Create an alter ego

Those of us with stern parents, micromanaging supervisors, or military experience know what it is like to have a person who will instantly make you regret any attempt to cut corners or do anything but what we ought. That kind of motivation is powerful, but it requires the continued presence of the instigator.

We can replicate many of the benefits of such a person without any need for anyone else.¹ Each of us has the ability to engineer the most stringent supervisor in our own minds. Fans of David Goggins have heard him tell countless stories of how his alter ego “Goggins” prods him any time he does less than his best. It doesn’t matter that David Goggins’ best is considered superhuman to many others—David knows he can do it, and Goggins won’t let him stop until he fulfills his own potential.

You create your own alter ego as you write and revise the life plan described in this book. This person represents the ideal you, and because you’ve done the work to describe him or her, from their character qualities down to what they do, when, and why, you know this person better than you do anyone else. You know exactly what they would do at any time and in any place. You should consult your mental model of this person at all times and in all places. Your life plan gives you a map that you can consult at any time in place of doing, thinking, or feeling what the old you would. Defer to the map in all times of conflict between the two.

Hold yourself accountable to what you say is important, and take responsibility for aligning with what you say you will do. Your alter ego can assist to fight off the natural laziness that we all have. We will automatically start looking for the exit and making excuses when things get unpleasant, but we can be trained to be better.

Whenever you stray from your best capabilities, your alter ego should instantly get on your case and criticize you incessantly. After all, you are the one who made the plan, and that obligates you to live up to it more than anyone else’s expectations ever could.

Every athlete or warrior has faced countless situations where they must mentally and emotionally warm up for a task. There is a reason that motivational speeches are given by good leaders before difficult tasks. A minute of motivation prior to starting a task can yield massive increases in productivity. You don’t need to wait for someone else to pump you up. Use your alter ego!

Ask why you are doing it, and ask yourself whether you really care. Tell yourself things like: “If ____ really matters to me, then I need to _____ right now.”

If you are short on motivational material, use the modern tools at your disposal to gather the best from others. Keep a list of specific short talks, quotes, or videos that motivate you.