Fake it Till You Make It

You wanna know one of the best ways to make your dreams come true? FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT!! While some may argue against it, it’s also highly likely that some of the most successful people who made their dreams their reality-used this exact tactic to bring all of their once, day dream visions-to life. BUT, don’t get “fake it till you make it” confused with being flat out FAKE. There’s a huge difference. Let me explain….

The phrase “fake it till you make it” is often misunderstood as an encouragement to be inauthentic. But this is not what we want or should ever try to be. In reality, it’s about embracing a positive mindset and behavior to achieve your goals while staying true to your core values. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of “faking it till you make it” without compromising your authenticity and provide tips on how to do so effectively.

EXAMPLES OF “FAKING IT TILL YOU MAKE IT”

You are currently a working mom, working a 9-5, using whatever free time you have in the evenings and weekends to run your side hustle. BUT, your ultimate goal, is to turn that side hustle into your full time business, quit your 9-5, and be a stay at home boss mom while running your now full time business that was once your side hustle.
- “Faking it till you make it” in this case is showing up for the side hustle, approaching it like it IS your full time business, TALKING like it is your full time business, SPEAKING that it IS and WILL be your full time business, and running it AS IF IT IS your full time business. Giving it your all, treating your clients like they are your only source of income (aka-your business), and doing all the things you would be doing if it were, in fact, already, YOUR FULL TIME BUSINESS!! Now, of course, you still have your 9-5 to show up for during the time your building and growing, and be honest about that. People love someone to relate to. So don’t lie or fake that part. Just show up for that side hustle like it’s your only hustle regardless, and eventually, it will be. Here’s another example…
You want to be a full time content creator, but right now, you’re waiting tables, driving Uber, or whatever other job it may be. “Faking it till you make it” in this case would be, SHOWING UP on social media everyday like it IS your full time job. Posting stories as much as you can throughout the day (even if it’s on your 15 minute break) like you would if you were a full time content creator. Responding to your DM’s as much as possible, engaging with your audience as much as possible, constantly researching new ideas and creative ways to keep them interested, like you’re already a full time content creator and so on . OR…
You want to the Account Executive position, but are currently an assistant. “Faking it till you make it” in this case would be making yourself do all the things Account Executives do. Pay attention to how they do things, what tasks do they do that you currently don’t? Pitch in and ask for more work, do things without having to be asked to do them, show up early, stay a little late, go the extra mile. Watch and learn, then execute yourself. Sure, it will take some extra work for a time, but eventually, when it’s proven you are perfectly capable for the job since you’re already doing all of it’s duties, the title will be yours in no time.

Understanding “Fake It Till You Make It”

At its core, “faking it till you make it” is about acting with confidence and optimism even when you might not yet feel completely secure or proficient in a particular area of your life. This approach can yield numerous benefits while maintaining your authenticity.

The Benefits of “Faking It Till You Make It”

Boosted Self-Confidence: By adopting a confident demeanor and positive self-talk, you can actually boost your self-confidence. This can lead to an improved self-image, greater self-assuredness, and a willingness to take on new challenges. The more you drill in your mind that you ARE what it is you are striving for, the sooner your brain will start believing that you are, in fact that. And once the brain recognizes this, your actions will follow and it become second nature. When we FEEL better about ourselves, we tend to DO better. It just comes with the territory.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Many people struggle with imposter syndrome, a feeling of not deserving their success. Faking confidence and competence can help counter these feelings and empower you to believe in your capabilities. If you’re putting in the extra work and know you are giving your all-YOU DESERVE IT ALL! Don’t let yourself thing otherwise!
Professional Growth: Acting with confidence in the workplace can lead to professional growth. It can help you assert yourself in meetings, negotiate for what you deserve, and take on new responsibilities. All of these things will help GET YOU NOTICED, and help others see you in the light that you are already seeing yourself in. WIN!
Positive Influence on Others: When you exude confidence and positivity, you inspire those around you. Your enthusiasm can motivate and uplift others, creating a more productive and harmonious environment. We all know we need more of this EVERYWHERE. Be the one to exude it! You’ll become a MAGNET for success!
Goal Achievement: “Faking it” can help you get started on the path to achieving your goals. Taking the first steps and believing in your ability to succeed can be a powerful driver for goal attainment.

How to “Fake It Till You Make It” Authentically

Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to achieve and outline a plan to get there. Having a clear roadmap can give you a sense of direction.
Practice Positivity: Focus on the positive aspects of your situation and remind yourself of your strengths. Positive affirmations and self-encouragement can be powerful tools. Say them in your morning routine, put little notes to remind you how great you are in places you look at often through the day. Whatever it takes and whatever will help-just do it!
Learn and Grow: While “faking it,” don’t forget to invest in yourself. Continuously seek opportunities for growth and learning, which will make your journey toward authenticity more genuine. Ask questions, ask where you can improve, be OPEN to constructive criticism-it EXUDES confidence and self awareness.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive friends, mentors, or coaches who can guide you and provide constructive feedback. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you need to get in a different room.
Take Small Steps: Incremental progress is still progress. Celebrate small wins along the way to boost your confidence. Don’t over extend yourself and set expectations too high all at once. We set ourselves up for failure when we do this. Small baby steps can lead to HUGE results, don’t let the “small” fool you.
Embrace Vulnerability: Authenticity and vulnerability go hand in hand. It’s okay to admit when you don’t have all the answers. Authenticity lies in being open about your growth process. Admit when you are wrong, ask what you need to do to get it right next time, commit to it. No one will ever be mad at you for it.

“Faking it till you make it” can be a powerful and transformative approach when used correctly. It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not, but rather about adopting a positive mindset and confident behavior to move closer to your goals. By staying true to your values and continuously working on self-improvement, you can leverage the benefits of this approach to achieve personal and professional success. Remember, it’s not about being fake; it’s about being the best version of yourself. And sometimes, when we feel aren’t COMPLETELY there yet, it’s ok to have the mindset and attitude that we ARE, which in turn, will help us get to that place we are longing for. You GOT THIS!!