Fake It Till You Make It: When To Use It, and When Not To

Last updated on February 24th, 2025 at 06:32 pm

Does “Fake It Till You Make It” really work? It can boost confidence, but it also has risks. Discover when to use it, and when it can backfire.

Most times, it’s easier said than done and can hurt where it is meant to help, especially when you have integrity to protect or competence to prove.

Though this cliché can help people step into the unknown, and take risks when they are not prepared or know what the situation holds, the result can go either way.

We have detailed the pros and cons of “Fake it Till You Make it” – situations where it can be effective, strategies for using it effectively, and real-life examples of successful individuals who have used this approach.

Fake it till you make it meaning

You’ve probably heard the phrase “fake it till you make it.” But what does it really mean?

It’s not about pretending to be someone you’re not, it’s about stepping into a role before you fully grow into it.

When you act with confidence, even before you feel it, you create opportunities to develop real skills and self-belief.

This idea comes from psychology, particularly the self-fulfilling prophecy, when you believe in your potential, your actions start aligning with that belief.

Over time, you gain the experience and competence needed to back it up.

Also, the idea behind this approach is to project a sense of confidence and competence, even if you don’t feel it inside.

By acting confidently and capably, even when you may not feel that way, you can begin to change your internal mindset and beliefs about yourself.

This can help to push past self-doubt, fear, and insecurity, and allow you to take risks, try new things, and ultimately achieve success.

The strategy can be useful in situations such as job interviews, public speaking, and starting a new business, where projecting confidence and competence is important, even if you don’t feel fully prepared.

However, it is important to use this approach effectively and not allow it to lead to dishonesty or deception.

It is also essential to be true to your values and ethics while using this approach.

Related: Insatiable Curiosity: Unleashing Your Inner Explorer

How to Fake It Till You Make It the Right Way

“Fake it till you make it” works when used as a tool for growth, not deception. It’s about stepping into confidence while actively improving your skills. Here’s how to do it the right way.

Adopt a Growth Mindset

You don’t need to have everything figured out, you just need to be willing to learn. See every challenge as a chance to improve. The more you embrace the process, the faster you’ll develop real confidence.

Believe in Yourself (Even If It Feels Forced at First)

Confidence isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about trusting that you can figure things out.

Start with daily affirmations, simple statements like “I am capable” or “I bring value.” Repeating them helps shift your mindset and makes self-doubt quieter over time.

Use Body Language to Match Your Mindset

How you carry yourself affects how others see you—and how you feel about yourself. Try this:

  • Stand tall with your shoulders back.
  • Make eye contact when speaking.
  • Use open gestures instead of crossing your arms.

These small adjustments send a message of confidence, even when you’re still working on feeling it.

Develop the Skills That Back Up Your Confidence

Confidence without ability falls apart quickly. Invest in learning—whether it’s through courses, books, or hands-on experience. The more knowledge and practice you gain, the less you’ll have to “fake” anything.

Surround Yourself with People Who Inspire You

Spend time with people who embody the qualities you want to develop. Observe how they handle challenges, communicate, and carry themselves. If possible, find a mentor who can guide you. Learning from others speeds up your progress and keeps you motivated.

Take Action Consistently

Confidence grows with action. The more you put yourself in situations that stretch your abilities, the faster you’ll build real self-assurance. Push past hesitation, trust the process, and keep moving forward.

With time, what started as “faking it” will become real.

Related: Life Lessons You Shouldn’t Ignore

Benefits of Fake it Till You Make it

It is popular because it is a simple and effective strategy for building self-confidence and achieving success.

Many people struggle with self-doubt, fear, and insecurity, which can hold them back from taking risks and pursuing their goals.

Here are ways it is beneficial:

  • Builds Confidence: Acting confident, even when you don’t feel it, helps you develop real self-assurance over time. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
  • Creates Opportunities: People are more likely to trust and invest in you when you present yourself as capable. This can open doors in careers, relationships, and personal growth.
  • Helps Overcome Fear: Stepping into a role before you feel ready pushes you past hesitation and self-doubt, making challenges feel less intimidating.
  • Encourages Skill Development: When you act like you belong in a certain space, you’re more likely to put in the effort to improve and match the role you’re portraying.
  • Strengthens Mindset: By believing in your potential and taking action, you reinforce a success-oriented mindset, making it easier to turn aspirations into reality.

The Drawbacks of Fake it Till You Make it

While “fake it till you make it” can boost confidence and encourage personal growth, it has its downsides. Misusing this mindset can lead to unrealistic expectations, stress, and even damage to your credibility. Here are the key drawbacks:

  • Risk of Imposter Syndrome: Pretending to be more skilled or knowledgeable than you are can backfire. Over time, you might start feeling like a fraud, even when you’ve gained real experience. This self-doubt can make success feel unearned and increase anxiety instead of confidence.
  • Short-Term Confidence, Long-Term Pressure: Acting confident can help in the moment, but if you don’t back it up with real skills, you’ll constantly feel pressured to maintain a false image. The longer you fake expertise without improving, the more stressful it becomes.
  • Possible Loss of Credibility: If people discover that you exaggerated your abilities, it can hurt your reputation. Employers, clients, or peers may lose trust in you, making it harder to build genuine relationships or advance in your career.
  • Encourages Superficial Growth: Relying too much on appearances rather than actual progress can make you focus on looking successful rather than becoming skilled. This can slow real growth and leave gaps in your knowledge or abilities.
  • Can Lead to Poor Decisions: Overconfidence from “faking it” may cause you to take on tasks or roles you’re not ready for. Without the necessary skills, you might make costly mistakes, harm a project, or put yourself in a situation where failure is more likely.

Also Read: 7 Strategies For Building Competence And Skills In Your Industry

Situations where “Fake It Till You Make It” Can Be Effective

Faking it till you make it can be effective in the following situations:

1. Public Speaking: Look Confident, Speak with Impact

Public speaking can feel intimidating, but projecting confidence helps you push past nerves.

Stand tall, make eye contact, and speak with a steady voice—even if you’re nervous inside. The more you do it, the more natural it feels. Just remember, confidence works best when backed by preparation and practice.

2. Job Interviews: Sell Yourself Without Overselling

Interviews aren’t about pretending to be someone you’re not. Instead of exaggerating skills, highlight your strengths and show a willingness to learn.

Speak with confidence, but stay honest about what you bring to the table. Employers value authenticity, adaptability, and a positive attitude.

3. Starting a Business: Act Like an Entrepreneur Before You Are One

Running a business requires confidence, even when you’re just getting started. Here’s how “fake it till you make it” can help:

  • Build Credibility – Investors, customers, and partners trust someone who speaks with authority. Believe in your idea, and others will too.
  • Create a Strong Brand – A confident presence attracts attention. Position yourself as an expert and establish a reputation in your industry.
  • Network with Confidence – Approach people as if you belong in the room. Connections come easier when you carry yourself like a professional.
  • Push Through Challenges – Business comes with setbacks. Facing obstacles with resilience shows leadership and keeps momentum going.

4. Trying New Things: Step in Before You Feel Ready

New experiences come with uncertainty, but confidence makes them easier.

  • Move Past Fears: Act as if you belong, and nerves won’t hold you back.
  • Boost Self-Belief: The more you step up, the more you trust your abilities.
  • Learn Faster: A confident mindset keeps you open to risks and mistakes—both essential for growth.

When ‘Fake It Till You Make It’ Fails

“Fake it till you make it” can boost confidence, but it doesn’t always lead to success. In some cases, it can create unnecessary stress, harm your credibility, or even set you up for failure. Here’s when this mindset doesn’t work and why.

1. When It Triggers Imposter Syndrome

Pretending to be more skilled than you are can make you doubt your own progress. Instead of gaining real confidence, you might feel like a fraud, constantly fearing exposure. This can lead to anxiety and prevent you from truly believing in your abilities.

2. When It Crosses Ethical Boundaries

Claiming expertise or qualifications you don’t have can lead to serious consequences. Misleading colleagues, employers, or clients can damage trust. If you’re caught exaggerating skills or experience, it can hurt your professional reputation and future opportunities.

3. When It Results in Poor Performance

Confidence can only take you so far. If you step into a role without the necessary skills and don’t actively work to improve, mistakes become inevitable. This can affect not just you, but also your team, clients, or business.

4. When It Prevents Real Growth

Relying too much on appearances can make you focus on looking competent instead of actually improving. Without learning and practice, you’re just delaying the moment when you’ll need real skills to back up your confidence.

5. When It Damages Authentic Relationships

People connect with honesty. If you’re always pretending, your relationships—whether personal or professional—can feel superficial. Authenticity builds trust, while too much faking can make it hard for others to see the real you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Fake it till you make it” mean?

Pretend to have confidence or skills until you genuinely develop them, using mindset shifts and actions to grow into the role.

Is it a good idea to fake it till you make it?

It can build confidence but may harm your reputation if you overpromise or lack the necessary skills to follow through.

When should you use “Fake it till you make it”?

Use it to push past fear or self-doubt, but avoid misrepresenting skills in situations requiring real expertise.

How do you avoid negative consequences from “Fake it till you make it”?

Stay honest about your abilities, keep learning, seek guidance, and ensure actions align with actual skill development.

Conclusion

“Fake It Till You Make It” can help you step outside your comfort zone, but relying too much on pretense can backfire.

Misrepresenting your skills may lead to trust issues, career setbacks, or damaged relationships.

Confidence must be backed by real growth, honest learning, skill development, and genuine connections. Instead of faking expertise, embrace the learning process while maintaining credibility.

Success comes not from pretending to be someone you’re not but from becoming who you aim to be. Use confidence as a tool, not a mask, and let authenticity guide your journey.

REFERENCES:

Fake it till you make it: How to use what you don’t know to grow

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Pious Clements is the insightful voice behind "The Conducts of Life" blog, where he writes about life ethics, self-development, life mastery, and the dynamics of people and society.

With a profound understanding of human behaviuor and societal dynamics, Pious offers thought-provoking perspectives on ethical living and personal growth.
Through engaging narratives and astute observations, he inspires readers to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and integrity, encouraging a deeper understanding of the human experience and our place within society.

THE CONDUCTS OF LIFE