Fake it till you make it...

The catchphrase “Fake it till you make it” alludes to imitated confidence that produces success which, in turn, generates real confidence. Its purpose is to avoid getting stuck in a self-fulfilling prophecy related to one’s fear of not being confident.‘Self-fulfilling prophecy’ is a term that was coined by sociologist Robert K. Murton and depicts a scenario where the forecast about the result of a circumstance can invoke a new action that leads to the forecast coming true. For example, if you believed that you were going to fail an exam, that belief may lead you to alter the strategies used for preparation and taking the test, and you would probably fail it. While you may have had a good chance to pass, the belief hindered your performance, and you made this belief become reality. Psychological research shows that the self-fulfilling prophecy works for both negative and positive predictions, indicating, again, that the beliefs you hold have an impact on what happens to you.Even medics use ‘placebos’, (a pill or procedure that gives the illusion of treatment but actually provides no physiological effect). In certain areas in rural Africa, patients believe that they cannot be cured unless they are injected. Doctors inject such patients with saline or glucose solutions and guess what…they actually recover. Indeed, it has even been observed in cancer patients who received an empty injection but who, nonetheless, had their cancer go into remission, simply because they believed they were being injected with a new miracle drug. It seems that the expectations associated with a treatment can often be as powerful as the treatment itself. Nonetheless fake-it-till-you-make-it is an oversimplification and generalisation, of Aristotle’s notion that acting virtuous will make one virtuous. At best, it is a recommended therapy technique for combating depression and growing confidence in psychology. In this case, the idea is to go through the routines of life as if one were enjoying them, despite the fact that initially it feels forced, and continue doing this until the happiness becomes real. At worst, it has peddled an instant solution for those striving to succeed in life.Can expectations and role play alone catapult one to the mountain top of success? To this, we need to look at successful individuals in the world. We will examine what they possess that allows them to be so influential. For example; what is it that gives a rock star, a politician, or an athlete the courage to perform in front of thousands, even millions of people, or a business leader the ability to keep churning out product after product that is game-changing but also high risk for his company?For these people to do what they do, they need a strong belief in themselves that allows them to persist in the face of failure and to keep trying, no matter their level of fear. They have an internal drive that tells them that they can succeed, that they have the ability to handle whatever comes their way. They also develop strong networks (social and professional) that enable them to perform at such high levels. Support from family friends and colleagues are crucial in ensuring success.The above qualities involve a candid appreciation and perspective of your ability and putting your performance in perspective. Most of us find it easier remembering failures than successes. To build your confidence, recall the times when you’ve triumphed. Try to recall just one of these moments for each moment of failure that plagues you, and you’ll find yourself much better off. Remember that even when everything else is out of your control, there is one person who should always be on your side: you. If you can depend on yourself, you’ll find that other people can too.Examples from the global financial crisis prove the adage that lies have speed but truth goes the distance. You can fake it and make it up to a point but eventually reality takes over. The success journey is often a marathon. The only way to be rid of fear is to face it.

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Fake it till you make it...