As entrepreneurs and business owners, we often feel like we have to have it all figured out. The pressure to be perfect, to know everything, and to always appear confident can feel overwhelming. And sometimes, it feels like the only way forward is to “fake it ‘til you make it.”
But here’s the truth: You’re not faking it—you’re growing.
What “Fake It ‘Til You Make It” Actually Means
“Fake it ‘til you make it” isn’t about pretending or being dishonest. It’s about showing up as the person you’re becoming, even before you feel ready. It’s about stepping into the unknown, trusting that you’ll figure it out along the way.
Here’s what it really looks like:
• Confidence in Action. You don’t need to have all the answers to move forward. Taking action, even when it feels messy or uncertain, is what builds confidence over time.
• Learning as You Go. Nobody starts as an expert. Every mistake, every challenge, and every small win is part of the learning process.
• Embracing Imperfection. Growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. You’re allowed to make mistakes and pivot along the way.
Why This Matters for Business Owners
When you’re building a business, especially as a solopreneur, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short. But growth is rarely linear, and success doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly. It comes from showing up, trying, and learning as you go.
I’ve been there.
When I first started my working journey, I was thrown into a role I didn’t feel ready for. I worked at a credit restoration start-up, where I had to answer client questions, host mini-seminars, and be the first point of contact—all in an industry I knew nothing about.
I had to learn as I went, figuring out the ins and outs of a brand-new field while projecting confidence to clients. Was I faking it? At the time, it felt like I was. But looking back, I wasn’t pretending—I was growing. Every interaction, every mistake, and every moment of uncertainty helped me become more capable and self-assured.
Later in my career, I was asked to lead a webinar. As someone who thrives behind the scenes, public speaking was way out of my comfort zone. I was terrified, but I pushed through. It wasn’t perfect, but it taught me how to connect with others and step into new challenges. Now, I see it as a success—not because it went flawlessly, but because it helped me grow.
The Hardest Lesson: Giving Yourself Grace
If I’ve learned anything through these experiences, it’s this: You have to give yourself grace.
It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know.” It’s okay to take a step back when you need to. Growth isn’t about always having it together—it’s about showing up, learning, and coming back stronger.
Discomfort is like a muscle. The more you practice stepping into it, the stronger you get. Over time, the things that once scared you become second nature.
As I’ve stepped into the role of a business owner, I’ve also had to navigate life with ADHD. It’s been a process of trial and error—finding what works, adapting when things don’t, and giving myself permission to start over when needed.
This isn’t a setback. It’s part of the journey. Growth is messy, unpredictable, and rarely perfect, but it’s also what makes the process so rewarding.
You’re Not Faking It—You’re Growing
So, the next time you feel like you’re “faking it,” remember this: You’re not pretending. You’re figuring it out. And that’s exactly what growth looks like.
Every step you take, every challenge you face, and every risk you embrace is shaping you into the person you’re becoming. Growth is uncomfortable, but it’s also transformative.
What’s one way you can challenge yourself this week? Whether it’s stepping out of your comfort zone, trying something new, or giving yourself permission to rest, know that every step forward is a step toward something bigger.
You’re not faking it—you’re growing. And that’s what matters.
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