Fake It Till You Make It: Confidence, Growth and Finding You.

As a child, I was obsessed with dimples. To me, they were the ultimate symbol of cuteness! One of my older cousins had the most charming pair, and I was determined to have my own. So, when someone told me that sucking in my cheeks daily would help me grow dimples, I dove in with full enthusiasm. Each day, I practiced, imagining the day my dimples would appear.

?While I never got the dimples, I learned an unexpected lesson: the power of acting as though something is possible, even before it’s real; embodying what you desire.?

?“Fake It Till You Make It” - more than just a phrase.

?Years later, in an HR meeting, a Senior HR Leader urged us to embrace this concept as a growth strategy. Not surprisingly, it sparked mixed reactions. Some felt it was empowering, while others were uneasy about the word “fake,” which they associated with inauthenticity and deceit.

?I belonged to that latter group until, with time, I understood that “Fake it till you make it” is not about pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s about stepping into a version of yourself that aligns with who you aspire to be. It’s about projecting confidence to open doors to growth and opportunities—even when doubt threatens to hold you back.

?How to Apply “Fake It Till You Make It”

?Let’s make this real. Here are a few ways you can use this mindset in your professional and personal life:

?1. In Public Speaking

Imagine being asked to lead a presentation when public speaking isn’t your strength. You feel the nerves creeping in, but instead of declining or apologizing, you channel the energy of a poised speaker. You stand tall, make eye contact, and project confidence. Over time, as you repeat this, your nerves fade, and the confidence becomes genuine.

??2. In Leadership Roles

You’ve just been promoted to manage a team, but imposter syndrome creeps in. Instead of doubting yourself, you act like the capable leader you aspire to be—setting clear goals, listening to your team, and seeking mentorship. With each step, you learn, grow, and evolve into that role.

?3. In Networking

Attending an industry event where everyone seems more experienced can feel intimidating. Rather than retreating, you introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in conversations. Even if it initially feels awkward, the practice builds your confidence for future interactions.

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4. Others

Beyond work, whether training for a marathon or learning a new skill, adopting the mindset of someone who has already succeeded can motivate you to push through initial doubts.

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?The Benefits of “Fake It Till You Make It”

• ?Builds Confidence

Acting confident can help you feel confident. The energy you project often inspires others to believe in you, and soon, you start believing in yourself.

• ?Drives Growth

When you step into roles or situations you’re not fully prepared for, you’re forced to grow. You learn by doing and build skills that match your aspirations.

• ?Expands Opportunities

Even when you feel unready, taking that first step can open doors you didn’t think were possible.

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?A Word of Caution

Adopting a "fake it till you make it" mindset isn’t without its risks. To truly succeed, you must practise self-awareness and do the following:

• ?Stay Authentic

Pretend to be confident, but don’t pretend to have skills or knowledge you don’t. Authenticity fosters trust and credibility.

• ?Commit to Learning

Faking it isn’t a destination; it’s a bridge. While projecting confidence, work actively to close the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

• ?Avoid Overpromising

Confidence is compelling, but overpromising on your abilities can damage your reputation. Be honest about your limitations while showing eagerness to learn.

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A Balanced Approach

?The magic of “Fake it till you make it” lies in its ability to help you overcome self-doubt. It’s a strategy to take action while building the real confidence and skills needed to thrive. It’s not about deceiving others; it’s about stepping into growth and trusting the process.

?So, the next time you feel like you’re not ready or good enough, remember: confidence is a muscle, and every time you “fake it,” you’re giving that muscle a workout.

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What’s your experience with “Fake it till you make it”? Have you ever adopted this mindset at work or beyond? How did it shape your experience?

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Share your thoughts and lessons learned in the comments. Let’s spark a conversation about growth, confidence, and becoming the best version of ourselves!

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