What is an “alter ego” and why would it be a good idea to create one?

Develop a alter ego can allow you to reduce the burden of anxiety to improve your potential and confidence. Far from seeing this exercise as something pathological or problematic, it is rather a specific resource that acts as a psychological crutch capable of silencing fears and even that negative internal dialogue that often undermines your performance.

An example of this is what Adele did. In 2011 she explained to the magazine Rolling Stone that she created Sasha Carter. She was an imaginary figure who combined characteristics of Beyoncé and June Carter. This gave her greater self-confidence. Practice is a therapeutic, motivating and very interesting exercise. Next, we suggest you delve deeper into the topic.

What is the “alter ego”?

He alter ego It is a psychological entity that represents a second personality and that you can develop for creative, exploratory or personal development purposes.. The term comes from Latin, and translates as “another self.” In its beginnings, it was associated with the idea of ​​friendship (Amicus is alter ego), although little by little he acquired the interpretation of a parallel personality.

Now, it should be noted that the first to investigate a “second self” was Dr. Franz Mesmer in the 18th century. He did this by seeing how many of his patients manifested another personality during the hypnotic trance. His work became known to posterity as mesmerism, and served as the basis for modern hypnotism.

Later, figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre were also interested in this concept. In the book The problem of social reality A chapter addresses how the philosopher related this idea to intersubjectivity and his attempt to understand the existence of the “other.” However, beyond psychiatry or philosophy, the field that has used this idea the most is the world of art.

Many writers convert that alter ego in the protagonist of his stories. They build characters that, although they are somewhat similar, have more striking features. This is something Stephen King does frequently in his novels. Likewise, in comics this resource is very well known. There we have Clark Kent, shy journalist who hides his Superman side.

Benefits of building an alter ego

The construction of a alter ego It is a resource that has interesting therapeutic purposes. That other one ego can take care of doing many of the things that the I would not do and, with it, enhance some areas of your psychological well-being. What’s more, it could even free you from your limitations, fears and anxieties. Below, we describe all its benefits.

1. Psychological distance

Let’s say you are someone very reserved. invent a alter ego It would allow you to expose yourself to stressful social situations thanks to psychological distance or self-distancing. This concept refers to that exercise in which you momentarily separate yourself from what causes you anxiety to promote emotional regulation.

Works published in Advances in Experimental Social Psychology highlight its benefits. In this sense, putting aside what makes you afraid to assume the personality of a fictional, brave and powerful figure, would undoubtedly facilitate your self-confidence. In fact, This is what many actors and singers do when they enter the scene..

2. Self-discovery and self-exploration

Develop a alter ego It is a very useful tool for you to explore your personality and even bring new potentials to light. Something like this stands out as a valuable exercise for enhance hidden aspects of yourself, understand your desires and aspirations and even develop a greater awareness of yourself.

Sometimes imagining that you are someone you admire in the world of sports drives you to improve your performance. What’s more, visualizing that you are a Van Gogh, a Truman Capote or an Agatha Christie, turns on your internal engines to improve in those areas that you are so passionate about.

Remember that developing a alter ego It is an exercise in play and self-discovery. Try not to use this resource as a mechanism to escape from reality or from what you don’t like. Always remain authentic and honest with yourself as you explore these more alternative facets of your identity.

3. Increased perseverance

In 2017, the journal Child Development published a very interesting study. A group of 180 children between 4 and 6 years old demonstrated greater perseverance on the task when they were suggested to imagine being Batman. Something so simple and original acts as a great motivator, and not only in the children’s world.

A alter ego frequently represents a real or fictitious entity endowed with extraordinary powers, which can inspire you to persevere and have strength when overcoming obstacles. The so-called Batman effect is a “psychological crutch” that is worth trying.

4. Improved self-confidence and self-esteem

A alter ego can serve as an idealized version capable of improving your self-esteem and the vision you have of yourself. Projecting onto yourself the positive traits of that superhero, scientist, writer or artist will allow you, little by little, to perceive yourself as someone more empowered. Think that self-esteem is a psychological construct that is not stable and weakens over time.

Something as simple and original as integrating into yourself the charisma or personality of someone you admire is a very therapeutic tool for your daily life.

5. Improved creativity and innovation

As they point out in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, inspiration is a motivational state that allows you to make your ideas come true by optimizing your creativity. Therefore, something like take on a alter ego or another “I” can open up new perspectives and innovative approaches.

It does this by freeing you from the restrictions and expectations associated with your usual identity. It breaks down many of your resistances and encourages you to explore more original solutions that, until now, may have been out of reach. Assuming another identity—always temporarily and for therapeutic purposes—can open up a very enriching world for you.

6. Integrate other modalities

In 1972, David Bowie created his alter ego Ziggy Stardust for his new album. He was an androgynous and extravagant extraterrestrial who symbolized the evolution of the rock and the glam. Likewise, what he also managed to do is pave the way for a progressive change in mentality by inspiring not only the world of music, but also the LGBT+ community.

Putting an invented or real figure in your internal sights opens up new perspectives that allow you to advance in any area of ​​your life..

How to build your own alter ego?

At this point, It is very likely that you are wondering how to originate a alter ego for therapeutic purposes and for your personal development. If you have not considered this strategy until now, we recommend that you carry out this exercise by following the steps that we describe below:

Clarify what you need: The first step involves reflecting on what areas of your personality you need to improve. It is important that you define what objectives you seek with this alternative identity.Choose a name: To build your alter ego it is recommended that you give it a name. That is, if you admire Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Hypatia of Alexandria, Carl Sagan or Lady Gaga, avoid assuming their original names. Think of a variant.Set limits: we must insist that it is necessary to maintain a clear separation between your main identity and your alter ego. Therefore, establish when and how you will use this alternative self and always make sure not to confuse it with your true self.Create a narrative: Build a script about what your character or another “I” is like, about what they do, what their virtues and strengths are. This will help you better understand their background, motivations, and how it relates to your core identity.

Risks and benefits

Whenever he alter ego If it is built consciously and with healthy purposes, you will have at your disposal an excellent resource to live better. However, Keep in mind that there are people who stably integrate imaginary figures into their mental register, giving rise to dissociative identity disorder.formerly known as multiple personality.

Always have control of those symbolic and imaginative references. They must be those specific and sporadic models of inspiration that quench fears and inject security, positivity and motivation. Above all, avoid giving them a permanent place in areas that do not concern them, nor using them as resources to escape from reality.

The “other self” and the psychological space to evolve

Your identity and personality can make room for these small everyday crutches in the form of “other selves.”. An example of this is to imagine that you are already a civil servant if you are studying an opposition. In this way, you achieve a higher level of motivation, self-confidence, and direction in your daily efforts.

It never hurts to put this simple personal development tool into practice. Also, keep in mind that even the little ones can find great motivation when emulating the behaviors of their favorite characters. It’s worth a try.

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