A Conversation with the Lesser Self and Heroic Self
We all have a choice every day, every minute to listen to the voice in our head or be in charge of the talking and directing.
We constantly have a dialogue going on in our head. These voices can be categorized as the “lesser self” and “heroic self.” The lesser voice is always looking for the easy way out while the heroic voice is giving the tough love and direction to actually grow. The heroic voice is the one that the WARRIOR chooses.
For young athletes, they may or may not be aware of the ongoing conversation in their head. One of the big topics I teach as a mindset coach is for athletes to recognize their self-talk and use it to help them feel better about themselves which can also improve their sport performance.
For me in my life, any time I approach even the thought of a challenge, my lesser self pipes up saying,
“You’ve already done enough today.”
“You can stop here.”
“You are tired, no need to push any further.”
I’m sure you can relate and could add more examples to what your lesser self says. All the while, my heroic self is saying things like,
“You are capable of so much more.”
“Keep going, you are strong.”
“You still have fuel left in the tank. Push your limits today.”
There are consequences to either path you choose.
Listening to the lesser self leads to comfort but not much growth.
Listening to the heroic self leads to growth but not much comfort.
You can’t have both growth and comfort at the same time!
Start the work by identifying these two voices in your head. Just the act of identifying and finding the difference of these two perspectives can strengthen your self-awareness.
In my life, when I can identify my measly lesser self is trying to talk me out of something hard again, I can combat it much easier if I know who’s doing the talking.
This battling conversation never ends between these two characters in your mind. But we have a choice to let each one be the one directing and to be the one to listen. Thinking about your own heroic and lesser self:
Which self is doing the talking?
Which self is doing the listening?
The voice that is fueled with intention is the voice who directs the talks out actions. Which self do you want directing your life?
Start to recognize and identify these two lines of thinking in your own mind.
As you approach challenges or difficult tasks, notice the conversation happening in your head between the two conflicting characters. Once you’ve determined if it’s the lesser or heroic self directing, shift the conversation to be dominated by the character who you want to become.
Sometimes simple things, such as listening to the constant conversation in your head, can be the most challenging yet most pivotal factor that ignites change in your life.
Feed and fuel the heroic self today. Carry On, Warrior!
