One brain, four personalities.

So… Who’s Driving Today?

For me, getting to know my brain more can only benefit how I think, feel, and act. Ever feel like there are multiple versions of you living inside your head, all arguing over what to eat, who to love, whether to work, worry or breathe, and why on earth I just opened the fridge for the fifth time in ten minutes?

Turns out, you’re not alone and you’re not broken. You’re just a human with a brain. And according to neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor, your brain is basically a house with four wildly different roommates. Each one has their own voice, their own personality, and their own agenda. And yes, they all think they should be in charge.

Jill Bolte Taylor, that incredible neuroanatomist who turned her own stroke into a superpower of insight. Her ideas on the brain’s four characters have me geeking out, and I bet they’ll spark some aha moments for you too. Think of it as your brain hosting its own quirky ensemble cast, each with a role in the daily drama of life.

First off, if you haven’t caught Jill’s TED Talk Jills Ted Talk or grabbed her book Whole Brain Living, do yourself a favour. She breaks down the brain into four distinct characters based on how our left and right hemispheres process the world. It’s not just left brain logical, right brain creative anymore. She splits each side into thinking and emotional parts, creating this fabulous quartet that drives our choices, moods, and basically everything.

Most of us are living from the left side of the brain, especially Characters 1 and 2. Planning, analysing, overthinking, protecting, defending. It’s where we get sh*t done, but it’s also where we burn out, feel disconnected, and spiral in loops of fear and not-enoughness. No wonder there’s a multi-billion dollar industry built around trying to calm those parts down, from meditation apps and yoga classes to retreats in the jungle and breathing workshops on mountaintops. Everyone’s trying to shift into the right side, even if they don’t realise it. That’s where the joy, presence, creativity, and peace live. And it’s not just a woo-woo thing. It’s literally wired into us.

Starting with Character 1, the left-brain thinker. This one’s your inner CEO, all about plans, lists, and getting stuff done. Analytical to the core, it’s the voice that keeps your schedule tight and your goals in sight. But watch out, it can get a bit judgy, like that friend who critiques every outfit choice. Jill calls it the rational powerhouse, helping us navigate the nitty-gritty of daily life.

Then there’s Character 2, the left-brain emotional side. Oh boy, this is the worrywart of the group, rooted in past hurts, traumas and future fears. It’s like your personal bodyguard, always scanning for threats, but sometimes it overdoes the drama. Feeling anxious about that email you sent? Blame Character 2 for replaying worst-case scenarios on loop. It’s protective, sure, but learning to dial it down can be a game-changer for peace of mind.

Now flip to the right side for Character 3, the right-brain emotional champ. This one’s all about the now, pure joy and sensory delight. Picture a playful puppy chasing butterflies, that’s Character 3 in action. It’s experiential, emotional in the moment, and loves connecting through feelings without the baggage. When you’re lost in a sunset or laughing with friends or lose yourself in art and painting, this character’s running the show, reminding us life is for living, not just analysing.

Finally, Character 4, the right-brain thinker, is the Zen master, the wise one of the bunch. Big-picture oriented, it’s open, peaceful, and sees us all as connected in this vast universe. No ego here, just pure expansiveness. This part taps into something greater, like when you feel one with nature or inspired by music. It’s the voice whispering, “Hey, relax, we’re all in this together.”

What I love about Jill’s framework is how it makes brain science feel approachable and empowering. Instead of fighting these parts of ourselves, we can recognise whose talking and choose who leads. Stressed out? Maybe hush Character 2 and let Character 4 take the wheel for some peaceful calm. Need to crush a deadline? Rally Character 1 and get organised. It’s like having a brain huddle, deciding as a team.

In my life, spotting these characters has been hilarious and helpful. Last week I was fretting over our project (hello, Character 2), but then I paused, took a breathe, and shifted to Character 3 for a quick dance break with hubby (we are learning how to jive). Boom, energy reset. It’s not about banishing any character, they’re all essential.

So… Who’s Driving Today?

The truth is, none of these characters are bad. They’re all doing their best. But most of us are letting one or two of them run the show on autopilot. Usually the ones who yell the loudest (looking at you, Inner Critic).

The magic is not in silencing them. It’s in recognising them. Giving them names. Befriending them. And then choosing with intention which one you want to lead.

Because when the Wise One drives, and the others are passengers, something shifts. Life feels clearer. Lighter. More like you.

Until next time, stay curious and grateful.

Light and joy,

Kim