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The No. 1 trick I always teach to build unshakeable confidence—it worked for Beyoncé and Adele

"No matter how talented or prepared you are, self-doubt can get in your way," says therapist Amy Morin. Here's how to channel your alter ego so you can do your best.

The No. 1 trick I always teach to build unshakeable confidence—it worked for Beyoncé and Adele

TL;DR

  • Self-doubt can hinder capable individuals from performing at their best, but channeling an alter ego is a quick method to overcome this.
  • Channeling an alter ego creates a mental distance from nerves, similar to an actor embodying a character.
  • The strategy is rooted in self-distancing, which shifts brain activity from emotional reactivity to logical thinking.
  • Studies show that adopting a persona, like a fictional character, can increase persistence.
  • To channel an alter ego, pick a persona, create a physical anchor, study and embody their traits, and practice in lower-stakes situations.