“Fake it ’til you make it” is a pretty popular approach to a lot of things in life, but is it actually a good one?
It can be, of course. If you’re working on your self-confidence, for instance, acting as though you fully back yourself even when you’re still plagued with self-doubt can be helpful. However, other people use it to try to get ahead, often wading into water they have no business being in. They’ll never “make it” at all — they’re just hoping they can blag it and no one will find how. You’ll know someone is doing this when you hear them repeat these things often.
1. “I’m an expert in that field.”
When someone claims expertise in everything, it’s usually a red flag. True experts tend to be more specific about their knowledge areas. If they’re declaring themselves an expert in multiple unrelated fields, they might be overselling their abilities to appear more competent than they really are.
2. “I know exactly what I’m doing.”
This phrase often comes out when someone’s feeling unsure but doesn’t want to admit it. People who actually know what they’re doing usually just get on with the task without needing to announce it. If they’re constantly reassuring you (and themselves) that they’ve got it under control, they might be trying to mask their uncertainty.
3. “Trust me, I’ve done this a million times.”
Exaggeration is a common tactic when someone’s faking it. If they’re throwing around huge numbers or claiming extensive experience, especially in situations that don’t quite add up, they might be trying to build false confidence. Real experience doesn’t need to be overstated.
4. “I’m friends with [insert important person’s name].”
Name-dropping is a classic move for people trying to seem more important or connected than they are. If someone’s constantly mentioning their supposed relationships with influential people, they might be trying to boost their own perceived status. Genuine connections usually speak for themselves.
5. “That’s exactly what I was going to say.”
This one often comes out when someone’s trying to appear knowledgeable in a conversation they’re actually struggling to follow. By agreeing with other people and claiming they had the same thought, they’re attempting to look like they’re on the same level without actually contributing original ideas.
6. “I’m too busy to deal with that right now.”
While everyone gets busy, constantly using this as an excuse might be a cover for not knowing how to handle a task. It’s an easy way to avoid revealing a lack of knowledge or skill. If they’re always “too busy” for certain types of work, they might be hiding their limitations.
7. “I’ve got a foolproof plan.”
Claiming to have all the answers, especially with complex problems, can be a sign of faking it. Real plans often acknowledge potential challenges. If someone’s insisting their plan is “foolproof” without much detail, they might be covering up a lack of actual strategy.
8. “I’m just waiting for my big break.”
While it’s okay to be ambitious, constantly talking about future success without putting in visible work can be a red flag. People who are genuinely working towards goals usually focus more on their current efforts than hypothetical future triumphs.
9. “I could do that job with my eyes closed.”
Dismissing how tough certain tasks are, especially ones they haven’t actually done, is a common bluff. It’s easy to claim something’s simple when you’re not the one doing it. Real skill usually comes with respect for the challenges involved in a task.
10. “I’m an ideas person, not a details person.”
This can be a cover for not wanting to engage with the nitty-gritty of a task. While some people do excel at big-picture thinking, using this as a constant excuse to avoid detailed work might indicate they’re not comfortable with or capable of handling the specifics.
11. “I’m just unconventional in my approach.”
Being unconventional can be great, but it’s also an easy excuse for not following standard practices or procedures. If someone’s always justifying mistakes or unusual methods as being “unconventional,” they might be covering up a lack of knowledge about the proper way to do things.
12. “I don’t have time to explain it all to you.”
This can be a deflection tactic when someone doesn’t actually understand something well enough to explain it. If they’re consistently avoiding giving explanations or details, it might be because they don’t have the depth of knowledge they’re claiming to have.
13. “I’m overqualified for this position.”
While it’s possible to be overqualified, constantly claiming this, especially without evidence, can be a way of justifying underperformance. It’s easier to say you’re too good for a job than to admit you’re struggling with it.
14. “I’m just waiting for the right opportunity.”
Similar to waiting for a “big break,” this can be a way of explaining away a lack of progress or success. People who are truly prepared for opportunities are often creating them, not just waiting around.
15. “I know a secret method to do that.”
Claiming to have secret or special knowledge that no one else has access to is often a bluff. True innovations or methods are usually backed up by evidence or results. If they can’t or won’t explain their “secret method,” it might not exist.
16. “I’m just not motivated by money.”
While some people genuinely aren’t driven primarily by financial gain, this statement can sometimes be used to justify a lack of financial success. It’s easier to claim you don’t care about money than to admit you’re struggling to earn it. People who truly aren’t motivated by money usually don’t need to announce it repeatedly.
