Is “Fake it Till you Make it” Bad Advice?
We’ve all been told, “Fake it till you make it,” but what does that actually mean? How do I fake it? And how do I know when I’ve made it?
“Faking it” essentially means stepping into this persona who is exactly who you want to be. That could include being more confident, smarter, “attractive,” etc., whatever the case may be. Faking it till you make it can certainly be an appropriate approach for certain circumstances. It can be an opportunity for growth and learning. By taking on challenges or responsibilities that you may not initially feel fully prepared for, you can learn and develop new skills, gaining genuine confidence in the process. Another example where faking it till you make it can be a stepping stone for natural confidence is during job interviews or public speaking. Talking yourself into it can influence positive outcomes.
On the other hand, “fake it till you make it” can be interpreted in a negative way. In hurtful cases, this approach can be seen as deception. Individuals can start using the phrase to justify unethical behavior or hide their lack of expertise/qualifications, which can be detrimental to any job. A more personal conflict arising from faking it till you make it is dragging you into a state of imposter syndrome. You may feel like you are constantly lying to others and don't deserve your achievements.
There are other ways to gain confidence other than “faking” it:
1. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge and replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and constructive thoughts. Focus on your abilities and potential.
2. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize your physical and mental health. A healthy body and mind provide a strong foundation for confidence.
3. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Reward yourself for your efforts.
4. Stay Persistent: Understand that confidence takes time to develop. Be persistent and patient with yourself as you work toward increased self-esteem.
5. Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Instead of fearing failure, view it as a chance to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong and use it as a stepping stone toward improvement.
Remember, success looks different for everyone. Wear your crown with pride.
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Xitlally Velasco is a University of Nebraska at Omaha journalism student with a concentration in public relations and advertising and a minor in Psychology. Velasco is the Digital Content Curator at Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations. Send your tips and story ideas to office@lozafina.com
