"I loved your talk. But I really like the story you told about your fake glasses, Martin had them too!"

Those were the words of a sweet lady when she approached me after a speech I gave at a big leadership event eighteen years ago.

I said thank you, then looked down at the name badge around her neck, 'Coretta Scott King.'

(This story from my book, The Alter Ego Effect.)

Here's The Story...

During my speech on personal leadership, I told the story of creating my Alter Ego, Super Richard. To help me battle my insecurities of looking so young in business and build my 'business uniform.'

I'm sure the audience thought it was weird, but Coretta didn't.

After she told me, 'Martin had them too!' and I realized who she was, I said:

"Wait. What!?"

She responded, "Yes. Martin was terribly worried that his own insecurities would get in the way of leading the movement. So he bought a pair of fake glasses, and when he'd sit down to write, he'd step into his 'distinguished self.' The highest version of himself to write the words he needed to write, to lead a group of people to non-violent protest."

Imagine being a twenty-something kid, and an incredible human shares a secret about a cultural icon. It blew my mind.

Now in the Atlanta-Hartsfield Airport, you can see a monument to MLK jr., and you'll also find his glasses with a description of their purpose. [Picture attached below.]

So, if you have an alter ego, you're in outstanding company.