The Art Of The ALTER- EGO

We've all heard of the infamous saying 'fake it 'til you make it', well... this concept is even better.

In my latest read, 'The Alter- Ego Effect' by Todd Herman, three chapters in, and something clicked.

It's a strategy some of the greatest of our time have used, and is relevant to this day. Instead of faking the funk, this method helps to unlock the potential of the traits you already possess. These are hidden behind mental blocks and can be tapped into, by developing an alter ego.

As you climb the ladder to whatever success looks like for you, there may be times when you may not feel confident, experienced or simply just out of your comfort zone. This is the time to step into your alter ego. An alternate version of yourself, your best self, a more aligned, educated and fearless you.

Oprah developed a symbol for her alter ego with a pair of boots. She detailed whenever she would go and put on a specific pair of boots, it signified her stepping into her best self, ready to show up and show out. It was her signal to switch off the doubts, and fearlessly tap into her vision of her best self.

Beyoncé spoke of how she used 'Sasha Fierce' to block out her conflicting feelings of being a church girl in the early part of her career, who was in the industry singing songs that didn't match her childhood identity. She struggled to shine before this, and would use her alter ego to channel excellence, until she became that fierce and fearless version of herself who no longer needed separate representation.

And that's what the concept underpins; creating a version of you that already possesses the traits you wish you currently had, and acts as the bridge for you to grow into that version of yourself. It permits you to be intentional, and strategic about the traits you choose to represent your ideal self.

One of the biggest key points that the alter ego protects us from is, believe it on not, our self. Our inner critic, and damaging self limiting beliefs are major contributing factors to not reaching someone's potential.

The brilliance of an alter ego is the essence of creating your identity with purpose. Giving yourself access to live in a way that restricts fear, and perform strategically, with the right mindset.

Simply put, you too can step into a bolder, more confident, unstoppable version of yourself when it matters most. And that is what's called 'The Alter Ego Effect'.

"Your alter ego is not about becoming someone else—it’s about bringing out the best of who you already are," - Todd Herman

So the next time you face a challenge, don’t just wish for confidence or courage - create the version of yourself who already has it, and step into the room like the hero of your own story.

You know we will be.