Confidence Is Key: Why "Fake It Till You Make It" Works

Believing in yourself can unlock success. Learn how adopting a "fake it till you make it" mindset builds confidence, resilience, and real-world skills.

This article was originally published in 2014, and has been updated in 2025.

The phrase "Fake it till you make it" is one of those ubiquitous sayings that we’ve all heard at some point. And for good reason—it holds a surprising amount of truth. At its core, this philosophy encourages us to act as though we already possess the qualities or success we aspire to achieve, even if we don’t quite feel ready. For many, this idea can feel uncomfortable or even disingenuous at first. After all, if we truly had “it,” there wouldn’t be anything to fake. But therein lies the power: by stepping into the role we want, even before we’re fully prepared, we create opportunities to grow into that version of ourselves.

The Power of Positive Thinking

At the heart of "faking it" is a shift in mindset—choosing to believe in your ability to succeed, even when doubts creep in. This approach forces us to think positively about ourselves and our circumstances. When you walk into a sales pitch, for example, you need to believe that the client wants to say yes and that you’re capable of delivering exactly what they need. Similarly, in social situations like introducing yourself to someone new or even asking someone out, believing that the other person wants to connect with you changes the energy you bring into the interaction.

The same principle applies in professional settings like job interviews. The interviewer is actively looking for someone to hire—they want you to succeed. When you approach these moments with confidence and positivity, you set the stage for a self-fulfilling prophecy: thinking you can win increases your chances of actually winning.

On the flip side, negative thinking can sabotage us before we even start. When we expect rejection or failure, our actions often reflect that belief—hesitation, insecurity, or lack of preparation—and those behaviors can lead directly to the outcomes we fear most. But when we think positively, our actions align with success: we prepare better, engage more confidently, and seize opportunities with enthusiasm.

The Science Behind Confidence Loops

This phenomenon isn’t just wishful thinking; it’s rooted in psychology. Positive thinking creates what’s known as a positive feedback loop. When you act confidently and achieve small wins, those successes reinforce your belief in yourself. That belief fuels further confident actions, leading to more wins—a cycle of growth and reinforcement.

For example, imagine someone who’s terrified of public speaking but decides to “fake” confidence during a presentation. By projecting assurance—even if they don’t feel it internally—they’re more likely to engage their audience effectively. Positive reactions from the audience then boost their confidence for future presentations. Over time, what started as “faking it” becomes genuine skill and self-assurance.

Overcoming Fear: The Biggest Obstacle

So why don’t more people embrace this mindset? One word: fear. Fear of failure, rejection, or embarrassment often holds us back from stepping outside our comfort zones. Public speaking is a classic example—many people are so afraid of making mistakes that they avoid it altogether. Yet even seasoned speakers started somewhere; they weren’t born with perfect delivery skills but developed them through practice (and likely some awkward early attempts).

A helpful way to combat fear is reframing how we view others. That intimidating executive across the table? They were once an entry-level employee learning on the job too. The most confident person in the room didn’t start out that way—they earned their presence through trial and error. Remembering this can help level the playing field in your mind and make “faking it” feel less daunting.

Why Faking It Builds Real Skills

One reason this approach works so well is that it forces us to stretch beyond our current abilities. When you act as though you already have a skill or quality—whether it’s confidence, expertise, or leadership—you naturally start practicing behaviors aligned with that trait. Over time, these behaviors become habits.

Think of it like building muscle at the gym: at first, lifting weights feels unnatural and difficult because your body isn’t used to it yet. But as you keep showing up and pushing yourself, those muscles grow stronger—and what once felt impossible becomes second nature.

For instance, let’s say you’re not naturally outgoing but want to improve your networking skills. By “faking” confidence at events—introducing yourself with a smile and engaging in conversations—you’re training your social muscles. Each interaction makes the next one easier until eventually, networking feels like second nature.

Embracing Failure as Part of Growth

Of course, faking it doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing every time. You might stumble during a presentation or get turned down after pitching an idea—but that’s okay. Every misstep is an opportunity to learn and improve for next time.

The key is understanding that failure isn’t final; it’s part of the process. Even if things don’t go perfectly today, there’s always tomorrow—and each attempt brings you closer to mastering whatever “it” is for you.

Final Thoughts

“Fake it till you make it” isn’t about being dishonest or pretending to be something you’re not—it’s about believing in your potential before anyone else does and taking bold steps toward becoming the person you want to be. By embracing positive thinking, overcoming fear, and practicing new skills with intention, you’ll find that what starts as “faking” eventually becomes authentic confidence and capability.

So take a chance on yourself—because even if today doesn’t go perfectly, tomorrow holds endless possibilities for growth and success!