When I’m on stage, I always have my Jack Russel with me. And my Professor.
These two are indispensable versions of myself, helping me do exactly what is need at that moment. Take the Professor: when I want to explain complicated concepts calmly and clearly, I bring my hands together as if holding an imaginary book. With that simple gesture, I feel the Professor’s calm and focus rising. He is thoughtful, clear and serious. He ensures that my words arrive.
But when it’s time to energize the room, out comes the Jack Russel. By actively going through my knees and bouncing a little, I can feel that playful energy come alive. The Jack Russel is enthusiastic, full of energy, and able to draw the audience into the story. Over the years, I’ve learned that these different versions of myself have always been there, but sometimes it’s challenging to tap into the right energy at the right moment.
By consciously using my imagination and posture, I can summon them when I need them. That’s the power of imagination: it lets you switch between the many sides of yourself. And this isn’t just about speaking on a stage. Imagine calling on your inner “Professor” during a critical meeting to stay calm and persuasive. Or channeling your inner “Jack Russell” in a brainstorming session to inject creativity and energy into the team.
By consciously activating a different version of yourself, you also learn to handle different situations more effectively. So, my question to you: What versions of yourself do you use? And how do you use them to get better at what you do?
