In our daily lives, we often face challenges and situations in which we feel unsure or unprepared. Whether in the work, academic or personal sphere, it is natural to experience doubts and fears when we face new challenges. However, what if there was a way to overcome those barriers and achieve success even when we don’t feel completely confident? This is where the famous saying “Fake it until you make it” comes into play.Fake it until you make it“), a concept popularized by social psychologist Fritz Strack.
Fritz Strack is a renowned researcher and professor of social psychology who conducted an eye-opening experiment on the effect of body posture on confidence and performance. In his study, Strack set out to explore how our physical actions can influence our perception of ourselves and, ultimately, our results.
The experiment consisted of dividing the participants into two groups. The first group was asked to adopt an upright, open posture, while the second group was instructed to maintain a hunched, closed posture. After holding these postures for a while, they were presented with tasks requiring cognitive skills and their performance was assessed.
The results were surprising. The group that adopted the upright and open posture showed greater self-confidence, a higher level of self-esteem and obtained better results in the cognitive tasks assigned to them. On the other hand, the group that maintained the slouched and closed posture experienced a decrease in confidence and poorer performance on the same tasks.
These findings support the idea that our physical actions can influence our mental attitude and how we perceive ourselves. Adopting a posture of security and confidence, even if we initially feel insecure, can have a positive impact on our self-image and our ability to face challenges.
The concept of “Fake it until you make it” is based on this premise. It’s about acting and behaving as if we already have the confidence and skills to succeed, even if deep down we feel insecure. By doing so, we are sending signals to both ourselves and others that we are capable and competent. This mindset can help us overcome our fears, take risks, and learn new skills.
Importantly, “Fake it till you make it” is not about deceiving others or pretending to be something we are not. Rather, it is about adopting a proactive and positive attitude that allows us to overcome our limitations and reach our maximum potential. It is an approach that encourages us to believe in ourselves and act in a way that is consistent with the person we want to be.
However, it is also crucial to recognize that “Fake it till you make it” is not a magic solution for all problems and situations. While adopting a stance of confidence and acting with determination can be beneficial, it is also important to back that attitude with a genuine effort to acquire necessary knowledge and skills.
Additionally, “Fake it till you make it” may not be appropriate in all contexts. In situations that require specialized knowledge or technical skills, it is essential to have the necessary training and experience. It is not simply about pretending, but about acquiring the skills legitimately.
In summary, Fritz Strack’s experiment and the concept of “Fake it till you make it” give us perspective interesting about how our physical actions can influence our confidence and performance. By adopting a posture of confidence and acting with determination, we can influence our own mindset and achieve positive results. However, it is important to back this attitude with genuine effort, learning and skill development. “Fake it till you make it” can be a powerful tool, but it must be used responsibly and with awareness of its limitations. By doing so, we can face challenges with greater confidence and achieve the success we seek in our lives.