All professional and Olympic athletes who maximize their potential share one thing in common…they use an alter ego during competition.  In just the same manner, you need to be very intentional about who shows up when you compete.  This is the purpose of an alter ego, to create the most ideal version of yourself so you can perform at the edge of your potential.  In order to develop the most powerful and effective alter ego, you want to focus on three key areas:

1. Fine-tune your best qualities so they are in full effect.
2. Tap into your hidden capabilities that are waiting to be utilized.
3. Ensure the parts of you that hinder your performance are nowhere to be found.

Tips

1. There is no right or wrong way to create an alter ego. Examples are provided, but remember, this is about creating YOUR alter ego. Find what works for you and run with it.
2. The more your alter ego emotionally resonates with you, the more effective it will be. As you create each aspect of your alter ego, please take the time to find an emotional connection and it will pay huge dividends.
3. Keep your alter ego private. There is power in having a secret weapon.  Be very particular with whom you share the details of your alter ego, perhaps your coach or parents, but keep it close to you.  It is okay to share certain aspects such as the name or theme song with your teammates, however, privacy over the majority of your alter ego is key.  Keeping your alter ego private also prevents your competition from exploiting it.
4. You will continually evolve both mentally and physically as an athlete so you will want to revisit every step of the alter ego process before each season to make any necessary adjustments.
5. Multisport athletes should base your alter ego around your favorite or main sport of focus. Then revisit the entire process through the lens of each additional