Do me a favor and think about the last time you felt like you didn’t have it in you that day. For whatever reason, your body and mind were just not up to the task – maybe you didn’t sleep well, you got some bad news, or you’re just upset for no reason whatsoever. The previous generation would’ve told you to just get over it, but we’re a bit more evolved than that. We know that it’s not that easy to get yourself out of a funk, but maybe we can take a piece of this outdated mantra and turn it into something productive; maybe we can just fake it while we need to.
I have very little actual data to back this up, but I fully subscribe to the idea that you can “fake it until you make it.” To me, it’s not just a catchy mantra; it’s a mindset that has fueled my exuberance on tough days and probably the career journeys of many successful individuals. Today, we’re going to dip our toes in the world of psychology and explore how acting yourself into change can be an effective mindset. Strap in, and get ready for a rollercoaster of quotes, stats, and a sprinkle of wisdom that might just spark a shift in your perspective.
Henry Ford’s Timeless Wisdom
I want to kick things off with a classic line from one of the great business minds of our time, Henry Ford. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” Think about that for a moment. In more ways than one, your mindset is like the steering wheel of your life. If you believe in your capabilities, you’re paving the way for success. It’s more than just optimism; it’s a mindset that underscores the importance of self-confidence and resilience.
Positive Psychology Vibes
I slept through most of my one college course on psychology, but one thing I did learn is that positive psychology, the science of happiness, teaches us that our thoughts can shape our reality. When you focus on the positive, you’re more likely to bounce back from setbacks, problem-solve effectively, and just generally enjoy the ride. It’s not about ignoring the challenges but choosing to see the silver lining.
Amy Cuddy’s Power Posing Magic
Ever tried power posing in front of the mirror? If not, stand up and find a mirror, then roll your shoulders back and smile. Notice a difference? Amy Cuddy’s research suggests that even striking a confident pose for a few minutes can boost your sense of power and success. It’s like a superhero stance for your mindset. So, stand tall, embrace your inner superhero, and watch the world respond.
The Growth Mindset Revolution
It’s time for Carol Dweck to enter and from her we can learn a little bit about the growth mindset. She’s like the guru of believing in the possibility of change. If you think your abilities can grow through dedication and hard work, you’re on the right track. It’s not just about talent; it’s about the grind, the hustle, and the belief that you can evolve.
Positive Affirmations
One thing that I’ll admit I was initially skeptical about is positive affirmations. Even though many of you are probably like I was and are still a bit skeptical, some studies suggest they can boost self-esteem and set the stage for positive outcomes. I’ve found that the occasional reminder that you are the things you want to be maybe don’t have the monstrous impact that you may expect at first, over time I’ve found they can really begin to compound and make a difference. So, why not give yourself a daily dose of “I am awesome” and see where it takes you?
The Placebo Effect – Mind Over Matter
Taking a learning from our friends in the medical world, we can learn something from the placebo effect—a phenomenon where patients experience real improvement after receiving a treatment with no actual therapeutic effect. To me, this is a mind-bending reminder that our beliefs can influence our physical reality. The mind is a powerful player in the game of life, and I don’t know about you, but I want my mind to be on my side while I’m playing.
In short, faking it until you make it isn’t about pretending; it’s about stepping into the mindset of the person you want to become. Henry Ford, positive psychology, power posing, growth mindset, affirmations, the placebo effect—these are all tools in your mindset toolbox.
So, as you take this newfound knowledge and apply it to your life, remember: your thoughts pave the path, your beliefs shape your reality, and sometimes, a little bit of faking it can lead to making it big. Embrace the mindset shift, trust the process, and who knows, you might just find yourself at the helm of success sooner than you think. Keep dreaming, keep doing, and make it happen!
Sell Me This Blog 
Leave a comment