Can You Fake It Til You Make It?

For those who live with social anxiety, the prospect of attending social events or interacting with others can be incredibly daunting. Even the simplest interactions can be a struggle, and many find themselves paralyzed by fear. If this is something you can relate to, you may have heard the suggestion to “fake it til you make it.” But is this really an effective strategy for overcoming social anxiety?

You can fake it til you make it, to an extent. Putting on a confident facade can help you navigate through social situations, and may even make you feel more at ease. However, this strategy can also be dangerous if taken too far. Constantly pretending to be someone you’re not can lead to feelings of inauthenticity and disconnection from your true self.

Faking it til you make it in the context of social anxiety refers to acting as if you are confident and comfortable in social situations, even if you don’t feel that way. The idea is that by pretending to be confident, eventually you will become more confident in real life. This can involve things like smiling and making eye contact, speaking confidently, and putting yourself out there even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

While this technique may work for some individuals, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For those with severe social anxiety, faking confidence can be incredibly stressful and may actually make the problem worse. It can also reinforce the idea that you need to “perform” in order to fit in or be accepted by others.

Instead of forcing yourself to fake confidence, it may be more helpful to focus on building genuine self-esteem and self-acceptance. This could involve therapy, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques, and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself. It’s important to remember that social anxiety is a real condition, and it’s okay to seek help and support in managing it.

In this blog post, I’ll explore the idea of faking confidence and discuss some alternative approaches that may be helpful.

Can You Fake it Til You Make It?

The idea of faking confidence in social situations can be a tempting one for those with social anxiety. After all, if you can just convince yourself (and others) that you are confident, won’t your anxiety go away? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. For one thing, trying too hard to appear confident can actually make you come across as insincere or inauthentic. Plus, if you are relying entirely on putting on a facade, you are not truly addressing the underlying causes of your social anxiety.

That’s not to say that some degree of “faking it” can’t be helpful at times. Sometimes, pushing yourself to engage in a social situation – even if you don’t feel entirely comfortable – can help you build confidence and learn to cope with your anxiety. The key, however, is to approach it from a place of authenticity rather than trying to completely suppress your anxiety. Remember that it’s okay to feel nervous, and that it’s natural to make mistakes or feel awkward at times.

Another problem with the “fake it til you make it” approach is that it can be exhausting to maintain. If you’re constantly trying to put on a brave face, it may be difficult to sustain that energy over time. This can lead to burnout or feelings of disappointment when you inevitably falter. Instead, consider focusing on building your self-esteem from the inside out. This could involve setting small goals for yourself, taking time to care for your physical and mental health, and reminding yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.

Why “Faking It ‘Til You Make It” Feels Bad for People with Social Anxiety

Why does faking confidence feel so hard for people with social anxiety? For starters, social anxiety is not just feeling nervous in social situations. It’s a diagnosable mental health condition that affects a person’s ability to interact with others, even in everyday situations. For someone with social anxiety, faking confidence can feel like asking them to jump out of a plane without a parachute. It’s terrifying, and often impossible.

Furthermore, faking confidence can often lead to negative self-talk. If you try to fake confidence and fail, you might end up feeling worse about yourself. Negative self-talk is a hallmark of social anxiety, and it can be incredibly damaging. The constant negative messages that play on a loop in your head can lead to feelings of worthlessness and shame.

Another reason why faking it can feel bad for people with social anxiety is that it can be incredibly exhausting. Constantly pretending to be someone you’re not takes a lot of energy. It’s like wearing a mask for hours on end. Eventually, that mask will slip, and the fear and anxiety underneath will show through. It’s not a sustainable strategy for long-term success.

For those with social anxiety, a better approach is to focus on building confidence gradually. This might involve seeking therapy and working through your anxiety in a supportive environment. It might also involve challenging yourself in small ways, like starting a conversation with a stranger or speaking up in a group setting. The key is to take small steps and build on your successes, rather than trying to pretend you’re someone you’re not.

How to Successfully Fake it Til You Make It

If you do decide to try faking confidence in social situations, there are some tips that can help you do so successfully. Remember, this approach may not work for everyone, so it’s important to listen to your own feelings and needs.

Start Small

When it comes to faking confidence, it’s important to start small and work your way up. Choose a situation that makes you a little nervous, but not so much that it’s overwhelming. For example, if you’re afraid of public speaking, start by speaking up more in meetings or asking a question during a presentation. Once you’re comfortable with that, you can move on to more challenging situations, like giving a toast at a wedding or presenting at a conference.

Visualize Success

Visualization is a powerful tool for building confidence. Spend a few minutes each day imagining yourself successfully navigating a situation that makes you anxious. Imagine yourself giving a flawless presentation, striking up a conversation with a stranger, or speaking up in a group. The more you visualize success, the more your brain will begin to believe that you’re capable of achieving it, making it easier to “fake it” when the real situation arises.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The only way to truly build confidence is through practice. Keep putting yourself in situations that challenge you, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Each time you successfully navigate a challenging situation, your confidence will grow, making it easier to tackle the next challenge that comes your way.

Focus on the Outcome

Instead of focusing on the momentary discomfort of faking confidence, focus on the outcome you want to achieve. Maybe you want to make a new friend, impress a potential employer, or simply feel more comfortable in social situations. Keeping your eye on the desired outcome can help you push through the initial discomfort of faking confidence and build real confidence over time.

Be Kind to Yourself

Finally, it’s important to be kind to yourself as you push your boundaries and try new things. It’s natural to feel nervous or uncomfortable, but remember that everyone feels that way from time to time. Give yourself credit for the progress you’ve made, no matter how small, and treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer a friend.

Faking confidence can be a powerful way to build real confidence over time, but it’s important to take it slow and start small. By gradually pushing your boundaries, visualizing success, practicing, focusing on the outcome, and being kind to yourself, you can slowly build the confidence you need to tackle even the most challenging situations. So go ahead, take the first step, and start “faking it ’til you make it” – you may just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving.

When to Seek Help

In addition to working on building your confidence, there are some other strategies that may be helpful in managing social anxiety. For example, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help you calm your nerves in a stressful situation. Additionally, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective way to address the thought patterns that contribute to social anxiety. A qualified therapist can work with you to identify negative self-talk and other unhelpful patterns, and teach you strategies for challenging these patterns and building more positive beliefs.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether you can “fake it til you make it” when it comes to social anxiety. While some degree of faking confidence can be helpful in certain situations, it’s important to approach this strategy with caution and authenticity. Instead, consider working on building your confidence from the inside out, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking out professional support if needed. Overcoming social anxiety can be a difficult process, but with the right tools and mindset, it is possible to make progress and start living a more fulfilling life.

Related Posts About Confidence

• How to Speak with Confidence
• Self Confidence Books
• How to Appear Socially Confident

WANT TO REMEMBER THIS? SAVE CAN YOU FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!

Can You Fake It Til You Make It?