Acting "As If"

(Sadie as a kangaroo and Bailey as a giraffe)

I was talking to a group of people at my coaching seminar this weekend and, being a track and field coaching seminar, it came up that I was a pole vaulter in high school and for a bit in college.

Now generally, I try to avoid telling people this because I feel like it conveys the idea that I was a "good" pole vaulter. In reality, I was a poor vaulter, and when people get excited and start asking me questions and acting impressed it makes me a little uncomfortable and I find myself backpedaling. I usually try to tell them how it really was by explaining that every day my friend Chandra and I would leave track practice, pick up six doughnuts and a coffee coolata, then return and watch practice while eating our doughnuts. This, I explain, is how I became a "great" pole vaulter!

I started thinking about how this situation actually happens frequently. What I mean specifically is entering into a situation where you either have to act "as if" in order to be successful. In the pole vaulting example, no part of my self esteem is riding on anyone thinking I am proficient, and I am not trying to convince anyone I should jump for their organization.

But in other situations, such as an interview, a presentation, or when networking sometimes you have to act "as if" in order to be successful in what you're trying to accomplish. In fact, William James, the father of American psychology advises, "If you want a quality, act 'as if' you already had it."

If, right now, you are thinking of the areas of your own life in which you need to "fake it before you make it" here are some tips from Dr. Linda Sapadin from SelfHelp Magazine to help you on your way.

Acting 'as if' will provide you with the experience you need to hone your skills. With experience, persistence, and time, you'll be surprised by how much knowledge you can acquire and how much confidence you can develop. If you're like most people, you're probably your own toughest critic. So cut yourself some slack. The odds are that you look better and sound better than you imagine.

Mild anxiety can actually be an asset. Athletes, musicians, public speakers, and others who must perform under pressure are all boosted by low-level stress. Severe anxiety is often debilitating to performance, but having a few butterflies in your stomach works in your favor. So if you're feeling on edge about what you need to do, don't let that stop you. Take a deep breath, relax and let your nervousness work to your advantage.

Anticipatory anxiety is often worse than the actual experience you'll face. After an experience is over, it's not unusual to hear people say, "It wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be." Once immersed in the task at hand, you'll likely discover your fears fading into the background as your competence brightens the day.

One more tip. If you do decide to improve yourself by acting "as if" make sure that your new role is believable! (See below)

(Bailey acting as if she is a giraffe)