We have all heard the phrase at least once in our lives. “Fake it till you make it!” To pretend to be something or do something to get the reward you really want. To use this as a motivation or to use this as a way to hide. How many of us have told someone that we can do a task, only you actually don’t know how to? How many of us have been asked to act or look a certain way, only to impress others? Who has used this statement to hide behind true emotions so that we don’t worry others or look bad?
Two Sided
The phrase “faking it to make it” or any variation, can be used as a motivator. Think of it this way. I lost count of the number of times my parents told me that if I believed I could do something, then I would eventually be able to do it. This is a mental challenge we put on ourselves or our loved ones to help motivate, learn more, and accomplish goals. “If you don’t start acting like you can manage people or look more professional, then others won’t take you seriously.” This is very similar to the “Placebo Effect” by using the constant belief of positivity through our actions that result in rewards. The problem, this is the only positive use for the “fake it to make it” idea.
Thought of being fake
First of all, the idea of faking anything within us is hard for many people to do. And society makes this area very confusing. Because we hear everywhere “to be yourself” and “the most beautiful are those who are true to themselves.” They’re right. The confusing part is how society also pushes, “to be like this, you have to act like them” and “you want this, you have to look like that” ideas. There is so much push back from society to agree with others, yet we are all unique.
Hiding
This leads into the area of hiding away our troubles and emotions just to “look happy”. So many of us are fighting against heavy challenges that drain our energy. Exhaustion, worry, anger, and sadness are at the forefront all day long. But we are asked to smile more while at work, show a pleasant personality in front of others so that no one is upset. Then we get to go home and hide these same emotions so that our children don’t worry. Hide away the exhaustion because we are needed by our families to take care of them. And maybe, just maybe we can get 1 hour to be alone in our feelings. Only to start hiding again the next day.
The “fake it to make it” here can lead to devastation in the future. The problem of hiding away emotions to please others can easily lead to severe mental disorders. Not to mention, many mental health disorders also lead to physical ailments. Stress, exhaustion, and fear build up depression and anxiety. They can also build up stomach ailments like ulcers, heart issues and blood pressure that can lead to strokes and heart attacks.
You and only you
Am I saying that we should just let it all out and be ourselves 100%? Not really. Because I understand both sides. I believe that we have to push and motivate ourselves so that we can accomplish goals and great things in life. I also believe that how we act and present ourselves gives certain impressions. But I strongly believe that we must be true to ourselves as well. Each person has a self-image when they are with family, another when they are with friends, and yet a different self-image when they are at work. The true challenge is to stay true to all images of yourself. This is how we are unique. How we are genuine. And how we maintain a healthy mental wellbeing.
Here’s a video from the past to help lighten up the topic.
With great warmth,
