Fake it Till You Make it? (Part 1 of 4)

Introduction

This article is the first in a series of four, where I explore the concept of "fake it till you make it" and its application in different areas of life. In this first part, I will discuss how the idea of convincing yourself about possibilities that you can achieve—or about things you need to believe that are not yet a reality—can help in creating a mindset for growth. The focus here is on how faking it till you make it relates to building the mindset you desire. Throughout this series, I will explore different contexts where this approach might apply and how it may be beneficial or harmful depending on the situation.

The Role of Mindset

A critical aspect of "fake it till you make it" is the mindset shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. Many people start with a fixed mindset, believing their abilities and qualities are static. Over time, exposure to new ideas—whether through books or other forms of learning—can create an awareness of the benefits of a growth mindset, which emphasises learning, adaptability, and self-improvement.

However, simply becoming aware isn’t enough. The first step in moving towards a growth mindset is having the inner desire for change. You need to genuinely want to make that shift. Once that desire is in place, "faking it" can come into play. You begin by adopting behaviours and attitudes that are associated with a growth mindset, even though they may feel unnatural at first. You may know that these behaviours are essential for progress, but they don’t come naturally to you at the outset. Over time, as you persist, you begin to connect with these behaviours. Eventually, they stop feeling forced and start becoming a part of who you are. This transition—from "faking it" to genuinely "making it"—is key when trying to shift your mindset from fixed to growth-oriented. In this context, "faking it till you make it" can be seen as a means to cultivate a mindset that supports continuous improvement.

Adapting New Techniques

The principle of "faking it till you make it" doesn’t only apply to mindset—it can also be relevant when adapting new techniques or skills. Consider my experience while preparing for a half marathon. My natural running style involved landing on the front part of my foot, with the heel coming down afterwards. A fellow runner observed this and advised me that such a style could cause knee damage in the short term. He recommended that I switch to landing on my heel first and then let the front part of my foot come down.

This new technique felt unnatural to me. My body was accustomed to running in a particular way, and suddenly adopting a different technique required conscious effort. However, I knew that with practice, this new technique would eventually feel more natural and would benefit me in the long run. This experience illustrates how sometimes, you need to "fake it" by practising a new technique that doesn’t initially feel right, knowing that it will lead to better outcomes later. Whether it’s running or making a mental shift, "faking it till you make it" could be seen as a tool for transitioning from familiar but potentially harmful habits to those that might be better for long-term well-being.

Staying True to Yourself

However, it’s important to recognise that not every technique or mindset will resonate with you, and not every change is necessary. Just because someone more experienced advises you to change doesn’t mean you should blindly follow that advice. Let’s take a hypothetical example of Virender Sehwag, the unorthodox cricketer known for his aggressive, hard-hitting style of play. Imagine if someone like Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest cricketers of all time, came to Sehwag and told him, “This is not how you should play. You should play in this manner.”

While Tendulkar’s advice would undoubtedly be valuable, Sehwag might not connect with it. His unique style is what gives him his identity as a player. If Sehwag were to change his technique just because someone senior advised him to, it might not suit his natural abilities and strengths. This suggests that before adopting a new mindset or technique, it’s important to think critically about whether it aligns with your identity and goals. If the change doesn’t feel right to you, then "faking it" may not be the best approach. Connecting with the purpose behind the change could be essential before attempting to force it into your life.

Understanding Real vs. Fake Positivity

Another important dimension of this discussion involves recognising the difference between real and fake positivity. I came across a TED talk that explored the power of mindset and how "faking it till you make it" can impact the brain’s chemistry, particularly through the hormones dopamine and cortisol. Dopamine is the hormone that gives you a sense of happiness and confidence, while cortisol is associated with stress.

Dopamine can be incredibly beneficial when it’s genuine. Real dopamine, generated through meaningful actions and achievements, helps to build lasting confidence and positivity. However, I like to put it this way that there is also such a thing as fake dopamine, which can be created by activities like mindlessly scrolling through videos. While this might give you a temporary feeling of happiness, it’s superficial and doesn’t contribute to long-term growth or satisfaction.

It’s crucial to consider whether your positive feelings are real or fake. Are they coming from actions that are leading you towards genuine growth? Or are they distractions that create the illusion of progress? Recognising this difference might help in deciding when "faking it" is actually beneficial for moving forward and when it could lead to a false sense of security that might ultimately hinder development.

Turning Belief into Reality

Once you have an understanding of these factors, you can start to explore how "faking it till you make it" could be a useful tool for building a positive mindset—provided you stay within ethical boundaries and remain aware of what’s real and what’s not. While lying in general is not recommended, believing in something positive that isn’t yet a reality—though technically a form of lying to yourself—might help propel you towards success.

If the belief is positive, forward-looking, and helps you reach new heights, it could be something worth considering. This belief, even if not yet true, could turn into reality with time and effort. The key might be to remain grounded in your values and ensure that your belief, even if it's initially a form of "faking it," pushes you towards real growth and well-being.

Perspective

In this first part of the series, I have explored how "fake it till you make it" could apply to building a growth mindset, adapting new techniques, and understanding the difference between real and fake positivity. I’ve analysed how "faking it" might promote genuine progress when it aligns with your values and goals. However, it’s important to note that this approach could be considered as long as it is individual and does not involve others. The moment it includes anybody other than yourself, the same advice—while perhaps useful for a growth mindset or personal positivity—may not apply in the same way. Once others are involved, the dynamics change, and the approach of "faking it till you make it" requires careful consideration, as its impact could extend beyond your own development.

In the upcoming parts of this series, I will continue to examine "fake it till you make it” in other areas of life. I aim to analyse how this concept could be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the context, and help you consider when it might be appropriate to use this strategy for success. Stay tuned for more insights as I continue to explore this concept in different dimensions of life.