“WORDSMITH”

Back-brain, Conceptual, Animate, Left-brain

Methodically classifies imaginations personally

potential gifted writer; imaginative, conscientious; has concern for the needs and development of others; empathetic; enjoys enriching inner life; methodical; quietly forceful; counselor; language skilled.

Overview

Education

Parenting

Spirituality

Relationships

Business

Health

Sports

Body Skill Bird

Balance Your Type

The sections above are previews of Jon Niednagel’s latest book series on how each area of life relates to each particular Brain Type. For much further detail on a particular subject, be sure to check out Jon’s book on the respective topic, available upon release in the i-Store Learning Center.
The Stereotypical Particulars: Approximately 6 out of 10 sampled of each particular Brain Type will resemble the descriptions below, with approximately 4 out of 10 being atypical due to upbringing, environmental influences, etc.  These generalizations are not intended to be offensive to any particular Type; however, our aim is to equip you, the reader, with the appropriate distinctions necessary in assessing others.
Appearance: conservatively clothed, organized, modest, conservative feeling smile, often wearing spectacles, usually slender, wide-eyed, soft-spoken, unconventional appearance.

Personality: kind, moderate, shy, wordsmith, structured, reticent, reserved, idealistic, may be unsure of self, sensitive to criticism, aloof, interested in people and history, variety of interests which may require time alone, may be impractical, industrious, others centered, romantic.

Athletic Characteristics: coordinate fine & gross motor movements as CAs, but are mechanically inclined, good hustlers in the game field, injury prone, soft, yielding, can be clumsy & awkward, inflexible, timid, defensive-minded, always play by the rules and appreciate the opportunity to play.

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ABOUT THESE INTERVIEWS

These are two representative examples for this Brain Type. Please note that these interviews are only provided as a sample of what someone with this design might be like. They are not sufficient for training you how to accurately distinguish this Brain Type from others. The ‘Brain Type Trainer’ video training program has a much more in-depth visual perspective and commentary for each Brain Type. The ‘Brain Type Trainer’ is the optimal training tool for learning how to accurately evaluate each of the 16 inborn designs. Visit the i-Store Learning Center for more information on how to order the Brain Type Trainer and other learning aids available from BT Enterprises.

When a Brain Type is mentioned in an i-Blog article, it is filed under the respective category.

Articles – BCAL

6/16/21 – The death of Mark Eaton

Do any NBA fans remember Mark Eaton?  The 7-foot-4 center, who spent his entire career with the Jazz, led the league in blocks per game four times, and his average of 5.6 per contest in 1984-85 remains the highest average since the NBA started officially tracking...

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BCAL:

Overview

Though Back-brain dominant, #12 BCALs are normally “people persons”—ones so concerned with others that they may appear to be “extraverted” Front-brainers.  Dominant Conceptuals in the Left brain, they have endless ideas, always considering possibilities, being happiest when these ideas are helping and bettering others.  BCALs are likely to be seen as mystical, so great are their vivid imaginations.  They live to intuit, possessing visionary abilities with which few can completely relate.  Their ideas are expertly expressed in writing and in verbal communication.  BCALs are usually organized and decisive, with a willingness to work long and hard.  They tend to have clear goals, are skilled at working with people, and relate to others with empathy and compassion.  They often feel compelled to render service to humanity.  While carrying heavy inner burdens of their own, they can become overburdened with the world’s troubles.  Because they can be easily hurt by others, they may retreat into a private, safer world.  So much of what is inside BCALs is hidden, not fully tapped for our appreciation.  Their caring affection may not be outwardly shown, but their quiet strength is felt by others.  They may not prefer to lead, but instead spread their ideas in a deliberate and quiet way.  This outward show of emotion and empathy, again, makes BCALs often appear as Front-brained “extraverts.”  Some clues in differentiating the BCAL from the FCAL is the softness of the BCAL’s voice, a lower energy level, fewer words.  The four Back-brained Conceptual Brain Types (BCAL, BCAR, BCIR, BCIL) are among the least commonly found Types in America, perhaps comprising as little as two percent each.
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BCAL:

Education

#12 BCALs seek subjects and material that stimulate their imaginations, especially relating to people.  English, literature, psychology, philosophy, and religion are all sought out by BCALs.  They can excel at theoretical subjects, especially ones related to humanity.  Sometimes they venture into the hard sciences where they can find a meaningful life’s vocation.  As dominant Left-brained Conceptuals, BCALs are highly adept at abstract understanding with language.  Words are their specialty and the meanings attached to each.  BCALs can become prolific writers—a distinct asset in formal education.  They like to read and write about people.  Fascinated by how others lived their lives, BCALs take an interest in history.  BCALs seek academic courses, college majors, and vocations that emphasize human development or care.  They are rarely found as combatant lawyers, but instead as creative nurturers of people.  On the other hand, they may even be your accountant.  They are capable at many professions.
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BCAL:

Parenting

As children, BCALs are often quiet and daydreamy, perhaps even complacent.  They want to understand and be understood—which helps them enjoy academic activities.  They tend to be excellent students, high achievers, dependable and steady.  Finding school rewarding, they quickly learn that their minds are a key to the world of learning and creativity.  Affirmation and affection top the “wish list” of BCAL children.  They are often in a world of their own until they reach their teens and need confirmation that, though they may be in the minority (perhaps two in a hundred in America), they are unique and valuable.  Some BCAL children are slow to walk and talk, being content to watch the world and remain in reflection a great part of the time.  When they do decide to emerge, they show rich imagination and skillful writing.  They need to be given opportunities to express themselves in writing and time to express themselves verbally.  Their motor movements may be slow to develop compared with Empirical Types, so start physical training early and be patient, if you want to encourage athletics.  Recognize the uniqueness of BCAL children and they will blossom.  Give them time to open up.  Just as blooming Conceptual athletes need to start young in developing their skills, so do C children need to develop closeness with the parent at a young age.  The sensitive, emotional BCAL feels this need acutely.
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BCAL:

Spirituality

The BCAL profile would include a penchant for the spiritual.  The dominant Conceptual function of this Brain Type visualizes the unseen and can draw the BCAL easily toward prayer, worship, and intimacy with God.  There are many BCALs in the clergy and in missionary and religious work.  They empathize with the pain and suffering of others, being sensitive themselves to disharmony, criticism, and emotional pain.  As creative writers, BCALs might try keeping a prayer or spiritual journal.  Their writing might one day be edited and used for the encouragement of others.  Sometimes the strong caring for others that they exhibit can be taken for Front-brained “extraversion,” though they really do their best work in their B preference.  BCALs can be strong prayer warriors with their rich inner lives fueling fervent prayers.  They intuit in their Back-brained “introversion” and can almost have “eyes of faith,” imagining or seeing God’s will being accomplished as they obediently pray.  They have been known to “visualize” God’s answers to prayer, gaining comfort from this inner direction.  BCALs need to be careful not to wander down a mystical path of their own invention rather than seek truth that God has revealed.  Wanting to be unique, they may sacrifice conventional truth for something new and exciting that has no Scriptural foundation.  BCALs, like other CAs, need to balance their faiths with logical theology, while they trust their Animate and Conceptual functions, and need frequent reality checks with other Brain Types.  Then their inner voices can be enjoyed and confirmed, and spiritual maturity will bring them lasting peace and fulfillment.
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BCAL:

Relationships

Most often we find BCALs being romantically drawn to Front-brained Types, though they have also been known to choose the independent #16 BCIL as a mate.  As loyal, deep persons, they bring much to the relationship, turning romantic ideas into realities.  Preferring the predictable and orderly, they do the planning for the weekend getaway, the surprise birthday party, the extravagant date.  Wanting to find meaning in all their relationships and pursuits, BCALs need depth and integrity.  Loving to be cherished—to know they are extra special to their partner, in action as well as word, when they feel slighted or devalued, their romantic notions are easily dashed.  BCALs embrace those they can trust and can be intimate with.  They desire a mate who is also their partner or buddy, where the two of them enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship.  If the friendship is not nourished, the physical closeness suffers to the point of nonexistence.  If the depth of the BCAL’s rich inner world can be reached and appreciated, the harmony of a relationship with the BCAL can be doubly rewarding.  Expect a romantic, fanciful, creative and deep relationship when bonding with a BCAL.
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BCAL:

Business

BCALs possess a strong drive to contribute to the welfare of others.  Normally, they remain independent of mass movements and walk to the beat of a different drum.  In business, the friendly and imaginative BCAL has much to offer in many facets.  Because BCALs make up only a small percentage of the American population, seldom are they found and recognized on a large scale for their skills.  The Back-brained preference of the BCAL may be well hidden in the work setting, as the concern for others outweighs the reluctance to reach out.  They are happiest when their creativity and endless ideas are appreciated and implemented.  In the workplace, it is important that they are appreciated for time consuming, self-denying dedication to their profession.  BCALs may not be outspoken concerning their grievances, but will take insensitivity or lack of concern for others in their working vicinity personally.  BCALs do their best work where they are given the latitude to use their creativity and imagination.  This is not to say they do not need guidelines; conversely BCALs appreciate structure and prefer to go about their business in an orderly manner.  Helping to create an atmosphere of harmony and efficiency, the BCAL is most often an asset to the company or organization wise enough to hire him or her.  In our fast-paced world today, they are reminders to us all of the importance of amicable relationships in the business setting.
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BCAL:

Health

All Front-brained Rs have a tendency to develop undisciplined and poor eating habits, including eating too much.  If not careful, they can become overweight and sometimes embrace the philosophy that they live to eat.  On the other hand, the Back-brained Ls (like BCALs) are more apt to behave in opposite fashion, particularly the B_IL’s who often eat only to live.  BCALs should plan their weight management and shop in advance.  Making a list of the benefits will help, as well as listing short-term and long-term rewards.  They should make the process or diet as enjoyable as possible.  Living by inspiration and hope, BCALs need lots of both to diet.  A creative weight loss game or an inspirational diet book might help, but even better might be dieting with a friend who could hold them accountable in a non-threatening way.  They will not want to let the co-dieter down, and will value the growing friendship along with the weight loss.  Back-brained “introversion” is an asset in the weight maintenance process.  As Bs (who tend to look inward), BCALs give extra concern to what goes into their bodies.  As Conceptuals, however, BCALs do not sense their body signals as easily as Empiricals (e.g., fullness, tiredness, etc.).  Thus, their primary Conceptual function can present hurdles in weight management.  They aren’t as concerned with the texture and taste of food or masticating it slowly and delightfully.  Fullness is not quickly registered as it is with the Empirical “sensing” function.  When BCALs are despondent, they can become physically immobilized.  Depression affects them differently than many other Brain Types.  It is necessary for optimal health that BCALs have a balanced view of logical reality regarding life’s dilemmas.
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BCAL:

Sports

#12 BCALs are Back, Left-brain dominant CAs.  Though rarely found in professional sports, they are capable of athletic success.  Like other CAs, they are able to develop body harmony, but must begin athletics at an early age if they hope to do the best for their Brain Type.  If they do not start young, BCALs can be awkward in their motor skills.  BCALs certainly do not have the high profile of many other Brain Types in pro sports.  Studious by nature, BCALs reflect deeply and creatively in sports.  They use their heads with a grasp of the “big picture.”  Methodically and painstakingly, they work to improve their skills.  BCALs, like all eight dominant Left hemisphere Brain Types, will tend to get more mechanical in their motor movements under pressure.  Therefore, mental training is very important for BCALs.  If they start young enough and work hard at their sport, they can develop into very good athletes.
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BCAL:

Body Skill Bird

The stork is a representation of the Personal Imaginers.  The stork’s esteemed reputation is backed by reliable, documented evidence from at least 3,000 years of recorded history.  A number of civilizations and societies took special notice of storks and sought to protect them from harm.  Laws were passed protecting life and limb of these beloved birds.  Even Aristotle, as early as 300 B.C., wrote that the stork was revered in his day for its unique characteristics.  The Romans, too, were enamored with the stork’s attributes.  The Lex Ciconaria, or “Stork’s Law,” was established mandating that children provide for their parents when the latter became elderly and in need.  The Romans, observing how the stork had cared for members of its family, both young and old, legislated their approval for the compassion, sensitivity, and love demonstrated by the bird for its own.

The stork occupies a special place in the Bible, as well.  In the sacred text of the Hebrews, the stork is described as the “pious one.”  The Hebrew word, hasidhah, is the word for stork.  The root word is the noun hesed, which means “lovingkindness, loyal love.”  Hesed is used some 250 times in the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms, to illustrate the many ways God demonstrates His infinite love for mankind and to depict mans’ kindness to his fellow man.  The comparison of the stork’s love for its family with God’s love for mankind speaks supremely well for the stork.  During biblical times, the stork was considered the most loving of all birds, a fact the Bible plainly recognizes.

Our word, “stork” is actually taken from the ancient Greek storgé, which literally means, “an innate, natural affection.”  This could be best understood by contemplating a mother’s unconditional love for her child.  The definition, however, is broader in meaning.  It connotes an affection capable of being directed to anyone.  C.S. Lewis in The Four Loves states, “It is indeed the least discriminating of loves.”  It isn’t predicated upon looks, intelligence, blood relationship, or age.  The illiterate, grotesque, and the homely can all be recipients of storgé (affection) love.

Thus, whether we base our meaning of the word “stork” from the Hebrew or Greek, or accept the legendary accounts concerning its character, we find that the stork is truly a caring, loving creature.  The Personal Imaginers share this characteristic.  In the wild, storks will shelter their young (and old) from the hot sun or imposing elements with their massive wings.  Storks will travel nearly 50 miles to find and bring back food to the nest—whatever it takes.  They’ll gulp up water from the swamps below their high nests, flying back to shower their babies or parents with cool water.  They’ve even been seen to stay and die in the nest with babies or elderly during a forest fire!

Now Storks don’t act so uprightly all the time, there can be the wayward ones, but most value integrity and encourage others to seek it likewise.  They believe the best about others and value relationships.  They’re devoted to friends, family, and their vocations.  They tend to be romantic, and visionary, and they’re often optimistic about future possibilities.

Storks can also be acrobats and actors with their flying antics; these huge birds can be amazingly agile in the air—so, too, can the Brain Types of this group be acrobatic and actors.  Needless to say, there are many parallels with the amazing stork.

Vocationally, Personal Imaginers often pursue journalism, ministry, motivational speaking, education, health care, and other jobs accentuating their speech and language interests, and their affection for people.  Similar to Doves, Storks are service oriented, but liking to pursue long-term goals as conceptual people, they tend to last longer in academic pursuits than the live-for-today Doves.

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• Be willing to admit flaws in your own ideas.
• Be careful not to impose your will on others.
• Learn to live with imperfections and less than ideal conditions.
• Work on getting facts straight and memorizing them, being careful to notice relevant information.
• Be open to other’s viewpoints while practicing diplomacy and tact.
• Face unpleasant reality, and learn to deal with conflict.
• Make progress in dealing with the practical issues of life.
• Allow necessary and creative interruptions in well-planned schedules.
• “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt
• Search out (E)mpirical (I)nanimate input when making decisions.
• Share your imagination and creativity with others.

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“My heart overflows with a good theme; I address my verses to the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Psalm 45:1

Choose some tasks that require perseverance.

Establish realistic goals.

Prepare a schedule with time frames, and then choose an encouraging friend to help you follow your schedule.

Give extra effort when logical analysis and reasoning are required.

BCAL:

Balance Your Type

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