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Why is it so hard to build healthy habits or feel confident in the process? Many of us believe we need to already feel confident or fully capable to even start making changes. This mindset often leaves us stuck, waiting for the “right time” to begin—a time that may never come (and you know it).

There’s a common misunderstanding that “fake it till you make it” means pretending to be someone you’re not, or worse, outright lying to yourself and others. No wonder it’s dismissed as superficial or insincere.

But here’s the truth: faking it isn’t about pretending. It’s about stepping into the identity of the person you’re becoming. It’s a strategy for bridging the gap between how you see yourself now and the healthier, more confident version of yourself you want to create. When approached with intention, this mindset can be a powerful catalyst for lasting change.

In this post, we’ll explore how adopting “fake it till you make it” can help you overcome self-doubt, take action on your health goals, and sustain meaningful habits.

Excited to get started? Me too! Let’s dive in. 🚀 🚀

The Truth About Confidence in Health and Wellness

Let’s talk about confidence—because if you’re waiting for it to magically appear before you start chasing your goals, you’ll be waiting forever. Confidence isn’t something that just happens. It’s built, brick by brick, through consistent action.

I get it. Maybe you’ve been telling yourself that you’ll feel confident after you lose weight, or after you’ve gone to the gym enough times to feel like you belong there. But let me tell you a secret: confidence is not the prerequisite for taking that first step. It’s the reward you earn for showing up, even when you feel out of place or unsure.

For instance, you’ve decided to start running. You lace up your shoes and head out the door. On day one, you feel awkward—your stride doesn’t flow, you’re gasping for air, and every part of you screams, What am I doing? 🤷🏽‍♀️ Your inner voice, the one that loves to sabotage you, whispers, You’re not a runner, how you dare…?

But what if, instead of letting that voice take the lead, you interrupted it? What if you told yourself, I am a runner, and this is just what running feels like at the beginning? Just like that, you’ve changed the narrative. You’ve opened a door to possibility.

This isn’t about lying to yourself. It’s about giving yourself permission to try. It’s about saying, “Hey, I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I’m doing it anyway.” Confidence grows from moments like these—the ones where you choose to lean into the discomfort and take a step forward.

It’s okay if it feels unnatural at first. Confidence doesn’t show up like a switch being flipped. It’s more like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. So, when you feel that doubt creep in, remind yourself: This is what growth looks like. I’m building something real here. 💪🏽

Applying "Fake It Till You Make It" to Healthy Habits

Let’s be honest: the hardest part of making any change is getting started. That first step feels enormous, like you’re staring at a mountain you’re not sure you can climb. You’ve probably been there—thinking about eating better, moving more, or taking care of yourself, but the self-doubt, the fear of not doing it “right,” or the overwhelm of where to begin just paralyzes you. It’s like the idea of change itself feels heavier than the action it requires.

This is where “fake it till you make it” can be a game-changer. You don’t need to have all the answers, and you definitely don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to act as if. Acting as though you’re already that woman—the one who makes healthy choices and feels confident in her body—helps you move past the hesitation and step into the life you want. Let’s break this down.

#1 Nutrition: Eat Like the Healthiest Version of Yourself

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to become a nutrition guru overnight to start eating better. You don’t need a fancy meal plan, a degree in dietetics, or hours of research. What you do need is a small, intentional shift in how you see yourself.

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine “the healthiest you”. What does she look like? How does she feel in her body? What kind of choices does she make when she’s standing in front of the fridge, when she’s ordering lunch, or when she’s at a party surrounded by treats? Imagine her with as much detail as possible—how she holds herself, the glow in her skin, even the way she smiles because she feels so good.

Now, bring her into the present moment. She isn’t some distant, future version of you. She’s already inside you, just waiting for you to let her take the lead. Next time you’re about to grab a sugary snack, pause. Take a deep breath and ask yourself: What would my healthiest self choose right now? Maybe it’s not a perfect choice, but it’s a better one—a handful of nuts instead of candy, water instead of soda, or adding an extra serving of veggies to your plate.

It might feel weird at first, like you’re pretending. That’s okay. It’s supposed to feel that way. With every small decision, you’re rewiring your habits and giving her—the healthiest you—more room to thrive.

Make It Real

Here’s a fun way to make this stick: create a persona for your healthiest self. Give her a name, a personality, and a voice in your head. Maybe she’s “Future Me” or “Healthy Queen.” Picture how she would approach food and self-care. When you’re faced with a choice, channel her. Think, How would she handle this moment?

For example, let’s say you’re tempted by a late-night snack. Instead of diving into a bag of chips, hear her voice. Maybe she’d say, Girl, grab some herbal tea and call it a night. You’ve got goals to crush tomorrow. It’s not about perfection; it’s about building momentum, one empowered choice at a time.

Remember, every time you choose to act like your healthiest self, you’re not just faking it—you’re creating her. You’re proving to yourself that you are her. Over time, it stops feeling like pretending and starts feeling like second nature.

2# Fitness: Move Like the Person You Want to Be

Starting any fitness routine can feel like stepping into a world where you don’t belong. Walking into a gym or joining a fitness class can be intimidating, especially when you’re surrounded by people who look like they know exactly what they’re doing. You might even think, That’s not me. I’m not a gym person. I’ll never be like them. But here’s the truth: every single one of those people started somewhere. Nobody walked into their first workout feeling like a pro.

The magic isn’t in being perfect or knowing all the moves—it’s in showing up. By showing up, you’re saying, I belong here too. Each time you step onto that treadmill, roll out a yoga mat, or press play on a workout video at home, you’re becoming part of a larger community—a community of people choosing to take care of their bodies, no matter where they’re starting from.

And don’t underestimate the power of looking the part. When you slip into workout clothes that make you feel strong and confident, something shifts. It’s like putting on armor before battle. Even if you’re just starting out, those leggings and sneakers tell a different story: I’m here. I’m doing this.

Make It Real

Treat yourself to a set of workout clothes that make you feel amazing. Choose colors or styles that reflect the energy you want to bring into your fitness routine. When you dress like someone who’s ready to move, it’s easier to believe you are that person.

Start small. Maybe it’s a brisk walk around your neighborhood or a quick stretch session at home. Each time you move, remind yourself: This is what my healthiest self would do. It’s not about how fast or strong you are today. It’s about showing up consistently and letting the process transform you. Before long, you won’t just feel like you belong—you’ll know you do.

#3. Mental Health: Think Like a Resilient Person

We all have that inner voice—sometimes, it’s the cheerleader rooting for us. Other times, it’s the harsh critic that points out everything we’re doing wrong. If your mental soundtrack is stuck on self-doubt or negativity, it’s time to flip the script. Because here’s the truth: the way you talk to yourself matters more than you realize. Those words shape how you see yourself and how you show up in the world.

Think about it: if your best friend came to you, feeling defeated and unsure, would you say, You’re right, you’re just not good enough? Of course not! You’d lift her up, remind her of her strengths, and tell her she’s capable of amazing things. So why don’t we speak to ourselves with the same compassion?

It’s okay if it feels strange or forced at first. Positive self-talk might not feel natural right away, but the more you practice, the more it becomes part of you. You don’t have to believe every affirmation 100% in the beginning. The act of saying it—of hearing those words aloud—plants a seed. Over time, those seeds grow into a new, more empowering narrative.

Make It Real

Start a simple affirmation practice. Each morning, look in the mirror and say something kind to yourself. It could be as straightforward as, I am doing my best today. Or go deeper with, I am becoming stronger and more resilient every day.

Write these affirmations down in a journal or on sticky notes and place them where you’ll see them often—on your bathroom mirror, your fridge, or even your phone background. Repeating them might feel awkward at first, but trust me, they’ll start to sink in. Little by little, you’ll notice your inner voice shifting, and you’ll realize just how strong and capable you truly are.

The Science Behind "Fake It Till You Make It”

While “fake it till you make it” might sound a bit like one of those catchy phrases people throw around without substance. But here’s the thing: it’s not just motivational fluff. There’s actual science behind why this works, and understanding it can change the way you approach your habits, your goals, and even how you see yourself.

Psychologists have a concept called self-perception theory, which basically means this: the way you act shapes the way you see yourself. Think about that for a moment. When you act like a healthy, confident person—even if it feels unnatural at first—you’re sending a powerful message to your brain. Over time, your brain begins to internalize that identity. In other words, you don’t wait to feel confident or healthy; you become those things by acting as if you already are.

And then there’s the idea of a growth mindset, a term coined by Dr. Carol Dweck. This mindset is all about believing that your abilities and traits aren’t fixed. You’re not stuck being “bad at exercise” or “someone who always gives in to cravings.” Instead, you’re someone who can grow, adapt, and improve with effort and persistence. Faking confidence isn’t about pretending—it’s about reinforcing the belief that change is possible, even when it feels hard.

A Practical Example

Let’s say you’re trying to break the habit of late-night snacking—a tough one, right? Most nights, the story in your head might sound something like, I just can’t resist these cravings. I don’t have the willpower. That story feels true in the moment, but it’s holding you back. So, let’s rewrite it.

What if, instead, you told yourself: I’m someone who values rest and recovery. Eating late at night doesn’t align with that. Even if it feels like a stretch at first, by acting in alignment with this new story—choosing herbal tea or brushing your teeth instead of reaching for a snack—you’re reinforcing the identity of someone who prioritizes their well-being. Each small action builds momentum, and before long, those choices become second nature.

Why This Works

The beauty of this approach is that it’s rooted in action, not perfection. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life or wait until you feel like a completely different person. Small, intentional steps are enough to start rewiring your brain. Each time you choose to act like the person you want to become, you’re proving to yourself that transformation is possible.

So, when you hear that inner critic say, Who are you kidding? remember this: science is on your side. The more you show up and take even the smallest action toward your goals, the more you reinforce your new identity. Little by little, “faking it” stops feeling fake at all—it becomes who you truly are.

Final Thoughts

Let me tell you something: this journey you’re on? It’s not about perfection. It’s not about flipping a switch and waking up one day with every habit magically in place. Real change doesn’t happen in a single burst of motivation. It happens in those quiet, unglamorous moments when you choose to show up for yourself—even when it feels messy, even when you’re not sure if you’re doing it right.

You don’t have to feel completely ready to start. You don’t need all the confidence or the perfect plan. All you need is a willingness to take that first step and trust that the rest will follow. Faking the confidence, the routine, or the mindset is simply a way of leaning into the person you’re becoming. It’s a bridge between where you are now and where you want to go.

This is about progress, not perfection. Some days will be hard. You might stumble, skip a workout, or fall into an old habit. That’s okay. Those moments don’t define you. What matters is what you do next—the choice to get back up, to try again, to keep moving forward.

So, tell me: Who do you want to become? What does the healthiest, most radiant version of you look like? Don’t wait for her to appear—start acting like her today. Even if it feels like you’re faking it, even if it feels awkward or uncomfortable, keep going. With each small step, you’ll realize something powerful: you’re not just “making it.” You’re thriving.

And here’s the best part: you’re doing it your way, on your timeline, and with a whole lot of grace for yourself along the way. So go ahead—take that next step. You’ve got this.

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If you need guidance along the way, you know where to find me—I’m here to help you build the healthy, happy habits that stick. 🌿✨

Lots of love.

Helena

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