“Fake it ‘Til You Make It”
“Fake it “til you make it”, that’s a phrase I have read and heard many times. I have even heard other coaches say that they tell their clients to “just fake it until you make it”.
I understand that it is being used to encourage one to think positively. I do get that it’s sometimes used to support one in believing that they can be and do anything they want in order to have what they want. However, I have to say that I still struggle with the idea of faking it until I make it.
What does “fake it ‘til you make it” really mean?
Does it mean acting like someone I am not, (but wish I was) until I become that someone?
Does it mean that if I want to be a billionaire that I should start acting and living as if I had a billion dollars?
If I am faking it, what happens to the real me? How does faking it support me in being my authentic self?
What about being grateful for who I am and what I currently have? What about getting clear about the things I want in my life – things that are in alignment with who I am, setting realistic goals, and committing to take action? Won’t that support me in continuing to grow as a person? Won’t that enable me to achieve the things I want in my life? Won’t that achieve the same outcome as faking it until I make it?
Hmmmm…enquiring minds would love to know. Any thoughts?
Comments
Lynne said...
I am so glad to see this post I am about to jump up and down in my chair!
I have never understood that phrase, or how anyone could fake it until they make it, or why anyone would want to.
Maybe it's just the fact that I'm a terrible liar and I couldn't fake, to use your example, being a billionaire. All I would have to do is imagine how far I would get going on a billionaire shopping trip and the whole faking it idea would fall flat on its face. Not very encouraging. No, that phrase never resonated with me.
I prefer to put my focus on being grateful, and doing all those things you mentioned in your post...way to go, by the way, Pam.
Instead of faking my success in my business and modeling ventures, I am setting goals and making plans of action. That is what puts me in alignment with my desires. That is energizing and feels real.
Thanks, Pam! Keep the great thoughts coming!
18/09/2007
Pam said...
Lynne, as always, thank you for sharing your thoughts and wonderful insight. I truly appreciate what you said. You keep setting those goals and taking action, my friend. I have no doubt in doing so and by being who you are, you will attract the things you want most.
18/09/2007
JC said...
I think fake it till you make it only works for core personality changes. If you're a shy person and want to become more extroverted, then you can fake that. You will feel fake and weird at first, but as you incorporate traits and mannerisms of a extroverted person, the personality will slowly change to a more extroverted person.
I don't think faking a status can be done. A lot of people fake being successful by buying high status things. But this is harmful because they're putting themselves in debt.
18/09/2007
Pam said...
JC, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and for stopping by! I completely agree that faking status can cause more harm then good.
18/09/2007