In this article, we will learn How an alter ego can bring out the best in you.
It’s all about the alter ego
Throughout different parts of my life, I have become different personalities when needed. From my super competitiveness when it comes to sports or when I’m teaching I become a much more confident person. We all have different personalities we can call upon, more so subconsciously than intentional.
But what if we can become more intentional with how to unlock the best sides of our personalities and also from others too.
What is an alter ego?
An alter ego is an alternative personality that you can summon to boost confidence or unlock a trait that helps you with a task. Most famously in DC comics. Clark Kent alter ego is Superman and Bruce Wayne is Batman. Both have differing alter ego but allows them to unlock a different side of their personality to take action.
Examples of alter ego working in action
In real life, we see the alter ego bring out the best in Popstars like Beyoncé who when on stage performing she is called Sasha Fierce. The reason why she created this alter ego was Just before she would enter on stage nerves would kick in. With the creation of her alter ego it allowed her to become bold and super confident with her performance. In wrestling this ever more present. Most famously Dwayne Johnson created The Rock as his alter ego to great effect and the rest is history. (“Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?!”)
This is how my alter ego helped me
For good or bad I’m no superstar on the world stage but in my own life intentional and unintentional. I have created alter egos that have brought out the best in me.
Normally I’m introverted person but when I enter into sports mode I become a completely different animal. I have no official name for my alter ego as a celebrity would call it. But it brings out my super competitiveness, vocalism and focus.
Same can be said when I’m public speaking in front of people. My day to day personality doesn’t want anything to do with speaking in front of large audiences. But when I have to go on stage, immediately my alter ego takes over and performs. Sometimes it feels like I’m watching it work its magic.
What the science says
An article by Jeff Haden digs deep into the science of how an alter ego can bring out the best in you. He finds many great examples you should also check out.
This is what he found from the science journals he discovered.
A 2018 study published in Emotion They split participants up into two groups. One group was told to think about an important upcoming test as if they were “immersed” in the situation, or to think of themselves as participants. The other group was told to picture observing the test from a distance or to think of themselves as spectators
The “distanced” group reported feeling much less nervous and anxious about the test – and also felt they would be much more likely to do well on the test.”
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, participants gave a public speech. Some were instructed to work through their emotions by using the third person. (Instead of thinking, “I feel nervous… ” I would say to myself, “Jeff feels nervous… “)
The goal was to help participants see the situation from an outsider, rather than “immersed,” perspective.
The result? Participants reported feeling less stressed and anxious. Their heart rates and blood pressure levels confirmed that impression. Plus, since confidence typically improves performance, independent observers rated their performances as better than those of participants who did not adopt an outside perspective.
Like the actor pretending to be an actor appearing on a talk show, self-distancing can help you overcome emotions and see things more objectively.
How an alter ego can bring out the best in you
Without knowing we all have a side to our personality that when unlocked can bring out the best in us. When we are all in this positive state of alter ego we can achieve anything. This can be seen as the difference between people succeeding in their craft. While others do not.
Search for yours by looking back at your own experience where an alter ego brought out the best in you. Give it a name and tap into when you need it. It doesn’t have to be limited to yourself either. You can call upon someone you look up to during a specific task to help guide you through.
For instance, when it comes to anything work ethic or exercise, I call upon David Goggins and have his voice guiding me through the pain or more like shouting at me to get going.
When I’m coaching to help me be less direct and softer. I have Jurgen Klopp speaking to me again guiding me to make better decisions.
We all have this ourselves without knowing. We have our parents, teachers or mentors who have made massive impacts on us growing up. Subconsciously guiding us with our choices.
But imagine you can tap into your alter ego when you need to work harder, be kinder, be more confident or determined. These positive traits are within us all and by allowing your alter ego to bring out the best in you. That’s when you can shine your brightest light.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have the power now to unlock your best self from today’s article – How an alter ego can bring out the best in you.
When you do find it give it a name and become the superhero of your life. Creating the mindset you deserve to achieve your goals.
Peace out and see on the next article.
