How to Effectively Embrace "Fake It Till You Make It"
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Concept
When it comes to self-improvement phrases popular among sales leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, and life coaches, the expression "fake it till you make it" stands out as particularly risky. While the phrase itself isn't harmful, many struggle to implement it effectively. It's essential to recognize that this concept isn't foolish; instead, it's often misused.
Think of it like wielding a samurai sword or riding a motorcycle. Both are powerful tools—one can slice through obstacles with ease, while the other can accelerate faster than most vehicles. However, attempting to pretend you know how to use either without proper training can lead to disastrous consequences.
Section 1.1: Avoiding Misconceptions
Be cautious of the overly confident sales manager urging you to "fake it till you make it." If you follow the misguided path of trading your hard-earned money for luxury items like designer watches or flashy cars, you may find yourself in financial turmoil long before achieving any real success. Remember, accumulating debt does not inherently attract wealth.
What does it really mean?
It's closer to the advice that successful individuals often give: "Act like a success, and you will become one." The key here is in the word "act." By emulating the behaviors of successful people, you can gradually attain some of the success they enjoy.
Section 1.2: The Role of Mindset
To truly grasp the essence of this mindset, think of the legendary blues musician Freddie King. In one of his songs, he emphasizes the importance of friendship for survival—an analogy that applies to success as well.
Engaging in "fake it till you make it" is essentially a mental exercise. Your brain is your most valuable ally in this endeavor. While many people struggle to connect with their own minds, there are individuals like Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who understand how the brain operates, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who effectively harnesses his mental power for success.
Your brain thrives on play and imagination. By embracing the concept of make-believe, you can significantly boost your motivation and capabilities in various endeavors. Let me illustrate this with a personal experience.
Chapter 2: A Personal Journey
For a long time, I dreaded making cold calls to grow my business. I knew it was essential; those who reach out tend to succeed. Yet, I struggled to push myself past the fifth or sixth call. The root of my reluctance became clear when I recognized the negative associations my mind had with cold calling (for more on this, see my article "GET MOTIVATED!"). My brain associated phone calls with discomfort, making success seem impossible.
But my mind enjoys play, so I decided to turn the situation into a game: "Fake It Till You Make It!" It resembled the imaginative games of my childhood—pretending to be a superhero or a rock star—with a structured twist and one rule: it had to be fun. If it ceased to be enjoyable, my brain would resist.
With my contact list in front of me, I picked up the phone and acted out making calls, envisioning positive conversations and securing follow-up appointments. My delivery was exaggerated, my tone lively, and I celebrated after each imaginary call as if I were a character straight out of a movie. It was absurd, yet exhilarating. My brain loved it, and that's crucial because it craves enjoyable experiences.
The following day, I made real calls and succeeded. It was a revelation—just half an hour of playful imagination had transformed my approach. For years, I had attempted to compel myself through logic and self-talk without success, but a brief period of fun prepared me to tackle the phone with confidence.
You can replicate this method. If there's a task you must undertake but find daunting, transform it into a game. Make it enjoyable, humorous, and dramatic. When you genuinely embrace the "fake it" aspect, your brain will align with your goals, leading to the outcomes you desire.
So, what about Schwarzenegger and Bandler?
Arnold Schwarzenegger's name is synonymous with success across multiple domains. Anyone familiar with his work knows he is a staunch advocate for visualization. He possesses an extraordinary ability to envision his aspirations—whether winning the Mr. Olympia title, becoming a renowned action star, or serving as California's Governor.
Visualization is a form of make-believe, utilizing your imagination to engage your brain's incredible potential. Once your mind is on board, your motivation, actions, and overall success trajectory tend to align favorably.
Richard Bandler and John Grinder, pioneers of NLP, provide insights into why effective visualization is so potent. When you can visualize your goals in a pleasurable manner, your brain is inclined to help turn them into reality. For more on leveraging NLP and aligning your mind with your objectives, check out the numerous resources authored by Bandler and Grinder.