Fake It Till You Make It: The Myth
We've all heard it: "Just fake it till you make it!" It's the go-to advice for anyone feeling uncertain at work or tackling something new. But what if this well-meaning suggestion is actually making things worse? As a training and development specialist, I've seen how this approach can backfire, especially when it comes to building genuine confidence and leadership skills.
Research reveals that the “fake it till you make it” strategy actually deepens feelings of fraudulence, feeding directly into imposter syndrome. When we pretend to be more confident or capable than we feel, we create a crippling internal conflict. This typically amplifies feelings of being an imposter rather than building genuine confidence.
Imposter syndrome and these feelings of inadequacies are more common than you might think, even among the most accomplished professionals. Take, for example, a fascinating study of neurosurgeons (yes, even brain surgeons feel this way!) which paints a remarkable picture. Among 103 neurosurgeons and trainees surveyed, an astonishing 81.6% experienced moderate to intense imposter syndrome. These highly skilled professionals, despite years of rigorous training and demonstrated expertise, felt a deep sense of self-doubt and lived with the fear of being exposed as frauds. Most notably, the study found this approach led to significant burnout, decreased wellbeing, and perhaps most concerning, potentially compromised patient care due to reduced productivity and heightened anxiety.
Let's be honest - there's something fundamentally uncomfortable about pretending to be something we're not. When we put on a façade of false confidence, we're not just fooling others - we're creating a gap between our authentic selves and the person we're pretending to be. This disconnect can make us feel even more like frauds, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety and self-doubt.
The workplace impact is significant. When we're constantly pretending rather than being genuine, we're less likely to ask important questions, seek support, or take calculated risks - all crucial elements for genuine growth and development. It's exhausting to maintain a perfect front, and that energy could be better spent on actual skill development and building real connections.
Here are three more effective ways to build authentic confidence
1. Embrace the Learning Curve
Instead of pretending to know everything, openly acknowledge where you are in your journey. Share your learning goals with colleagues and invite feedback. This vulnerability often builds stronger professional relationships and creates genuine opportunities for growth.
2. Build Your Support Network
Identify a mentor or coach who can guide you through challenging periods. Research shows that 91% of employees with mentors report higher job satisfaction. These relationships provide a safe space to voice concerns and learn from others' experiences.
3. Document Your Progress
Keep a "wins journal" to track your achievements, no matter how small. This evidence-based approach helps combat imposter syndrome by providing concrete proof of your capabilities and growth over time.
And Finally...think about confidence like learning a new language - you wouldn't expect to be fluent immediately, so why expect instant mastery in new professional situations? It's about progress, not perfection, and acknowledging that everyone starts somewhere.
True confidence isn't about pretending - it's about embracing where you are while keeping your eyes on where you want to be. Instead of "fake it till you make it," why not try "face it till you ace it"? Your authentic self is far more compelling than any façade could ever be.
Ready to transform your relationship with confidence? Our Evolved Confidence programme will help you recognise your worth and assert your capabilities with authenticity. Get in touch today to begin your journey to true confidence.
