NOVEMBER 01, 2023
Use the Alter Ego Effect to discover another 'you'
Ever feel like your insecurities are running the show?
What if you could tap into a more powerful, fearless version of yourself at will?
It sounds like fantasy, but it's a technique used by some of the world's top performers.
Think: Kobe. Nadal. Beyonce.
Introducing... the Alter Ego Effect – a strategy where you adopt an alternate persona to enhance your performance and overcome personal challenges. (Hat-tip to Todd Herman's book)
Psychologically speaking, the Alter Ego Effect aligns with research on 'self-distancing': Viewing yourself from a third-person perspective can lead to improved emotional regulation, decision-making, and performance under stress.
Here’s how it works👇
How to unlock your inner superhero
STEP 1
Choose where your alter ego will operate. At work, in social situations, with your family, at the gym…?
Pick one.
STEP 2
Ask yourself “What’s holding me back here?” (Hint: it’s not everybody else.)
A few examples of how we get in our own way:
Be honest with yourself (even if it’s hard to admit).
STEP 3
Decide what outcome you want.
To do this, it can be helpful to ask yourself: What do I want to…
STEP 4
Pinpoint the specific skills and attributes your Alter Ego needs to have to overcome your obstacles (Step 2) and achieve your desired outcome (Step 3).
Visualize an ideal – it could be a celebrity, an animal, a fictional character.
STEP 5
Name your Alter Ego.
The name can be anything – the key is that it immediately makes you think of the qualities you just specified.
(Like Beyonce’s “Sasha Fierce”)
STEP 6
Pick a practice, ritual or totem to invoke this alter ego.
It could be a visual reminder, a mantra, a particular piece of clothing/jewellery, a breathing ritual…
Choose something that when seen or done, instantly calls up your Alter Ego.
STEP 7
Start embodying your Alter Ego. Imagine how it feels, acts, thinks and behaves.
Ask yourself “What would [name] do?” and act accordingly.
STEP 8
Adapt, rinse and repeat as needed.
With enough practice and repetition, the line between 'you' and your alter ego(s) will start to blur.
You will have become that person.
Bonus: You can also use self-distancing in a very different way – to help you cope with your inner critic. Give it a name, personify it and next time it comes up say: "Thanks for the input, [name], but I've got this."
Rooting for you,
Charlotte
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