eat cracked me up!! I do have a spreadsheet for clothes in my storage locker, but that’s the limit of my left brain. These differences make our friendships more interesting – more spice to the mix. Vital question: Can you roll your tongue in both directions? I couldn’t, but now I can. Hahaha!! Do they give medals for that?
Great article! Hope you have a nice day!
Cool Men Style
Same to you, Aidan!
I’m an ISFJ who has been married almost 38 years to a very analytical husband! We have the charts and graphs for many situations and issues in our home. I notice detail and was always quite organized in my teaching. Now, in retirement, I’m trying to tap in more and more to the creative aspect of myself. I take flute lessons and try different craft projects. I’m not super good at any of the craft projects but I enjoy the experience of trying.
Good morning Debbie! I’m smiling at the charts and graphs; we have them too. Lovely that you’re taking music lessons and crafting, and it is the experience that matters, you’re right. Stay safe, xx.
INTP here – I’m creative but I also love spreadsheets! We are all so unique and isn’t that a beautiful thing? I do believe in trying new things and expanding your horizons – and just saying no when something isn’t right for you.
I am great admirer of your blog and would love to hear more from you!
Good morning book goddess (love that name) and thanks for coming by. Yes, it’s wonderful that we’re all different and still enjoy connecting! And thank you for your kind words, stay well, xx.
Interesting discussion. I am an ambidextrous chemist who sews and knits. I’ve got all the bases covered. I never really think about whether I’m more creative or more analytical. I pretty much straddle the middle and lean whichever way is working best right now.
Hello Lynn and thanks for coming over! I like the way you describe your balance – to lean whichever way is working. Great flexible mind you’ve got there! Stay well, xx.