The concept of “acting as if” you’ve already achieved a desired outcome is a powerful tool for personal change, grounded in neuroscience rather than magic. This approach leverages the brain’s neuroplasticity, allowing you to reshape thought patterns and behaviors to achieve real-world goals.
The Power of Behavior on Brain Chemistry
The article highlights that actions can precede and create feelings. For instance, smiling—even when forced—triggers the release of beneficial neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These act as natural mood boosters and stress relievers. This effect is amplified by mirror neurons, which cause us to mimic the expressions of others, meaning someone else’s smile can genuinely improve our own mood. This principle extends beyond smiling; adopting new behaviors consistent with a goal (like waking up early to become a “morning person”) gradually rewires the brain to accept and internalize the new identity.
Supporting Scientific Theories
This strategy is supported by several psychological and neurological concepts:
- Self-Perception Theory: We often deduce our internal feelings and beliefs by observing our own actions. Acting confidently can lead you to conclude that you are, in fact, a confident person.
- Embodied Cognition: The mind and body have a two-way relationship. Adopting “power poses” or other confident postures can lead to hormonal and behavioral changes that increase feelings of confidence and resilience.
- Neuroplasticity: The brain constantly changes in response to experiences. Consistently practicing new behaviors, as is done in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can create and strengthen new neural pathways that support those behaviors.
Conclusion: An Authentic Tool for Growth
The “fake it till you make it” strategy is a valuable method for self-development, not a license for deception. The goal is to use it to step out of your comfort zone and genuinely cultivate new attitudes and habits, like public speaking confidence. It should not be used to feign skills or qualifications you don’t possess, which can lead to stress and failure. The key is to approach the practice with self-awareness and authenticity to drive positive, lasting change.
Mentoring question
Considering a goal you want to achieve, what is one small, concrete action you could start doing repeatedly, ‘acting as if’ you are already the person who has achieved it?
Leave a Reply