Working Your Alter Ego

Do you have an alter ego? Many celebrities do — like Beyonce’s Sasha Fierce.

Because personality traits can be changed at will, an alter ego is a great way to improve your confidence at work.

“Your alter ego is a part of you that you haven’t expressed,” says Anne-Louise Sterry, motivational speaker and presentation coach who uses alter egos. “Find those pieces of yourself you haven’t expressed, that stop you from moving forward.”

Nervous you’ll come off as contrived? Sterry insists you can have an alter ego and be authentic. Think of it as accessing positive traits that you already have or want. “We all have parts that we don’t express. This is just another part of your personality,” she says.

If your voice is monotone or quiet, your alter ego could help you modulate your voice properly. If you’re developing an alter ego to build confidence, Sterry suggests using more assertive body language like the champion stance.

The “other” you could also counter negative traits and thoughts.

An alter ego allows you to express your different talents, especially in work settings where a variety of skills need to come into play. “It would be a gift to give yourself the time to explore those pieces of you,” Sterry adds.

Minute Mentor: SunTrust CMO Rilla Delorier shares how she created her personal brand.

Bonus PINK Link: Are there obstacles holding back your confidence? Learn how to obliterate them here.

What’s your alter ego?

By Sarah Grace Alexander

“You gotta make your own gravy, doll, cause ain’t nobody gonna do it for you.” Aunt Lena, Anne-Louise Sterry’s alter ego