“Grin and bear it.” “Put on a brave face.” “Fake it ’til you make it.” If you don’t feel whole, just pretend you are until you gain the experience or tools necessary to make it reality.
Sometimes, this is excellent advice. Most people feel overwhelmed or insecure from time to time. Maybe you are interviewing for a job, which makes you nervous, so you fake having confidence. Perhaps you don’t feel successful, so you envision yourself as a success. The idea of pushing through these feelings seems logical, as well as a good coping mechanism.
However, it is not in your best interest to maintain, “faking it” for any extended period of time. Things such as pretending you have it all together, making yourself believe you don’t need any help, or convincing yourself that you are happy, will eventually leave you feeling miserable. You can’t trick your brain into believing you’re happy. It’s smarter than that.
We have to make real progress in life, which requires taking real steps forward. Therapy helps you sort through what is holding you back, what you can and cannot change, and how you can move forward as you find a more authentic self.
Carrie
More information about making real change is available here.
Omg. I wish you had been around 40 years ago. I faked it for so long I no longer know who I am or even if I am. This is a very harmful practice for some.