Inside My Mind: A Data-Driven Journey into How My Brain Works

I hate to break it to you, but whether I'm comparable to Einstein is inconclusive. Haha ok, fine, I'm not. Last week, I got my results from a neuropsychological evaluation. The doctor concluded that my speed and attention are at the 99th percentile and information processing at the 91st percentile (which means top 10% for speed and top 1% for reading quickly and paying attention). I'm also good at doing arithmetic in my head—I love math. Of course I'm not going to add what I'm terrible at here, we can discuss that over a drink, or an interview!

When it comes to tasks that involve quick thinking and mental agility, she's quite impressive. She's really fast at tasks like finding numbers in order (TMT Part A) and can switch her attention between different things (ACT). She did well on a computer-based attention test too (CPT-3), and the results don't suggest any issues with attention.

I had been curious about how my brain works for a while. I was thrilled when I learned the insurance at my previous job covered some of it. This evaluation measures attention, problem-solving, memory, language, I.Q., visual-spatial, academic, and social-emotional functioning. I had gotten some feedback, and in the past few years, everything was operating like puzzle pieces (I do try to learn something daily, so I'm speculating that it's from that). However, I've been in rooms wondering whether something was wrong.?

It was social queues (I'm a natural introvert—practiced extrovert—so I chucked it up to that. The test recommended I have space to work independently. Introverts do take breaks). Then, I had concerns about my experience being a new mom, being in charge of a team, and changing goals at the start of the year. I was probably going through some characteristics of a midlife crisis. Naturally, I wanted to measure what was going on with some data. Buckle up because this journey isn't just about numbers and tests. It's about understanding what makes me, well, me.

Getting into the Nitty-Gritty:

I underwent a battery of tests that measured everything from my memory abilities to my puzzle-solving skills and, believe it or not, my perception of the world around me. From intellectual tasks that challenged problem-solving to assessments of memory, attention, and social perception, the evaluation aimed to capture a holistic view of my cognitive landscape. They administered 44 cognitive tests* to me as part of the evaluation. These tests covered a wide range of cognitive functions, comprehensively assessing various aspects of my mental abilities.

She's particularly impressive when it comes to tasks that test her understanding of how different parts fit together to make a whole picture. She can remember a list of words well– right away and after a little while. She can also recall short stories with impressive accuracy, even after some time. When she's asked to draw complex shapes from memory, she does pretty well too, even after a delay.

The Bright Spots:

The results? Amidst the sea of data, specific strengths emerged as beacons. My intellectual abilities, ranging from average to superior, hinted at a mind primed for creativity and analytical thinking. I discovered a knack for retention and recall that could rival a mnemonic master. However, my husband would deny this—I don't recall names often and I don't remember facts if they aren't very interesting to me. I do love random trivia though, I miss new versions of?Jeopardy!?(because of the writer's strike). Social perception, a trait I had yet to recognize fully, revealed an above-average understanding of emotions and social dynamics. This realization makes me question why I'm so in tune with the user. I can't deny I'm good at reading vibes.

Putting Strengths to Work:

For my role, these cognitive superpowers come in handy. The doctor suggested that I lean into that more. My knack for problem-solving and creativity? These strengths are my secret ingredients. They empower me to craft user-centered solutions that resonate deeply. Memory skills? They aid in preserving the intricacies of user experiences, while my social perception skills allow me to design with empathy and insight. They're my secret weapon for crafting memorable user experiences.?

Life's Not All Rainbows:

Let's keep it real: Only some tests were a slam dunk. Some parts of my cognitive realm are like those messy rooms you quickly close the door to when guests come over. Don't forget to lock it! It's all part of the game, right? This complexity lends depth to my cognitive profile, shaping how I tackle challenges and approach innovation. It's a reminder that our minds are beautifully diverse landscapes, each with its peaks and valleys.

Some tests suggest that she might be cautious about others and concerned about privacy and secrecy. It's important to note that cultural factors might have affected her responses.

The Unexpected Twist:

What threw me for a loop? Discovering traits I never thought I had was like finding a hidden compartment in a familiar room. I got a curveball that made me reevaluate how I viewed myself. The results of my social perception skills were amusing.

Fueling the Innovation Engine:

Here's where it gets juicy. These cognitive quirks? They are the pieces that drive innovation. Innovation thrives on diversity, and my cognitive profile is no different. With strengths as my compass and variability as my guide, I navigate uncharted waters. It's a testament to the power of knowing oneself. From the "Eureka!" moments to understanding the user's vibe, it's all in the brain's playbook. And the best part? There's no "one size fits all" – it's like a menu of unique skills that I get to mix and match.

Progress and Future Adventures:

So, what's the game plan? Armed with this newfound knowledge, I'm nurturing those superhero skills and even working on the areas where I'm still training. This journey isn't just about understanding; it's about growth. It's an ongoing narrative, an ever-evolving story of self-improvement. It was impressive that the test also recommended remote work as best suited for me (I grew up online).?

Parting Thoughts:

As I reflect on the pages of data that unveil the intricacies of my mind, I want to toss a challenge your way. Have you taken a cognitive test? If you haven't, dive into the depths of your brain, too, if you're able! I would love to discuss this! Embrace the strengths and quirks, decode and confront the surprises, cherish the variability, and make peace with the messiness. In understanding how our minds work, we unlock the doors to limitless possibilities – our careers, passions, and pursuit of greatness. It's about uncovering the blueprint of what makes us tick.

If you're interested learning more about what this entailed, feel free to send a message!

With Cognitive Curiosity,

Jerlyn (Chief Brain Explorer, Insights Seeker, and Unapologetic Innovator)

This test was administered by a "Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist," meaning that the psychologist has met specific requirements and passed rigorous evaluations to demonstrate their expertise and competence in clinical neuropsychology. Their certification signifies a high level of skill and knowledge in assessing and understanding the relationship between brain functioning and behavior.

*PROCEDURES ADMINISTERED: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th edition (WAIS-IV); Nelson-Denny Reading Test (Form G: Reading Rate & Comprehension); Trail Making Test (TMT: Parts A and B); Conners' Continuous Performance Test, 3rd edition (CPI-3); Auditory Consonant Trigrams (ACT); Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales - Self-Report: Long Version (CAARS-S:L); Boston Naming Test, 2nd edition (BNI-2), Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT: FAS); Animal Naming; Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT: Copy, 3-minute, & 30-minute delay); California Verbal Learning Test-3rd Edition (CVLT-3); Wechsler Memory Scale-4M Edition (WMS-IV: Logical Memory, Visual Reproduction); Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST); Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS: Color-Word Interference); The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R), Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS: Social Perception); Camouflaging Autistic Trait Questionnaire (CAT-Q); Autism Diagnostic Observation, 2ud Edition (ADOS-2: Module 4); Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3rd Edition (MMPI-3), Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, 4th Edition (MCMI-IV), Beck Depression Inventory, 2nd edition (BDI-I); Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Sentence Completion, Thematic Apperception Test.