Why “Acting As If” Works Better Than “Faking It”
Impostor syndrome is a common experience for high achievers, often making you feel like you don’t belong or that you’re not qualified for the success you’ve earned. If you’re a leader or a team member, chances are you’ve experienced this nagging feeling that at any moment, someone will figure out you don’t belong.
You may have heard the phrase “Fake it till you make it,” which suggests projecting the confidence or skills you want to have until you achieve them. The idea is to pretend to be confident or capable, and eventually, that will lead to success. But for those struggling with impostor syndrome, can faking it help, or does it just make you feel worse?
Evidence implies that faking it actually amplifies the feelings of fraudulence for those with impostor syndrome. The anxiety that someone will “call you out” intensifies, making the experience even more debilitating. So, what’s the alternative?
“Acting As If” vs. Faking It
“Acting as if” is a psychological technique often used in therapy, particularly in substance abuse treatment. The idea is simple but powerful: “You can’t feel your way into action, but you can act your way into feeling.” It’s about behaving like you’ve already reached your goals, even if you don’t feel that way yet.
Unlike “faking it,” which involves pretending to have skills or knowledge you don’t possess, “acting as if” is rooted in self-improvement. It’s not about deception but about stepping into the version of yourself you want to become.
The key difference lies in intent. When you’re faking it, you’re trying to deceive others into thinking you know more than you do, which can erode trust and hinder your growth. But when you “act as if,” you behave in ways that align with your aspirations. You are not pretending to be something you’re not. This shift in approach can help you break through the self-doubt that often fuels impostor syndrome.
Why “Acting As If” Works
Feelings often lag behind actions. That’s why “acting as if” can help you overcome impostor syndrome. Even when you don’t feel confident, acting confident can eventually lead to genuine confidence. By consistently demonstrating the behavior you aspire to, you can shift your mindset. You may not feel confident at first, but as you continue to act in line with your aspirations, you’ll begin to feel more competent and capable.
It’s not about pretending to have all the answers or being perfect. It’s about showing up with confidence, even in the face of doubt. As you take action, your self-perception and internal confidence will begin to shift, and the feelings of being a fraud will start to fade.
Integrity Matters
It’s important to note that “acting as if” should always be done with integrity. “Acting as if” doesn’t mean pretending to know something you don’t or taking on tasks you are not qualified to do. It’s about behaving in alignment with your values and strengths, while pushing through the fear and doubt.
Bob Iger, CEO of Disney, wisely said, “Nothing is less confidence-inspiring than a person faking a knowledge they don’t possess. True authority and true leadership come from knowing who you are and not pretending to be anything else.”
“Acting as if” isn’t about deception—it’s about reinforcing the confidence and competence you’re already building.
Conclusion
Impostor syndrome thrives on self-doubt, but you don’t have to let it control you. “Acting as if” helps you break through that doubt by behaving as the confident, capable person you want to be—even when you don’t feel it yet. With consistent practice, you’ll start to feel more confident, capable, and deserving of the success you’ve earned.
So the next time you face self-doubt, don’t fake it. Instead, act as if. You’ll find that the more you act, the more you’ll believe in your abilities and start to see yourself as the confident professional you are.
