February 15, 2021-As we continue to talk about breaking free of our comfort zones this month, I have a very cool technique that I’d like to share with you when you’re feeling less than confident. Whether it’s public speaking, pressing send on a submission, reading your book in front of an audience, or anything else that you’re afraid to do, this can help!
A few years ago I stumbled across a book that talked about alter egos. I can’t remember the name of it for the life of me, but the concept is something that I’ll never forget! Let’s back up for a second and define alter ego. According to Merriam-Webster an alter-ego is: A second self of a version of oneself. Think of Clark Kent and Superman, Batman and Bruce Wayne, Yourself and who you aspire to be. Thinking this way has helped me overcome a lot of my fears as an author.
For today’s exercise, I’d like you to do the following:
- Write down your biggest fears as an author. E.g., Public speaking, fear of your book failing, fear of not making any sales, fear of judgement about your manuscript submission, etc.
- Write down an alter ego for each fear that you listed. E.g. Fear of public speaking: your alter ego could be Tony Robbins, fear of your book failing: your alter ego could be Dr. Seuss, fear of not making any sales of your self-published book: your alter ego could be Beatrix Potter, fear of judgement about your manuscript submission: your alter ego could be Stephen King and so on. The key is to select people that you admire or aspire to be like.
- Get into the zone. If we use the first fear listed above, the fear of public speaking, and Tony Robbins is our alter ego, what would he do to get ready to speak in front of an audience? What is his before speaking routine? How does he move on stage? What is his energy like? How does he engage his audience? And then employ his techniques in your own public speaking engagements!
Alter egos are great for overcoming fears, but no one is you and that is your power. Use alter egos until you’re comfortable and then, just be you! Oftentimes, it’s just practice and doing things repeatedly that helps us get over our fears. Get out there and do the things that scare you; that’s the best way to break out of your comfort zone!
