Explaining "Fake it till you make it"

What does it mean?

"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

Origin

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.