FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT: MYTH OR FACTS.

Have you ever wondered if the 'fake it till you make it' phrase actually works? Or is there even a slight chance that you can actually fake it till you make it?.

Another interesting question I have for you is this: Does pretending to have confidence and living the fake life you dream of make it a reality over time?

Some people believe it’s okay to fake it as long as no one finds out, especially if what you faked wasn’t so serious. Others believe it’s okay to fake it only if you are actively working to turn that fake into reality quickly, so the ‘fakeness’ is short-lived.

But where do we draw the line..

The 'fake it till you make it' idea was not invented by social media influencers although there are contrary opinions to this. This phrase has been floating around for decades and has sadly shaped a lot of mindsets.

WHAT IS THE CASE FOR FAKING IT?

Confidence is contagious

Studies in psychology support the idea that voice, posture and behaviour can influence how you are perceived as a person and sometimes, pretending to be confident can actually boost real confidence.

In 2010 a Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy and her colleagues found that adopting expensive open posture (power poses) for just two minutes, led to increased feelings of power and confidence and participants showed higher levels of testosterone which is linked to dominance and low levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone.

Why do people actually believe this? In a professional setting, projecting confidence and managing how you are perceived, even when you don’t feel it, helps you look the part and often that’s the first step to becoming it.

The feeling can trick you into wanting to fake it, but that’s where you either compromise your values or stay patient and be disciplined.

Another example is your job interview. Did you actually know what you were doing? Maybe, maybe not but dressing the part, speaking confidently and having the right facial expressions proved to your interviewer that you are the best person for the job or at  the very least, increased your chances of getting hired.

For this reason, some people believe that taking on a role or challenge slightly beyond your current abilities can push you to grow. After all, waiting until you feel 100% ready may seem wise but in reality, it can delay opportunities, the ones that often only appear after you take that first bold step.

So technically, faking your readiness is more likely to push you into opportunities that will shape your capabilities and these ones can actually stretch and grow you.

A practical example could be telling a few lies to land a good-paying job that requires skill sets you probably just have a little idea about. The pressure and fear of not wanting to get found out and risk losing the job, would force you to improve yourself and actually become a better version of yourself than you started.

WHAT IS THE CASE AGAINST FAKING IT

While there are the beneficial opinions of faking it, there is a thin line between faking confidence and faking competence, especially faking an expertise you do not possess that is very likely to bring harm to people.

A perfect example is faking the role of a financial advisor and putting up a trusting front that makes people entrust their savings, investments into your hands. This is not considered growth but fraud and is very morally wrong. People rely on financial advisors for honest informed guidance often with their life savings on the line. 

Therefore misrepresenting yourself in such a role violates their trust, can lead to some serious financial harm, and this clearly oversteps ethical and legal boundaries.

Imposter syndrome exists and oddly enough, constantly faking a particular lifestyle can deepen imposter syndrome and if you never feel like you have made it even after achieving success, you might start to believe your wins aren't real and the performance and show becomes something you can no longer separate yourself from so you are left feeling lost, empty and confused forgetting who you really are.

People do not say it enough or at all but faking it can be mentally and emotionally exhausting and pretending to be someone you are not can take a huge toll on your unique essence as a human. This can eventually lead to burnouts, anxiety and eventually a deep sense of disconnection from the world and those around you who truly love you for who you are.

SO, IS IT A MYTH OR FACT?

  So, here is the truth. The phrase, fake it till you make it, isn't entirely a myth but it is definitely not a universal fact either.

This phrase only works if;

• You are using it to project confidence, and not pretend competence.

• You are willing to put in the work and time to “make it for real.

• You understand that it is a temporary mindset, and not a permanent one.

But this becomes a myth when;

• You use it to cover up dishonesty and your lack of skill,

• You do not back it up with actual learning, improvement and  growth, and 

• You become so reliant on it that you no longer feel capable and comfortable in your true self.

Now what are the alternatives to fake it till you make it.

Here are some more productive and fresh phrases to motivate you in this fast-paced world of ours.

Act like a learner, not a faker

There is nothing wrong with wanting to learn something new, so do not be afraid to embrace new paths but show enthusiasm and growth mindset.

Step up before you feel ready and practice till it feels real..

This acknowledges the effort without the illusion so be confident, take that bold step and watch the horizon broaden before your eyes.

In conclusion, 'fake it till you make it' can be a possible gateway to transformation, and just a little trick to push you into action but you should never let yourself fall so deep into the illusion and replace your honesty, and authenticity. 

You can definitely show up uncertain and still be brave, you can admit you are new and still be impressive.

Because maybe we need less faking and more faith in our true potential since the goal isn't to pretend forever.