The Psychology of “Fake it Till you Make it”

How many times have you heard someone say, “Just fake it till you make it”? The expression has been bandied about in boardrooms, social circles, and self-help books as an easy means to boost confidence and improve performance. But why does that approach seem to work, and what does science have to say about it? As they say, “Fake it till you make it.” It is not just a putting on of an act, but rather a practice that allows people to assume new habits, overcome self-doubt, and build self-confidence. This paper outlines some psychological underpinnings of this attitude and surveys how faking certain kinds of traits or behaviours can eventually result in real changes. 

“Fake it till you make it” is a set of behaviours or attitudes adopted in which one feels they are not immediately confident, but over time, these practices become second nature. It’s the idea that acting like something about which one intends to gain mastery over time will enhance one’s qualities. 

For instance, a shy speaker may “act” confident while speaking in public- she stands tall, makes eye contact, and has a loud voice. This “posing” can eventually lead to actual confidence; at times, she does not have to pretend any longer. This application is based on psychological theories that link behaviour and self-perception, reinforcing how actions may affect feelings and identity. 

How Self-Perception Theory Supports “Fake It Till You Make It” 

Self-perception theory was first advanced in 1972 by psychologist Daryl Bem. This perspective affords a basis for how “faking it” can prove effective. Bem posited that people form attitudes and feelings by observing what they are doing and then making internal attributions to themselves. He held that much of what we know about ourselves is learned just as we learn about other people— namely, by seeing what they do if you will. 

When people act confidently or assertively, even though they aren’t confident, they begin to interpret their behaviour in terms of a confident person. So the positive self-beliefs are entrenched and self-perception slowly changes. “Faking” confidence brings about the experience of being confident, so it is people’s feelings that become consistent with their behaviours (Bem, 1972). 

Cognitive Dissonance and Behavioral Change 

The concept of cognitive dissonance is also a part of “fake it till you make it.” Cognitive dissonance has to do with the psychological discomfort caused by dissonance between one’s behaviour and their beliefs (Festinger, 1957). When a person is acting confidently but feels insecure, this sets up the condition for dissonance. In an attempt to eliminate the discomfort from dissonance, they may begin adjusting their internal beliefs toward the behaviour.

Research on cognitive dissonance has shown that people typically attempt to change their attitude to fit in with their behaviour when they demonstrate actions contrary to what they believe (Cooper, 2007). Hence, feigning confidence or positivity would likely result in an actual alteration of one’s state over a period. This is not instantaneous due to psychological and physical work toward reducing the dissonance between action and self-concept. 

Read More: Cognitive Dissonance Theory by Leon Festinger

The Power of Role Models and Social Comparison 

The social comparison theory, advanced by psychologist Leon Festinger, indicated in 1954 that the development of a conception of one’s own social and personal worth is achieved through comparisons made with others. Perhaps the more one “feigns” qualities they admire in others, the more likely one is to begin adopting attitudes and behaviour similar to those of others. This process of modelling oneself after others can serve to enhance motivation and allow individuals to see themselves in a new light. 

Studies have demonstrated that people develop and improve their self-efficacy through the observation and imitation of some role models (Bandura, 1986). Role models are the source where people often operate “as if” they possess certain qualities. It may be easier, based on imitation of positive properties, for people to get hold of them for themselves. In such a way, the role models evoke identity and capability.

Read More: The Psychology Behind Choosing Your Role Models

The Placebo Effect of Personal Development 

Interestingly, this “fake it till you make it” approach reminds one of the placebo effect, wherein an individual benefits from a treatment that has no active therapeutic properties simply because they believe that it should work. Believe in personal development that acting a certain way improves confidence or skills. 

A study by Crum and Langer (2007) illustrated how people who were informed that their daily activities constituted effective exercise showed more substantial health enhancements than those not made aware of the same, though the latter performed the same activities. Similarly, individuals entering a situation with the belief that “acting confident” makes people confident might indeed undergo this transformation as a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

Risks and Limitations

Now, the “Fake It Till You Make It” approach is something that bears many risks and limitations. 

Fake it till you make it” actually works sometimes; it is far from a magic bullet, though. Faking behaviours and attitudes can result in “imposter syndrome,” a phenomenon whereby individuals believe that they are not as competent as others perceive them to be and are afraid of being discovered as a “fraud” (Clance & Imes, 1978). This inauthenticity can bring on feelings of stress and anxiety when the person cannot internalize his success. 

Another is burnout. For those people who have to pretend a lot of the time, it can be very exhausting, when others cannot take time out to be authentic. There needs to be organic self-growth, rather than “faking,” for long-term well-being to happen (Brown, 2012). 

Read More: Psychology Behind Growth Mindset

Using “Fake It Till You Make It” Wisely: How-To Tips

1. Small Steps First: Begin by pretending to have manageable behaviours. You want to be a more confident individual. The smallest acts of confidence, such as holding eye contact or voicing opinions in the meeting, can be practised. 
2. Clear Goals: Identify the specific behaviours you wish to adopt and the quantities they represent. This will give you an idea of what you are working for and lend purpose to your actions. 
3. Reflective Changes: Not all changes are easy to notice. Reflect on changes in one’s confidence, skills, and behaviour. You can, therefore, recognize growth through journaling to help you reinforce the feeling of change. 
4. Authenticity and Growth: Do not let the zest in your desire for growth eclipse your authenticity. Always remember that growth will come, but it is very gradual indeed. 
5. Seek Support: If you are working on acquiring some of the desired qualities, then you can surround yourself with supportive friends, mentors, or role models who can encourage and guide you. 

Conclusion 

“Fake it until you make it” is more than a pop phrase; it is a psychological tactic supported by self-perception research, research in cognitive dissonance, and research in social modelling. Acting your way into your ideal self can change your beliefs and build your confidence. But still, a balance has to be kept in this strategy to forget authenticity and pace oneself so as not to burn out or get a case of imposter syndrome. When applied thoughtfully, “faking” confidence or some other desirable trait can serve as a premise for just happening and becoming real, lasting change.