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The Alter-Ego Effect: The Power of Secret Identities to Transform Your Life

By: Todd Herman

Reflection by: Sara Clough

Why I read it?

At work, or just life in general, I think we all want to be able to show up, do our best, and ultimately crush any task or challenge thrown at us. I believe that requires boldness, confidence, and assertiveness. As someone who identifies as an introvert, those qualities do not come naturally to me. I decided to read this book because I was interested by the title. Could I create a secret identity with all the qualities I wish I had in the workplace? The idea of being able to “pretend” or “act” at work seemed like a fun new approach that could help me ease into becoming that bold, assertive, confident figure I had in my mind.

What is it all about?

The Alter-Ego Effect is about channeling your inner abilities to create personas that help you achieve your goals. We all have roles that we play in life and sometimes we don’t always show up as our best selves, or we allow our fears and anxieties to hold us back. Let’s say you want to be more successful making sales calls at work; however, you feel like you are too shy and not aggressive enough. You assign your superhero persona the qualities you believe will make you a better salesperson and channel that character during your calls. You can do the same thing with your negative thoughts or shortcomings. Take those characteristics and make them your enemy who must be defeated! The Alter-Ego effect is a fun creative way to use your imagination to find your strengths and overcome your weaknesses.

What caused me to pause?

Herman points out in the book that creating an alter ego to be more successful on your field of play isn’t really “pretending” or “faking it til you make it” – you are finding a way to tap into the characteristics you already possess. You don’t become a different person by putting on a mask or a cape. This best possible version of you already exists, an Alter-Ego simply helps us reach a potential that is already there.

How will this book change my habits or influence me?

I think this book will cause me to approach challenges differently and put my best self out there. I’m excited to create my alter-egos and put them to use!

Add this to your reading list if…

You’ve found yourself in a bit of rut and you’re looking to challenge yourself in an exciting new way!

Pickle Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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