Faking It Until You Make It
The Journey of Aspiration and Striving
In the world of entrepreneurship, there's a phrase that gets tossed around frequently: “Fake it until you make it.” On the surface, it might sound like a tactic of pretending to be something you’re not, but when you dig deeper, it reveals a powerful mindset that countless entrepreneurs adopt in their journey toward success. The "fake it until you make it" mentality is about aspiration, motivation, and the drive to be better, even before you achieve your goals.
Let’s face it: when we start out as entrepreneurs, we all have big dreams. We’re inspired, motivated, and ready to chase success. It’s that spark of ambition that propels us to work harder, smarter, and with the kind of energy that can overcome any obstacle. Money doesn’t necessarily motivate people, but what money can do—the lifestyle it can afford, the freedom it brings, and the opportunities it opens up—that’s what gets us moving. Everyone has their own unique vision of success, and often, that vision starts with something tangible—a dream home, a luxury car, a prestigious watch.
The Desire Behind the Aspiration: What Are We Really Striving For?
At the core of it, we’re not after material possessions just for the sake of owning them. It’s about what those items represent: status, success, and accomplishment. For some, it’s about providing the best for their family—a secure home, the ability to travel, the freedom to choose how they spend their time. For others, it’s about personal achievement—the confidence and satisfaction of knowing that you’ve reached a certain level of success on your own terms.
Some people want the Ferrari, while others may settle for a Corvette. They both get you from point A to point B, but the Ferrari represents a level of exclusivity, luxury, and sophistication that many aspire to. Some might not be ready to drop the six figures required for a Ferrari, but they still find satisfaction in their goals and drive by purchasing the Corvette, which gets them closer to the dream without the hefty price tag.
Similarly, the desire for the Rolex or Patek Philippe watch isn’t just about the name on the dial. It’s about the emotion and the pride that come with owning something that speaks to your success. For those who can’t afford the real deal, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out something that mimics that feeling—whether it’s a Pagani Design watch or a Seiko that offers similar aesthetics without the price tag. There’s no shame in it. It’s a stepping stone in the journey, a reminder that you’re working toward something bigger, even if you haven’t fully reached it yet.
The Concept of “Faking It” in Our Lives: A Temporary Phase of Belief
"Faking it" isn’t about pretending to be something you're not—it's about believing in the vision of what you will become. It’s stepping into a mindset of success, even when you don’t have the full resources to support that vision. When you wear that watch, even if it’s not the Rolex, you still feel the excitement of what owning a Rolex represents. It’s a small but powerful affirmation of your aspirations.
The truth is, the “fake it” phase is a necessary step in the entrepreneurial journey. In the beginning, when we don’t have all the resources, we often rely on sheer belief and momentum to move us forward. It’s about taking the first steps toward your dream, no matter how far away that dream might seem. It’s putting yourself in the right environment, surrounding yourself with the people and things that will keep you motivated to move toward your goal.
It’s a manifestation technique, really. You visualize your success, you align your actions and choices with your goals, and you allow yourself to experience the emotions associated with success. When you wear a watch that reminds you of your ambition, or drive a car that represents your larger aspirations, it fuels the fire to work harder and move closer to the real thing.
The Cars We Drive: From Dreaming of the Ferrari to Settling for the Corvette
The same principle applies to cars. Let’s be honest: most of us dream of driving a Ferrari, but not everyone can afford it. For some, the dream car is more than just an item; it’s a symbol of achievement. The Ferrari represents a level of accomplishment and success that we desire, but for now, we settle for a Corvette, a Mercedes, or another vehicle that symbolizes our ambition. It’s not about settling—it’s about working your way up the ladder, one step at a time.
Even when we drive something less expensive than the car we dream of, we still walk into the world with that feeling of accomplishment. It’s the mindset that counts. What’s important is that the goal is there, that there’s something driving us to keep moving toward it. Whether it’s a Ferrari or a Corvette, the ambition to own something luxurious keeps us moving forward. We work hard, we dream big, and along the way, we continue to level up our lives and our assets.
Living Situations: From Dreaming of a High-Rise to Finding Contentment in the Mid-Rise
This concept also extends to our living situations. Some of us dream of living in a high-rise in New York City, overlooking the skyline and experiencing the energy of a global metropolis. But for many, that’s not immediately attainable. Instead, we might settle for a mid-rise in Sacramento or a smaller apartment in a quieter, more affordable location. That’s not failure. It’s simply part of the journey.
You see, the beauty of “faking it” is that it’s not permanent. It’s about embracing the process and acknowledging that growth takes time. Whether it’s living in a mid-rise apartment or owning a modest car, it’s still part of your journey toward your ultimate destination. And there’s nothing wrong with starting small. The key is that you’re still aiming for the top, even if it takes time to get there.
Even the Elite “Fake It Until They Make It”
And let’s not forget, even the elite "fake it until they make it." The millionaire is always aspiring to be a billionaire, and the billionaire dreams of becoming a philanthropist or industry titan. There’s always a bigger goal, a larger aspiration, and the dream never stops evolving. We’re all on a journey, regardless of where we stand on the ladder.
So, when you ask yourself, “Is it okay to fake it until I make it?” the answer is absolutely. The “faking it” stage is just a stepping stone—a phase that allows you to dream bigger, work harder, and build confidence as you move toward your goals. It’s a beautiful thing to be driven and motivated by what you aspire to have and who you aspire to be.
Dream Big, Make Your Dreams Real
So, if you’re working toward something—whether it’s that luxury watch, that dream car, or that penthouse apartment—keep pushing. Dream big, dream often, and know that the journey itself is part of your success. Don’t let the “faking it” phase deter you. Embrace it. You’re a dreamer, and dreamers are the ones who turn their aspirations into reality.
Keep your eye on the prize, and keep stepping forward. One day, the “real thing” will be yours. Until then, enjoy the process and the growth that comes with it.
