Why Your "True Self" is Holding You Back (The Alter Ego Effect) - E161

What if the biggest thing holding you back… is the version of you that you’re trying so hard to be? In this episode of Makes Sense, Dr. JC Doornick sits down with performance coach Todd Herman to challenge one of the most common ideas in personal growth—the pursuit of your “true self.” Instead of endlessly trying to fix flaws or overcome fear, Todd introduces the Alter Ego Effect, a powerful, research-backed framework used by elite athletes, top performers, and high-level CEOs to step into an identity that performs when it matters most. This conversation dives into the neuroscience of cognitive priming, self-distancing, and symbolic embodiment—revealing how consciously designed identities can override hesitation, quiet internal interference, and unlock confidence on demand. You’ll discover why authenticity, as it’s commonly understood, can actually keep people stuck, and how creating a performance identity allows you to operate at your highest level without being weighed down by doubt or pressure. We also explore what this means in today’s rapidly evolving world, where AI is taking over logic-based tasks, and the real human edge lies in intuition, leadership, and emotional control. Whether you’re building a business, navigating uncertainty, or simply trying to close the gap between your potential and your performance, this episode offers a practical and transformative approach to showing up differently—on demand. If you’ve ever felt like you know what to do but can’t seem to execute when it counts… this shift might be the one that finally makes sense. Connect With Todd: Official Website: https://toddherman.me Book: https://amzn.to/4vqYN7O Instagram: @todd_herman Dr. JC Doornick Links: Web - www.makessensebook.com YT -    / @drjcdoornick IG -   / @drjcdoornick FB -   / @makessensepodcast Makes Sense Book - https://tinyurl.com/makessensepurchase   MAKES SENSE PODCAST Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is subjective and an acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast.   SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast. FOLLOW Podcast: You will find a "Follow" button in the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec   Podcast Affiliates: Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon OUR SPONSORS: Makes Sense Academy: A private mastermind and psychologically safe environment full of the Mindset and Action steps that will help you begin to thrive. The Makes Sense Academy. https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about The Sati Experience: A retreat designed for the married couple that truly loves one another, yet wants to take their love to that higher magical level. Relax, reestablish, and renew your love at the Sati Experience. https://www.satiexperience.com     0:00 - Intro 2:20 - What's it like to be Todd Herman these Days 5:37 - What is the Alter Ego Effect 10:54 - We don’t rise to our goals, we perform to the level of our identity 17:41 - Uniqueness with Dragons and Kobe Bryant 22:41 - How Being Authentic Can Hold You Back? 38:12 - Symbolic Embodiment 40:03 - Enclothed Cognition- Totems and Artifacts 49:00 - What role does the Alter Ego play in the advancement of AI? 54:26 - Top 4 mindset shifts to move into action 59:58 - What is the ultimate goal of the Alter Ego? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.