Why You Should Adopt a “Fake it Till You Make It” Attitude
We’ve all heard the phrase “fake it till you make it.” Truthfully, it always sounded like a bunch of BS. But when I started thinking about it and read more into it, I came to realize that it might actually be a key to success. Not buying it? Hear me out.
“Fake it till you make it” can be confused with lying, being manipulative, and overall being full of BS. On the one hand, it’s true that you don’t want to be someone you’re not, and you certainly don’t want to be deceitful. On the other hand, sometimes we all need a little boost of confidence that might come in the form of “faking it.”
It turns out that there is some research out there that backs up the psychology of the “fake it till you make it” mindset. Here are my thoughts:
Why you should “fake it till you make it”
You’ll believe in yourself and be more confident.
The way I see it, it’s all about conveying confidence. I wasn’t comfortable calling myself a blogger for a long time. In fact, there are some days when I still don’t feel like I’ve truly earned the title. I work a full-time job and don’t even dedicate the majority of my day to my blog, so it can be tough to identify myself as a blogger, just a part-time blogger. But then I realized that other people won’t take you seriously unless you do, and if you can’t even believe in yourself, you can’t expect anyone else to. After all, what we think, we become.
It can help in social situations.
Socially, it also helps to “fake it till you make it” – especially for us introverts!! As a blogger, it can be hard attending events alone when you don’t know anyone. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s ok to “fake” being an extrovert in these situations. At work, it can help to fake “it” (confidence) when you’re in meetings or giving a presentation.
You’ll be taken more seriously.
Ever heard the phrase, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have”? There may actually be some truth to that saying. You shouldn’t completely change the way you dress, but it doesn’t hurt to look put together at work or when you’re meeting someone new for the first time. First impressions matter, and oftentimes they last, so why wouldn’t you want to put your best foot forward?
When you should NOT fake it
If you can’t ever be yourself.
If you’re constantly faking it, when are you presenting your true self to the world? Can you truly be honest with yourself?
If you can’t back it up.
As with all things in life, if you want to succeed, you have to be prepared. It doesn’t matter how much you “believe in yourself” or “fake it” – if you don’t do your homework and don’t have the skills to ultimately support your claims, it won’t do you any good.
At the end of the day, the goal is to become the person we are trying to be. There’s a great TED talk on this topic – specifically, the power of our body language in conveying our confidence. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy says: “Fake it till you become it. Do it enough until you actually become it and internalize.”
What are your thoughts on the fake it till you make it attitude?
xx, Amy
I totally agree with you on all points. I think faking it to build up your confidence is a great way to get that boost you need. I too have a tough time calling myself a blogger and always shy away at events, but I think you almost have to develop a persona that you can use to give you the motivation to get out there and meet people. I love this all black look on you and those amazing boots. I always look forward to your meaningful posts Amy! xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Thank you Christine! I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels awkward at these events… ha! Hope to see you soon babe! xx
So true babe!! I totally agree!! It is a good way to get further in live and staying true! Love your look by the way and your hair! Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
Looking cute in black dear
XOXO
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Hi Amy, I will definitely check that TED talk. I am going to an important event in march and definitely have to look confident to sell myself! Have a great Wednesday.
X
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Good luck Miri!!! Lmk what you think of the TED talk! xx
You look amazing! I love this style! Black, of course, will never steer you wrong!
Well done with the good article!
-JarOfSweeets-
http://www.jarofsweeets.com/sweeets/grand-bazaar-collection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTvr7Na0Mzw&t=3s
Wow, what an amazing outfit, amazing combo as well, all perfectly match, I love it. Thank you for sharing, you look fabulous!!!
xxx
http://www.bridesonamission.com
Absolutely love thus and you look soo good <3
Enclothed Cognition
First of all this is such a good post, I really enjoyed reading it. I think its safe to “fake it” especially in social events, like you mentioned but obviously not all the time or we’ll just lose sight of who we are! BTW love this cute outfit!
xx,
Areli’s April
Areli’s April on Bloglovin
Agree 100% Areli! Thanks for reading babe xx
Love this post and couldn’t agree more. Thanks for always creating great content for The Luxi Look fan girls like me. 😉
Always, Jenn!!! Thank you for reading! xx
I totally agree with you babe! It’s definitely necessary at times to adopt the ‘fake it’ attitude, especially when you are a blogger. I find it difficult attending events by myself, but try to ‘fake’ confidence to get out there and meet new people!
x Emily
http://shedoes.com.au
Exactly! Blogger events can be totally intimidating, but it’s very likely no one knows you’re nervous except yourself! xx
Great points made girl.
First off, you look absolutely gorgeous! I love this entire outfit and how you’ve added such interest and detail to your monochrome pairing. As for the fake it ’til you make it mindset, I do agree with you. There have been social instances where I’ve done this and it helped me get over insecurities. Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a wonderful week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Thank you for reading Jalisa and for sharing your own experience! Hope your week has been wonderful as well, almost the weekend! xx
This is such a great post! I totally agree, sometimes we need get out of our comfort zones and pretend that we are extroverts esp when you’re a blogger since we attend so many events! Great tips and u look stunning!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
Thanks V! Would love to hear more about the blogger events in Chicago and what they’re like! Thanks for reading xx
I totally agree with your thoughts on this. I too feel like it can help with your self-confidence, and especially in social situations (I am also an introvert!). I’ll try to apply it more often in such circumstances 🙂
Sabina | I’ve Got Sunshine
Good luck Sabina!! Thank you so much for reading xx
Amazing post and outfit babe! I agree with every thing you’ve said… I definitely think the “fake it till you make it” attitude is such a great approach to life. Thanks so much for sharing babe! <3
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/vanity-fair-young-hollywood-party/
Thanks for reading Jessi!! 🙂 xx
Such an interesting topic and your thoughts on it were really interesting to read through. I agree that sometimes ‘faking it’ can be beneficial, especially when you’re trying to be taken seriously in a situation! Gorgeous outfit by the way, this skirt looks amazing on you!
aglassofice.com
x
Thank you for reading Gabrielle! Glad you enjoyed it : ) xx
looking amazing as always! you make even an all black look feel so interesting and fresh!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
This post is so true and I love your outfit!
http://www.myclusterofthoughts.com/
I love your posts! I would rather appreciate if you could let me know if you could promote any of our products on your blogg!
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looking forward to hear back from you again
The Chloe boots <3. The Gucci bag <3 You are looking amazing!
I see what you mean about faking it till you make it. I think its more about projecting a different aspect of your persona. Just like Beyonce brings out Sasha Fierce when she's performing, Its all about projecting a persona that is confident and slight more over the top than our usual one, without being untrue to who we are.
Fantastic post!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
Yes!! The key is being the best version of ourselves, or who we want to be (but might not be there yet) – without being untrue to ourselves! Which can be tough! Love the Beyonce vs. Sasha Fierce comparison!! I might have to use that next time lol. Thank you for reading Didier! xx
A really interesting idea babe but I totally see where you’re coming from! Especially with the phrase ” dress for the job you want not the job you have”. Even if you aren’t feeling the most comfortable or confident in a given situation, if you appear like you will be a lot better off!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Absolutely, Rina! I had a lot of friends share their stories with me of how they “dressed the part” for a job to appear a certain way, and it actually helped! Turns out looking put together led to their clients taking them more seriously. So that was major inspo for me to get my act together and spend a little more time getting ready in the morning! xx
such a grat idea for a blog post- I completely agree 🙂
http://www.londonstylegirl.com
So stunning darling! This shoes are awesome! Im really in love with!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
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This is absolutely true.
If you want to be a professional, you have to act professional.
And if you want to act professional, you gotta look the part.
Not just to convince your bosses but also to convince yourself.
When I was a freelancer, I was perfectly confident to work from home wearing old sweatpants… but If I dressed up and worked elsewhere, in a cafe or a library, I was far more productive.
For me fashion is also a way to boost self-confidence.
Thank you for sharing your experience and insights babe! I totally agree – I have heard some many stories of people “faking it” by dressing more professionally and “looking” the part – and it leading to success! Fashion really is such an incredible way to boost our confidence. xx
I’m ALLLLL about this. While I don’t think it really sounds like the most inspirational moto, faking it til you make it is great because I find that one day, you wake up, and you’ve made it! And that’s a really cool feeling. A++ post
xx, Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
Haha, right Pia? It sounds really silly, but it might actually work. I’m going to try to apply it myself more too : ) xx
You are so gorgeous! Obsessed with that sweater I need it too 🙂
Aw you are so sweet, Karen! Thank you babe xx
Great thoughts dear, and every point of it is true. Stay confident, but not fake 🙂 Thanks for the post x
Erica
http://www.eggcanvas.me
Ahh thank you SO much Erica!! Means so much to me coming from you xx
wow really love this post 🙂
http://www.londonstylegirl.com
As an introvert this post really speaks to my heart. For the longest time I kept my blog a secret because I also felt like I haven’t truly earned the title of being a “blogger”. But the older I got the more I realized the importance of believing in myself, because like you said, if I don’t believe it, how can I expect others to? I think the fake it until you make it is all about that, and having the confidence to pursue your dreams, while still remaining true to who you are inside. The last thing you want is to portray a fake persona, because the truth always comes out in the end 😉 Thank you for sharing this! <3
Jenny // Geeky Posh
Thank you for reading, Jenny! I’m so happy this resonated with you – the amount of response I got when I wrote the post was tremendous and it made me feel so much better knowing I wasn’t alone. Wishing you and your blog nothing but the best of luck xx
Thank you Amy for sharing this post. If you don’t show that you are confident in yourself and your actions, why should anyone have confidence in you? It’s true to blogging or any job for that matter.
Love the black on black outfit!
http://jamieonthings.com/
So, so true. You’re worth what you think you are. Thanks for your comment babe : ) xx