“Fake it till you make it”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
Fake it till you make it is an expression that suggests one should act as if they already possess certain qualities or abilities they desire, or have achieved a desired status, in order to eventually actualize them. The idea is that by imitating confidence, competence, or certain behaviors, an individual can cultivate those qualities in reality.
Tone Encouraging and motivational
Where it comes from
The phrase is believed to have originated in the self-help and personal development communities, with roots in the concept of acting as if from cognitive-behavioral psychology. It gained popularity in the late 20th century, though its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint.
Examples
- When starting a new job, it’s often helpful to ‘fake it till you make it’ by projecting confidence even if you’re still learning the ropes.
- She decided to ‘fake it till you make it’ by speaking confidently in meetings until she gained the experience to truly lead with authority.
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