How to build career confidence: Work it ’til you make it

We live in an era that seemingly glorifies the “fake it ’til you make it” mantra. The scroll-stopping rented Lambos and faux private jets of Bitcoin ‘billionaires’ and prevalence of the not so humble brag on LinkedIn makes me wonder: does this strategy pave the way for lasting success and self-actualisation, or is there an alternative path to fostering career confidence? asks change management and thought leadership expert, Friska Wirya.

As we navigate the constantly evolving landscape of 2025, it’s crucial to reconsider the efficacy of projecting a façade. I advocate we embrace a more authentic approach — “work it till you become it.”

Here are five tips to foster genuine career confidence:

1. Embrace vulnerability

Instead of projecting an image of invincibility, allow yourself to be vulnerable. Authenticity resonates with people; it builds trust and establishes genuine connections. Share your challenges and triumphs openly, creating a more authentic narrative that others can relate to. We love a hero story. Tell us the dragons you’re trying to slay, and watch the support for your journey build.

2. Continuous learning

Confidence stems from competence. Rather than pretending to know everything, commit to continuous learning. Stay informed about industry trends, acquire new skills, and acknowledge that growth is an ongoing process. This dedication to improvement is far more compelling than a false sense of expertise. Remember: we can be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time.

Own your achievements

Celebrate your accomplishments without downplaying them. Acknowledge the hard work and dedication that led to your success. By owning your achievements, you project confidence grounded in reality, inspiring others and reinforcing your own self-assurance. There is so much thing as an overnight success, so be candid with your scaffolding to remind yourself – and show to others – what’s possible if you put in the work, day in day out.

4. Build a supportive network:

Surround yourself with a network of genuine supporters. Authentic relationships with mentors, colleagues, and friends provide a foundation of encouragement and constructive feedback. A robust support system contributes significantly to real and sustainable confidence. I can’t say this enough – the only thing you risk by being real, is something fake. Weed out the ‘situationships’ people who are there only when the times are good.

5. Integrity as a guiding principle:

Align your actions with your values. Operate with integrity in all professional interactions. Authenticity and ethical conduct are powerful components of genuine confidence. When you prioritise integrity, you build a reputation that speaks for itself. It will pay back dividends. Maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next month. But it will give back to you 10x.

The era of pretending your way to success is fading fast. Authenticity and genuine confidence are the best assets you could have, as they appreciate in value. By embracing vulnerability, committing to continuous learning, owning your achievements, cultivating a supportive network, and upholding integrity, you’ll not only build a lasting career but also grow a community which will back you when times are tough.

It doesn’t matter that you’re not a billionaire. It doesn’t matter you don’t have a global empire. My favourite line is “I’m in the process of……..”. I’m in the process of building insane revenue streams. I’m in the process of becoming a global force to be reckoned with. There is no shame in working for it.

Remember, it’s not about faking it; it’s about working it until one day – you wake up and have become it.

This post first appeared on Flying Solo on Jan 6 2024 and was republished Jan 31 2025.

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