The Brilliance of Channeling an Alter Ego and Overcoming Self Doubt

Even the world’s most exceptional individuals can experience insecurity. They’ve simply mastered the art of skillfully coping with it. A technique Beyonce employs to great effect is Character Invention.

In a conversation with Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce disclosed that she created a stage persona called Sasha Fierce. This character allowed her to overcome her insecurities and feel liberated on stage.

Let’s explore this concept and the steps to create your own empowering alter ego, just as Beyonce crafted Sasha Fierce.

The Foundations of Character Invention

Character Invention originates from drama therapy and the innovative principles of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) explored in-depth here. The concept involves crafting a character capable of confronting intimidating challenges with confidence. This alter ego operates beyond your comfort zone, empowering you to break barriers.

Beyonce is not alone in utilizing this technique. Renowned Executive Coaches impart the wisdom of Character Invention in expensive seminars, but you can develop your own character without any financial investment.

Five Steps to Character Invention

1. Envision the Character: To overcome imposter syndrome, develop the persona by answering questions about the character’s responses to fear, nervousness, and insecurity. Borrow from fiction, history, or heroes to create a vivid and detailed personality.
2. Find the Name: Assign your character a compelling name that encapsulates the values they effortlessly embody, helping you feel less like a fraud.
3. Source the Trigger: Identify the actions or moments that prompt you to step into character. For Beyonce, it’s putting on her stilettos before a performance. Choose a physical action that launches your character.
4. Develop the Physicality: Explore how the character feels within your body. Your character should have a distinct posture, walk, and presence. Connect your character to your body through postures and physical movements to combat impostor feelings and increase competence.
5. Practice: Access your character in low-stakes environments to cope with imposter syndrome. Order coffee at a café or make small talk with a stranger as your character. Repeated practice makes the character readily available when you need it most, helping you overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

Over time, Beyonce practiced so much that she no longer needed Sasha Fierce. Her character’s capabilities integrated into her core self.

When to Utilize Your Character

Your character can serve as a valuable ally in various situations, such as negotiating a deal, delivering a captivating speech, making a persuasive sales pitch, presenting a compelling idea, or navigating any high-pressure scenario.

Additional examples include networking events, job interviews, or even difficult conversations. Embrace your alter ego whenever performance is crucial, and allow your character to lead the way.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, even someone as successful as Beyonce. By using Character Invention, you can create an empowering alter ego, like Sasha Fierce, that enables you to overcome insecurity and achieve greatness.