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fake it until make it
fake it until make it

We've all heard it, and most have said it - "Fake it till you make it."
With this imitating confidence, competence, and an optimistic attitude, we desire and achieve real-life results. I would love to share why I am not quite aligned with this idea, not to dissuade you, but to give it thought.

I have encountered countless occupation-titled individuals from various industries, including "show-ponies" - people who appear to know their profession but lack the skillset and knowledge to perform. Yet, due to their excellent networking skills and connections, they have obtained the occupation without proper qualifications.

In the Fashion industry, we have many occupations for various designers like any industry. These occupations span different categories, such as footwear, accessories, outerwear, swimwear, men's wear, children's wear, etc. Many designers choose to stay their entire career in one category and work in a corporate setting.
Others opt to work for themselves and may consider using several titles when they're fulfilling multiple roles. They may call themselves Entrepreneur, Designer, Creative Director, President, etc.

A title is used to represent oneself and is relevant to a profession. Therefore, I encourage you to evaluate your skill set, experiences, intention, strength, and domain when operating under a title. It's disappointing and a disservice to others and yourself when your title does not match your expertise, service, and profession in exchange for your financial gain. Comfortably I can assume that we all have encountered at least one show-pony.' However, when you shift a title to describe other aspects of life, for example, a mother, a father, a child, or a sibling, we can't fake it until we make it, can we?
 
Many years ago, I practiced 'fake it 'til make it,' as a young woman, especially regarding my emotions. It worked great temporarily, but it didn't work well in the bigger picture or the long term. My practice has changed over the years to be all right with vulnerability- my lack of, an honest opinion and genuine effort to be the best I could be.

I believe it's essential to put genuine and honest efforts to fulfill those responsibilities, duties, and purposes instead of faking them whatever your profession, title, status, or job might be.  You'd be wonderfully surprised.

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