Mike - your suggestion here about showing up with no fear through an alter ego is a real bone to chew. I can see how it would unleash some content creators, allowing them to be fearless and bold. I can also see how a content creator could end up serving or being a slave to the alter ego they created, especially if they evolve and the alter ego no longer fits their authentic self as well.
Would the ultimate goal be to overcome fear and show up as the real you?
Great question, Craig. I love how you think. An alter-ego, as I see it, isn’t meant to trap you; it’s a tool to unlock your boldest voice. For some writers and creators, it’s the ultimate catalyst to freedom - like a bird untethered, as another reader who commented earlier so beautifully put it.
And here’s the thing: an alter-ego doesn’t require a stage name or pseudonym. Take Mentor Mike - it’s still me, Mike Searles, at the public face. The alter-ego serves as a spark, allowing me to speak unapologetically and connect in a way my everyday self might hold back from.
The ultimate goal? To use the alter-ego as a bridge to fearless expression. Over time, it may simply become part of your authentic self, no longer separate, but a fully integrated part of how you show up.
I'm getting it from two sides this Sunday morning. I was just reading Anne Handley's 'Total Annarchy' in which she beautifully describes the metaphor of Dumbo's magic feather. 😊
Mike - your suggestion here about showing up with no fear through an alter ego is a real bone to chew. I can see how it would unleash some content creators, allowing them to be fearless and bold. I can also see how a content creator could end up serving or being a slave to the alter ego they created, especially if they evolve and the alter ego no longer fits their authentic self as well.
Would the ultimate goal be to overcome fear and show up as the real you?
Great question, Craig. I love how you think. An alter-ego, as I see it, isn’t meant to trap you; it’s a tool to unlock your boldest voice. For some writers and creators, it’s the ultimate catalyst to freedom - like a bird untethered, as another reader who commented earlier so beautifully put it.
And here’s the thing: an alter-ego doesn’t require a stage name or pseudonym. Take Mentor Mike - it’s still me, Mike Searles, at the public face. The alter-ego serves as a spark, allowing me to speak unapologetically and connect in a way my everyday self might hold back from.
The ultimate goal? To use the alter-ego as a bridge to fearless expression. Over time, it may simply become part of your authentic self, no longer separate, but a fully integrated part of how you show up.
Thank you, Mentor Mike. It is time to slip my self-imposed jesses.
You're welcome. Be free from not only the perch but the entire aviary!
I'm getting it from two sides this Sunday morning. I was just reading Anne Handley's 'Total Annarchy' in which she beautifully describes the metaphor of Dumbo's magic feather. 😊
"It's a sign!" Now I'm curious to read Anne's Total Anarchy.