The Black Mamba Effect: Psychological Science Says Adopting an Alter Ego Boosts Confidence, Determination, and Performance
January 4, 2024
For years, whenever we asked each other for advice, my daughters and I often replied, “What would Granddaddy Haden do?” Usually, that would end the problem-solving: My dad would have chosen the hard way through, not the easy way out.
“What would Granddaddy Haden do?” became shorthand for making a decision you could live with.
While we didn’t think of it that way, taking a step back to view a situation from his point of view was a form of self-distancing, helping us gain better control of our emotions and be more objective and logical.
Read the whole story (subscription may be required): Inc.
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