faking it until one makes it

Feigned competence strategy

Faking it until one makes it is acting confident or competent before you truly are, on the theory that the performance itself builds real skill or credibility.

The idea is that projecting success attracts opportunities that create actual success: I didn't know what I was doing my first year—just faking it until I made it.

Often shortened to fake it till you make it.

Related

winging it · comfort zone · networking · resilience · trial by fire · steep learning curve · code-switching · growth mindset · credibility · mentorship · body language · soft skills · transferable skills · accountability · persuasion · first impressions · self-fulfilling prophecy · integrity

Opposites
authenticity and competence

faking it until one makes itreal deal

Truly authentic person/thing

walking the walk · deep knowledge · battle-tested · imposter syndrome

approach to skill development

faking it until one makes itpaying one's dues

Enduring hardship for advancement

apprenticeship · deliberate practice · earning one's stripes · learning the ropes · slow and steady

honesty and self-presentation

faking it until one makes itintellectual humility

Awareness of cognitive fallibility

authenticity · vulnerability · underpromising · imposter syndrome

Family

fake, faked, fakes, faking, faker, fakers, fakery, until, make

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G