Eclectic Eccentric

So one key aspect of my schooling is that one should create a brand that best describes oneself. Frankly, I don't like this idea a whole lot. I'm a person not a product. I don't need a brand. I have an identity. But it has prompted me to ponder what's the best way to describe my identity. And I have come up with "eclectic eccentric" and I am quite proud of that....and not just with the wonderful combo of alliteration and rhyming but with the words themselves.

For those unfamiliar with eclecticism, it's a "conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases."

And eccentrics exhibit "unusual or odd behavior. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive."


Psychologists have described 14 characteristics of "healthy eccentrics":

Nonconforming attitude
Creative
Intense curiosity
Idealistic
Happy obsession with a hobby or hobbies
Known very early in his or her childhood they were different from others
Highly intelligent
Opinionated and outspoken
Noncompetitive
Unusual living or eating habits
Not interested in the opinions or company of others
Mischievous sense of humor
Single
Eldest or only child

It's like someone has been following me.