Embracing Confidence: The Power of 'Fake It Till You Make It' by Karen Vaile
But what if you don't feel you have confidence?
When I embarked on my journey to sobriety within Alcoholics Anonymous, I was introduced to a profound piece of advice that left an indelible mark on my life: 'fake it till you make it.' This wisdom urged me to emulate those who had successfully navigated the path to long-term sobriety and adopt their actions and mindset. Embracing this concept meant believing in myself, acting as if I had already achieved my goals, and fearlessly stepping into the person I aspired to become. Little did I know that by embodying this philosophy, my life would undergo a remarkable transformation, opening new horizons and offering a renewed sense of purpose and hope.
The philosophy behind "fake it till you make it" is based on the idea that our thoughts, behaviours, and actions are interconnected. By consciously adopting the mindset and behaviours of the person we aspire to become, we can create real and positive changes in our lives. The term "fake it" refers to the act of behaving as if we already possess the qualities or skills we desire, even if we haven't fully developed them yet.
At first glance, some people might perceive this approach as deceptive or insincere because it involves acting as if we are something we're not. However, the true essence of this philosophy lies in its ability to bring about positive transformation within us. The success is in bridging the gap between where we are and where we want to be. By thinking and acting as if we've already achieved our desired outcome, we harness the power of the mind to shape our reality and propel ourselves toward success.
Here are some practical strategies we can apply today to bridge that gap from here to there:
- Self-Image: "Fake it till you make it" emphasizes the importance of a positive self-image. By envisioning ourselves as capable, confident, and successful individuals, we start to build a strong belief in our own potential.
- Mindset Shift: Adopting the mindset of the person we want to become can influence our thoughts and beliefs. When we consistently think and affirm that we possess the qualities we desire, our subconscious mind begins to accept this as our new reality.
- Behavioural Change: As we "fake" the behaviours associated with the person we aim to be, we develop new habits and ways of interacting with the world. Over time, these behaviours become more natural and ingrained in our personality.
- Increased Confidence: As we see positive outcomes from our changed behaviour and mindset, our confidence grows. This, in turn, motivates us to take further steps toward achieving our goals.
- Positive Feedback Loop: The more we "fake it" and experience positive results, the more motivated and committed we become to continue our path of personal development. This creates a self-reinforcing feedback loop of improvement.
- Authentic Transformation: What may start as "faking" eventually leads to genuine personal growth. As we persist in embodying the traits we aspire to, they become a natural part of our identity.
It's essential to note that "fake it till you make it" does not suggest dishonesty or pretending to be someone you are not in the long term. Instead, it's a method to kickstart personal growth and create a positive shift in our lives. As we continually work on ourselves and gain real experiences and skills, the "fake" aspect diminishes, leaving behind a genuinely improved and confident version of ourselves.
In essence, understanding the philosophy behind "fake it till you make it" or "believe it to achieve it" helps us recognize that it is not about deception but rather a powerful tool for building self-confidence, changing behaviours, and unlocking our full potential for personal development and success. Remember, confidence is within your reach, waiting for you to embrace it and embody it boldly.
Karen Vaile is a Confidence Life Coach and Founder of Karen’s Coaching Korner.
She helps businesswomen create the confidence they need to take the bold action necessary to achieve all their personal and professional goals.
Karen's mission is centred on transforming uncertainty, self-doubt and apprehension into assertiveness and decisive ambition. Through her 1:1 coaching program “Create Your Confidence” she tailors her approach to each client's unique needs helping each one to reach her fullest potential, attain her goals, embrace boldness and embody confidence and grace in every aspect of life. Karen can be reached via DM.
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Karen is happy to be a Happy Healthy Women Toronto, ON Trailblazer.
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