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P16: Call a Brain Huddle and Make Better Choices
Meet the four character of your decision-making team
Maria Keckler, Ph.D.
February 22, 2025
Reading Time: 4 Minutes
Last week, we discussed the internal voices that want us to disqualify ourselves from opportunities and avoid what our brain perceives as too dangerous. Let’s go deeper.
Meet the Four Characters in Your Brain
In her book Whole Brain Living, Neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor discusses exciting new research, identifying “four distinct characters” or dimensions that make up our brain.
Whole Brain Living by Jill Bolte Taylor
Character 1 (Left Thinking)—the CEO of the brain: I call it Martha because every Martha I’ve ever known was driven and got things done.
“This rational character in your brain is amazingly gifted at creating order in the external world.
It defines what is right/wrong and what is good/bad based upon its moral compass. This character also triggers our stress response [Character 2] since it is a perfectionist in all it does. This part of our brain cares that the stapler goes back where it belongs and it insists that you color inside the lines. If your Character 1 is under-developed and not encouraged to rule the roost to keep your life orderly, then in no time at all you might shift into your Left Emotional Character 2 and feel overwhelmed, anxious, or hopelessly behind.”
Character 2 (Left Emotional)—the "inner critic" or "defender": For me, this is Lola the Lizard. Dr. Bolte Taylor encourages us to use a meaningful name that personifies our deepest fear or the emotional wound that triggers a fight or flight response.
“Our Character 2 tends to fear the unknown, which is often powered by a familiar feeling of unease that stems from either a traumatized or out-of-control past. As a result, this part of your brain may end up feeling either ‘less than’ or not worthy of being loved, simply because it perceives life through a lens of lack rather than through a filter of abundance.
Knowing this part of ourselves and learning how we can self-soothe it by using our other characters, is key to feeling okay again after we have been emotionally triggered and ensure we don’t adopt [its fears] as a lifestyle.”
Character 3 (Right Emotional—the "adventurer" and "free spirit"): This character is playful, creative, and spontaneous. It embraces the present moment and is driven by joy and curiosity. I call my Character 3 “Haydecita” because it is the diminutive of my middle name and how my late dad called me when I was a little girl and was the freest and most creative.
Character 3 seeks similarities rather than differences with other people because it wants to connect, explore, and go on adventures with others. The way the present moment feels is delicious, and sharing time, having fun, or deeply connecting through empathy can be gratifying for everyone.
Character 4 (Right Thinking)—the “wise one” or the "compassionate observer": This character is connected to a sense of peace, compassion, and interconnectedness. It focuses on the big picture and our place in the world. I call mine Grace.
“Our Character 4 is the Right Thinking part of our brain, which exists as our most peaceful, open, and loving self. It is right here, right now, and completely invested in celebrating the gift of life with immense gratitude, acceptance, openness, and love. When you meditate, pray, or repeat a mantra, you are quieting your left brain Characters 1 and 2, so you can experience the deep inner peace of your Character 4. It is always there and always available for you to tune in to.”
The bottom line is that your brain is like a team with four different characters, and they can work together anytime to help you decide what to do next.
Pivot Challenge
Your pivot challenge this week is to master the BRAIN Huddle.
Bolte Taylor calls the previously referenced teamwork a "Brain Huddle." It happens when we take a moment to pause, bring all our characters together, and think about the best choice to make.
The five steps in a Brain Huddle spell out "B-R-A-I-N" to help us remember them quickly when we need to pivot from stress and the Character 2 voices of alarm in our head.
Breathe – Take a deep breath to pause, calm down, and focus on the present moment.
Recognize – Notice which of your Four Characters is in charge right now.
Appreciate – Be okay with how you're feeling, and remember that you have all Four Characters to help you.
Inquire – Ask all your Characters to come together and help you decide what to do next.
Navigate – Use your whole team to make the best choice and move forward.
Your Turn
Remember, you have more control over your brain than you realize. Maximizing how it can support you in decision-making and interacting with circumstances and others requires effort and practice.
Pivoting to Whole-Brain Living—where we tap into the brilliance of each of the Four Characters is a powerful perspective worth investing in.
Until next week,
Maria Keckler, Ph.D.
Author of Bridge Builders: How Superb Communicators Get What They Want
Creator of the Just One Pivot Letter
Founder of Keckler and Co.
P.S. I’m celebrating the tenth anniversary of my book, Bridge Builders, with a speaking tour. If you want to discuss ways I can help you inspire your group, Send me a note.
P.S.S. If you know someone who could benefit from this issue, please forward it to them or direct them to JustOnePivot.com.