The Level Up Letter - Vol. 43 - The Batman Effect

Building your alter ego

Author

Better Board Meeting
October 11, 2024

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THE LEVEL UP LETTER

Hi All!
Here is your weekly Level Up Letter. This week we’re focusing on the power of using an alter ego. The positive version, the negative version and the Batman effect. We also have a new sponsor for the Letter this week, 1440. Clicking the link below helps support us. We’d be SUPER appreciative if everyone can give it a click and check them out. We hope you enjoy!!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

REAL-LIFE ALTER EGOS: KOBE & BEYONCÉ

Kobe Bryant adopted "Black Mamba" to embody competitive aggression and laser focus, defining his career. When he stepped on the court, he was no longer Kobe but the deadliest snake in the world. Beyoncé's "Sasha Fierce" emerged on stage, radiating confidence and dominance, distinctly different from her usual self.

An alter ego helps compartmentalize insecurities from professional capabilities, embodying traits that optimize performance in high-stakes environments. You might not be an athlete or a performer but we all have our own courts or stages. Who do you want to be when you step onto yours?

Steps to Create Your Own Alter Ego:

  1. Identify Your Needs: Pinpoint areas needing a performance boost.

  2. Define the Attributes: Envision qualities that make you unstoppable.

  3. Name Your Alter Ego: Solidify their presence with a name.

  4. Craft a Backstory: Develop their origins and mission.

  5. Activate Regularly: Use in low-pressure settings to build comfort.

NAME YOUR NEGATIVE ALTER EGO

Identifying and naming your negative alter ego—like the "inner critic" or "inner saboteur"—can help you recognize and disempower this harmful persona. By giving it a name, you externalize it, making it easier to identify and combat its influence. This act of naming helps detach these limiting behaviors and thoughts from your identity, allowing you to address them more objectively and reduce their impact on your life.

I’ve personally used things like “that’s my inner fat kid talking” when honing in nutrition for a race. It makes healthier decisions easier when you can say “That’s not me!”

THE BATMAN EFFECT

What would Batman do? - This question was asked to a group of 5 year olds in a test of patience and concentration. When the kids were able to identify as Batman they were capable of regulating their emotions and persist longer in the experiment. Using an alter ego allowed them to use psychological distancing. It puts space between you and the problem and allows you time to think more clearly.

Next time you’re feeling frustrated or worked up about something, ask yourself, What would Batman do? (or insert your new alter ego)

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