Hey there, it’s Dennis.
In today’s issue:
A trip back to childhood and the alter egos we once lived through
How we shift from chasing dreams to avoiding failure
My story of standing 50 feet in the air, and calling on Spineripper
Why your Tiger isn’t your enemy but your companion
A reflection prompt to help you reconnect with your hidden hero
The Childhood Hero
This morning I was re-reading The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman. It sent me straight back to childhood, before cable TV, before the internet, before cell phones. Back then, when I went outside to play with my brothers and friends, I wasn’t Dennis.
I was Conan. Or the Hulk. Or some fearless warrior with a stick-sword in hand. There was no fear. No hesitation. Just pure belief that I was strong, fast, and unstoppable.
What happened to that superpower?
The Shift
Somewhere along the way. School, work, the grind, we traded moving toward dreams for avoiding failure. We work long hours, stay in jobs that drain us, and call it “security.” In reality, it’s the Tiger steering us away from judgment, rejection, or not being “enough.”
But what if you could recapture that fearless alter ego?
Spineripper Returns
For me, it came on a platform 50 feet in the air, strapped into a harness, staring down a zip line called Big Momma. My Tiger was roaring: This is crazy. Walk away.
But then I remembered Spineripper, my Navy callsign. Spineripper is strong, brave, and willing to take on anything. So I stepped up, clipped in, and let go.
The wind rushed past. My eyes watered. And for those few moments, the Tiger went silent. Spineripper was in charge.
Taming Your Tiger
Taming your Tiger isn’t about silencing fear forever. It’s about:
Evaluating the situation: Is there real danger, or just the Tiger talking?
Choosing intentionally: Fear doesn’t get the final say; you do.
Leaning on your alter ego: The hero from your childhood is still inside you, waiting.
Your Tiger can be your guardian, not your jailer.
Reflection Prompt
Who was your childhood alter ego?
How might they help you step into something bold today?
Quote of The Week:
“Within you right now is everything you need to deal with whatever the world throws at you.” — Brian Tracy
That’s a wrap.
Before you go, here is ONE way you can work with me.
Book your FREE Kickstart Call with me - 1:1 performance coaching to help you break through fear, self-doubt, and procrastination—so you can finally move forward with clarity, confidence, and courage.
Until next time!
The Tiger Is Inside You.