Using an alter ego to short circuit demotivation

Have you ever said, I just can’t bring myself to do it?

No problem. Here’s a reframing tool that will change your life.

Just pretend you’re someone else and bring them to do it instead.

Your brain won’t know the difference. Trick it into action. Imagine a version of yourself who loves doing this task, and does it well. Create a mental character to delegate the task to. And then get cracking.

See, rather than forcing yourself directly, now you’re delegating the work to a different persona.

I know it’s just a reframe, a psychological workaround. But if you’re already unmotivated, then what do you have to lose? Remember, systems don’t have to be real or even make sense, they simply have to work.

Think about how many artists have done just this, and achieved stellar results.

Bowie adopted a persona that gave himself permission to be more flamboyant and fearless. Eminem did the same with slim shady. Colbert created a legendary bombastic, hyper conservative persona just so he could satirize political commentary.

These people didn’t suffer from dissociative identity disorder. They pretended to be someone else, and that frame gave them permission to act differently and take risks they might otherwise avoid.

Not feeling weighed down by their usual identity, they shattered the obstacles holding them back. Why should you be any different?

I’m not saying you dress in drag. There doesn’t have to be a physical manifestation of this technique. Maybe all you need is to channel that alternate persona just long enough to get started. You give yourself permission to be a different version of you for a bit, one who just handles things.

Bring that guy to do it.

Cognitive behavioral therapists would appreciate this tool. It’s a creative and useful way to reduce mental blocks by distancing the task at hand from your normal identity. Mantras they might suggest to clients are:

The adaptable version of me figures this out.

The focused part of me knows how to get it done.

The motivation side of me takes over now.

My fearless self handles this without hesitation.

Isn’t that more empowering than throwing your hands up and declaring, I just can’t bring myself to do it?

Screw yourself, bring someone else. Outsource that shit.

Besides, it’s not like you’re the one risking embarrassment or making mistakes. Your alter ego is. Their ass is on the line, not yours. Hell, give it a name. Define that persona’s traits. Use it intentionally as a tool when tackling difficult tasks. View that persona as your temporary aid to build new habits.

By reframing your identity, even if it’s just mentally, you will be able to tap into a different mindset. Lean into a self that aligns with the feeling you want to embody.