In my view, the fact that appearances can be deceiving is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is that, if one plays it right, appearance can put one in places that they normally would not have been able to be at.
For example, if we're new to a situation, projecting confidence can make us look more competent and experienced. And it could land one an interview for a job they might not have qualified for on paper, or even get one invited to a networking event with industry leaders that are way above their level.
The curse is basically it creates a gap between expectation and reality, which can be hard to bridge in the short to medium term. One creates an image of who they want to be amidst the background of who they really are, with the aim of keeping them separate or eventually merging the two together.
The latter is basically what 'fake it until you make it' is all about. This is an approach where individuals adopt behaviors, mannerisms, and even knowledge associated with success, despite potentially lacking them entirely.
Essentially, I think the reason why or the aim for doing such a thing is to create a positive first impression and use it as a springboard for growth and development.
But, in today's competitive and fast-paced world, it seems this approach has lost its essence, especially with social media constantly highlighting curated success stories and steadily increasing the pressure to stand out.
What's The Issue?
Projecting confidence can unlock initial opportunities, but relying solely on "faking it" becomes problematic in today's context. Even without intentionally solely relying on it, one can get stuck in keeping up with "faking it" that they never actually "make it".
This is because social media's curated perfection has fostered a culture of comparison and competition. Which fuels the pressure to uphold the fabricated image we've created, anxiety and burnout are constant companions as we try to "live up" to an illusion.
Genuine progress is missed when we mostly focus on appearances, as this usually fosters superficial progress. And fails to build the lasting skills and knowledge required for long-term success.
When the gap between projected and actual abilities is exposed, it can damage trust and credibility which are already more fragile than ever in today's digital age. We've come to realize that misinformation spreads like wildfire, and carefully crafted online personas can crumble with a single misstep.
Why waste precious time and energy maintaining a shaky facade when you can invest in building a foundation of authenticity and competence?
For me, these are the biggest issues with faking it until you make it. Not only can one get stuck in the faking part without actually making it but also during the process of faking it, one single mistake can ensure you lose it all and have to start back from scratch without haven't built any strong or genuine foundation.
So, What Gives?
A temporary strategy shouldn't be made a default strategy. Whatever it is that we're trying to build, achieve or become.
Instead of finding ways or shortcuts to indirectly appear successful, the primary plan should always be to develop the skills and experiences that lead to genuine success.
In practice, cultivate authenticity and transparency, and also embrace continuous learning and development. This carries far more impact than any fleeting facade or carefully crafted illusion.
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